Simple and printable summary of this case study for new AQA 1 to 9 GCSE geography

1. Solar mini-grid scheme,
Melela, Tanzania
AQA spec:
a local renewable energy scheme in an LIC or NEE
to provide sustainable supplies of energy

2. Solar mini-grid scheme,
Melela, Tanzania
Tanzania:
● LIC, 9/10 Tanzanians live on <$3 per
day
● Solar + geothermal + wind + biomass =
Tanzania’s energy mix
● Energy is lost during transmission & the
power infrastructure is expensive -
population is rural and spread out
Electricity is life changing
SOLUTION = Mini-grids
Melela

3. Solar mini-grid scheme, Melela, Tanzania
Problems
1. People burn kerosene for light and cooking →
hazardous fume for health
2. Cattle dung burnt for fuel → nutrients not returned to
the ground
3. Rural dispersed population → a National Grid would
be too expensive to reach everyone
Solution
1. 2013 Devergy set up electricity supply
2. Photovoltaic panels [PV] + local distribution of the
electricity
3. Locals pay in advance for their consumption

4. Impacts
● 200 households → 2 lamps, a TV & a phone
charger
● Businesses - stay open longer - multiplier effect
● Mobiles & TV increase social cohesion
● Mobiles allow business interactions - multiplier
effect
● ↓ kerosene use → improved health → people
can work more ↑ farm yields
● Easy to maintain
Problems
● Electricity too expensive for some - marginalising
community members
● Supply is reduced in the rainy season
Solar mini-grid scheme, Melela, Tanzania

5. Where next?
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