The SETADiSMA project started its activities in April 2021. Until now, it has mainly worked on the creation of thematic sub-groups among AU-EU partners to assist in the collection of data on existing micro and mini-grids. For the characterization of the local contexts with micro and mini-grids, a collection of social, economic and energy data from the local contexts of existing micro and mini-grids in Algeria, Kenya and Rwanda is planned in the next months. This will be done through a detailed questionnaire for local surveys. The target respondents include local users and operators.
A resource assessment is ongoing with the selection of the best data sources to use in order to compare and validate available datasets based on satellite with measured data from ground stations. Currently, a preliminary mapping of the wind and solar resources has been performed at the country level (as shown in Figure), before applying the same approach to specific locations.
An accurate map of digital technologies components and systems for mini-grids at the technical system and operational levels dedicated to African needs is under development to be released in the next few months and be used as a reference in the next activities.
An online course focusing on Mini-Grids-Digitalization-Entrepreneurship is being developed by PAUWES and other partners and will be made available to students across Africa in the next months. Currently, more than 20 Masters and Ph.D. students are involved in SETADiSMA.