Ethiopian Mini-grid Extensions & Energy Storage
(EMEES)
Ethiopia
about the project
The project is effectively a Feasibility Study which will assess the viability of setting up an in-country Pyrochemy demonstration plant in Ethiopia.
The project defines 3 distinct market opportunities as outputs of the technology, which address energy storage opportunities which will benefit urban and rural communities in Ethiopia.
Direct provision and extension of electricity through biomass-powered mini-grids and rechargeable lithium battery storage options
Provision of an upgraded bio-oil/ bio-diesel fuel blend which will replace fossil-derived fuels in internal combustion engines
A smokeless biochar which can be briquetted or pelletised for use in local markets, as a replacement for traditional firewood and charcoal for cleaner cooking options, or exported as a foreign exchange-earning commodity
Main problems
The project is approaching TWO issues taking place in Ethiopia
Replace fossil fuels
The project aims to develop liquid and solid biofuels from local agricultural and food processing wastes, for use as fossil fuel alternatives by rural and urban communities in Ethiopia and as export commodities
Mini-grid extension
The project will use Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) to assess the commercial case for extending the reach of mini-grids in rural Ethiopia by up to 10 km using refurbished lithium-ion batteries
Improvements
LCA will be used to show how the integrated energy provision methods developed by and demonstrated in the project, are a significant improvement on the current situation. With the help of 6 project partners, PyroGenesys hopes to confirm the business case for commercial Pyrochemy installations in Ethiopia
OUTCOMES
Three distinct market opportunities have been defined as outputs of the technology for the purposes of this project
Renewable energy
Generate and distribute electricity using a biomass-powered mini-grid supported by a rechargeable lithium battery storage system.
Biofuel Alternatives
Provide an upgraded bio-oil/ diesel fuel blend, which can replace fossil-derived fuels for use in farm equipment.
Smokeless fuel briquettes
Biochar can be briquetted or pelletised for use in local markets, as a replacement for traditional firewood and charcoal for cleaner cooking options, or exported as a foreign exchange-earning commodity.
photos
More pictures from the last visit in Ethiopia, showing the mini-grids created by Ethio Resource Group, along with the help from local businesses (grain mill and chicken brooder) which currently are powered by diesel motor and charcoal for producing heat.
