One of the key factors holding back the development of solar energy usage is the need to develop current storage solutions still further, in order to apply them to remote, off-grid situations.
- 02 September 2011
Projects such as this are helping the EU to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy by 2020, as set out in the EU 2020 growth strategy. The EU is facing some tough challenges, including an ageing population, an insufficiently qualified workforce, the need for greater innovation, striking a balance between economic growth and environmental degradation, and ensuring secure, clean energy supplies. Regional policy projects across the EU are playing an active role in dealing with these and many other challenges, by undertaking projects designed to generate employment, raise educational achievement, develop renewable energy sources, boost productivity and give all citizens access to opportunities. The projects and the regions play a pivotal role in this, as they generate real results that contribute to achieving the strategy’s key goals.
The Sustainable Off-Grid Powerstations for Rural Applications (SOPRA) project focuses on stand-alone energy supplies, making a valuable contribution to Europe’s goal of an increased share of renewables in energy supplies.
An alternative to diesel generators
The development of a prototype off-grid system will mean solar, wind and hydro generated energy will not need to be used instantly, but can be stored, providing a reliable source of energy to schools, villages, hospitals and constructions sites in remote areas.
Following the construction of a prototype there will be an extensive testing phase. Final acceptance testing will take place in remote areas that are representative for the target areas. Production will start in Gelderland in parallel with acceptance testing, providing job opportunities.
Economically sustainable
The new technology has a variety of applications and there are many market opportunities. In rural areas the distance to the electricity grid is frequently too far, making extension impractical or not economically viable. SOPRA will be able to provide a solution.
SOPRA’s prototype development is also attracting attention from the Department of Defence as a means of saving the money spent on fuel and providing a reliable, flexible and sustainable alternative. The Department is looking to get rid of environmentally unfriendly noisy diesel generators. The technology can also be left behind after military missions as development support, supporting economic and social stability, and therefore reducing future risks in the mission areas.
The initial investment in sustainable solutions for wind and solar energy is much higher than investment in traditional solutions like fossil powered, off-grid generators. But variable, recurring costs are much lower, resulting in a positive return on investment within three to six years. This could finally bring the electricity, and hopefully prosperity to remote, rural areas.