The provision of area-wide and reliable electrical power supply is a topic of utmost importance, particularly in countries where the power supply often does not meet the demands. The Smart Grid concept takes into account environmental sustainability, efficiency, quality and security of energy supply, new technologies and processes using a system of systems approach. Particularly, Smart Grids as future technology of the power grid will play an important role in the future stability of power supply and is in line with the UN Sustainable Development goal 7 of universal energy access to all through the provision of modern, reliable, affordable, and efficient energy services.

Considering the expected benefits of Smart Grids, it has to be expected that they will also be introduced in African countries in the near future. The introduction of the Smart Grid is a kind of technology transfer. A successful technology transfer requires to build capacities to find, absorb, and use existing technologies and to enhance technologies according to local needs and conditions. The Smart Grid especially requires knowledge from different disciplines such as power supply, information technology, protection and control, standardization, and economics. Furthermore, potential risks must be understood and handled. Particularly, privacy as a human right has to be considered.

These requirements imply that an interdisciplinary approach for capacity building in the field of Smart Grids is an important challenge for a successful technology transfer and, consequently, for a successful development of the power management.

Term of the project: 15.10.2016 – 13.06.2021