GSI Seminar - The off-grid city: experimenting with solar microgrids in an informal settlement in Cape Town

Although current energy policy permits grid electrification in informal settlements in South Africa, not all households meet the set criteria for grid connection such as those located on a wetland, under transmission lines and land unproclaimed for residential purposes. Mini-grids are eligible for permits in underserved areas such as informal urban settlement around Cape Town. However, there are limited mini-grids installed in informal urban settlements despite the fact that mini-grids are suitable for providing clean energy access in such areas. As a result, there is limited empirical research that relates specifically to the relationship between energy services and wellbeing. Assessing wellbeing in informal urban settlements will contribute towards addressing this knowledge gap. The purpose of this work was to provide off-grid energy access for light electric appliances (e.g., TV, radio, cell phone chargers) through installing solar powered mini-grids by Zonke energy which is a social enterprise to provide smart, clean, and renewable energy in informal urban settlement. Interviews were used to collect qualitative data and Smartphone based technologies were used to collect quantitative data on energy related wellbeing from the households which subscribed to Zonke energy services. After the intervention many respondents switched from using dirty fuels, paraffin and candles to electric lights which has improved access to information, health, children’ education and reduced crime. This indicates that mini-grid power can be used to provide clean energy to people in informal settlements while they are waiting for grid connection thereby improving their wellbeing in the interim

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