New Renewable Energy Promotion Approach for Rural Electrification in Cameroon

Abstract

Rural electrification in Cameroon was in the past planned by the Government through the Ministry of Water and Energy. This issue was addressed through grid extension using three-phase medium voltage, a single wire earth return solution, or off-grid thermal plants for remote localities. Because the architecture of the electricity grid is radial isolated, this leads to many technical problems and a limited rate of electrification, especially in remote areas. The country learned a lot from failures and realized that the rural electrification solutions were yet to come. In order to really tackle the rural electrification problem, a dedicated Agency for Rural Electrification was created, bringing new approaches.

Given the cost of fossil fuel in the country, thermal plants are very expensive from the operating and maintenance point of view, leading to high cost of electricity, especially in places with low income and poor communication and infrastructures. Grid extension is constructed with specially treated wooden poles with limited life expectancy. It hence requires power lines with frequent maintenance under the threat of bushfire. Furthermore, there is high voltage drop due to very long distances and heavy lightning problems during the rainy season. On the other hand, Cameroon has huge hydro, biomass, and solar potential, allowing the country to envisage the development of these sources of renewable energy in most remote areas.

In order to address the issue, the Rural Electrification Agency has launched a new approach since 2009 based on the promotion of renewable energy to electrify the rural areas. This is based on the recommendation of the World Bank which has provided initial funds to subsidy the initial investment costs. Objective criteria have been set up to ensure promotion of solar hybrid energy and micro hydro in remote areas, including capacity building of all stakeholders. The study is based on the institutional reforms of the sector, the previous rural electrification programs, and the ongoing organization and projects in the framework of renewable energy promotion.