From Electrification to Empowerment: Re-Defining Energy Access in Frontier Markets

Tuesday, September 5, 2017 | 10:45 - 12:00

The energy sector is grappling with numerous, diverse emerging concepts of rural electrification and energy access in developing communities. There are differences between for-profit and non-profit models as well as hardware ranging from solar lanterns to micro/nano/pico-grid architectures.

This presentation will introduce the technical and socioeconomic dimensions of scaling micro-utility businesses with local staff leading the transition to renewable, reliable 24/7 electricity in frontier markets. Mr. Bergh will focus on the technical merits of a paradigmatic shift towards lean/agile utility infrastructure as well as the significance of comprehensive electricity access as an engine for economic development in subsistence economies.

    Financing Rural Microgrids
    Frank Bergh, P.E., LEED-AP
    VP Grid Engineering
    Sigora International

    Frank is a versatile electrical engineer with diverse experience across the renewable energy sector and around the world. He comes to Sigora from Edison Energy, where he served as the Principal Technical Advisor for Energy Storage Solutions after roles as Director of Engineering and Product Development for Edison's solar power subsidiary, SoCore Energy. Previously, Frank was the lead engineer for grid interconnection of Nordex wind turbines in North and South America after starting his career as an engineering consultant at Burns & McDonnell specializing in electrical transmission planning and smart grid strategy.

    Frank has been an active member and leader within Engineers Without Borders USA since 2005, holding officer positions in at the local, regional, and national level. He is the former president of EWB-USA's Great Lakes Region, founding Chair of the Renewable Energy subject matter expert committee, and a former Board Member.

    Frank has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (2008, Magna Cum Laude ) from Washington University in St. Louis and a Certificate in Community Based Development from Colorado State University (2011). His professional and volunteer work has spanned 14 countries and 4 continents. He is a contributing Editor to the blog at Engineering For Change and instructor of Technology & Community-Based Development at Colorado State University. He continues to advise several NGOs and startups on appropriate technology and participatory community development.