Currently, 1.2 billion people are living off-grid without access to electricity, internet or water, spending $27 billion annually on kerosene, candles and other fossil fuel powered stopgap technologies. More than 95% of those living without electricity are in countries in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia. Extending the grid to rural communities, dispersed over large geographical regions, is logistically unattainable and economically unaffordable.

This presentation discusses how off-grid living conditions can be made easier with Remote Power Units (RPUs) that provide sustainable, wired access to power off-grid infrastructure. In Nimjat, Mauritania, a 17kW RPU was installed to provide electricity to the local school, dispensary, mosque, 20 houses and streetlights, Wi-Fi access, a DSTV and water pumping. The Village leadership informed us that for the first time in 100 years, Nimjat is experiencing substantial migration back to the village. By providing a modern-day necessity to off-grid communities we can help alleviate poverty, create prosperity and stop rural to urban migration.

• Current situation of the off-grid market in Africa and its potential for the future
• Why extending the grid to rural communities is logistically unattainable and economically unaffordable
• Why mini-grids are the only viable option for electrifying off-grid communities
• Explaining data that demonstrates people have the means and the will to pay for electricity and Wifi in Sub-saharan Africa

Nicholas Wrigley
CEO, Founder and Co-owner
Winch Energy Limited

Nicholas is the Founder and Co-Owner of Winch Energy. Nicholas has extensive experience in the energy industry and is Managing Director North Africa of UPC Renewables, a leading international wind and solar energy developer. Prior to that he spent more than 20 years in the legal profession, including managing partner of global law firm Clifford Chance's European practice.