During the Conference‚Äôs 2nd day, speakers agreed on the necessity to develop feasibility studies that assess the potential of several energy sources to continue the growing trend towards hybridisation of the generation and storage systems, and ensure a reliable capacity with 100% renewable energy-powered systems.
As stated by Brisa Ortiz of Fraunhofer ISE and Michael Wollny of SMA, to ensure economies of scale the systems are also increasingly moving towards full automation and the serialisation of its production. Beno√Æt Connes of Phaesun also emphasised the need for all systems to include a monitoring system to ensure components longevity and their adaptation to the demand, essential in often isolated areas.
For the first time in the sector‚Äôs history, off-grid renewables had an international event exclusively dedicated to its development and challenges when applied in developing countries. IOREC was a unique initiative that brought together the main actors in the off-grid movement and increased collaboration among them.
Most participants already arrived in Accra believing that including off-grid renewables to the mix of energy-solutions is the only way to universal access to electricity. However, they left with something more: useful contacts, best practices, and the belief that these technologies are on the verge of having a serious impact in the world.