Research Article
Analysis of the Energy Supply and Demand of Solar PV Plants Installed in Rural Areas of the Far North Region of Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
134-146
Received:
15 May 2025
Accepted:
30 June 2025
Published:
4 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsge.20251403.11
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Abstract: In Sub-Saharan Africa, electricity access is severely limited in rural areas, despite the abundance of sunlight. This poses a significant challenge to rural electrification initiatives, which are crucial for sustainable development. In light of this, the government of Cameroon has initiated the deployment of several solar power plants in rural regions. However, there is sometimes an imbalance between energy supply and demand, depending on the power plant's installed capacity and the size of the population. A life-cycle study is therefore being carried out in rural areas of Cameroon's Far North region with solar power plants. The study involves analyzing the balance between electricity supply and four modes of electricity consumption. These modes depend on the percentage of households that subscribe to a subscription: 100%, 50%, or 30%. The final scenario considers the International Energy Agency's (IEA) projections, wherein each Cameroonian is expected to consume 280 kWh/person/year. The findings suggest that the solar power plants installed are oversized for low-voltage domestic use, even in scenarios where 100% of households subscribe. It is only possible to achieve a balance between supply and demand from the 23rd year of operation in densely populated localities, and only if all households subscribe. If all households hold a combined domestic and non-domestic subscription, it is anticipated that demand will exceed supply between the first and seventh years of operation. The validity of this forecast is contingent upon two key variables: installed capacity and population density. Should 50% of households subscribe, it is estimated that solar power plants will encounter difficulties within the 8 to 13-year timeframe. Consequently, solar power plants will be capable of supplying less than 30% of households until the conclusion of the project.
Abstract: In Sub-Saharan Africa, electricity access is severely limited in rural areas, despite the abundance of sunlight. This poses a significant challenge to rural electrification initiatives, which are crucial for sustainable development. In light of this, the government of Cameroon has initiated the deployment of several solar power plants in rural regi...
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,
Gustave Assoualaye
