From 10-13 October 2023, the annual conference of the LEAP-RE programme took place in Kigali, Rwanda. The THI-led SWITCH project is funded within the LEAP-RE initiative. On site, Carina Reddi from THI's Institute of new Energy Systems was able to present the SWITCH project idea to an interested audience.
The primary goal of SWITCH (Stabilizing weak grids through machine learning: empowering farmers in end-of-line communities in North Africa through artificial neural networks) is to develop an innovative and comprehensive solution to stabilize weak grids and enhance the security of energy supply in rural "end-of-line" communities in North Africa. An interdisciplinary team of researchers will explore how electricity supply in these "end-of-line" communities in Morocco and Algeria, which frequently suffer from power outages, can be improved through the integration of smart renewable energy systems, AI-driven prediction methods, and optimal Agri-PV (Agricultural Photovoltaic) solutions for local-level islanding.
LEAP-RE is Horizon 2020 EU-funded project, as well as a long-term network of stakeholders. For 5 years (2020-2025), the LEAP-RE programme will seek to create a long-term partnership of African and European stakeholders and contribute to the global energy transformation.