SciTransfer
EMERGE · Project

Decision-Support Tools for Renewable Energy Investment and Planning in Africa

energyTestedTRL 5

Imagine trying to build a power grid in a place where you don't know the exact wind patterns, local laws, or how people actually use electricity. This project creates a digital 'simulation kit' that acts like a flight simulator for energy planning. It helps planners test different scenarios to see which green energy mix works best for specific regions before spending any money.

By the numbers
3
African ecosystems for knowledge communities
11
Consortium partners
9
Countries involved
The business problem

What needed solving

Energy investors and policymakers in Africa lack precise, region-specific data to predict the success of clean energy projects. This leads to inefficient resource use and high financial risk.

The solution

What was built

A simulation Toolbox for resource optimization and a Knowledge Base containing energy system modelling best practices.

Audience

Who needs this

Renewable energy developersInfrastructure investment banksAfrican national energy agenciesEnvironmental consultancy firms
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Renewable Energy Development
enterprise
Target: Solar and Wind Farm Developers

If you are a developer dealing with high uncertainty in regional energy demand—this project developed a Toolbox that simulates optimal resource use based on climatic and economic constraints. This allows for more accurate site selection and capacity planning.

Financial Services
any
Target: Infrastructure Investment Funds

If you are an investor dealing with risky energy portfolios in emerging markets—this project developed a Knowledge Base and simulation tools that identify policy barriers. This helps in calculating the actual viability of clean energy projects.

Public Administration
enterprise
Target: Regional Energy Ministries

If you are a government agency dealing with outdated energy grids—this project developed a participatory approach to create knowledge communities in 3 African ecosystems. This ensures new energy policies are aligned with local technical and social needs.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the cost or price of the Toolbox?

Based on available project data, there is no pricing information provided as the project is EU-funded research.

Is this available for industrial scale deployment?

The project is currently in the development and testing phase of a Toolbox and Knowledge Base, focusing on 3 specific African ecosystems.

How is the IP or licensing handled for the tools?

Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, though it aims to empower policymakers and investors with these tools.

What is the timeline for implementation?

The project runs from 2023-12-01 to 2026-11-30.

How does this integrate with existing energy data?

The Toolbox is created by integrating and expanding upon existing tools, methodologies, and approaches.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is well-balanced for a transition project, featuring 11 partners across 9 countries. With a 27% industry ratio (3 industrial partners) and a strong academic presence (3 universities, 3 research centers), the project blends theoretical modelling with practical application. The inclusion of partners from Morocco, Nigeria, and Mozambique ensures the tools are grounded in actual regional constraints.

How to reach the team

Contact the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture at the University of Zagreb

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact SciTransfer to explore partnership opportunities with the EMERGE consortium for African energy market entry.