Agenda

Samson Gody, Open Source in Community Africa 

Dimitris Mentis, Akasha Saklani, Douglas Ronoh - World Resources Institute

From theory to practice, attendees will be introduced to and will work on the Energy Access Explorer (EAE). EAE is the first open source, data driven integrated and inclusive approach to energy planning, which enables energy planners, clean energy businesses, finance institutions and development stakeholders to identify high-priority areas for energy access interventions. EAE functions also as a dynamic information system, reducing software engineering and data transaction costs for both data providers and users and facilitating data management and governance.

Brianna Schuyler, Access to Energy Institute and Razvan Sandru, GIZ GET.invest

Prospect is the only open-source platform that automatically collects, harmonises, aggregates, analyses and displays data from any modern, sustainable energy solution that contributes to energy access. With Prospect companies can securely share their data, gain valuable insights and even help raise finance; subsidy programmes or investors can easily access verified results; and governments can confidently track the real-time state of electrification in their country.

The session will introduce the audience to the Prospect web platform, its functionalities and uses, as well as how it works under the hood.

Gregory Ireland, Reiner Lemoine Institut 

In the research project PeopleSuN a free online browser-based tool for planning off-grid systems was developed that can be accessed at: https://offgridplanner.org. Offgridplanner is an open-source tool that simulates and optimizes off-grid electricity supply systems in Nigeria. The energy model of the tool uses the open energy modelling framework for optimization of the mini-grid component sizes and their hourly operation. The mini-grid’s distribution grid layout is also optimized using the consumer’s geolocations and their estimated demands.

Offgridplanner is comparable to other off-grid energy modelling tools like HOMER and ReOpt; beyond those tool’s capabilities however, it offers a distribution grid layout design feature and potential Solar Home System (SHS) consumer identification. Detailed hourly demand profile estimations are created for consumers based on over 5000 energy audit surveys across Nigeria. For households, statistical methods are used to create several different typical consumption levels, and demands are also estimated for many different typical enterprises, public services, and productive demands. 

The tool is aimed towards project developers, government institutions, researchers, and energy access practitioners. The tool focuses on Nigeria, however the methods used could also be applied to other countries, especially countries with low access to electricity.

What is/are the missing building block(s) and how can we work better together? 

Moderator: Vivien Barnier, The EnAccess Foundation

• How can funders/investors benefit from collaboration and interoperability?

• How can funders/investors promote/facilitate Open Source approaches?

Moderator: Chibuikem Agbaegbu, Climate and Energy Specialist

Data management, governance, security and Open data standards for Energy Access projects: can we create (a) sector standard(s)? In this session, we will delve into what’s needed from a data management infrastructure, the roles and responsibilities of data providers, and the potential to adopt existing or develop new standards 

Moderator: Dimitris, World Resources Institute

In this breakout session, we'll explore the delicate balance between Open Source and Intellectual Property rights, navigating how to leverage OS for agile product development and streamlined operations, all while ensuring business sustainability. Join us as we dissect the dynamic interplay of OS and IP, sparking dialogue on whether it's a matter of OS versus IP or a harmonious blend of both to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness. 

Moderator: Princess Odiaka, Trifinity Intelligence Consult Ltd

Presentation and Q&A on Break out sessions outcomes

Recap of Symposium Highlights

Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Group Picture