Application of smart grid technologies in developing areas

The United Nations has set the ambitious goal of assuring universal access to modern energy by 2030. Nowadays there are a lot of technical opportunities available to achieve these goals in an efficient way using smart grid technologies. However the extent to which these technologies are being applied in developing areas is still limited, but growing. In this paper this is illustrated taking Angola as example. The energy strategy in Angola is analyzed, focusing on the applications and the opportunities of smart grid technologies in this context, and describing the role of the government and private sector in this field. Lighting, one of the first applications used after access to electricity, is an important factor in the design of local electricity grids. New lighting technologies can increase grid reliability while ensuring safe and secure lighting. The opportunities and applications of smart lighting solutions in Angola are investigated in this paper as well.