Renewable energies have in many cases, shown to be favourable solutions for electricity generation in rural areas. In order to plan for new energy sources and efficiently incorporate them into any existing rural electrification infrastructure, it is essential to use a "regional integration plan". This project developed a geographical information system (GIS) based methodology to make it easier to produce such integration plans. Developing countries stand to gain considerably from this research and development.
Renewable energy systems for electricity production have been widely studied over the past ten years. Consequently, several tools are now available for sizing and optimising any system (using PV arrays, wind turbines etc.) in any configuration (i.e. stand-alone, grid-connected etc.). However, trying to determine the potential for such systems at a regional level requires comprehensive integration studies. The SOLARGIS project aimed to develop a GIS-based methodology for assessing the potential of decentralised electricity generation, using renewable energies, at a regional scale. It also planned to undertake integration studies in six regions.