Approximately 1.2 billion people will need to gain access to electricity to achieve universal access by 2030. The only way to achieve this is through a combination of the main grid extension, mini grids, and off-grid solar. This report shows that about half a billion people can be cost-effectively provided with electricity through mini grids. The combination of falling costs, dramatic increase in the quality of service, and favorable enabling environments have made modern mini grids a scalable option to complement grid extension and solar home systems. The report is the most comprehensive study on mini grids to date. It takes stock of the global mini grid market and industry; analyzes in detail the solar-hybrid mini grid costs and technological innovations; shows the importance of introducing income-generating machinery and micro-finance early in the planning process; and provides policy makers, investors and developers with insights on how mini grids can be scaled up. Modern mini grids can pave the way for more financially viable future grid expansion, as by the time the main grid arrives, significant demand for electricity already exists and customers have a greater ability to pay. The key is to define-in advance-technical standards and commercial options for integration once the main grid arrives. A win-win situation for both the mini grid developers and national utilities. Mini grids are not a new phenomenon: nearly all electricity grid systems in high-income countries started with isolated mini grids, which gradually interconnected. Over the past several decades throughout the rest of the world, mini grids have grown from a niche solution for electrification to being deployed widely. Globally, at least 19,000 mini grids are installed in 134 countries, representing a total investment of 28 billion US Dollars and providing electricity to about 47 million people. Asia has the most mini grids installed today, while Africa has the largest share of planned mini grids. However, at present, the combined mini grid investment in countries with low levels of electricity access in Africa and Asia totals only 5 billion US Dollars, compared to the 220 billion US Dollars needed to connect 500 million people to 210,000 mini grids in these regions by 2030. Therefore, across the globe, countries need to actively mobilize private sector investment. This can be achieved by setting up policies that support comprehensive electrification programs, promoting viable business models, and providing well-designed public funding, for example through performance-based grants.

Approximately 1.2 billion people will need to gain access to electricity to achieve universal access by 2030. The only way to achieve this is through a combination of the main grid extension, mini grids, and off-grid solar. This report shows that about half a billion people can be cost-effectively provided with electricity through mini grids. The combination of falling costs, dramatic increase in the quality of service, and favorable enabling environments have made modern mini grids a scalable option to complement grid extension and solar home systems. The report is the most comprehensive study on mini grids to date. It takes stock of the global mini grid market and industry; analyzes in detail the solar-hybrid mini grid costs and technological innovations; shows the importance of introducing income-generating machinery and micro-finance early in the planning process; and provides policy makers, investors and developers with insights on how mini grids can be scaled up. Modern mini grids can pave the way for more financially viable future grid expansion, as by the time the main grid arrives, significant demand for electricity already exists and customers have a greater ability to pay. The key is to define-in advance-technical standards and commercial options for integration once the main grid arrives. A win-win situation for both the mini grid developers and national utilities. Mini grids are not a new phenomenon: nearly all electricity grid systems in high-income countries started with isolated mini grids, which gradually interconnected. Over the past several decades throughout the rest of the world, mini grids have grown from a niche solution for electrification to being deployed widely. Globally, at least 19,000 mini grids are installed in 134 countries, representing a total investment of 28 billion US Dollars and providing electricity to about 47 million people. Asia has the most mini grids installed today, while Africa has the largest share of planned mini grids. However, at present, the combined mini grid investment in countries with low levels of electricity access in Africa and Asia totals only 5 billion US Dollars, compared to the 220 billion US Dollars needed to connect 500 million people to 210,000 mini grids in these regions by 2030. Therefore, across the globe, countries need to actively mobilize private sector investment. This can be achieved by setting up policies that support comprehensive electrification programs, promoting viable business models, and providing well-designed public funding, for example through performance-based grants.

Approximately 1.2 billion ...

TRaditionally, mini grids have been viewed as “off-grid†? systems that are built and operated solely for communities without electricity. The reality, however, is that millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa and India who are connected to the main grid suffer from poor grid reliability (“weak grid†?), sometimes with a power supply of less than 4 to 8 hours daily and with frequent disputes over the accuracy of billing. As a backstop, these poorly served customers often find themselves forced to rely on small fossil fuel†“powered generators that are noisy, polluting, and expensive to operate. Mini Grid Solutions for Underserved Customers: New Insights from Nigeria and India explores another option: undergrid mini grids. These are mostly solar hybrid†“powered mini grids built and operated by private companies in areas already connected with the main electricity grid but facing poor technical and commercial service. This comprehensive book examines how undergrid mini grids can create win-win-win outcomes for retail customers, distribution enterprises, and mini grid developers. Drawing on extensive discussions with pioneering developers, the book showcases detailed case studies from Nigeria and India, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities of interconnected and non-interconnected undergrid mini grids. The authors address technical issues of grid interconnection and delve into the policy and regulatory considerations crucial for the financial sustainability and success of undergrid mini grids. The book is an invaluable resource for policy makers, energy practitioners, and researchers seeking practical insights to bridge the electricity access gap, empower communities with reliable and affordable electricity, and drive environmentally and commercially sustainable development. • “The report is rich with insight, not least because the authors have been able to contrast the Nigeria and India approaches taken by the respective private sectors in each country. The five case studies are very valuable. The authors have powerfully illustrated the importance of the policy and regulatory framework and how that translates into investor behavior.†? — Mohua Mukherjee, Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Institute of Energy Studies • “This great report represents a pivotal turning point in the history of energy and has global implications for the role of mini grids for communities that have been poorly served by main grid utilities.†? — Peter Lilienthal, Founder HOMER Energy • “This is a tremendous addition to the literature on mini grids and an important guide for all of us practitioners working in this area.†? — James Sherwood, Director of Research & Innovation, RMI | Global South Program • “This refreshingly honest and open report provides an excellent overview of interconnected and isolated mini grids, as well as a thorough analysis of key ground-level implementation issues in regulation, business, and engineering.†? — Joanis Holzigel, Chief Operating Officer, INENSUS

Access to sustainable energy is essential for development, poverty reduction and food security. Rwanda, like many other developing countries, is working on identifying sustainable energy solutions to ensure access to energy. Bioenergy is one possible form of renewable energy that countries are looking at to supply part of their energy portfolio. Rwanda currently relies on traditional biomass for energy supply, and shifting away from traditional biomass use would lower its dependency on traditional biomass and improve access to modern sustainable energy forms. Sustainable bioenergy interlinks closely with the agriculture sector, therefore it is necessary to find specific options that minimize negative impacts on the environment and food security. This accomplishes the dual purpose of energy security and food security. This report assesses the use of agriculture residues for the production of bioenergy in Rwanda. The methodology used for the assessment is the Bioenergy and Food Security (BEFS) approach of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The report provides a detailed assessment of the potential of crop, livestock and woody biomass availability for the production of off-grid electricity solutions and cooking fuels. Through the assessment, a number of specific bioenergy pathways are identified as suitable for bioenergy production. These options should be carried forward for piloting in the country and ground truthing.

Quantitative, accessible, multidisciplinary and fully updated, with new coverage of energy storage, microgrids and off-grid systems.