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In recent years, DC mesh grids have gained recognition as a cost-effective and safe low-voltage solution for rural electrification, particularly for residential customers and small shops with power needs below 3-5 kW. In this episode, host Nico dives into the advantages and challenges of this emerging technology and the business models it enables. Joining the conversation are Afnan Hannan of OKRA Solar and Felix Boldt of Solarworx, two leading innovators in mesh grid solutions.
The discussion explores how mini-grid and solar home system companies are deploying DC mesh grids, examining how these technologies can complement one another in the quest for sustainable rural electrification. Nico also delves into the key differences between OKRA Solar's and Solarworx's approaches, comparing their technology and CAPEX implications. Whether you're an industry insider or just curious about the future of off-grid energy, this episode offers valuable insights into this transformative technology.
Okra Solar
Solarworx – Advanced products for the off-grid marketLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
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Migration remains a pressing issue in Europe and the United States, often spurred by conflict but increasingly influenced by climate change as a root cause. In this episode, Nico Peterschmidt and Jakob Schmidt-Reindahl from INENSUS explore how rural electrification and industrialization in Africa can strengthen resilience against climate impacts, potentially reducing migration pressures on Europe in the future. They delve into actionable steps for implementing large-scale rural industrialization and why the moment to act is now.
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Community-owned electric cooperatives transformed rural electrification in the USA, raising access from 10% to 90% in just 15 years starting in the late 1930s. This successful model has since been replicated in regions like South America and countries such as the Philippines and Bangladesh. In Africa, this movement is now beginning to take shape. In this episode, Doreen Chipika Bwalya and Frank Bergh from NRECA International discuss how electric cooperatives - rooted in member ownership and democratic governance - offer inclusive energy solutions while keeping electricity costs low. They also compare these community-driven models with investor-owned alternatives, shedding light on the seven cooperative principles that encourage local engagement and resilience.
By combining the strengths of cooperatives in local management with the innovation and complexity-handling capabilities of for-profit mini-grid companies, synergies may emerge that could lower tariffs and speed up mini-grid deployment. Could this hybrid approach become a viable model for accelerating rural electrification in Africa?
For more insight into NRECA's work, watch this video: https://youtu.be/gCOqxPax5lw?si=FgvN1BXim0a5c6H2
NRECA International would like to thank the USAID Cooperative Development Program for funding their work in Zambia and Malawi.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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Minigrid scale-up efforts are currently falling short of meeting SDG 7 targets, particularly in Africa, where private minigrid companies must evolve and professionalize to achieve sustainable growth. With limited capital available for building the next generation of top-tier utilities, the sector faces a significant corporate financing gap. At the same time project finance tailored to minigrid needs remains scarce.
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of minigrid financing with experts Cliff Aron from GreenMax Capital and John Ouko from the Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA). We explore the historical challenges of rural electrification, emphasizing the urgent need for development capital to support emerging companies. We also discuss the transformative impact of investing $100 million in human resource development for selected developers and the creation of a billion-dollar minigrid infrastructure fund to attract private investment.
Our conversation addresses the potential for a paradigm shift in minigrid financing, examining current and future financing instruments that could support this transition. We also consider the role of government in facilitating this shift and how minigrid companies might need to adapt their business models to align with the evolving financing landscape.
Tune in to discover how innovative financing solutions can pave the way for a sustainable and scalable minigrid sector.
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Project finance has been instrumental in scaling large, grid-connected renewable energy projects, with well-established approaches that have facilitated trillions of dollars in lending to the sector. The result has been access to low-interest, long-term financing. This is exactly what mini-grids need to achieve similar success and growth. Like large-scale renewable power systems, mini-grids are critical infrastructure, yet they face unique challenges, particularly the risk associated with selling power at the retail level. Additionally, mini-grids differ from large-scale renewable projects in their stakeholder structures.
In this episode, Kellie Murungi, Head of Business Africa at INENSUS, joins host Nico Peterschmidt, CEO of INENSUS, to explore the principles of project finance and discuss what it will take to make mini-grids viable for this type of financing.
Discover why a wave of mergers and acquisitions is anticipated in the mini-grid sector, and how diversifying revenue streams through rural industrialization, edge computing from surplus electricity, and renewable energy certificates can make mini-grids more attractive for project finance. Additionally, learn how, over time, the financing sector may become more familiar with mini-grids as a new asset class.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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Mini-Grid CEOs have long voiced concerns over the inconsistent and overly complicated funding methodologies that vary significantly across different funders and countries, leading to prolonged delays in electrification efforts. Similar frustrations are echoed in the processes of securing equity and debt.
Host Nico is joined by Kyle Schutter from Sunlight Reviews and Ashish Shrestha from the World Bank’s ESMAP to discuss these challenges. Kyle shares insights on how Sunlight Reviews is helping stakeholders better assess funder reliability and timelines, while Ashish explains how ESMAP is responding to industry feedback to improve program designs. This episode offers a deep dive into the efforts being made to streamline funding processes and accelerate progress in the Mini-Grid sector.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Sunlight Reviews - Discover the Best Funders in Africa
https://80000hours.org/podcast/episodes/mushtaq-khan-institutional-economics/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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Interconnected Mini-Grids provide reliable electricity to underserved main-grid connected customers.
They are a new phenomenon in the mini-grid space and beyond that provide profitable investment opportunities to mini-grid companies thanks to significantly larger electricity demand in semi-urban areas, where interconnected mini-grids are typically situated compared to rural sites, where isolated mini-grids can typically be found.
Can interconnected mini-grids become the "leapfrogging" opportunity that the sector has been waiting for?
Aaron Cheng from Power Gen, operating an interconnected mini-grid in Nigeria and Chris Greacen who published a book covering the interconnected mini-grid subject discuss the above subjects with host Nico Peterschmidt.
Resources:
Mini Grid Solutions for Underserved Customers: New Insights from Nigeria and India Open Knowledge Repository (worldbank.org)
Mini Grids for Half a Billion People: Market Outlook and Handbook for Decision Makers (worldbank.org)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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In this flagship episode, we uncover the transformative power of Rural Industrialization through mini-grids with insights from industry leaders Peter Nyeko of Mandulis Energy (Uganda), Camille André-Bataille of Anka (Madagascar), and Oluwatobi Soyombo of Havenhill Synergy Limited (Nigeria). The host Nico Peterschmidt of INENSUS (Tanzania, Uganda) contributes with his own experience in Rural Industrialization.
We discuss
- effort vs. profitability.
- risk increase vs. decrease through linking two businesses to each other while diversifying revenue streams.
- combining rural development with company profitability
- how to scale electricity and product sales fast
We share lessons learned and obstacles overcome.
Here are some resources mentioned in this epoisode:
- KeyMaker Model fundamentals (afdb.org) - for the INENSUS' Rural industrialization model
- AgriGrid - EnAccess - for the ANKA's Rural Industrialization model
- Please also search the internet for "Reparle AND Uganda" to learn more about Mandulis Energy's Rural Industrialization modelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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This is part 2 of the meeting between Olu from "The Energy Talk" and Nico from "The Mini-Grid Business". In this session, we delve into the complexities, breakthroughs and innovations within the mini-grid industry based on Olu’s extensive knowledge of the electrification landscape across Africa.
Below are some links to "The Energy Talk" - listen to these highly informative and entertaining interviews!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-energy-talk/id1467655589https://open.spotify.com/show/4FQMxAZ43y6QIs5UtIHHfg
https://theenergytalk.simplecast.com/episodes
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Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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As a podcaster, you meet people and gain a good overview of what the sector is all about. Therefore, it is sometimes enlightening to talk to fellow podcasters and get their view on the sector. That is exactly what Olubunmi Olajide from the podcast "The Energy Talk" and Nico Peterschmidt from "The Mini-Grid Business" did during the Energy Access Investment Forum 2024 in Lagos.
This is part 1 of this recording, where Olu interviews Nico for his podcast "The Energy Talk". As a listener of "The Mini-Grid Business," this might be more of a summary of familiar topics. In part 2, Olu and I will enter into a discussion about innovations in the mini-grid sector.
Part 2 of the recording is published as a separate episode.
Below are some links to "The Energy Talk" - listen to these highly informative and entertaining interviews!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-energy-talk/id1467655589https://open.spotify.com/show/4FQMxAZ43y6QIs5UtIHHfg
https://theenergytalk.simplecast.com/episodes
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Mini-grid consultants support the establishment of regulation or grant funding programs for the sector, advise on transactions or conduct due diligences. However, recent years have seen growing tensions between consultants and mini-grid companies.
Host Nico confronts consultants Moses Kakooza (independent consultant, Uganda) and Maylis Bravard (INENSUS, francophone team) with some of the frustrations mini-grid companies express.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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Mini-Grid Due Diligences are always complex and costly? - Wrong!
The Mini-Grid Due Diligence One-Stop-Shop established by INENSUS, DETAIL Solicitors and Steinbeis Consulting Impact Investing reduces complexities by providing one contact point for all parts of a mini-grid due diligence (demand, technical, commercial, legal, environmental, etc.). Efficiency and quality gains from this coordinated approach to mini-grid due diligences are the result and may even unlock financing for portfolios of projects that have so far been too small to run through a financing process.
Listen to the commercial lawyer Dolapo Kukoyi (DETAIL) and the impact investing expert Lothar Jakab (Steinbeis) as they discuss the benefits of the Due Diligence One-Stop-shop with their host Nico Peterschmidt (INENSUS).
Impact Investing (steinbeis.de)
Detail Solicitors | Nigeria's first commercial solicitor form specializing exclusively in non-courtroom practiceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
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Unlock the hidden complexities of mini-grid company valuation with the brilliant minds of Brian Lukera Wambani from Camco and Michael Feldner from the GET.invest Finance Catalyst. This episode promises to equip you with the nuanced understanding required to navigate the valuation challenges faced by mini-grid enterprises, which operate at the crossroads of traditional utilities and agile startups. We tackle the pivotal questions: How do investors perceive the value of these companies, and what factors should CEOs and CFOs weigh when determining their company's worth?
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Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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In this episode, Aaron Leopold and Edwin Kwesiga from EnerGrow discuss the impact of introducing productive electricity in rural areas. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies of providing asset financing in rural small businesses in Africa, particularly for entrepreneurs and individuals with modest incomes.
EnerGrow's approach, which combines technology with financial literacy, aims to improve accessibility and foster sustainable economic growth. The guests discuss building relationships with energy providers and the importance of scalability.
The future of rural economies, with a focus on electric cooking and e-mobility, is also explored. Aaron and Edwin describe the role of mini-grids in supporting rural development and the potential to reverse urban migration trends. This episode presents a realistic look at the benefits and challenges of productive electricity use in rural settings.
EnerGrow (ener-grow.com)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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Learn from Lynne Wesonga of Crossboundary Access and Gillian-Alexandre Huart from ENGIE Energy Access about the untapped potential of integrating mini-grids, solar home systems and other power supply technologies under one unified management and financing structure. This innovative approach aims to harvest synergies, reduce costs, and improve profitability, thereby attracting new capital flows from climate financing and large-scale impact financiers.
For this integrated approach to rural electrification to materialize, there is a clear need for adaptability in policy frameworks and tender designs. Governments and grant providers must consider these factors in the evolution of funding structures, paving the way for increased private capital inflow into the sector.
To make multi-technology approaches in rural electrification a reality, collaboration across all sector participants is required. That's why the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) is excited to bring you to the forefront of clean energy investment at the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2024, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria from May 21-23, 2024.
ARE Energy Access Investment Forum 2024 (eaif.energy)
CrossBoundary Access - Building the grid of the future
ENGIE Energy Access: Best Solar Best Life - Engie (engie-energyaccess.com)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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Explore with us Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), a potentially lucrative revenue stream for operators of renewable mini-grids. We delve into the various forms of RECs, including I-RECs, P-RECs, D-RECs, and R-RECs, breaking down their characteristics, differences, and unique features.
Our expert guests Linda Wamune (P-RECs), Stuti Dubey (D-RECs) and Nicholas Selby (R-RECs) provide valuable insights into the appropriate contexts for using each type of REC and discuss which are the easiest to manage and which ones are best integrated into the marketplace. Additionally, we examine which RECs offer the highest potential revenues and which ones require the lowest level of effort to administer the REC registration and sales process.
Power Africa Report showing that only 30% of the revenues are going to project developers: https://scms.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/Power-Africa-Carbon-Credits-for-OGS-Companies.pdfThe R-REC Standard: https://www.r-recs.com/The%20R-REC%20Standard.pdfThe I-REC Standard: https://www.trackingstandard.org/wp-content/uploads/The-International-Attribute-Tracking-Standard-v1.0.pdfUNFCCC tool to convert renewable energy generation from mini-grids into carbon reduction: https://cdm.unfccc.int/UserManagement/FileStorage/PC1WKORVI7DGMFS84L5N03JTXZBY9UFirst peer-reviewed, comprehensive socioeconomic impact analysis of mini-grids in rural Africa: https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.02445McKinsey report estimating VCM hitting $50B by 2030: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/a-blueprint-for-scaling-voluntary-carbon-markets-to-meet-the-climate-challengeDaedal Research article showing global carbon market hitting almost $3T by 2028: https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/carbon-creditGuardian article showing 90% of the carbon assets from one of Verra's sales were fraudulent: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/18/revealed-forest-carbon-offsets-biggest-provider-worthless-verra-aoeNew Yorker article about similar event: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/10/23/the-great-cash-for-carbon-hustle
Links to the organizations participating in this episodes:
Landing - D-REC Initiative (drecs.org)
P-REC — Energy Peace Partners
R-RECs
Links to papers cited in the show:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
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Embark on a journey to the heart of Africa's energy business, where the intricate dance of numbers in financial modeling for mini-grids is demystified. This episode brings the expertise of Kellie Murungi and Diego Perez to the table, guiding listeners through the numerical narrative that underpins the viability and strategic direction of renewable mini-grid initiatives. Uncover how these models serve as a compass, pointing towards the most promising project locations, robust implementation plans, and astute pricing tactics, ensuring that the light of sustainable energy continues to spread across the continent.
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Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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In this episode, my guests Penny-Jane Cooke and Brian Kawuma from Power for All, Abraham Mudasia from AMDA, and William Brent from Husk Power, unravel the intricacies of establishing professional campaigns and advocacy to amplify the mini-grid sector's voice among policymakers, funders, financiers, and investors. We explore the synergies between marketing and advocacy, underscore the importance of backing mini-grid proponents within government ministries and regulatory bodies, and deliberate on potential sources of funding for these crucial activities. Finally, we discuss what effective messaging and appropriate communication channels might entail, aiming to craft strategies that resonate deeply with our intended audiences.
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Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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Join us as we explore the future of solar mini-grid technology with INENSUS experts Dipta Majumder and Mike Arasa Ratemo. This episode illuminates the advancements in solar mini-grids, highlighting the shift from diesel generators to more eco-friendly solutions. We delve into component market price trends, the emergence of sodium-ion batteries, and the increasing influence of Chinese inverters, all pivotal in shaping the scalability and design of mini-grid systems.
Dipta, Mike and host Nico provide a deep dive into solar mini-grid technology, discussing everything from the technical aspects of battery systems to designing distribution networks for rural villages in developing countries and distributed generation nodes to avoid medium voltage network backbones.
The INENSUS experts envision a future where standardized, plug-and-play systems dominate the mini-grid landscape, discuss how the integration of advanced battery technology and mesh networks could lead to more accessible, cost-effective, and diesel-free mini-grid solutions. Tune in for an episode that promises to transform your understanding of solar mini-grid technology.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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The complexity of the mini-grid business stands at the forefront of Tobias Engelmeier from VIDA and Emily McAteer from Odyssey Energy's discussion, hosted by Nico Peterschmidt from INENSUS / MicroPower Manager Open Source. They explore how software can be a pivotal tool in managing the multifaceted challenges of this sector. Emily particularly highlights that the trajectory of mini-grid software development doesn't deviate significantly from patterns observed in other industries. Typically, individual companies start by developing their own bespoke solutions. However, as the industry matures, enterprise software becomes more prevalent, offering enhanced services at a lower cost compared to the operation of in-house developed software. This transition is crucial for mini-grid companies and the broader sector, promising significant benefits in terms of improved efficiency and user experience, especially for those who are price-sensitive.For more information about the work and services of todays contributors, you can visit the following websites:
VIDA: https://vida.place/Odyssey Energy Solutions: https://odysseyenergysolutions.com/MicroPower Manager: https://www.micropowermanager.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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