Time: 13:00 WAT; 14:00 CEST/SAST; 15:00 EAT

Date: 19 September 2018

Location: Zoom

Join the Africa LEDS Partnership and our Energy Working Group for an overview of the various mini-grids environments in Central, East, and West Africa.

Mini-grids offer an opportunity to fill the energy supply gap in Africa, bringing electricity to areas underserved or not served at all by the centralized grid. In many places, mini-grids are the most affordable, reliable, and sustainable electrification option.

Based on renewable energy sources, mini-grids can help countries reach their overall development goals, energy-sector objectives, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. However, despite their tremendous potential, uptake of mini-grids is slow, investment risks are high, and business models remain largely unproven.

In this webinar, senior experts will provide an overview of the diverse mini-grids policy, regulatory and legislative environments in Central, East, and West Africa. Project developers will share their experiences working in markets that have created a wide range of business models. Participants will discuss innovative business models for the development, financing, ownership, and management of mini-grids, and how governments can address challenges in licensing, tariff setting, connection costs and compensation for mini-grid businesses that are compromised by the arrival of a main grid.

Facilitators

• Alexander Ochs (SD Stategies)
• Josh Ogada (SouthSouthNorth)

Speakers

• Aaron Leopold (Africa Mini-Grids Developers Association)
• Caroline Nijland (Helios Infinitas)
• Mukabanji Mutanuka (Engie Power Corner)
• Nico Peterschmidt (INENSUS)
• Vivian Vinderinho (RVE.SOL/Kudura)

Register here: Mini-grids for rural electrification and development: Enabling effective business models through well designed policies

This webinar is part of the Africa Mini-Grids Community of Practice. Find out more about the Africa Mini-Grids Community of Practice here.

Image: Shutterstock