Solar Minigrids

Solar mini grids offer a sustainable solution for electricity generation and distribution, utilizing solar power as the main energy source. These small-scale systems have the potential to deliver reliable renewable electricity to underserved villages and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, presenting a cost-effective means to bridge the energy access gap by 2030.

Solar mini grids now stand as the most economical means to deliver continuous, high-quality electricity to off-grid towns and cities facing frequent power disruptions. The cost of solar mini grid-generated electricity has significantly decreased from $0.55/kWh in 2018 to today’s $0.38/kWh. These contemporary systems can power transformative appliances like refrigerators, welders, milling machines, and electric vehicles. Mini grid operators can efficiently oversee their systems remotely, while pay-as-you-go smart meters empower customers to pay for electricity based on actual usage.

A number of African nations, including Nigeria, are actively implementing or strategising the deployment of additional mini grids, aiming to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. In Nigeria, the adoption of a market-driven approach to mini grid development, supported by the World Bank through the National Electrification Project, has spurred the establishment of over 100 new solar-powered mini grids.