Estimating mini-grid demand in Malawi : initial findings from a mini-grid scale-up assessment

Frame, Damien and Eales, Aran and Bayani, Edgar Kapiza; (2023) Estimating mini-grid demand in Malawi : initial findings from a mini-grid scale-up assessment. In: IEEE Power Engineering Society Conference and Exposition in Africa. IEEE, MAR. ISBN 9798350337549 (https://doi.org/10.1109/PowerAfrica57932.2023.1036...)

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Abstract

Mini-grids and other Distributed Energy Resource (DER) systems are expected to play a major role in achieving sustainable electricity supply for the 580 million people currently lacking access in sub-Saharan Africa. Data for mini-grid planning is essential for sustainable business models and efficient technical designs; however, primary data in the African mini-grid sector is sparse, especially in Malawi. This paper presents initial case-study findings from ongoing work by Community Energy Malawi to initiate a roll-out of mini-grids in Malawi. Different data sources for estimating mini-grid customer consumption are presented and compared, highlighting the importance of quality datasets for planning and the need for greater efforts on data gathering and sharing in Malawi. With such data, informed decisions on tariffs and business planning can be made to improve financial sustainability for mini-grids.

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