Send us a textMinigrid 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 finan...

Send us a textProject 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 assoc...

Send us a textMini-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 Revie...

Send us a Text Message.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 "...

Send us a Text Message.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. dec...

Send us a Text Message.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/id14676555...

Send us a Text Message.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...

Send us a Text Message.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.lin...

Send us a Text Message.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 finan...

Send us a Text Message.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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Every mini-grid construction is a high-stakes adventure, where the unexpected lurks at every turn. In this gripping podcast episode, my guests Chris Rollins and Davide Ceretti, take listeners on a thrilling journey into the heart of constructing solar mini-grids in Africa's most remote and challenging terrains. They reveal the daunting obstacles they face, from navigating harsh landscapes without proper machinery to the unpredictability of transportation. They present solutions to some of the...

Explore the African mini-grid sector's pivotal moments in 2023 in this year-end episode. Join Joanis Holzigel, COO of INENSUS, and host Nico Peterschmidt as they reflect on the year's significant developments in mini-grids. Tune in for insights and see you in 2024! INENSUS is looking to fill the following positions: 1. Head of Africa Business and  2. Mini-Grid Expert (French Speaking)Please visit the INENSUS LinkedIn profile for more...

Here is PART 2 of "Where to go next – Which countries are at the top of the funders’ list?". Enjoy! INENSUS is looking to fill the following positions: 1. Head of Africa Business and  2. Mini-Grid Expert (French Speaking)Please visit the INENSUS LinkedIn profile for more information.https://www.linkedin.com/company/12470328/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/ Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com) Visit www.inensus.com for more info.

Ever wondered how mini-grid grant funders think, decide and act? In this insightful episode, we're thrilled to host a panel of experts from the forefront of funding Africa's mini-grid sector. Join us as Benjamin Curnier from AFDB SEFA, Tatia Lemondzhava from World Bank ESMAP, and Dennis Nderitu from GEAPP delve into the mechanics of driving mini-grid initiatives across Africa. They'll illuminate the strategic differences in funding pivotal projects by major institutions and the critical role...

In this enlightening episode, join Jakob Schmidt-Reindahl and Nico Peterschmidt, co-founders of INENSUS and pioneers in the mini-grid domain, as they guide us through the evolution of third-generation mini-grids since the early 2000s. They delve into the significant developments in mini-grid policies, technological advancements, and funding over the past two decades. Our speakers highlight the transformative journey of the mini-grid sector, transitioning from being driven primarily by NGOs,...

In this episode, we're graced by the presence of Anita Otubu from SE4All's Universal Energy Facility and Lamide Niyi-Afuye from the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association. They offer a rich dialogue on the intricacies of the Universal Energy Facility, the dynamics of performance-based grants, and the strategy behind minimum subsidy tenders. Our exploration digs into the core of RBF schemes, weighing the pros and cons of uniform vs. personalized strategies within the mini-grid sphere. With...

In this episode we are thrilled to host Grace Perkins, Chief Growth Officer of the African Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA), and Samuel Bunnya, Project Coordinator of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR). Together with the podcast's host Nico Peterschmidt, they unpack how the natural monopoly of a mini-grid can be steered by regulation that supports positive and collaborative effects while minimizing exploitation of power on all sides of this mini-monopoly. The fluid roles...