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Mini-grid based off-grid electrification to enhance electricity access in developing countries: What policies may be required?

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  • Bhattacharyya, Subhes C.
  • Palit, Debajit

Abstract

With 1.2 billion people still lacking electricity access by 2013, electricity access remains a major global challenge. Although mini-grid based electrification has received attention in recent times, their full exploitation requires policy support covering a range of areas. Distilling the experience from a five year research project, OASYS South Asia, this paper presents the summary of research findings and shares the experience from four demonstration activities. It suggests that cost-effective universal electricity service remains a challenge and reaching the universal electrification target by 2030 will remain a challenge for the less developed countries. The financial, organisational and governance weaknesses hinder successful implementation of projects in many countries. The paper then provides 10 policy recommendations to promote mini-grids as a complementary route to grid extension to promote electricity access for successful outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhattacharyya, Subhes C. & Palit, Debajit, 2016. "Mini-grid based off-grid electrification to enhance electricity access in developing countries: What policies may be required?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 166-178.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:94:y:2016:i:c:p:166-178
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.04.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Palit, Debajit & Bandyopadhyay, Kaushik Ranjan, 2016. "Rural electricity access in South Asia: Is grid extension the remedy? A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1505-1515.
    2. World Bank & International Energy Agency, "undated". "Sustainable Energy for All 2013-2014 : Global Tracking Framework [Marco de seguimiento global de la iniciativa Energía sostenible para Todos: Resumen ejecutivo]," World Bank Publications - Reports 16537, The World Bank Group.
    3. Bhattacharyya, Subhes C., 2013. "Financing energy access and off-grid electrification: A review of status, options and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 462-472.
    4. Bhattacharyya, Subhes C., 2013. "To regulate or not to regulate off-grid electricity access in developing countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 494-503.
    5. Bhattacharyya, Subhes C., 2015. "Mini-grid based electrification in Bangladesh: Technical configuration and business analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 745-761.
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