Unlocking success in solar mini-grids with storage: Lessons from African case studies
Africa’s renewable energy potential is vast, yet the continent has only attracted 2% of global investments in renewables over the past two decades. Solar energy, in particular, remains underutilised, with Africa holding 60% of the world’s best solar resources but accounting for just 1% of global solar generation capacity. With over 600 million people lacking access to electricity, the potential for solar mini-grids to drive electrification across Africa is immense. Unlike large centralised power plants, mini-grids can be deployed quickly and scaled to meet the needs of remote communities providing a reliable alternative to the often unreliable national grids. To unlock this potential, significant investment in solar mini-grids is needed.
Together with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Becquerel Institute has analysed mini-grids case studies in eight African countries (Benin, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia), in order to identify good practice and favourable regulatory frameworks that have facilitated the successful implementation of such projects.
Of the nine mini grid projects studied, four used a storage solution, and according to our observations the trend is for batteries to be used more and more frequently, thanks to strong technological development in recent years and falling costs. Moreover, in the most remote villages, the benefits of these storage systems are all the greater for the local populations.
For example, in Senegal, the ASER 300 project has electrified more than 300 villages located at least 10 km from the nearest electricity grid. Each of these villages was electrified by mini grids with storage supplied in all-in-one containers by German companies Off-Grid Europe and Asantys, supplying between 15 and 45 kWp, inverters, batteries, cables, mounting systems, controllers, air conditioning and other components.
Overall, the case studies demonstrated the importance of several key factors. Firstly, well-defined and robust regulatory frameworks along with government support are essential to create a favourable environment for investment. Secondly, strong community involvement, including training of local staff and pedagogy, ensures local acceptance and sustainability of mini-grids. Thirdly, financing models combining private capital and public support mechanisms are essential to overcome potential financial barriers. Finally, thorough technical feasibility studies and the integration of reliable storage solutions are also key to guaranteeing a constant energy supply and the viability of the project.
These elements serve as reproducible best practices, as the absence of one of them often leads to difficulties that can affect the success of the project.