Promoting Access to Modern Energy Services through Mini-Grid Projects in Africa and Asia

Bangladesh, India, Mali, Mozambique

The project was part of a joint program by OPEC FUND, Members of Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) and private sector enterprises that aimed to provide a de-risking mechanism for business ventures through cost-sharing in order to accelerate replicable and scalable models for the deployment of mini-grids for increasing and improving access to modern, affordable and sustainable energy services in developing countries. ACCESS S.A.R.L, Mlinda Association and Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Limited were selected to implement the project in Mail, India and Bangladesh respectively. The key achievements of the project in Mail include: - Installation of system of 55 kWp including solar panels, inverters and batteries - 68kW genset installed - 7km grid distribution network installed - 205 households currently connected - 19 productive users currently connected - 3 clinics/doctors currently connected The key achievements of the project in Bangladesh include: - PV panels of 80kWp installed - 80kVA genset installed - 440V three-phase distribution line constructed with a total length of 6km - 201 households currently registered/115 households currently connected - 62 productive users currently registered/50 productive users currently connected - a number of irrigation pumps currently connected - The existing health clinic, 3 primary schools and 1 secondary school were contacted; The key achievements of the project in India include: - PV panels of 69.5 kWp installed in three villages - 3 gensets of 7.5kW installed - Works for distribution grids completed (Naratoli - 5 km; Sahitoli - 5.5 km; Passanga - 4.5 km) - 358 households connected - 57 productive users connected - 61 commercial outlets connected In Mozambique: due to changes in regulations and tariff policies, the Project could not be implemented.