15 Topics
5 Days
Programme Overview
Training Description
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for;
- Rural Electrification Program Managers
- Renewable Energy System Designers and Engineers
- Development Finance and Investment Specialists
- NGO and Government officials working in energy access
- Project Developers focused on decentralized power solutions
- Local Entrepreneurs looking to operate mini-grids
Session Objectives
- Master the technical sizing and design of DC and AC mini-grids.
- Conduct comprehensive demand assessment and forecasting in rural areas.
- Analyze financial viability and structure bankable tariff models.
- Develop effective regulatory and community engagement strategies.
- Implement best practices for mini-grid operations and maintenance.
About the Course
This specialist course is engineered for professionals dedicated to expanding energy access through decentralized solutions, focusing on the entire lifecycle of solar mini-grid projects. It provides hands-on mastery in innovative design techniques, moving from basic load assessment to advanced system sizing and integration of storage technologies. You will learn to utilize state-of-the-art modeling tools for optimal technical configuration while simultaneously tackling the critical socio-economic and regulatory barriers unique to off-grid markets. The program emphasizes financial structuring, operational efficiency, and creating sustainable community engagement models to ensure project longevity, making it essential for delivering reliable, affordable power to underserved populations globally.
Curriculum & Topics
15 Topics | 5 Days
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Subtopic 1.1:
The global challenge of energy access
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Subtopic 1.2:
The role of off-grid solutions
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Subtopic 1.3:
The difference between a mini-grid and a micro-grid
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Subtopic 1.4:
The key stakeholders in a mini-grid project
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Subtopic 1.5:
The value chain of a mini-grid
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Subtopic 2.1:
The importance of a thorough site visit
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Subtopic 2.2:
Assessing solar resource and local climate
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Subtopic 2.3:
Conducting a socioeconomic and demographic survey
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Subtopic 2.4:
The role of a clear and focused research question
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Subtopic 2.5:
The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
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Subtopic 3.1:
Methodologies for household energy demand assessment
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Subtopic 3.2:
The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
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Subtopic 3.3:
Identifying productive-use loads (e.g., mills, welders)
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Subtopic 3.4:
Forecasting future energy demand
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Subtopic 3.5:
The importance of a "data story map"
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Subtopic 4.1:
Sizing the solar PV array
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Subtopic 4.2:
Sizing the battery energy storage system
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Subtopic 4.3:
The role of an inverter and a charge controller
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Subtopic 4.4:
The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
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Subtopic 4.5:
Balancing system reliability with cost
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Subtopic 5.1:
The components of a modern mini-grid
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Subtopic 5.2:
Solar PV modules and mounting structures
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Subtopic 5.3:
Battery technologies (e.g., LFP, lead-acid)
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Subtopic 5.4:
The role of a program's theory of change
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Subtopic 5.5:
The distribution network and wiring
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Subtopic 6.1:
The principles of mini-grid financial modeling
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Subtopic 6.2:
The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
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Subtopic 6.3:
Tariffs, pricing, and revenue collection
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Subtopic 6.4:
Different business models (e.g., anchor tenants, productive-use)
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Subtopic 6.5:
The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
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Subtopic 7.1:
The importance of a community-centric approach
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Subtopic 7.2:
Building trust and managing expectations
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Subtopic 7.3:
The role of local leadership
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Subtopic 7.4:
The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
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Subtopic 7.5:
The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
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Subtopic 8.1:
The concept of productive-use appliances
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Subtopic 8.2:
The importance of a "data story map"
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Subtopic 8.3:
Identifying and supporting local entrepreneurs
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Subtopic 8.4:
The role of a program's theory of change
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Subtopic 8.5:
The link between energy access and poverty reduction
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Subtopic 9.1:
The role of smart meters in mini-grids
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Subtopic 9.2:
Pre-paid vs. post-paid systems
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Subtopic 9.3:
The use of Mobile Money and other payment platforms
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Subtopic 9.4:
The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"
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Subtopic 9.5:
Data management and security
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Subtopic 10.1:
The importance of a robust O&M plan
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Subtopic 10.2:
Remote monitoring and diagnostics
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Subtopic 10.3:
The role of a "clear and compelling KPI"
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Subtopic 10.4:
Training local technicians for maintenance
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Subtopic 10.5:
The lifecycle of mini-grid components
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Subtopic 11.1:
Hybridizing a mini-grid with a diesel generator
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Subtopic 11.2:
The role of a mini-grid in a multi-tier energy access strategy
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Subtopic 11.3:
The potential for grid extension
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Subtopic 11.4:
The importance of a "simple scorecard and a dashboard"
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Subtopic 11.5:
The future of integrated solutions
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Subtopic 12.1:
The role of supportive government policy
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Subtopic 12.2:
The importance of a "clear and consistent reporting style"
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Subtopic 12.3:
Regulatory frameworks for mini-grids
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Subtopic 12.4:
The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
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Subtopic 12.5:
The importance of a clear and focused research question
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Subtopic 13.1:
The project lifecycle of a mini-grid
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Subtopic 13.2:
Managing a team and a budget
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Subtopic 13.3:
The importance of a "data story map"
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Subtopic 13.4:
Sourcing components and managing logistics
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Subtopic 13.5:
The role of a "program's theory of change"
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Subtopic 14.1:
The funding landscape for mini-grids
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Subtopic 14.2:
The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
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Subtopic 14.3:
Different financing structures (e.g., grants, debt, equity)
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Subtopic 14.4:
The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
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Subtopic 14.5:
The role of carbon finance and other innovative models
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Subtopic 15.1:
Case study: A successful mini-grid project
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Subtopic 15.2:
Case study: A project that failed and the lessons learned
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Subtopic 15.3:
Case study: A mini-grid supporting a productive-use hub
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Subtopic 15.4:
Lessons from around the world
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Subtopic 15.5:
The role of a "clear and focused research question"
