New CESET Report - Power to the People: Do With or Do For?

Dr Aran Eales, Research Fellow in Electronic And Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde has been commissioned to produce a report for CESET entitled "Power to the People: Do With or Do For? Exploring Community Agency in African Mini-grids".

The deployment of mini-grids represents a transformative opportunity for enhancing energy access in Africa. Achieving this potential requires prioritising community engagement, adopting sustainable business practices, and ensuring equitable financing. By fostering inclusive energy solutions that empower local communities, stakeholders can significantly contribute to the realisation of SDG7 and support broader development goals. Transforming rural communities requires providing energy alongside enabling broader socio-economic development and improving the quality of life for millions across Africa.

Access to reliable electricity remains a critical challenge for many communities in Africa, impeding economic growth and social development. Mini-grids offer a decentralised solution to address these challenges by providing affordable and clean energy. However, the effectiveness of mini-grids is contingent upon understanding the unique needs of local communities and promoting active participation in energy governance. 

This report examines communities' pivotal role in establishing and maintaining decentralised energy infrastructure, focusing on mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa. By exploring approaches to mini-grid deployment across the continent, the report illuminates the multifaceted dynamics shaping energy transitions in rural African contexts. 

Down downlaod the full report via the link below.