Accelerating Energy Access in Africa: Smart Integration of Solar Home Systems and Mini-grids
To achieve universal electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa, three solutions must be implemented: Solar Home Systems (SHS), mini-grids, and extension of the national grid. Each of these addresses a specific market segment. By combining the three options and better scheduling an intertwined implementation, we should be able to come to total electrification.
SHS and mini-grids have different business models. On one side, SHS are product and retail-centered and part of a rather mature market. On the other side, mini-grids deliver energy services and are built for the long-term with high capex. The mini-grid market is a young market which is still defining itself.
Currently, we are already implementing SHS and mini-grids in a complementary approach: electrifying the village center through a mini-grid and the outskirts with solar home systems. In this session we will explain how we will further develop this integrated approach working towards a sustainable business model which also captures economic and social value for a wide range of stakeholders.
Speaker:
Randa Mrabat
Product & Commercial Manager
ENGIE Energy Access
Randa is Product & Commercial Manager at ENGIE Energy Access (EEA), a leading energy access player in Africa offering both SHS and mini-grids solutions in 9 countries. She is in charge of the commercial strategy to enter new markets and develop EEA's mini-grids pipeline, from the tendering phase until the sites are operational. She holds a master's degree in Strategic Change Management from the University of Paris Saclay. Prior to her current position she was Business Developer at Orosound in charge of market research and development in the Paris region.
Product & Commercial Manager
ENGIE Energy Access
Randa is Product & Commercial Manager at ENGIE Energy Access (EEA), a leading energy access player in Africa offering both SHS and mini-grids solutions in 9 countries. She is in charge of the commercial strategy to enter new markets and develop EEA's mini-grids pipeline, from the tendering phase until the sites are operational. She holds a master's degree in Strategic Change Management from the University of Paris Saclay. Prior to her current position she was Business Developer at Orosound in charge of market research and development in the Paris region.