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Welcome to "The Mini-Grid Business," hosted by Nico Peterschmidt, CEO of the consultancy company INENSUS. With nearly two decades of experience working with over 100 mini-grid companies across Africa and Asia, INENSUS created a podcast, which becomes your gateway to the world of rural electrification through mini-grids. In each episode, Nico and his guests – seasoned experts who have navigated the complexities of the mini-grid sector – offer candid insights based on real-life experiences. Wh ...
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We are the storytellers of Sub-Saharan Africa's energy transition, covering the perspectives of Financiers, Policymakers, and Operators dedicated to pushing the continent towards a sustainable energy future. The podcast is hosted by Olubunmi Olajide and produced by Chigozie Ubah. New episode every two weeks.
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Send us a Text Message. Project finance has been instrumental in scaling large, grid-connected renewable energy projects, with well-established approaches that have facilitated trillions of dollars in lending to the sector. The result has been access to low-interest, long-term financing. This is exactly what mini-grids need to achieve similar succe…
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Send us a Text Message. Mini-Grid CEOs have long voiced concerns over the inconsistent and overly complicated funding methodologies that vary significantly across different funders and countries, leading to prolonged delays in electrification efforts. Similar frustrations are echoed in the processes of securing equity and debt. Host Nico is joined …
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Send us a Text Message. Interconnected Mini-Grids provide reliable electricity to underserved main-grid connected customers. They are a new phenomenon in the mini-grid space and beyond that provide profitable investment opportunities to mini-grid companies thanks to significantly larger electricity demand in semi-urban areas, where interconnected m…
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Nico joins us this week to share from his two decades of experience deploying Decentralized Renewable Energy projects, consulting governments on off-grid electrification policy, and what the emerging trends mean for financiers looking into Sub-Saharan Africa. This episode has already been published on "The Mini-Grid Business" podcast hosted by Nico…
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Arnergy is a renewable energy company providing solar solutions to residential and commercial customers. Combined, Arnergy has raised $12M in a Series A and bridge round and is now gearing up for a big Series B fundraiser. In this episode, we speak with the company's CFO, James Fabola Jr., about operating in a difficult market and exciting growth o…
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Send us a Text Message. In this flagship episode, we uncover the transformative power of Rural Industrialization through mini-grids with insights from industry leaders Peter Nyeko of Mandulis Energy (Uganda), Camille André-Bataille of Anka (Madagascar), and Oluwatobi Soyombo of Havenhill Synergy Limited (Nigeria). The host Nico Peterschmidt of INEN…
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Send us a Text Message. This is part 2 of the meeting between Olu from "The Energy Talk" and Nico from "The Mini-Grid Business". In this session, we delve into the complexities, breakthroughs and innovations within the mini-grid industry based on Olu’s extensive knowledge of the electrification landscape across Africa. Below are some links to "The …
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Send us a Text Message. As a podcaster, you meet people and gain a good overview of what the sector is all about. Therefore, it is sometimes enlightening to talk to fellow podcasters and get their view on the sector. That is exactly what Olubunmi Olajide from the podcast "The Energy Talk" and Nico Peterschmidt from "The Mini-Grid Business" did duri…
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Send us a Text Message. Mini-grid consultants support the establishment of regulation or grant funding programs for the sector, advise on transactions or conduct due diligences. However, recent years have seen growing tensions between consultants and mini-grid companies. Host Nico confronts consultants Moses Kakooza (independent consultant, Uganda)…
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Send us a Text Message. Mini-Grid Due Diligences are always complex and costly? - Wrong! The Mini-Grid Due Diligence One-Stop-Shop established by INENSUS, DETAIL Solicitors and Steinbeis Consulting Impact Investing reduces complexities by providing one contact point for all parts of a mini-grid due diligence (demand, technical, commercial, legal, e…
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SolarAid is an international development charity working alongside communities in the most rural and hard-to-reach areas of sub-Saharan Africa to tackle poverty and the climate crisis through access to clean, safe solar lights. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which advocates for universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable…
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Send us a Text Message. Unlock the hidden complexities of mini-grid company valuation with the brilliant minds of Brian Lukera Wambani from Camco and Michael Feldner from the GET.invest Finance Catalyst. This episode promises to equip you with the nuanced understanding required to navigate the valuation challenges faced by mini-grid enterprises, wh…
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Aaron Leopold and Edwin Kwesiga from EnerGrow discuss the impact of introducing productive electricity in rural areas. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies of providing asset financing in rural small businesses in Africa, particularly for entrepreneurs and individuals with modest incomes. En…
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The mini-grid and solar home system multi-technology approach – a way towards more finance for the sector?
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Send us a Text Message. Learn from Lynne Wesonga of Crossboundary Access and Gillian-Alexandre Huart from ENGIE Energy Access about the untapped potential of integrating mini-grids, solar home systems and other power supply technologies under one unified management and financing structure. This innovative approach aims to harvest synergies, reduce …
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GridCrux is a technology and power infrastrucure company that develops, engineers, finances and deploys alternative energy solutions to the unserved and underserved segments of the African continent. The company's solutions leverage existing technology, primarily multiple energy management systems, as a means of delivering optimized energy solution…
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Send us a Text Message. Explore with us Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), a potentially lucrative revenue stream for operators of renewable mini-grids. We delve into the various forms of RECs, including I-RECs, P-RECs, D-RECs, and R-RECs, breaking down their characteristics, differences, and unique features. Our expert guests Linda Wamune (P-RE…
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Send us a Text Message. Embark on a journey to the heart of Africa's energy business, where the intricate dance of numbers in financial modeling for mini-grids is demystified. This episode brings the expertise of Kellie Murungi and Diego Perez to the table, guiding listeners through the numerical narrative that underpins the viability and strategic…
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De-risking Procurement and Financing to Accelerate Scale for Renewable Energy Companies in Nigeria
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Odyssey's mission is to accelerate the clean energy transition in emerging markets. The Odyssey platform connects financiers, solar companies and equipment suppliers in one place to facilitate transactions, streamline processes and scale investment into distributed renewable energy. Financiers use Odyssey to source and manage deals, solar companies…
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, my guests Penny-Jane Cooke and Brian Kawuma from Power for All, Abraham Mudasia from AMDA, and William Brent from Husk Power, unravel the intricacies of establishing professional campaigns and advocacy to amplify the mini-grid sector's voice among policymakers, funders, financiers, and investors. We explore …
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Founded in 2010, Persistent Energy is Africa’s Climate Venture Builder and a leading investor. The company provides essential support including finance, strategic guidance, governance, technical and legal expertise to early-stage companies committed to creating sustainable impact. They have developed and deployed an interesting venture building mod…
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Send us a Text Message. Join us as we explore the future of solar mini-grid technology with INENSUS experts Dipta Majumder and Mike Arasa Ratemo. This episode illuminates the advancements in solar mini-grids, highlighting the shift from diesel generators to more eco-friendly solutions. We delve into component market price trends, the emergence of s…
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Send us a Text Message. The complexity of the mini-grid business stands at the forefront of Tobias Engelmeier from VIDA and Emily McAteer from Odyssey Energy's discussion, hosted by Nico Peterschmidt from INENSUS / MicroPower Manager Open Source. They explore how software can be a pivotal tool in managing the multifaceted challenges of this sector.…
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Send us a Text Message. Every mini-grid construction is a high-stakes adventure, where the unexpected lurks at every turn. In this gripping podcast episode, my guests Chris Rollins and Davide Ceretti, take listeners on a thrilling journey into the heart of constructing solar mini-grids in Africa's most remote and challenging terrains. They reveal t…
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Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 8: Rethinking Policy and Finance for Distributed Renewables
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In the eighth and final episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Henok Assefa - Founder and Managing Partner at PRECISE, and Dr. Paul Yillia - COO and Technical Advisor, TENN to find out how policy design and finance go hand-hand in ensuring that farmers in rural communities can afford their energy needs fo…
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Send us a Text Message. Explore the African mini-grid sector's pivotal moments in 2023 in this year-end episode. Join Joanis Holzigel, COO of INENSUS, and host Nico Peterschmidt as they reflect on the year's significant developments in mini-grids. Tune in for insights and see you in 2024! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/myco…
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Send us a Text Message. Here is PART 2 of "Where to go next – Which countries are at the top of the funders’ list?". Enjoy! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/ Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com) Visit www.inensus.com for more info.由Nico Peterschmidt / INENSUS
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Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 7: Distributed Cooling to Create and Capture Markets
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In the seventh episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Anshul Ojha - Founder and Principal anchor for the Desert Resource Center, and Ralph Roothaert - Principal Investigator of – Veggies 4 Planet & People (V4P&P) Project and Country Director – of Kenya Eastern and Southern Africa. This series is hosted by…
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In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of the landmark $10M partnership between Crossboundary Access (CBA) and Mobile Power–a partnership that promises to unlock energy access for over 300,000 people within Nigeria. CrossBoundary is an investment firm focused on unlocking capital for sustainable growth and strong returns in underserved markets…
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Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how mini-grid grant funders think, decide and act? In this insightful episode, we're thrilled to host a panel of experts from the forefront of funding Africa's mini-grid sector. Join us as Benjamin Curnier from AFDB SEFA, Tatia Lemondzhava from World Bank ESMAP, and Dennis Nderitu from GEAPP delve into the mech…
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Send us a Text Message. In this enlightening episode, join Jakob Schmidt-Reindahl and Nico Peterschmidt, co-founders of INENSUS and pioneers in the mini-grid domain, as they guide us through the evolution of third-generation mini-grids since the early 2000s. They delve into the significant developments in mini-grid policies, technological advanceme…
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we're graced by the presence of Anita Otubu from SE4All's Universal Energy Facility and Lamide Niyi-Afuye from the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association. They offer a rich dialogue on the intricacies of the Universal Energy Facility, the dynamics of performance-based grants, and the strategy behind minimum…
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Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 6: Closing the Cooling Gap with Distributed Renewables
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In the sixth episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Nirmita Chandrashekar a licensed architect and Senior Program Manager with SELCO Foundation in India, and Bijal Brahmbatt from the Mahila Housing Trust or MHT, a non-profit that was selected as a Women Changemakers India Fellow by Womanity Foundation. In…
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode we are thrilled to host Grace Perkins, Chief Growth Officer of the African Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA), and Samuel Bunnya, Project Coordinator of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR). Together with the podcast's host Nico Peterschmidt, they unpack how the natural monopoly of a mini-grid…
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Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 5: Delivering health justice through distributed renewables
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In the fifth episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we continue our conversation from the last episode of the series joined by Shweta Narayan from the India-based NGO "Health Care Without Harm", and Shri Ram Kumar S, IAS - Project Director of the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MEGHSSP). This series is hos…
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Send us a Text Message. In this pivotal episode, we unravel the often misunderstood process of due diligence in the context of mini-grid financing. We are joined by industry maestros, Capucine Leroux from STOA (equity perspective), and Marco Villalpando from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank (debt perspective), who skillfully dissect …
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Price elasticity in mini-grids - Impacts of an effect that everybody knows but few understand
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Send us a Text Message. In this intellectually stimulating episode, we delve deeper into economic phenomena that are often overlooked in the context of deep rural mini-grids: Price Elasticity of Demand and Economies of Scale. Join us as Nico Peterschmidt, the CEO of INENSUS, and Diego Perez (PhD, CFA), INENSUS’ Head of Consultancy, delve into the i…
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Monetizing stranded electricity to reduce demand risk - A way towards 100% renewable mini-grids
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Send us a Text Message. In this insightful episode, Nico Peterschmidt from INENSUS takes the helm, engaging in a fascinating dialogue with Kyle Hamilton of Nuru Sasu and Erik Hersman from Gridless. Dive into the challenges and innovations of managing surplus electricity in mini-grids, especially in the dynamic landscapes of the Democratic Republic …
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Donor-funded catalytic capital has been an integral part of the growth of the off-grid energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa by de-risking new technologies and business models. David Arinze joins us in this episode to discuss the ecosystem impact and growth of projects funded by catalytic capital and how it is allowing organizations to scale enough t…
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Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 4: Distributed renewables transform rural health and healthcare
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In the fourth episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Rachita Misra - Associate Director of Knowledge and Advocacy with SELCO Foundation in India, and Heather Adair-Rohani - Acting Head of Air Quality, Energy and Health at the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss the energy and health nexus. Focusing…
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Send us a Text Message. Uncover the intricacies of managing customer relations in the world of mini-grid operations with our seasoned experts, Anayo Okenwa from Nayo Tropical Technologies, and Ahmed Rajab Khamis from Jumeme Rural Power Supply. Discover how they navigate the choppy waters of customer complaints about high tariffs and the delicate ba…
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Anchor loads, productive use and rural industrialization - Business model successes and failures
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Send us a Text Message. Dive into the fascinating realm of mini-grids and Rural Industrialization in this podcast episode with Brad Mattson of Husk Power and John Kidenda from PowerGen. Together, they embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of the anchor load model and discuss the significance of productive users in a well-rounded electricit…
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The Financing Jungle – Getting access to finance for infrastructure without having a profitable business
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Send us a Text Message. Did you know that financing mini-grids in Africa can spark a transformation in the infrastructure sector? Beatrice Mutoni from InfraCo Africa and Humphrey Wireko from Cross Boundary Energy Access will take you on a tour through the intricacies of elevating these vital projects. Gain invaluable insights as they delve into the…
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Send us a Text Message. Are you ready to redefine your understanding of solar mini-grids and their influence on rural electrification? Brace yourself for a thrilling journey as we pull back the curtain on the ins and outs of the mini-grid business realm. As the CEO of INENSUS, I've had the unique privilege of collaborating with over 100 mini-grid c…
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Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 3: Making Small-Hold Farmers ‘Risk-Ready’ in The Face of Climate Change
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In the third episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Supriya Gowda - Project Manager of Agriculture for the SELCO Foundation, and Makena Ireri - former Director of Clean Energy Access Research at CLASP to discuss distributed energy for agriculture in the Global South, focusing on small-hold farmers in Indi…
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Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 2: Energy and Efficiency Support Aspirations of Small Holder Farmers
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In the second episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Ganesh Neelam-Director of Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI) and Huda Jaffer-Director of SELCO Foundation to discuss how improving access to clean affordable energy and energy efficient equipment & services is critical for small an…
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In the first episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Harish Hande: founder of SELCO Foundation, and Gauri Singh: Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to discuss the important role that policy and innovation plays in ensuring equitable outcomes in the push towards SDG…
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CrossBoundary is an investment firm focused on unlocking capital for sustainable growth and strong returns in underserved markets. Identifying Africa as one of the critically underserved markets a decade ago, CrossBoundary began its operations on the continent as an investment advisory for businesses and projects. A few years later, the firm identi…
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In 2019, Eric Steinberger acted upon the frustrations he encountered when searching for digestible, entry-point resources on climate change and its solutions. Together with Isabel Key, he founded ClimateScience--a platform that took its first steps on Instagram. A couple of months after launch, the ClimateScience page went from a few hundred follow…
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Green steel is metal manufactured using a hybrid process powered by hydrogen, as opposed to fossil fuels. Mainstream adoption of green steel could be as far as 2026 and will significantly decarbonize heavy industries. Niklas Wahlberg, Vice-President of Societal Changes and Solutions at the Volvo Group, joins us this week to discuss the development …
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Uli Lehr, Head of Socio-Economics at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), joins us this week to discuss the human costs of decarbonizing heavy industries and the role governments and multi-national organizations need to play in the push for a just and equitable transition in the industry sector. Recommended Reading World Energy Transi…
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