The Quest for Resilient Sustainable Development and Low-Carbon Energy Transitions: Investigating the Challenges and Success Factors for Mini-Grids in Malawi

Vincent Mwale, Richard Blanchard (), Tiyamike Ngonda, Richard Nkhoma, Chukwudi Ogunna and Long Seng To
Additional contact information
Vincent Mwale: Energy Systems Department, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu Private Bag 201, Malawi
Richard Blanchard: Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK
Tiyamike Ngonda: Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Richard Nkhoma: Department of Engineering, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi
Chukwudi Ogunna: Centre for Sustainable Transitions: Energy Environment and Resilience (STEER), Geography and Environment, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK
Long Seng To: Centre for Sustainable Transitions: Energy Environment and Resilience (STEER), Geography and Environment, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: Renewable energy mini-grids are considered a cost-effective way to provide electricity for a large proportion of the population in developing countries who do not have access to it. Compared with standalone home systems and national grid systems, mini-grids can potentially offer a better service. They can be deployed faster, making them essential for sustainable development, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of developing countries. However, mini-grids often face challenges regarding their resilience, and many fail to survive beyond their pilot phases. This paper aims to identify the factors contributing to the success of mini-grids and to identify common themes that can help existing and future mini-grid developments become more resilient and influence policy decision making. To achieve this goal, we developed a database of the status of mini-grids in Malawi, with the energy generation resource(s) of their installed capacity, enabling factors, and challenges. We undertook a more detailed investigation of two hydro mini-grid systems—Bondo and Chipopoma. We collected qualitative and quantitative data through literature reviews, site visits, interviews, and observations. The study identified 19 mini-grids with a combined installed capacity of 26 MW. Of these, seven had been abandoned, and one was under development. Several factors that affect successful mini-grid efficacy in Malawi were identified, including financial resourcefulness, technical resourcefulness, policies and regulations, community engagement and capacity building, cross-sector linkages, and institutional organisational frameworks. These factors need to be integrated into decision making by all stakeholders to ensure the enhancement of resilience and the sustainable development of mini-grids.

Keywords: mini-grids; energy transitions; resilience; renewable energy; hydropower (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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