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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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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Interconnected Mini-Grids: Opportunities and Challenges
49:42
49:42
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49:42
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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Rural Industrialization with mini-grids
1:38:41
1:38:41
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1:38:41
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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Podcasters - "The Mini-Grid Business" meets "The Energy Talk" - PART 2
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15:59
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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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Podcasters - "The Mini-Grid Business" meets "The Energy Talk" - PART 1
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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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Mini-grid consultancy - beneficial or harmful?
1:02:29
1:02:29
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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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The Mini-Grid Due Diligence One-Stop-Shop
27:03
27:03
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27:03
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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Mini-grid company valuation in equity transactions
42:31
42:31
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42:31
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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Productive for whom? - balancing energy productivity and community productivity
53:27
53:27
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53:27
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?
56:09
56:09
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56:09
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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I-RECs, P-RECs, D-RECs, R-RECs - revenue opportunities for mini-grid companies
59:01
59:01
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59:01
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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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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Solar mini-grid technology - trends and markets
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52:55
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52:55
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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Managing complexity - digital tools for the mini-grid space
54:18
54:18
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54:18
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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Mini-grid logistics - daring the impossible
56:34
56:34
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56:34
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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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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Where to go next – Which countries are at the top of the funders’ list? PART 2
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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.By Nico Peterschmidt / INENSUS
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Where to go next – Which countries are at the top of the funders’ list? PART 1
41:16
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41:16
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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A little mini-grid history (from an INENSUS perspective)
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55:35
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55:35
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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The perfect RBF - standardized vs. custom fit
1:14:42
1:14:42
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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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The mini-grid monopoly – Gift or curse
1:08:34
1:08:34
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1:08:34
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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Surviving Due Diligence - how to meet investors' & financiers' expectations
59:00
59:00
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59:00
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
33:11
33:11
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33:11
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
1:02:47
1:02:47
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1:02:47
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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How to respond to exacting demands - Challenging relations with mini-grid customers
37:06
37:06
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37:06
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
1:02:49
1:02:49
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1:02:49
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
59:36
59:36
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59:36
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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