Research & Publications from the Mini-Grid Innovation Lab
Three critical barriers have hindered the mini-grid sector’s growth in Africa: challenging business model economics, complex regulatory environments, and, consequently, insufficient investment capital.
The CrossBoundary Mini-Grid Innovation Lab is pioneering evidence-based solutions to transform mini-grid economics:
- Our innovation prototypes strategically targets both sides of the economic equation: reducing capital and operational costs while simultaneously increasing revenue through enhanced energy consumption.
- We systematically test and validate innovations designed to boost mini-grid IRR to 12%—making them competitive with other infrastructure investment opportunities.
- Currently, through close collaboration with developers across multiple markets, our projections demonstrate that implementing the Lab’s prototypes can elevate mini-grid IRR to 9.5%—a significant step toward commercial viability.
This data-driven approach unlocks a pathway for increased private investment in mini-grids, accelerating sustainable energy access across underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Innovations on Cost Reduction
Our team has studied cost-cutting innovations, including second-life batteries, mesh-grids, multi-load smart meters and grid densification to reduce capital expenditure
Innovations on Cost Reduction
Innovations on Revenue Generation and Boosting Consumption
We have tested revenue generation and consumption strategies, including tariff reduction, appliance financing and targeted productive use of energy interventions
