Project R-11124

Social-economic Impacts of Renewable Solar Mini-grids for rural Communities in Tanzania - Analysis and Policy Improvement. (Research)

Proportionately, a larger part of the world especially in the developing world, has limited or no access to modern and clean energy services. Most of people with no access to clean energy reside in the rural areas where renewable energy sources are considered to be promising option. Renewable rural electrification particularly solar PV has been promising options for electricity in the rural communities in developing countries including Tanzania. With the increasing effort to electrify the rural areas, little is known about the social-economic impact of Solar mini-grids electrification to communities in rural areas. This study intends to analyse social-economic impacts of solar mini-grids rural electrification options in rural areas of Tanzania. It seeks to analyse a combination of technical, economical, and social aspects of solar mini-grid electrification options, taking into account the power supply uncertainties in the country. An analysis of community-owned potential beyond individual electrification towards productive use of the generated energy will be done. The study will use mixed method approach and selection of a case study will be done in a rural area where there is existing and operational solar PV mini-grids. The study is expected to establish user-oriented framework for solar mini-grids option for both social and economic challenges that rural communities are facing. Also, it will benefit the policymakers in Tanzania as it is in line with the government rural electrification programs which aims at increasing access to electricity in the rural areas to ensure sustainable development by 2030.

01 February 2021 - 31 December 2024