Mini-grids session IV: Integrated electrification systems: The evolving role of mini-grids

Session objectives

To examine how energy sector planning, regulatory frameworks, and financing mechanisms, particularly Results-Based Financing (RBF), can evolve to position mini-grids as essential infrastructure within integrated energy systems, enabling more flexible, service-oriented delivery models while remaining grounded in current developer realities. 

As mini-grids take on an expanding role beyond energy access, there is growing recognition that they can contribute to grid reliability, climate resilience, and economic development. However, existing planning, procurement, and financing approaches remain largely technology-specific and project-based, limiting their ability to support integrated, demand-driven solutions. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to move toward more flexible, service-oriented models (Energy-as-a-Service), yet most developers remain early-stage and constrained by current market structures. This session will explore how public-sector frameworks can better align with both current realities and emerging directions in the sector. 

Key Themes 

• Mini-grids as essential infrastructure complementing national grids 

• Shifting from technology-specific to demand-driven, integrated energy planning 

• Bridging developer realities with emerging service-oriented models (EaaS) 

• Designing RBF to incentivize service outcomes, not just connections or technologies 

• Clarifying utility–developer roles and reducing integration risks 

• Unlocking investment through better-aligned policy and market frameworks