Increasing Energy Access in Sierra Leone

Mini-grid survey analysis on tariffs, subsidies and productive use

The purpose of this study is to provide practical guidance and recommendations to the Government of Sierra Leone for the sustainable development of the country’s mini-grid sector by building upon lessons learned from the ongoing Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP) as well as from mini-grid sector development in Nigeria. 

Important lessons can be learned from the two countries with respect to their mini-grid policy and regulatory frameworks, market development approaches, and potential options for agricultural productive use of electricity (PUE) to facilitate both mini-grid electrification and rural economic development.

The report, prepared by GreenMax Capital Advisors, also compares and highlights lessons learned from mini-grid sector development in Nigeria. Specifically, the report focuses on:

• Mini-grid policy and regulatory environment (with a focus on tariffs and subsidies)
• Mini-grid productive use applications in the agricultural sector
• Mini-grid site selection criteria