A Feasibility Study on the Implementation of Solar Mini Grids in Rural Mozambique
(2024) MVKM05 20251Department of Energy Sciences
- Abstract
- Access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a significant challenge in many rural regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. This thesis presents a feasibility study for the implementation of a solar-powered mini-grid in Linga Linga, a rural village in the Inhambane province of Mozambique. Conducted in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Project Vita, the study focuses on Section B of the village, which currently lacks access to the national electricity grid.
Through a combination of field interviews, load analysis, geospatial mapping, and technical simulations using the System Advisor Model (SAM) and Sunny Design software, the study evaluates the energy demand of the local population and designs a decentralised solar... (More) - Access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a significant challenge in many rural regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. This thesis presents a feasibility study for the implementation of a solar-powered mini-grid in Linga Linga, a rural village in the Inhambane province of Mozambique. Conducted in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Project Vita, the study focuses on Section B of the village, which currently lacks access to the national electricity grid.
Through a combination of field interviews, load analysis, geospatial mapping, and technical simulations using the System Advisor Model (SAM) and Sunny Design software, the study evaluates the energy demand of the local population and designs a decentralised solar mini-grid capable of providing Tier 2 electricity access, as defined by the Multi-Tier Framework (MTF). The proposed system includes photovoltaic generation, lithium-ion battery storage and a backbone distribution line following the village’s main road. The results of the calculation shows that a system of 39 or 40 PV modules combined with inverters is enough to cover the calculated yearly energy load of about 31 000 kWh.
Social, environmental and governance (ESG) aspects are incorporated into the design process to ensure long-term sustainability. Findings indicate that a centralised or decentralised mini-grid is both technically viable and socially acceptable, offering improved living conditions, particularly when combined with smart metering and Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) payment models. The study concludes that solar mini-grids present a scalable and appropriate solution for rural electrification in Mozambique, provided that initial investment and community engagement are adequately addressed. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- Introduction:
In rural Mozambique, access to electricity is still a dream for many. This thesis dives into how a solar mini-grid can bring clean, affordable power to the isolated village of Linga Linga. Furthermore providing a way of boosting education, healthcare and economic opportunity in the area. The results show that solar energy is not just feasible, but a smart and sustainable solution to rural electrification.
Main text:
Electricity is something most of us take for granted, but in many parts of rural Sub-Saharan Africa, it’s still out of reach. In the village of Linga Linga in Mozambique, households live without reliable lighting, refrigeration or power for important appliances. This lack of access affects everything... (More) - Introduction:
In rural Mozambique, access to electricity is still a dream for many. This thesis dives into how a solar mini-grid can bring clean, affordable power to the isolated village of Linga Linga. Furthermore providing a way of boosting education, healthcare and economic opportunity in the area. The results show that solar energy is not just feasible, but a smart and sustainable solution to rural electrification.
Main text:
Electricity is something most of us take for granted, but in many parts of rural Sub-Saharan Africa, it’s still out of reach. In the village of Linga Linga in Mozambique, households live without reliable lighting, refrigeration or power for important appliances. This lack of access affects everything from education and healthcare to safety and gender equality. How do you solve this, especially in a community too remote or spread out for a traditional power grid?
Our project, in collaboration with the NGO Project Vita, set out to answer this question. The goal: to design a solar mini-grid tailored for Linga Linga that’s affordable, sustainable and meets the local community’s needs. Using software tools, geospatial mapping and on-the-ground interviews, we developed a plan for a system that generates electricity using solar panels, stores it in batteries, and distributes it through a backbone line running along the village’s main road.
The results? A system using 39–40 photovoltaic panels could meet the village’s estimated annual electricity needs, about 31 000 kilowatt-hours. The proposed design achieves Tier 2 electricity access (as defined by the World Bank’s Multi-Tier Framework), meaning it can support lighting, phone charging and small appliances like TVs or fans. Importantly, the system could include smart meters and a Pay-As-You-Go payment model to make energy affordable for everyone.
But it’s not just about technology, it’s also about people. Social and environmental factors were considered in the design to ensure long-term acceptance and sustainability. Interviews showed strong support for shared electricity solutions, especially when paired with fair pricing and local ownership. In fact, many residents expressed a desire for evening lighting and cold storage for food or medicine, simple things that can significantly improve quality of life.
This project is more than a technical exercise. It’s a model for what’s possible in other rural communities across Mozambique and beyond. With proper planning, community involvement and investment, mini-grids could play a major role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of universal energy access by 2030.
So, what’s the takeaway? A small village off the grid today could be tomorrow’s model of clean, reliable power. Powered by the sun and built by the community it serves. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9203091
- author
- Cernetig, Davide LU and Korsström, Emil
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- MVKM05 20251
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Mini-grid, Mozambique, Solar, PV, ESG, rural electrification, SDG7
- report number
- ISRN LUTMDN/TMPH-25/5654-SE
- ISSN
- 0282-1990
- language
- English
- id
- 9203091
- date added to LUP
- 2025-06-19 14:03:33
- date last changed
- 2025-06-19 14:03:33
@misc{9203091, abstract = {{Access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a significant challenge in many rural regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. This thesis presents a feasibility study for the implementation of a solar-powered mini-grid in Linga Linga, a rural village in the Inhambane province of Mozambique. Conducted in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Project Vita, the study focuses on Section B of the village, which currently lacks access to the national electricity grid. Through a combination of field interviews, load analysis, geospatial mapping, and technical simulations using the System Advisor Model (SAM) and Sunny Design software, the study evaluates the energy demand of the local population and designs a decentralised solar mini-grid capable of providing Tier 2 electricity access, as defined by the Multi-Tier Framework (MTF). The proposed system includes photovoltaic generation, lithium-ion battery storage and a backbone distribution line following the village’s main road. The results of the calculation shows that a system of 39 or 40 PV modules combined with inverters is enough to cover the calculated yearly energy load of about 31 000 kWh. Social, environmental and governance (ESG) aspects are incorporated into the design process to ensure long-term sustainability. Findings indicate that a centralised or decentralised mini-grid is both technically viable and socially acceptable, offering improved living conditions, particularly when combined with smart metering and Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) payment models. The study concludes that solar mini-grids present a scalable and appropriate solution for rural electrification in Mozambique, provided that initial investment and community engagement are adequately addressed.}}, author = {{Cernetig, Davide and Korsström, Emil}}, issn = {{0282-1990}}, language = {{eng}}, note = {{Student Paper}}, title = {{A Feasibility Study on the Implementation of Solar Mini Grids in Rural Mozambique}}, year = {{2024}}, }