Productive uses of energy in rural microgrids

The Project

This project aims to foster economic development in rural Benin by promoting the productive uses of electricity (PUE) through solar mini-grids in Benin. It addresses the dual challenge of energy access and rural entrepreneurship, targeting underserved communities. The strategy focuses on enabling local businesses and cooperatives—especially those led by women—to thrive using clean, reliable energy, thus contributing to social equity and economic transformation.

Activities

The project is built around two core components:

1. Support for Economic Activities: Identification, training, and support for local micro-enterprises, provision of efficient and sustainable PUE equipment (like grain mills, refrigeration), and monitoring business performance.
2. Improvement of Energy Access: Optimization of solar mini-grid design and control (forecasting demand, sizing, smart metering), enabling reduced energy costs and enhanced supply quality.

These are complemented by awareness campaigns, gender empowerment efforts, and the development of tools and guidelines to replicate the approach in other villages.

In Practice

In its initial phase, the project will focus on 10 villages, with a target to eventually scale to over 70 rural communities. Activities include field missions, business coaching, installation of equipment, data collection, and capacity building. Women’s cooperatives and youth organizations will play a key role in driving entrepreneurship and community engagement.

Smart meters and real-time monitoring will help track electricity use and business productivity. Findings will inform national and international dissemination through open-access publications and seminars.

Project Duration and Partners

Duration: October 2024 – December 2028 (5 years)

Lead Institutions:

• Belgium: University of Liège (ULiège), Navitas, Eclosio
• Benin: OnePower Benin, Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi (EPAC/UAC), Inclusive, ANaF-BENIN

Together, these academic institutions, companies, and NGOs bring technical expertise, on-the-ground experience, and long-standing collaborations to support energy-driven rural entrepreneurship.