Aslan Eqbal - INENSUS GmbH

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Embark on a journey to the heart of Africa’s energy business, where the intricate dance of numbers in financial modeling for mini-grids is demystified. This episode brings the expertise of Kellie Murungi and Diego Perez to the table, guiding listeners through the numerical narrative that underpins the viability and strategic direction of renewable mini-grid initiatives. Uncover how these models serve as a compass, pointing towards the most promising project locations, robust implementation plans, and astute pricing tactics, ensuring that the light of sustainable energy continues to spread across the continent.

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

In this episode, my guests Penny-Jane Cooke and Brian Kawuma from Power for All, Abraham Mudasia from AMDA, and William Brent from Husk Power, unravel the intricacies of establishing professional campaigns and advocacy to amplify the mini-grid sector’s voice among policymakers, funders, financiers, and investors. We explore the synergies between marketing and advocacy, underscore the importance of backing mini-grid proponents within government ministries and regulatory bodies, and deliberate on potential sources of funding for these crucial activities. Finally, we discuss what effective messaging and appropriate communication channels might entail, aiming to craft strategies that resonate deeply with our intended audiences.

JANUARY 31, 2024

Join us as we explore the future of solar mini-grid technology with INENSUS experts Dipta Majumder and Mike Arasa Ratemo. This episode illuminates the advancements in solar mini-grids, highlighting the shift from diesel generators to more eco-friendly solutions. We delve into component market price trends, the emergence of sodium-ion batteries, and the increasing influence of Chinese inverters, all pivotal in shaping the scalability and design of mini-grid systems.

JANUARY 17, 2024

The complexity of the mini-grid business stands at the forefront of Tobias Engelmeier from VIDA and Emily McAteer from Odyssey Energy’s discussion, hosted by Nico Peterschmidt from INENSUS / MicroPower Manager Open Source. They explore how software can be a pivotal tool in managing the multifaceted challenges of this sector.

JANUARY 3, 2024

Every mini-grid construction is a high-stakes adventure, where the unexpected lurks at every turn. In this gripping podcast episode, my guests Chris Rollins and Davide Ceretti, take listeners on a thrilling journey into the heart of constructing solar mini-grids in Africa’s most challenging terrains.

DECEMBER 20, 2023

Explore the African mini-grid sector’s pivotal moments in 2023 in this year-end episode. Join Joanis Holzigel, COO of INENSUS, and host Nico Peterschmidt as they reflect on the year’s significant developments in mini-grids.

DECEMBER 13, 2023

Here is PART 2 of “Where to go next – Which countries are at the top of the funders’ list?”.

DECEMBER 6, 2023

Ever wondered how mini-grid grant funders think, decide and act? In this insightful episode, we’re thrilled to host a panel of experts from the forefront of funding Africa’s mini-grid sector. Join us as Benjamin Curnier from AFDB SEFA, Tatia Lemondzhava from World Bank ESMAP, and Dennis Nderitu from GEAPP delve into the mechanics of driving mini-grid initiatives across Africa. They’ll illuminate the strategic differences in funding pivotal projects by major institutions and the critical role of client governments in these endeavors. This is PART 1 of the discussion. PART 2 will be published one week after PART1.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

In this enlightening episode, join Jakob Schmidt-Reindahl and Nico Peterschmidt, co-founders of INENSUS and pioneers in the mini-grid domain, as they guide us through the evolution of third-generation mini-grids since the early 2000s. They delve into the significant developments in mini-grid policies, technological advancements, and funding over the past two decades.

NOVEMBER 8, 2023

In this episode, we’re graced by the presence of Anita Otubu from SE4All’s Universal Energy Facility and Lamide Niyi-Afuye from the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association. They offer a rich dialogue on the intricacies of the Universal Energy Facility, the dynamics of performance-based grants, and the strategy behind minimum subsidy tenders.

OCTOBER 25, 2023

In this episode we are thrilled to host Grace Perkins, Chief Growth Officer of the African Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA), and Samuel Bunnya, Project Coordinator of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR). Together with the podcast’s host Nico Peterschmidt, they unpack how the natural monopoly of a mini-grid can be steered by regulation that supports positive and collaborative effects while minimizing exploitation of power on all sides of this mini-monopoly.

OCTOBER 11, 2023

In this pivotal episode, we unravel the often misunderstood process of due diligence in the context of mini-grid financing. We are joined by industry maestros, Capucine Leroux from STOA (equity perspective), and Marco Villalpando from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank (debt perspective), who skillfully dissect the various facets of due diligence, transforming it from a formidable challenge into an accessible, manageable task.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

In this intellectually stimulating episode, we delve deeper into economic phenomena that are often overlooked in the context of deep rural mini-grids: Price Elasticity of Demand and Economies of Scale. Join us as Nico Peterschmidt, the CEO of INENSUS, and Diego Perez (PhD, CFA), INENSUS’ Head of Consultancy, delve into the intricate world of price elasticity and its critical role in shaping economic perspectives in mini-grid settings.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

In this insightful episode, Nico Peterschmidt from INENSUS takes the helm, engaging in a fascinating dialogue with Kyle Hamilton of Nuru Sasu and Erik Hersman from Gridless.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

Uncover the intricacies of managing customer relations in the world of mini-grid operations with our seasoned experts, Anayo Okenwa from Nayo Tropical Technologies, and Ahmed Rajab Khamis from Jumeme Rural Power Supply.

Working Paper

Price elasticity of demand is rural mini-grids has not received much attention so far, even if it has a critical impact on how tariffs should be regulated and set, and how grants and subsidies should be structured. In this paper we explore its implications and call for more research on this relevant topic.

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Hosted by Nico Peterschmidt, CEO of INENSUS

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Nico and guests explore real-life experiences with mini-grid companies in Africa and Asia. The podcast challenges the sector’s status quo, inviting listeners of all backgrounds to engage in discussions and knowledge-sharing for a sustainable future.

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Press Release

Decentralized Utilities may now use the next level of MicroPowerManager to lower their operational cost, increase their operational efficiency and maximize customer satisfaction. Download the press release to find out more.

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