Best The MiniGrid Podcasts (2025)

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State of the Sector: Nico at INENSUS’ 20th Anniversary 15:48

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4d ago15:48

15:48

Send us a text Join us for a special episode featuring Nico’s State of the Sector address, delivered in Nairobi during INENSUS’ 20th anniversary celebration in September 2025. In this keynote, Nico reflects on two decades of impact, explores today’s challenges and opportunities, and shares a forward-looking vision for the future of the sector. Link…

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Bridge Financing Minigrid Construction 57:54

1M ago57:54

57:54

Send us a text Results-Based Financing (RBF) is now the go-to model for mini-grid subsidy disbursement—but there’s a catch: the money only comes after the connections are in place. That means developers have to front the $400–800 per connection cost for construction and equipment, creating a serious funding gap. In this episode, we chat with Fernan…

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Containers vs. pre-fab vs. constructed power houses 1:01:50

5M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Send us a text What's the best way to house a mini-grid system in remote areas? Should developers opt for the plug-and-play convenience of containerized solutions, the flexible modularity of prefabricated structures, or the permanence of traditional powerhouses? This question lies at the heart of scaling sustainable energy access to millions withou…

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Mergers and acquisitions as a path to financial sustainability of mini-grids 1:03:13

5M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

Send us a text Minigrids need scale to become profitable — and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) can be a powerful way to get there fast. But what does it really take to acquire or merge with another mini-grid company? How do you structure a deal that works? In this episode, host Kellie Murungi (INENSUS) sits down with Matthew Orosz (OnePower) and Prosp…

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INENSUS' 2025 Mini-Grid Market Outlook 54:38

8M ago54:38

54:38

Send us a text Join Kellie, Diego, and Nico from INENSUS' management as they peer into the future of the mini-grid sector for 2025 and beyond. If you're still shaping your strategy for the year, this episode could offer valuable insights to guide your planning. Disclaimer: Projections discussed are speculative, and INENSUS assumes no liability for …

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DC Mesh Grids 58:06

10M ago58:06

58:06

Send us a text In recent years, DC mesh grids have gained recognition as a cost-effective and safe low-voltage solution for rural electrification, particularly for residential customers and small shops with power needs below 3-5 kW. In this episode, host Nico dives into the advantages and challenges of this emerging technology and the business mode…

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How minigrids can help solve the migration crisis 50:50

11M ago50:50

50:50

Send us a text Migration remains a pressing issue in Europe and the United States, often spurred by conflict but increasingly influenced by climate change as a root cause. In this episode, Nico Peterschmidt and Jakob Schmidt-Reindahl from INENSUS explore how rural electrification and industrialization in Africa can strengthen resilience against cli…

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The cooperative movement 57:28

11M ago57:28

57:28

Send us a text Community-owned electric cooperatives transformed rural electrification in the USA, raising access from 10% to 90% in just 15 years starting in the late 1930s. This successful model has since been replicated in regions like South America and countries such as the Philippines and Bangladesh. In Africa, this movement is now beginning t…

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Impact and reach - Is it time for a paradigm shift in minigrid financing? 58:21

1y ago58:21

58:21

Send us a text Minigrid scale-up efforts are currently falling short of meeting SDG 7 targets, particularly in Africa, where private minigrid companies must evolve and professionalize to achieve sustainable growth. With limited capital available for building the next generation of top-tier utilities, the sector faces a significant corporate financi…

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Project finance for mini-grids 51:47

1y ago51:47

51:47

Send us a text Project finance has been instrumental in scaling large, grid-connected renewable energy projects, with well-established approaches that have facilitated trillions of dollars in lending to the sector. The result has been access to low-interest, long-term financing. This is exactly what mini-grids need to achieve similar success and gr…

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Mini-grid funder ratings 49:08

1y ago49:08

49:08

Send us a text Mini-Grid CEOs have long voiced concerns over the inconsistent and overly complicated funding methodologies that vary significantly across different funders and countries, leading to prolonged delays in electrification efforts. Similar frustrations are echoed in the processes of securing equity and debt. Host Nico is joined by Kyle S…

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Interconnected Mini-Grids: Opportunities and Challenges 49:42

1y ago49:42

49:42

Send us a text Interconnected Mini-Grids provide reliable electricity to underserved main-grid connected customers. They are a new phenomenon in the mini-grid space and beyond that provide profitable investment opportunities to mini-grid companies thanks to significantly larger electricity demand in semi-urban areas, where interconnected mini-grids…

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Rural Industrialization with mini-grids 1:38:41

1y ago1:38:41

1:38:41

Send us a text In this flagship episode, we uncover the transformative power of Rural Industrialization through mini-grids with insights from industry leaders Peter Nyeko of Mandulis Energy (Uganda), Camille André-Bataille of Anka (Madagascar), and Oluwatobi Soyombo of Havenhill Synergy Limited (Nigeria). The host Nico Peterschmidt of INENSUS (Tanz…

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Podcasters - "The Mini-Grid Business" meets "The Energy Talk" - PART 2 15:59

1+ y ago15:59

15:59

Send us a text This is part 2 of the meeting between Olu from "The Energy Talk" and Nico from "The Mini-Grid Business". In this session, we delve into the complexities, breakthroughs and innovations within the mini-grid industry based on Olu’s extensive knowledge of the electrification landscape across Africa. Below are some links to "The Energy Ta…

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Podcasters - "The Mini-Grid Business" meets "The Energy Talk" - PART 1 31:27

1+ y ago31:27

31:27

Send us a text As a podcaster, you meet people and gain a good overview of what the sector is all about. Therefore, it is sometimes enlightening to talk to fellow podcasters and get their view on the sector. That is exactly what Olubunmi Olajide from the podcast "The Energy Talk" and Nico Peterschmidt from "The Mini-Grid Business" did during the En…

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Mini-grid consultancy - beneficial or harmful? 1:02:29

1+ y ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Send us a text Mini-grid consultants support the establishment of regulation or grant funding programs for the sector, advise on transactions or conduct due diligences. However, recent years have seen growing tensions between consultants and mini-grid companies. Host Nico confronts consultants Moses Kakooza (independent consultant, Uganda) and Mayl…

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The Mini-Grid Due Diligence One-Stop-Shop 27:03

1+ y ago27:03

27:03

Send us a text Mini-Grid Due Diligences are always complex and costly? - Wrong! The Mini-Grid Due Diligence One-Stop-Shop established by INENSUS, DETAIL Solicitors and Steinbeis Consulting Impact Investing reduces complexities by providing one contact point for all parts of a mini-grid due diligence (demand, technical, commercial, legal, environmen…

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Mini-grid company valuation in equity transactions 42:31

1+ y ago42:31

42:31

Send us a text Unlock the hidden complexities of mini-grid company valuation with the brilliant minds of Brian Lukera Wambani from Camco and Michael Feldner from the GET.invest Finance Catalyst. This episode promises to equip you with the nuanced understanding required to navigate the valuation challenges faced by mini-grid enterprises, which opera…

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Productive for whom? - balancing energy productivity and community productivity 53:27

1+ y ago53:27

53:27

Send us a text In this episode, Aaron Leopold and Edwin Kwesiga from EnerGrow discuss the impact of introducing productive electricity in rural areas. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies of providing asset financing in rural small businesses in Africa, particularly for entrepreneurs and individuals with modest incomes. EnerGrow's …

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The mini-grid and solar home system multi-technology approach – a way towards more finance for the sector? 56:09

1+ y ago56:09

56:09

Send us a text Learn from Lynne Wesonga of Crossboundary Access and Gillian-Alexandre Huart from ENGIE Energy Access about the untapped potential of integrating mini-grids, solar home systems and other power supply technologies under one unified management and financing structure. This innovative approach aims to harvest synergies, reduce costs, an…

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I-RECs, P-RECs, D-RECs, R-RECs - revenue opportunities for mini-grid companies 59:01

1+ y ago59:01

59:01

Send us a text Explore with us Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), a potentially lucrative revenue stream for operators of renewable mini-grids. We delve into the various forms of RECs, including I-RECs, P-RECs, D-RECs, and R-RECs, breaking down their characteristics, differences, and unique features. Our expert guests Linda Wamune (P-RECs), Stut…

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Mini-grid financial modeling 1:11:26

1+ y ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Send us a text 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 directio…

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Mini-Grid Marketing and Advocacy 1:08:38

1+ y ago1:08:38

1:08:38

Send us a text 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 syner…

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Solar mini-grid technology - trends and markets 52:55

1+ y ago52:55

52:55

Send us a text 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…

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Managing complexity - digital tools for the mini-grid space 54:18

1+ y ago54:18

54:18

Send us a text 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. Emily pa…

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Mini-grid logistics - daring the impossible 56:34

1+ y ago56:34

56:34

Send us a text 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 remote and challenging terrains. They reveal the daunti…

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The mini-grid year 2023 wrapped up 25:48

1+ y ago25:48

25:48

Send us a text 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. Tune in for insights and see you in 2024! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/ Tw…

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Where to go next – Which countries are at the top of the funders’ list? PART 2 44:38

1+ y ago44:38

44:38

Send us a text Here is PART 2 of "Where to go next – Which countries are at the top of the funders’ list?". Enjoy! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/ Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com) Visit www.inensus.com for more info.By Nico Peterschmidt / INENSUS

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Where to go next – Which countries are at the top of the funders’ list? PART 1 41:16

2y ago41:16

41:16

Send us a text 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 …

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A little mini-grid history (from an INENSUS perspective) 55:35

2y ago55:35

55:35

Send us a text 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 …

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The perfect RBF - standardized vs. custom fit 1:14:42

2y ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Send us a text 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 …

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The mini-grid monopoly – Gift or curse 1:08:34

2y ago1:08:34

1:08:34

Send us a text 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 s…

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Surviving Due Diligence - how to meet investors' & financiers' expectations 59:00

2y ago59:00

59:00

Send us a text 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 vario…

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Price elasticity in mini-grids - Impacts of an effect that everybody knows but few understand 33:11

2y ago33:11

33:11

Send us a text 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 …

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Monetizing stranded electricity to reduce demand risk - A way towards 100% renewable mini-grids 1:02:47

2y ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Send us a text 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. Dive into the challenges and innovations of managing surplus electricity in mini-grids, especially in the dynamic landscapes of the Democratic Republic of the Co…

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How to respond to exacting demands - Challenging relations with mini-grid customers 37:06

2y ago37:06

37:06

Send us a text 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. Discover how they navigate the choppy waters of customer complaints about high tariffs and the delicate balance of …

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Anchor loads, productive use and rural industrialization - Business model successes and failures 1:02:49

2y ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Send us a text Dive into the fascinating realm of mini-grids and Rural Industrialization in this podcast episode with Brad Mattson of Husk Power and John Kidenda from PowerGen. Together, they embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of the anchor load model and discuss the significance of productive users in a well-rounded electricity custome…

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The Financing Jungle – Getting access to finance for infrastructure without having a profitable business 59:36

2y ago59:36

59:36

Send us a text Did you know that financing mini-grids in Africa can spark a transformation in the infrastructure sector? Beatrice Mutoni from InfraCo Africa and Humphrey Wireko from Cross Boundary Energy Access will take you on a tour through the intricacies of elevating these vital projects. Gain invaluable insights as they delve into the struggle…

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Trailer: The Mini-Grid Business 3:02

2y ago3:02

3:02

Send us a text Are you ready to redefine your understanding of solar mini-grids and their influence on rural electrification? Brace yourself for a thrilling journey as we pull back the curtain on the ins and outs of the mini-grid business realm. As the CEO of INENSUS, I've had the unique privilege of collaborating with over 100 mini-grid companies …

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Financing Energy Access 47:57

2+ y ago47:57

47:57

In this episode, we speak with six panellists working in energy access: Amaury Fastenakels: Chief Marketing Officer, BBOXX, Michael Sudarkasa: Chief Executive Officer, Africa Business Group, Karl Skare: Managing Director of Global Partnerships and Strategy, d.light, Raghav Sachdeva: Chief Investment Officer, Nithio, and Emily McAteer: Founder & CEO…

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Telecoms companies in off-grid energy with Naomi Kioi (Greenlight Planet) 40:43

4y ago40:43

40:43

In this episode, we speak to Naomi Kioi from Greenlight Planet, one of the largest solar companies in Africa. Greenlight Planet is a social-mission, for profit company which has sold over 1.3m of their Sun King products since 2009 working in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria, expanding at a rate of over 65,000 new solar installations per month. …

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Product management for solar systems with Cameron Smith (ZOLA Electric) 54:38

4y ago54:38

54:38

We speak with Cameron Smith, Product Management Lead at ZOLA Electric, on the process and challenges of developing energy solutions for emerging markets. We discuss: The types of products ZOLA Electric has developed Challenges of product management for energy solutions Differences in customer needs and demands across various geographies. Contact us…

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Minigrid maintenance with Tonya James and Piper Wilder (60Hertz) 52:13

4+ y ago52:13

52:13

We speak with Tonya James and Piper Foster Wilder and from 60Hertz. 60 Hertz develops maintenance software for off-grid microgrids in remote locations, including solutions for areas where mobile and internet connectivity may be poor. They’re based in Alaska, which is home to 13% of the world’s microgrids, and are expanding their operations and work…

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Innovative solar business models with Brave Mhonie (SunnyMoney / SolarAid) 39:54

4+ y ago39:54

39:54

In this conversation, we speak with Brave Mhonie, General Manager of SunnyMoney in Malawi. SunnyMoney is the largest seller and distributor of solar lights in Africa, and is a social enterprise owned by SolarAid, an international UK-based charity. We speak about their business model innovations to enable Sunny Money to grow sales in a sustainable a…

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Household solar in Malawi with Maya Stewart (Yellow Solar Power) 1:00:42

4+ y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

In this episode, we speak with Maya Stewart, co-founder of Yellow Solar Power, a digital-first solar energy retailer in Malawi. Contact us at [email protected] Visit us at www.distributingsolar.com Follow us on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/distrib_solar ) and LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/distributing-solar/ ) Episode not…

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Mini-grid data platform for emerging markets with Emily McAteer and Eitan Hochster (Odyssey Energy Solutions) 54:32

5y ago54:32

54:32

In this episode, we speak with Emily McAteer, CEO and Cofounder at Odyssey Energy Solutions and Eitan Hochster, VP of Business Development. Odyssey is a web-based platform that is facilitating rapid deployment of microgrids in emerging markets. Their data platform manages how mini-grid data is analyzed and communicated via software tools, data anal…

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(Short version) Data analytics and digitalisation in off-grid energy with Tobias Engelmeier (VIDA) 42:53

5y ago42:53

42:53

We speak to Tobias Engelmeier from TFE Energy and VIDA about data and analytics in the off-grid energy access sector, focusing on digital planning. This is the shorter version of our conversation; full conversation also available. Contact us at [email protected] Visit us at www.distributingsolar.com Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn VID…

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(Full version) Data analytics and digitalisation in off-grid energy with Tobias Engelmeier (Village Data Analytics / VIDA) 57:35

5y ago57:35

57:35

We speak to Tobias Engelmeier from TFE Energy and VIDA about data and analytics in the off-grid energy access sector. Contact us at [email protected] Visit us at www.distributingsolar.com Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn VIDA website: https://www.villagedata.io/ Show notes: (1:55) Tobias' background and how he entered the energy sector…

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Clean Cooking and Productive Energy (Part 2) with Abhishek Jain (CEEW) 46:13

5y ago46:13

46:13

In this episode, we speak with Abhishek Jain from CEEW in India. We speak about Clean Cooking, and Abhishek shares his top 12 (not-so-obvious) findings about the Productive Energy Use industry. Visit us at www.distributingsolar.com Contact us at [email protected] Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn CEEW: company website Abhishek Jain's Na…

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Productive Energy Use in India (Part 1) with Abhishek Jain (CEEW) 36:49

5y ago36:49

36:49

We speak with Abhishek Jain from the Council for Energy Environment and Water in India. We discuss energy access, productive energy use, solar water pumps, and the electricity sector in India. Visit us at www.distributingsolar.com Contact us at [email protected] Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Show notes: (1:40) Introduction to CEEW, …