Best The MiniGrid Podcasts (2025)

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

1
Direct Air Capture In Africa: Octavia Carbon’s Journey to a $5M Seed Round 42:22

3M ago42:22

42:22

Register for the Included VC Africa Reimagined: VC & Beyond Summit Join Diana Maranga, Head of Commercialization at Octavia Carbon, as she shares her unique journey from growing up inspired by environmental hero Professor Wangari Mathai to leading a pioneering direct air capture and storage company in Kenya. In this episode, Diana discusses Octavia…

1
Blended Finance for Impact: How GreenMax Capital is Energizing Emerging Markets 43:16

4M ago43:16

43:16

In this episode, Ifechukwude 'Chude' Uwajeh, Managing Director of Blended Finance at GreenMax Capital Group, shares his professional journey from large-scale thermal power projects to clean energy advisory and fund management. He discusses the challenges of electrification in Africa, the importance of creative financing models, and the implementati…

1
Meet The Team: Bonus Episode 6:55

4M ago6:55

6:55

Quick and casual check with the team behind the podcast on our plans for the year. Sign up for our newsletter (we have not yet changed the name): https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here

1
The Earthbond Approach: Transforming Energy Access Through Innovation 44:29

4M ago44:29

44:29

In this episode of The Energy Talk, we sit down with the CEO of Earthbond, Chidalu Onyenso, to explore the company’s innovative approach to solving Nigeria’s energy crisis through solar energy solutions tailored for SMEs. We explore Earthbond's mission, financing models, and the challenges of scaling renewable energy solutions in underserved region…

1
INENSUS' 2025 Mini-Grid Market Outlook 54:38

5M 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 …

1
DC Mesh Grids 58:06

7M 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…

1
How minigrids can help solve the migration crisis 50:50

7M 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…

1
Asset Financing: How Payhippo is making solar products affordable 38:51

8M ago38:51

38:51

Dami Olawoye joins us as we explore his remarkable career as a finance veteran turned clean energy champion and his role in revolutionizing solar energy financing in Nigeria as the CEO of Payhippo. From a big four-chartered accountant to leading a startup, our guest shares how his organization has raised $5 million to tackle Nigeria's electricity c…

1
The African Mini-Grid Program: Mobilizing Catalytic Finance Episode 2 36:06

8M ago36:06

36:06

Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-hereRecorded live during the Energy Access Investment Forum in May, this 2 part mini-series covers the African Mini-Grid Program (AMP). The AMP is a USD 50 million country-led technical assistance program designed to stimulate the solar-battery mini-grids marke…

1
The cooperative movement 57:28

8M 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…

1
Investing Equity in African Infrastructure: InfraCo Africa’s $300M Journey 33:26

9M ago33:26

33:26

Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-here InfraCo Africa is one of the few financiers that provides equity investments in large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa. Typically investing in projects in the early stages of their development, all the way through construction and operational stages…

1
Impact and reach - Is it time for a paradigm shift in minigrid financing? 58:21

9M 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…

1
The African Mini-Grid Program: Mobilizing Catalytic Finance Episode 1 40:15

9M ago40:15

40:15

Subscribe to our Clean Energy Africa newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dc168bd41a97/sign-up-hereRecorded live during the Energy Access Investment Forum in May, this 2 part mini-series covers the African Mini-Grid Program (AMP). The AMP is a USD 50 million country-led technical assistance program designed to stimulate the solar-battery mini-grids marke…

1
Project finance for mini-grids 51:47

10M 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…

1
Mini-grid funder ratings 49:08

10M 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…

1
Interconnected Mini-Grids: Opportunities and Challenges 49:42

10M 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…

1
State of The African Minigrid Business: INENSUS GmbH 36:19

11M ago36:19

36:19

Nico joins us this week to share from his two decades of experience deploying Decentralized Renewable Energy projects, consulting governments on off-grid electrification policy, and what the emerging trends mean for financiers looking into Sub-Saharan Africa.This episode has already been published on "The Mini-Grid Business" podcast hosted by Nico.…

1
Creating an African Clean-Tech Unicorn: Arnergy Solar Company 48:32

11M ago48:32

48:32

Arnergy is a renewable energy company providing solar solutions to residential and commercial customers. Combined, Arnergy has raised $12M in a Series A and bridge round and is now gearing up for a big Series B fundraiser. In this episode, we speak with the company's CFO, James Fabola Jr., about operating in a difficult market and exciting growth o…

1
Rural Industrialization with mini-grids 1:38:41

11M 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…

1
Podcasters - "The Mini-Grid Business" meets "The Energy Talk" - PART 2 15:59

12M 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…

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

12M 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…

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

1y 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…

1
The Mini-Grid Due Diligence One-Stop-Shop 27:03

1y 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…

1
Empowering The Last Mile: SolarAid’s Unique Model to Scaling Energy Access. 38:57

1y ago38:57

38:57

In this episode, we explore SolarAid's visionary work under CEO John Keane, aiming to deliver sustainable energy solutions to remote African communities. Focused on last mile areas, SolarAid's unique model tackles energy poverty while empowering communities with clean, affordable energy access. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, SolarAi…

1
Mini-grid company valuation in equity transactions 42:31

1y 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…

1
Productive for whom? - balancing energy productivity and community productivity 53:27

1y 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 …

1
The mini-grid and solar home system multi-technology approach – a way towards more finance for the sector? 56:09

1y 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…

1
The GridCrux Story: How one Energy Entrepreneur is Democratizing Energy Access in Nigeria 38:53

1y ago38:53

38:53

In this episode, we speak to Mojola Ola, a Nigerian-based energy entrepreneur about how his company, GridCrux, is channeling its core ethos of value-add to democratize energy access for thousands of Nigerians. We delve into his roots, entrepreneurial journey, innovations, and failures in a bid to uncover what it takes to thrive as an energy entrepr…

1
I-RECs, P-RECs, D-RECs, R-RECs - revenue opportunities for mini-grid companies 59:01

1y 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…

1
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…

1
De-risking Procurement and Financing to Accelerate Scale for Renewable Energy Companies in Nigeria 29:46

1+ y ago29:46

29:46

Doing business in Nigeria is often fraught with challenges, especially on an operational scale amidst business models that involve cross-border transactions. In this episode, we speak to Justin Tinsey, the Vice President of Procurement, about Odyssey Energy Solution's innovative framework to de-risking procurement through its partnerships and syste…

1
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…

1
Funding Climate Impact with Persistent Capital 1:01:17

1+ y ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Climate venture building is a concept that is not very common within sub-Saharan Africa. In this episode, we interview Tobias and Wairimu from Persistent Energy, a company deploying "persistent" financial and human resource capital to result in climate impact along energy, agriculture, mobility, and the circular economy. We talk about Persistent's …

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 8: Rethinking Policy and Finance for Distributed Renewables 1:01:37

1+ y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

In the eighth and final episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Henok Assefa - Founder and Managing Partner at PRECISE, and Dr. Paul Yillia - COO and Technical Advisor, TENN to find out how policy design and finance go hand-hand in ensuring that farmers in rural communities can afford their energy needs fo…

1
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…

1
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

1
Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 7: Distributed Cooling to Create and Capture Markets 42:37

1+ y ago42:37

42:37

In the seventh episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Anshul Ojha - Founder and Principal anchor for the Desert Resource Center, and Ralph Roothaert - Principal Investigator – Veggies 4 Planet & People (V4P&P) Project and Country Director – of Kenya Eastern and Southern Africa (World Vegetable Center).…

1
A $10M Partnership to Scale Energy Access: CrossBoundary and Mobile Power's Historic Deal 38:10

1+ y ago38:10

38:10

In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of the landmark $10M partnership between Crossboundary Access (CBA) and Mobile Power–a partnership that promises to unlock energy access for over 300,000 people within Nigeria.By Lynne Wesonga, Luke Burras, Olubunmi Olajide, Chigozie Ubah

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

1+ y 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 …

1
A little mini-grid history (from an INENSUS perspective) 55:35

1+ y 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 …

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

1+ y 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 …

1
Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 6: Closing the Cooling Gap with Distributed Renewables 34:15

1+ y ago34:15

34:15

In the sixth episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we are joined by Nirmita Chandrashekar a licensed architect and Senior Program Manager with SELCO Foundation in India, and Bijal Brahmbatt from the Mahila Housing Trust or MHT, a non-profit that was selected as a Women Changemakers India Fellow by Womanity Foundation. In…

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

1+ y 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…

1
Distributed Energy For People & The Planet Ep. 5: Delivering health justice through distributed renewables 32:46

1+ y ago32:46

32:46

In the fifth episode of the Distributed Energy For People & The Planet series, we continue our conversation from the last episode of the series joined by Shweta Narayan from the India-based NGO "Health Care Without Harm", and Shri Ram Kumar S, IAS - Project Director of the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MEGHSSP).…

1
Surviving Due Diligence - how to meet investors' & financiers' expectations 59:00

1+ y 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The MiniGrid Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen