A MULTI-STAGE FRAMEWORK FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEPLOYMENT OF DECENTRALIZED HYBRID MINI GRIDS IN MARGINALIZED RURAL COMMUNITIES

KOFI AMPAW Nyarko

Achieving universal electricity access remains a critical development challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where centralized grid expansion is often economically infeasible due to dispersed rural populations, low demand density, and high infrastructure costs. Renewable energy (RE)-based mini grids have emerged as a technically viable solution for remote communities; however, many installations fail to achieve long-term sustainability. Persistent challenges continue to constrain their effectiveness. This thesis addresses these gaps by developing an integrated, multi-dimensional framework for the sustainable deployment of RE-based mini grids, grounded in the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental (PESTLE) tool. A mixed-methods research design was adopted to investigate the systemic drivers and challenges influencing mini grid deployment. First, a comprehensive scoping review and expert assessment identified the dominant challenges and drivers associated with off-grid RE projects in West Africa. Second, empirical data were collected from an operational hybrid solar-wind-diesel mini grid in Pediatorkope, Ghana. User surveys revealed that affordability, tariff perceptions, reliability, and the availability of productive-use opportunities significantly influence energy consumption patterns and system sustainability. Expert interviews underscored the importance of community engagement, local capacity development, regulatory enforcement, and donor–government alignment. A techno-economic optimization study using Xendee software further evaluated multiple design scenarios for enhancing system cost-effectiveness, and reliability. The findings show that optimized hybrid configurations with increased renewable penetration, adequate storage capacity, and adaptive load management strategies reduce the levelized cost of energy while accommodating future demand growth. Complementing this analysis, a structured evaluation of Ghana’s renewable energy policies indicated that although the country has made noteworthy progress—particularly in establishing mini grid regulatory guidelines—gaps persist in fiscal incentives, long-term financing frameworks, and implementation consistency. Synthesizing insights from the literature review, socio-economic analyses, techno-economic modelling, and policy assessment, the thesis proposes a comprehensive framework for sustainable mini grid implementation. The framework incorporates six interdependent pillars: (1) strong political commitment and institutional coordination; (2) innovative and inclusive financing models; (3) community centred socio-economic strategies; (4) technically robust and scalable design principles; (5) enforceable legal and regulatory structures; and (6) environmental and climate-resilience considerations. The thesis contributes to academic literature and policy practice by offering a context-sensitive, and operationally relevant model for planning and managing RE-based mini grids. Its findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers, development partners, regulators, and practitioners seeking to enhance mini grid sustainability, strengthen investment environments, and accelerate progress toward universal electricity access. The proposed framework also presents a foundation for future research, including multi-country comparative validation, advanced load forecasting models, and assessments of system performance under evolving socio-economic conditions.

A MULTI-STAGE FRAMEWORK FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEPLOYMENT OF DECENTRALIZED HYBRID MINI GRIDS IN MARGINALIZED RURAL COMMUNITIES

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