8. Conclusion

The development of mini-grids goes hand in hand with the electrification (mainly rural) of areas where the main grid is not present. The design choices for these socio-technical infrastructures are based on a variety of considerations, including technical constraints, of course, but also regulatory ones. Financial, contractual, and commercial aspects complete the picture of criteria guiding technological choices. Finally, we must not forget socio-environmental considerations, which shape not only how the energy distributed by these mini-grids will be used, but also how it will be produced.

This article outlines the main guidelines for developing such infrastructure, proposing a structured framework for future decision-makers, which will be explored in greater detail in the next articles in this series.