Mesh-Grids for Rural Electrification: New CrossBoundary Study Unveils a Scalable, Cost-Effective, and Resilient Solution

A new study from CrossBoundary's Innovation Lab, which is supported by Duke University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Rochester Institute of Technology, explores mesh-grids as a scalable, cost-effective and resilient solution to rural electrification, particularly in underserved and remote areas. The study compares between mesh-grids and mini-grid deployments with regards to technical and financial viability, with findings based on data collected from mesh-grids in Nigeria. The study shows that while mesh-grids are more expensive in the case of grid extension, its full deployment are 41% cheaper than conventional mini-grids, and have lower distribution costs. Additionally, mesh-grids demonstrated >96% reliability compared to 27-60% reliability at the mini-grid sites. The study concludes that mesh-grids are a reliable, cost-effective energy solution for unelectrified communities, with 100% of the beneficiaries reported improved lighting and 15% of them are using e-cooking solutions. However, the long-term efficacy of mesh-grids currently remains uncertain as large-scale deployments are still relatively new. Thus, further research, with larger samples and across different developers, is needed to gather more data and understand how operational practices and tariff structures affect performance, costs, and demand elasticity.