The Impact of Mini-Grids on Rural Energy-Access Indicators in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Ibanga Effiong, Gabrial Anandarajah, Olivier Dessens · 2026 · Energies

Summary. Mini-grids expand rural electrification in developing countries, but service quality varies widely. This systematic review of 22 studies (2005–2025) finds that electrification rates improve frequently, but availability ranges from 5 to 24 hours daily with demand-capacity mismatches common. Affordability is well-documented but varies by location. Reliability and power quality remain poorly measured. Mini-grids deliver real benefits, but inconsistent metrics and short monitoring periods limit evidence quality.

Read the original

@article{effiong-2026-impact-mini-grids-rural-energy,
  title   = {The Impact of Mini-Grids on Rural Energy-Access Indicators in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review},
  author  = {Ibanga Effiong and Gabrial Anandarajah and Olivier Dessens},
  journal = {Energies},
  year    = {2026},
  doi     = {10.3390/en19061441},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.3390/en19061441}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - The Impact of Mini-Grids on Rural Energy-Access Indicators in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review
AU  - Ibanga Effiong
AU  - Gabrial Anandarajah
AU  - Olivier Dessens
JO  - Energies
PY  - 2026
DO  - 10.3390/en19061441
UR  - https://doi.org/10.3390/en19061441
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.3390/en19061441

Countries

United Kingdom

Regions

Europe

Categories

energy, rural-data-and-definitions, general-innovation

Added

2026-04-29