Holistic masterplanning for resilient mini-grids: A case study methodology analysis applied to rural communities in Palestine

Abstract

In emerging economies with limited infrastructure mini-grids offer a cost-effective solution to provide power compared to traditional grid extension. Mini-grids are a microcosm where a number of factors including technical, social, political, environmental and operational aspects closely exist and interact. A successful mini-grid is masterplanned by holistically considering all these factors. Its success can be defined as the contribution of the mini-grid to key target development, sustainability and resilience goals. A case study methodology to review mini-grids in emerging economies is proposed in this paper. For a typical case study, the methodology produces a SWOT assessment for five key analysis sectors and then presents an evaluation of the performance of the mini-grid against the identified target goals. The novelty of the proposed method is in its comprehensive, holistic approach and its focus on resilience as one of the target goals for the mini-grid. Resilience refers to a system's ability to perform, learn, adapt and transform in the event of multiple, complex and uncertain hazards and events such as natural disasters, extreme weather conditions and conflicts. The paper demonstrates that the concept of resilience (and its associated qualities) are highly applicable to complex systems such as mini-grids.