Mini-Grid Emissions Tool Cover note

The Mini-Grid Emissions Tool, developed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), addresses the lack of standardized carbon tracking in the mini-grid sector. Unlike previous methods that rely on a single default emissions factor and total energy generated, this tool calculates emissions avoided based on actual energy consumed and the diverse range of previous energy sources used by customers. It incorporates specific data for different household energy access tiers, kerosene lamp types, and fossil fuel generator efficiencies to provide a more accurate estimate of climatic benefits.

• The tool was created because existing methodologies often overestimate mitigation impact by basing calculations on total energy generated rather than energy consumed, and by assuming all consumers previously used a single fuel source.
• To improve accuracy, the tool accounts for three primary variables: the various energy sources used before the mini-grid was installed, the actual energy consumed by customers, and the specific generating sources of the mini-grid, including hybrid systems.
• The methodology utilizes a tiered approach to household energy access to estimate consumption. Tier 1 households (initial access) are estimated to consume 4.86 kWh/month for lighting, phone charging, and radio. Upon upgrading to Tier 2 via a mini-grid, consumption is projected to reach a plateau of 10 kWh/month as they add appliances like TVs.
• Baseline kerosene emissions are calculated using GOGLA weightings for lamp types (Pressurised, Hurricane, and Single Wick) and include black carbon as a significant short-lived pollutant.
• The tool distinguishes between previous fossil fuel generators and those used as mini-grid backup. It assigns a default emissions factor of 1 kgCO2/kWh for smaller previously used diesel generators and 0.8 kgCO2/kWh for larger modern mini-grid backup generators (35–135kW).
• For petrol generators, which are noted as more prevalent in rural Sub-Saharan Africa than small diesel units, the tool uses a default factor of 1.25164 kgCO2/kWh.

APA

Wagura, N., Soni, R., & Farley, S. (n.d.). Mini-Grid Emissions Tool Cover note. Sustainable Energy for All. https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2021-08/SEforALL_Carbon-emissions-methodology-note.pdf

Chicago

Wagura, Naomi, Ruchi Soni, and Sisana Farley. Mini-Grid Emissions Tool Cover note. Sustainable Energy for All, n.d. https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2021-08/SEforALL_Carbon-emissions-methodology-note.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Wagura |first1=Naomi |last2=Soni |first2=Ruchi |last3=Farley |first3=Sisana |title=Mini-Grid Emissions Tool Cover note |publisher=Sustainable Energy for All |url=https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2021-08/SEforALL_Carbon-emissions-methodology-note.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wagurandminigrid, author = {Wagura, Naomi and Soni, Ruchi and Farley, Sisana}, title = {{Mini-Grid Emissions Tool Cover note}}, institution = {Sustainable Energy for All}, url = {https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2021-08/SEforALL_Carbon-emissions-methodology-note.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }