Project Scope
Design, partial financing, deployment, and operation of hybrid mini-grids under a rural micro-concession
Client
AGER (Guinean Rural Electrification Agency)
Year
2025
Region
West Africa
The Challenge
Reliable Electrification for Off-Grid Communities
Guinea Conackry’s rural areas face extremely low electrification rates, with only 3% of households having access to power and no expectation of grid extension within the next decade. AGER’s pilot initiative aims to introduce a scalable PPP model for long-term rural energy access, balancing affordability with investment viability. IPT PowerTech and Orange Guinea were selected to deliver mini-grids across zones 3 and 4, addressing the need for reliable, cost-efficient power systems in remote communities.
The Solution
A Hybrid, Private-Sector–Led Micro-Concession Model
IPT PowerTech, in consortium with Orange Guinea, is deploying a solar-battery-diesel hybrid generation and distribution system built to AGER’s technical specifications. The project includes design, execution studies, partial investment (20–30%), equipment supply, construction, operation, and long-term maintenance under a 20-year renewable micro-concession. The technical architecture integrates high-efficiency PV arrays, Li-Ion storage, and optimized diesel backup to ensure stable supply and controllable OPEX. A targeted subsidy mechanism—based on financial models and operator business plans—keeps tariffs affordable while enabling a replicable PPP framework that can scale across rural regions.
Results
Sustainable, Scalable Rural Electrification
The initiative establishes a robust model for private-sector-driven electrification in areas unlikely to be served by the national grid. By combining hybrid generation with long-term operational accountability, the program provides reliable electricity, lowers lifetime energy costs, and reduces diesel dependency. The project strengthens Orange Guinea and IPT PowerTech’s strategic positioning in the rural energy sector and lays the foundation for future mini-grid expansion aligned with Guinea’s national electrification plan and PNDES objectives.
Related Solutions
