IRENA’s Renewable Energy Innovation Outlook series analyses emerging trends in renewable energy technologies and examines ways to increase the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies. Each Innovation Outlook identifies technology-, industry- and policy-related challenges to be overcome and assesses the potential breakthroughs and research needed to scale-up the deployment of renewable-based solutions. Renewable mini-grids, offshore wind technologies, advanced liquid biofuels, and ocean energy technologies open the series.

Innovation Outlook: Renewable mini-grids examines ground-breaking innovations that can help to unlock future power supply for unserved areas and communities through the rapid roll-out of mini-grids based on solar, wind or other renewable sources. Continued research and development (R&D) and innovation are needed to make renewable mini-grids less costly, more environmentally friendly, more reliable and easier to install.

Report by IRENA