Implementing a solar mini-grid in Kobe refugee camp: technical design, management and economic model

The objective of this report is to present the methodology employed in developing the final technical and management design, as well as the implementation strategy, for a solar mini-grid system aimed at providing energy access to critical communal services in the Kobe refugee camp and its host community. As part of the Alianza Shire project, the report focuses on improving energy access in these contexts through the deployment of a solar mini-grid supported by a sustainable, multi-stakeholder management model. Building on the initial phase, which assessed energy needs and defined the preliminary technical solution (documented in Designing a Mini-Grid in Kobe Refugee Camp: Input Data and Level of Energy Access in Communal Services by Pascual et al., 2024), this report elaborates on the finalized technical design, management framework, and implementation plan. The technical model optimizes energy generation and storage using solar PV technology and lithium-ion batteries to ensure high reliability and minimal environmental impact. The system has a total PV capacity of 126.96 kWp, designed to supply energy to 16 critical communal services, including health facilities, schools and administrative buildings, as well as to provide electric cooking in schools. The report also details a robust multi-stakeholder management model. This framework involves direct beneficiaries, such as institutions that receive energy services, local authorities, NGOs, and international organizations. The model ensures that financial contributions from beneficiaries cover operational costs (OPEX), while maintenance responsibilities are managed by a trained energy cooperative. Collaborative agreements define the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and commitment to long-term sustainability. Key lessons learned highlight the critical need to integrate technical expertise with local and institutional knowledge while fostering collaboration among diverse actors. Addressing challenges such as the instability of beneficiary institutions, technical risks during installation, and operational uncertainties required a combination of engineering precision, local insights, and stakeholder coordination. The success of the project underscores the importance of aligning technical design with practical, social, and institutional considerations, contributing to sustainable energy access and advancing global energy and development goals in humanitarian settings.