COSMO (Cooking Support on Mini-Grids) challenge fund information webinar 16.09.2022

Summary

The webinar introduces a challenge fund aimed at integrating modern energy cooking services into mini-grid planning for electricity access, focusing on quality, reliability, and sustainability. Funded by UK Aid, it seeks innovative business plans for mini-grids with electric cooking loads, offering two phases of funding. Phase one involves formative research, while phase two is for implementing the business case for e-cooking on mini-grids, with a total fund of £200,000. The goal is to promote clean energy and profitability in mini-grid development.

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Q & A

What is the purpose of the Modern Energy Cooking Services Program?

The Modern Energy Cooking Services Program is a seven-year initiative funded by UK Aid, aiming to integrate modern energy cooking services into electricity access planning for quality, reliability, and sustainability.

How does the program plan to address the clean cooking challenge?

The program plans to leverage investment in renewable energy, particularly electrical renewable energy for both grid and off-grid solutions, to address the clean cooking challenge by integrating cooking needs into the planning for electricity access.

What is the main goal of the challenge fund offered in the webinar?

The challenge fund aims to strengthen the utilization of mini grids for electrical energy-efficient appliance cooking, making it easier to technically fit the challenge and create a profitable mini grid for developers.

How is the challenge fund structured in terms of phases?

The challenge fund is structured in two phases. Phase one involves a formative research and inception stage to establish a business case for the mini grid with and without cooking. Phase two is for implementing the business case for e-cooking on the mini grid.

What is the total funding available for the challenge fund, and how is it distributed across the two phases?

The total funding available for the challenge fund is £200,000, split across the two phases as £50,000 for phase one and £150,000 for phase two.

What are the deliverables expected for phase one of the challenge fund?

For phase one, the deliverable is a detailed business plan and a model for the chosen mini grid, including a load profile, demonstrating how existing data can support new data collection during the inception phase.

What is the importance of planning e-cooking as a load from the start in mini grid development?

Planning e-cooking as a load from the start is important because it can make the mini grid development more viable and profitable, as it creates increased demand that fits the mini grid's capabilities and helps in the transition to clean energy.

What type of renewable energy sources can be used for the mini grids in the challenge fund?

The mini grids can use any renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, wind, or biofuels, as long as they contribute to the goal of clean and sustainable energy.

Is there a minimum number of users or households that the mini grid must serve?

No, there is no minimum number of users or households that the mini grid must serve. The focus is on presenting a viable business plan for the mini grid, including e-cooking.

How can applicants demonstrate the potential for e-cooking to be integrated into an existing or new mini grid?

Applicants can demonstrate the potential by using the five months of phase one to plan and model how e-cooking can be incorporated into the mini grid, showing the technical and financial viability of the integration.

What support is available for applicants who may need to upgrade their mini grid infrastructure to accommodate e-cooking?

The phase two funding of £150,000 can be used for mini grid development, which may include upgrading infrastructure to support e-cooking, provided it contributes to the overall viability and profitability of the mini grid.