Case Study Details - Future of Power Systems - Geospatial least-cost electrification planning

Data-driven geospatial planning is redefining how countries pursue universal electrification. By combining satellite imagery, population mapping, infrastructure datasets, and renewable resource assessments, these tools calculate least-cost electrification pathways for underserved communities. Rather than relying solely on conventional network expansion, governments and utilities can simulate investment scenarios and coordinate grid, mini-grid, and off-grid options with spatial precision.

These platforms allow planners to assess updated geospatial access gaps, renewable potential, and connection costs. The approach turns electrification planning into an evidence-based, spatially optimized process – reducing planning uncertainty, improving transparency, and supporting more equitable access expansion.

Main outcomes of the solution

Affordability: Identifies least-cost grid, mini-grid, and off-grid pathways, lowering total investment needs and reducing cost per connection.
Socioeconomic Impact: Helps governments and developers target underserved and low-income regions, expanding access for households, schools, and enterprises.
Institutional Efficiency & Transparency: Uses open-data platforms and transparent modelling frameworks to improve coordination among public agencies, investors, and civil society.

Key deployment and scaling factors

Availability of high-resolution geospatial data covering population, demand, and infrastructure.
Integration of grid, mini-grid, and off-grid systems in least-cost modelling.
National adoption of data-driven electrification plans supported by clear policy frameworks.
Open-data standards and stakeholder engagement to promote transparency and coordination.
Skilled personnel in GIS analysis and energy modelling across utilities and planning agencies.
Robust data governance and interoperability standards to harmonize datasets across institutions.

Case Studies

World Resources Institute (WRI) (2023), Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

The Energy Access Explorer (EAE), developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI), is an open-source geospatial platform designed to strengthen evidence-based energy planning. The tool aggregates datasets on energy supply, demand, environment, infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors to identify priority areas for expanding modern energy services.

Initially implemented in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, EAE was co-developed with national and local governments, utilities, and civil society to improve data accessibility and coordination. According to WRI and analysis from partners such as the International Growth Centre, the platform has reached more than 23,000 users and broadened access to consolidated planning data. It has helped reduce manual data-collection requirements for national planners and accelerated preparation of electrification scenarios and renewable-energy plans. By consolidating fragmented datasets into a single open-access interface, EAE has supported more timely decision-making and improved institutional collaboration toward expanding energy access in East Africa.[1]

World Bank Group (2020), Sub-Saharan African countries

The World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) has supported least-cost geospatial electrification planning across nine Sub-Saharan African countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zambia, with further countries added in subsequent cycles. The program has also informed national electrification strategies in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Malawi.

Its freely accessible web-based planning tool enables users to model multiple scenarios for achieving universal access, combining open data with country-specific inputs. ESMAP complements this with training, technical assistance, and grants that strengthen GIS-based planning capacity and harmonize data standards across participating governments.[2,3,4,5]

References: