Assessing management models for off-grid renewable energy electrification projects using the Human Development approach: Case study in Peru

• Management models for off-grid renewable energy systems are analysed.
• Five projects in Peru are evaluated using the Human Development approach.
• Equity and diversity, sustainability, empowerment and productivity are analysed.
• New barriers that may limit the impact of the projects are identified.
• Several recommendations are proposed to overcome these barriers.

Electrification systems based on renewable energy have proven suitable for providing electricity autonomously to rural communities, thus reducing poverty. When implementing these systems, a management model is usually designed to maximise technical and financial sustainability. Different evaluations of management models have been made that usually centre on products and final utilities. However, this excessively utilitarian vision of development restricts an analysis of the impact that these projects may have on people’s lives. To overcome these limitations, we have used the Human Development approach to evaluate the management model of five electrification projects that use different technologies in Cajamarca (Peru). This approach enables a broader assessment of various key dimensions of development that should be considered in the management model. The results show the weaknesses of the design and implementation process of the management model. Several ideas are proposed to avoid these weaknesses and to maximise the chance of success.