A comparative study of small-scale rural energy service pathways for lighting, cooking and mechanical power

► Life cycle based analytical framework for rural energy service pathways (RESPs). ► Comparison of Jatropha-based RESPs for lighting, cooking and mechanical power. ► Weak performance of Jatropha oil in the categories lighting and cooking. ► The potential for power depends on capital, energy, labour, and transport intensity. ► Simultaneous use of plant oil and biogas at village scale shows best potential.