1 Comparative evaluation of rural electrification project plans: a case study in Mexico D.F. Gómez-Hernández 1 , B. Domenech 2,3 *, J. Moreira 5 , N. Farrera 5 , A. López- González 1,2 , L. Ferrer-Martí 2,4 1 Institute of Sustainability, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – Barcelona Tech, Spain 2 Institute of Industrial and Control Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – Barcelona Tech, Spain 3 Serra Hunter Fellow, Department of Management, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – Barcelona Tech, Spain 4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – Barcelona Tech, Spain 5 Institute of Basic and Applied Sciences, Arts and Science University of Chiapas, Mexico Corresponding author (*): bruno.domenech@upc.edu; (+34) 934.016.579 Av. Diagonal 647, Pavilion H, Floor 11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain Abstract Rural electrification project plans (REPP) aim to expand electricity access through adequate systems for communities without this service in developing countries. Many REPP have been developed, using different strategies in terms of energy uses covered, energy resources, electricity distribution and management models. This paper aims to analyze and compare REPP strategies. To do so, an evaluation methodology is developed, using a novel three-level assessment approach: the general definition at regional scale, the technical design at local scale, and the operation and maintenance (O&M) management. More specifically, ad hoc criteria are defined at each level to examine REPP fulfilment through quantitative and qualitative indicators. As case study, three plans from Chiapas (Mexico) are evaluated: national grid extension with national O&M; individual photovoltaic systems with regional O&M; and wind-photovoltaic microgrids with local O&M. Thus, the strengths and limitations of each REPP are identified in terms of strategies at regional scale, local scale and management model. Results show the ability of large plans to provide electricity to many families, while small plans may be adapted to the specific needs of end-users. The proposed criteria and indicators can be easily adjusted to evaluate REPP in different contexts to strengthen future plan strategies. Keywords: rural electrification project plans; renewable energy; microgrids; isolated communities 1. Introduction Access to modern energy, and electricity in particular, is essential for improving population quality of life, education and health. Nowadays, around 1.1 billion people live without access to electricity [1], mainly in rural areas of developing countries. There are several strategies to increase electricity coverage [2], such as the national grid extension, though it is often too expensive in remote, scattered and inaccessible areas [3]. Alternatively, stand-alone systems are commonly implemented, and the electricity generation and distribution must be designed [4]. In these projects, electricity generation can be based on conventional technologies such as diesel generators, which have been widely used in recent decades [5]. However, renewable energy (such as wind and solar) are increasingly receiving attention [6]. Unlike conventional technologies, renewables take advantage of local resources, reducing external dependence and can be a reliable and affordable option in rural areas of developing countries [7]. Electricity distribution can be developed by means of individual systems (independent generation and distribution for each consumption point) or microgrids (where a single generation point supplies several consumption points) [8]. Microgrids increase the wiring cost but also have significant benefits in comparison with individual systems, such as taking advantage of high resource locations or greater flexibility in consumption [9].