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Access to decentralized energy solutions is critical for the development of rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). One form of decentralized energy technology, agrivoltaics (AV), has gained attention in the last decade as a means to tackle energy poverty in off-grid communities. The success of renewable energy (RE) projects of any kind, however, depends on existing challenges and risks that may be faced at different stages. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify and analyze the main risk factors when implementing agrivoltaics on a community level in SSA. Based on the PESTLE framework, the paper develops a first risk classification system for international agrivoltaic projects in rural farming communities in SSA. By making use of a mixed-methods approach, the research enables the prioritization of potential risks in terms of their occurrence and significance; furthermore, it discusses mitigation strategies. Results indicate that there are various multifaceted risks associated with agrivoltaics, primarily including financial challenges and regulatory barriers. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement as well as a need for long-term community engagement and capacity building to ensure a successful implementation and sustainability of agrivoltaic projects. • Development of the first risk classification system for international agrivoltaic projects in rural communities in SSA. • A mixed-methods approach was used for identifying, classifying and rating potential risks. • Financial risks and regulatory barriers appear to be highly critical. • In addition, stakeholder involvement and long-term community engagement were considered essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the viability of utilizing agricultural biomass-based energy potential, employing mathematical, engineering, and economic modeling techniques. Moreover, the potential of a biogas-based co-digestion (CD) system, integrating its techno-economic performance and environmental sustainability in terms of electricity generation, has also been studied. In this investigation, the categorization of 25 different plant species into two groups: arable field crops (AFCs) and horticultural plants (HPs), was performed. Data was collected during the 2021‐–2022 cropping season in Bangladesh from various sources, including literature reviews, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. The findings revealed that the available agricultural biomass residues, totaling 1,02,585.75 KT, have the capacity to generate 1,33,815 million m3/year of biogas. This energy potential corresponds to 291,125.85 TJ/year or 9231.60 MW of electricity, which can fulfill 88% of the national total energy demand. In terms of levelized cost, the proposed approach is more competitive and shows a greater promise compared to other technologies. Furthermore, it demonstrates environmental friendliness by reducing CO 2 emissions by 156 tons at a cost of $7/ton while earning $1092 annually from the potential carbon-credit market. This approach presents a potential solution to address Bangladesh's energy crisis. The payback period of the system ranged from 2.93 to 3.75 years, with and without the inclusion of a slurry, respectively. The recommended methods hold significant promise for meeting national energy demands. A case study was provided as a proof-of-concept (PoC) to validate the approach. This study is the first of its kind, providing valuable insights into the renewable energy potential in Bangladesh. The results will assist policymakers in formulating sustainable energy policies. • Mathematics, engineering, economics and environmental modeling explored renewable energy. • Techno-economics and environmental sustainability validated the proposed methodology. • Bioenergy-based electricity could supply 88% of the national energy demand of Bangladesh. • A case study was provided as a proof-of-concept (PoC) to validate the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]