However, in rural areas characterized by dispersed populations or hostile terrain, trade-offs often exist between the achievement of economies of scale and scope in the provision of a differentiated service that supports transformational energy access on the one hand, and providing only for basic needs as the most profitable option on the other. Similarly, there may be tensions between the roll-out of stand-alone solutions and grid extension in areas where the latter could be a viable longer-term option. This further underlines the need for a system-wide approach to electricity system design and transition.