The issues of forced displacement and energy for sustainable development are convergent: an estimated 90% of displaced people globally have no access to electricity, while 85% of refugees are hosted in developing countries. However, few tools to plan and design sustainable energy access interventions have been transposed to displacement settings. This paper presents a novel framework for the holistic planning of energy projects which considers both sustainability aspects and the specificities of displacement settings. The framework is the result of a review of literature which aimed to define a “sustainable energy intervention” in displacement contexts and an assessment of relevant planning tools against this definition. The framework includes the use of an energy delivery model toolkit, an inclusive design approach, an assessment of the desired impacts, energy system modelling, business model design, and an assessment of economic viability. We apply the framework in the design of a solar mini grid of Holl Holl refugee camp in Djibouti, in which a sustainable intervention and business model are proposed that could be compatible with the local conditions. We highlight issues that arise from the humanitarian sector status quo and propose that this framework could help to enhance sustainable energy practices in the humanitarian and development sectors.