Archive for category: Electricity and Power

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Renewable Energy in Saint Kitts and Nevis: 100% Transition by 2030

Renewable Energy in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis aims to reach 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030. To support this initiative, the government has begun developing a Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap, launched with a consultative workshop on June 3, 2026. The roadmap is still developing and is expected to determine the electricity sector’s renewable potential, grid needs, financing and policy requirements. Currently, more than 90% of electricity generation relies on imported fossil fuels.

Existing Renewable Energy Programs

Several energy-related projects are already underway, including the Electric Vehicle Transition Policy and Action Plan, the Solar Integration for Sustainable Energy Program, geothermal development in Nevis, Advanced Metering Infrastructure and solar PV systems on government buildings.

The Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communication and Technology and Posts, Konris G. Maynard, spoke about these programs at the launch workshop, saying, “Every single one of these projects highlights the immediate need for the study we are launching today. We need this roadmap to harmonize these initiatives and to guarantee that our infrastructure can handle this green revolution.”

The country also aims to support local employment and energy-sector opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Poverty Reduction

The renewable energy initiative could support poverty reduction by reducing exposure to imported petroleum costs. The nation does not have any fossil fuel deposits and relies on imported diesel for over 90% of its electricity, resulting in civilian and government exposure to the cost of imported fuel and to price swings beyond the country’s control.

Because the country must import all of its petroleum, diesel for power generation and petrol for transportation, price swings in global fuel markets directly impact household electricity bills and the cost of local transportation. Electricity generation accounts for about 55% of oil imports and road transport roughly 30%.

Increasing domestic renewable electricity generation could reduce dependence on imported fuels and exposure to global price fluctuations. If electricity costs decline, households and businesses could benefit through more affordable energy and improved economic resilience.

Renewable energy could reduce some exposure to global fuel-price shocks and strengthen resilience, depending on system design and investment. The Inter-American Development Bank estimates that resilience benefits would be about ¾ of the benefits from lower energy costs.

The transition could support economic diversification by creating growth in energy-intensive industries. For example, selling power to cruise ships, powering desalination, electric ferries and short-haul electric aviation, data centers and electrifying transport to cut oil imports.

Euroclima Partnership

The European Union is partnering through the Euroclima program with the Greening The Islands Foundation to support Saint Kitts and Nevis in developing their roadmap for the transition. Euroclima is the EU’s collaboration program with Latin America and the Caribbean, working to “strengthen climate resilience, protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development across the region.” The United Nations Development Programme is also supporting the implementation of this transition.

Additionally, the EU has partnered with a number of Eastern Caribbean countries through the Global Gateway Investment Agenda. This initiative is an investment in high-quality, sustainable infrastructure in the region. Study visits have occurred throughout the Eastern Caribbean and European island territories such as the Azores and the Canary Islands, where similar transitions are underway.

Saint Kitts and Nevis’ roadmap is intended to identify the investments and policy changes needed to pursue its 2030 renewable electricity target. With support from Euroclima and other partners, the country is exploring ways to improve energy security, reduce its dependence on imported fuels and create future economic opportunities. The outcome will depend on the roadmap’s implementation and financing.

– Pritam Khalsa

Pritam is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Solar Pumps, New Seeds Bring Harvest to Small-Scale Farmers in Namibia

Man carrying a cardboard box in a field, representing small-scale farmers in Namibia.
Namibia, a sunny lower-middle-income country of about 3 million people, faces numerous challenges. The 2024 Global Hunger Index rates hunger as serious, ranking Namibia 84th of 121 countries. Nearly 43% of people live in multidimensional poverty. One in three households cannot afford a basic nutritious diet. About 70% of Namibians depend on the agri-food sector, which faces floods, prolonged droughts and pest outbreaks.

Between July and September 2024, 1.15 million Namibians, or 38% of the people analyzed, faced high levels of acute food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). A year later, within the same July to September period, the figure fell to 456,000, which the IPC attributes largely to above-average rainfall, increased production, better rangeland conditions and coordinated support. Within that national picture, CRAVE gave small-scale farmers in northern Namibia solar power and drought-tolerant seeds for a sturdier footing in agriculture.

Training Rooted in the Field

In a November 2024 account by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a 100-hectare farm in northern Namibia became a classroom. Farmers gathered under the Namibian sun to learn climate-resilient agriculture. The GCF financed that classroom through a project called CRAVE. Its full name is Climate Resilient Agriculture in three Vulnerable Extreme Northern Crop-growing regions. The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia began implementing it in 2017. It partnered with the agriculture ministry across Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi. At the Mashare Climate Resilient Agriculture Centre of Excellence, the project trained 2,831 small-scale farmers. They studied sustainable cropping and adaptation practices. Women made up 56% of them, according to the GCF.

Hardy Seeds Take Root

Farmers also received drought-tolerant seeds to complement their training. They farmed pearl millet, maize and cowpea on 24.6 hectares. Over 900 seed growers learned production and quality control at the center, so the supply can outlast the project. Pearl millet, called mahangu locally, is among the staple grains the Namibian Agronomic Board wants farmers to grow at home. Hironimus Ngandu, chairperson of the Gciriku Traditional Authority, said the project brought “change and development” that motivated his community to fight hunger.

The Sun Draws Water

Power is the missing piece in much of rural Namibia. Only about 25% of the rural population has electricity, according to a March 2025 factsheet from the German development agency (GIZ). Namibia imports 60% to 70% of its national electricity. Yet the country records more than 300 sunny days a year. The Climate Resilient Agriculture in three Vulnerable Extreme Northern Crop-growing regions (CRAVE) put Namibia’s sunny days to work. CRAVE distributed 41 solar-powered water pumps to vulnerable growers and built a 125-kilowatt solar plant with solar water heaters at the Mashare center. Together, these clean energy tools improved access to energy, water and food for 507 small-scale farmers in Namibia.

Plentiful Harvests Renew Hope for Farmers in Namibia

With skills, seeds and power in place, many farmers moved from feeding their households to selling their harvests. The project arranged 10 contracts between farmers and buyers, including the retailers Spar, Choppies, Pick n Pay and Fresh Mark. More than 2,000 dryland farmers also registered with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency for cereal production. Farmers sold more than 18,000 metric tons of produce for about $851,000, according to the GCF. They adopted practices such as crop rotation, intercropping and water harvesting. Hundreds of farmers also received mentoring, which the GCF links to stronger horticulture and dryland production and better household food security. The GCF invested $9.5 million in CRAVE to help improve food security for more than 313,000 people in vulnerable regions. By November 2024, the GCF reported that small-scale farmers in Namibia were reaping the results.

– Eric Onyango

Eric is based in Nairobi, Kenya and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Solar-Powered Mini-Grids Are Expanding Opportunity in Nigeria’s Oke-Oyi Community

People gathered around a solar-powered mini grid installation in Oke-Oyi, Nigeria.
Located on the western coast of Africa, Nigeria is home to diverse people and cultures. Nigeria’s population was estimated at 237.5 million in 2025, according to UNFPA. A country supporting a population this large, and covering more than 350,000 square miles, needs the ability to continuously expand infrastructure, agriculture and promote positive civilian life. There are numerous technological advancements that can help address many different barriers linked to poverty in Africa’s most populous nation. Here is information on how solar-powered mini-grids are expanding opportunity in Nigeria’s Oke-Oyi community.

What Are Solar-Powered Mini-Grids?

In 2024, nearly 40% of Nigeria’s population lacked access to electricity. According to the World Bank Group, the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) has been working on this issue. It supported the preparation and implementation of the Nigeria Electrification Project from 2018 to 2024. Investment in Nigeria’s solar hybrid mini-grids also increased. From 2018 to 2024, this project supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of over a million solar home systems. More than 5.5 million Nigerians gained access to electricity. The African Development Bank-backed Nigeria Electrification Project aims to provide electricity to households, small and medium-sized enterprises and public institutions in a timely, cost-effective manner. Its planned completion date is Dec. 31, 2026. It also targets increased opportunities for women.

The Oke-Oyi Community’s Solar-Powered Mini-Grid Project

According to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the federal government has commissioned an interconnected solar mini-grid project in Oke-Oyi Community of the Kwara State in Nigeria. With support from the European Union, the project has installed 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries to support the electrical distribution network. This intervention is already supporting economic activity in Oke-Oyi, with new businesses like welding, pure water companies and grain mills. Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe praised the project, “The purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities. What we are commissioning today in Oke-Oyi is an investment in the productive capacity of the community. When electricity enables a welder to expand his business, a grain miller to operate more efficiently or a new enterprise to emerge, we are seeing the direct connection between energy access and economic development.”

The Oke-Oyi community not only benefits economically, but the construction phase of the solar-powered mini-grid project also provided jobs for community members. Welders, bricklayers, iron benders, tilers, plumbers, borehole diggers and excavation laborers were engaged in this project. Tegbe explained how expanding electricity access directly translates into improved livelihood and economic opportunity.

The Oke-Oyi community expressed its deep gratitude to the REA, the federal government and development partners. A community leader said at the commissioning, “Today is a day of joy for the people of Oke-Oyi. We have longed for reliable electricity to improve our lives and economic activities, and we are already seeing new businesses emerge in our community. On behalf of our people, we assure all stakeholders of our full cooperation in protecting this project and ensuring that it continues to serve our community.”

Legacy and Impact

Projects like this will aid Nigeria’s effort to support sustainable energy for all. The REA and federal government serve as examples for the rest of the country. The Oke-Oyi interconnected solar mini-grid project is certainly a start. Its goal is to allow access to sustainable energy, create new jobs and foster stronger relationships between the federal government and local communities. This is not the only example. This is just the beginning of Nigeria’s journey for efficient, environmentally friendly and accessible energy for all.

– Joe Laino

Joe is based in Providence, RI and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Solar Mesh Grids Improve Electricity Access in Haiti

Electricity Access in Haiti
Electricity access in Haiti is a major determinant of energy poverty. This term can be defined as insufficient access to energy that is both reliable and affordable enough for cooking, heating and other essential activities.

Only about a third of Haiti is electrified, with a stark difference between urban and rural areas. While urban electrification reaches up to 85%, it remains a mere 15% for rural populations. In these remote areas, which are home to 40% of Haiti’s population, wood and charcoal often serve as the primary sources for daily lighting and cooking.

Even for those connected to the grid, electricity is expensive and unreliable due to aging infrastructure and chronic mismanagement. Yet despite these challenges, Haiti represents an emerging market for renewable energy, and the country’s tropical location is ideal for solar.

The Solution

For people living off-grid, electricity access in Haiti often comes from mini-grids or solar home systems, each with pros and cons. Solar home systems are affordable and easy to install, but only produce enough power for basic lighting and charging needs. On the other hand, mini-grids can produce enough electricity for businesses and more demanding appliances but face higher upfront costs.

In 2021, a Haitian startup called Alina Eneji decided to pursue a third option: the mesh grid. The mesh grids, whose components are designed and built by the Australian company Okra Solar, combine the affordability of home solar with enough output to power small businesses.

They follow a hub-and-spoke model, where “hub” households receive solar panels, an inverter, a battery and a Pod, Okra’s metering device. Nearby “spoke” households receive a Pod and sometimes a battery, then connect to hubs by low-voltage lines. This setup allows homes within 50 meters of each other to share up to 600 watts of power and ensures that customers only pay for what they use.

The Outlook

Initially, Alina Eneji’s pilot program served only 35 homes, but it was not long before outsiders started taking notice. Following an intervention from the Global Energy Alliance, the number of connections surged to 1,000 by 2023.

Alina Eneji has continued expanding its network. An Inter-American Development Bank project approved in December 2023 aimed to support service for 8,000 additional rural households. The IDB project lists a total cost of $1.75 million and an original grant approval of $500,000. These are financing figures and an expansion objective, not evidence that every planned household has been connected.

Customers have found several new and economically productive ways to use their electricity. Some have bought the freezers and refrigerators necessary to run a bar or restaurant, while others offer paid phone charging services. Nighttime lighting has added a greater sense of safety, particularly for women.

Driko Ducasse, founder of Alina Eneji, says he wants to show stakeholders that electricity access in Haiti is within reach. “More broadly, my goal is to give back because I want other Haitians to have the opportunities that I have had.”

– Harland Pusey-Nazzaro

Harland is based in Brunswick, ME, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets, and Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How UNDP in Sudan is Helping the Country Grow

UNDP in Sudan
Since the outbreak of conflict in 2023, nearly 6.9 million people have been pushed into extreme poverty. Farming communities have collapsed, more than 70% of health care facilities in conflict-affected areas have shut, and diseases such as cholera, HIV and TB have become more prevalent. Children’s education has been disrupted. UNDP reports it plans to continue supporting Sudan in the long term, including through access to services, clean energy, training and livelihood programs that strengthen communities’ self-reliance. Here is information about how UNDP is helping Sudan grow.

Clean and Sustainable Energy

UNDP provides solar-powered energy to ensure farming, health care facilities, and businesses have a cost-effective, clean, reliable, and sustainable source of energy. For example, many of the farms around the River Nile relied on diesel-fueled water irrigation systems. With the state of the economy and conflict in Sudan, this became an expensive and unreliable form of energy. Many farms had to cut back on fuel, which led to failing crops. With UNDP’s help and funding from the Republic of Korea, 300 farms received solar-powered irrigation systems, helping to maintain livelihoods in a clean and cost-effective way.

Helping Communities Grow

UNDP partnered with the UN Interim Security Force of Abyei to provide support for individuals in communities by creating jobs, supporting farmers, empowering women, providing clean water and offering training to ensure conflict resolution and peacekeeping. UNDP set up a local community management committee, giving people a voice and enabling each community to assess needs and assistance priorities. This committee identified the need for home-grown gardens, providing women with seeds, tools and training to produce food for their families while giving them the initiative to sell excess produce. UNDP established the Village Savings and Loans Association to empower women, support small businesses, and provide financial stability for more than 170 women. In one case, the association brought together 25 women from different communities to set up and run a produce business, sharing the capital and profits.

Achievements

UNDP has been working to help the people of Sudan. These efforts have:

  • Reported reaching more than 6.3 million Sudanese people, refugees and migrants.
  • Distributed 150 metric tons of certified seeds to strengthen agricultural resilience.
  • Created more than 200,000 temporary cash-for-work jobs.

The work UNDP does would not be possible without the backing of governments in other countries and funding from supporting partners. However, the need is still growing. UNDP Sudan Resident Representative Luca Renda stated, “To truly match the courage and determination of the Sudanese people, we must do more.” UNDP continues to support the Sudanese people and its communities, helping Sudan grow in its economy, agriculture, clean energy initiative, and peace.

– Shannon Waters

Shannon is based in Middlesbrough and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Solar power in Pakistan: Assisting Low-Income Families

Solar power in PakistanFor low-income families in Pakistan, escalating electricity costs can exert significant pressure on already constrained household budgets. Frequent power outages can also disrupt education, work and other daily activities. Solar power in Pakistan is emerging as an increasingly vital solution as households and governments seek more affordable and reliable sources of electricity.

The Rising Cost of Energy for Low-Income Families

Pakistan has long grappled with electricity shortages, rising energy costs and unreliable power supplies. These challenges disproportionately affect households with limited incomes, as families have fewer resources to absorb higher electricity expenses.

In rural areas, unreliable electricity can hinder access to essential services and limit opportunities for education and employment. The World Bank reports that rural residents in Pakistan are increasingly turning to solar power as an alternative to unreliable and costly grid electricity. Its Sindh Solar Energy Project specifically targets households with limited or no access to the electricity grid.

How Solar Power Can Reduce Household Energy Costs

Pakistan receives abundant sunlight across much of the country, offering strong potential for solar energy. Solar photovoltaic systems can provide electricity for basic household needs such as lighting and fans, while larger systems can support appliances like refrigerators and water pumps.

Solar power can also reduce a household’s reliance on the national grid. For families with limited incomes, reducing electricity expenses can provide greater financial flexibility for other essential needs.

The Punjab government highlights lower electricity bills and a more reliable power supply among the benefits of its free solar panel program. Recent data indicates growing household adoption. Gallup Pakistan’s 2023 census analysis found that approximately 4 million households, or 7.4% of all households, reported access to solar energy. The report also noted particularly high levels of solar adoption in some districts of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan’s Free Solar Panel Initiative

The Government of Punjab introduced the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme on Dec. 6, 2024. The program targets electricity consumers who use up to 200 units per month and aims to provide free solar systems to up to 100,000 households.

The Punjab Energy Department allocated 9.97 billion Pakistani rupees (Rs. 9.97 billion) for the scheme. The government planned to select eligible households through computerized balloting and verify beneficiaries through district administrations.

The scheme uses electricity consumption to determine eligibility. Households using up to 100 units per month can receive a 550-watt solar system, while those using up to 200 units can receive a 1,100-watt system. This approach directs support toward households with relatively low electricity consumption.

Reaching Households Through Digital Selection

The Punjab scheme also employs digital tools during the application and selection process. Consumers can register through an online portal or by sending their bill reference number and Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number via SMS. The government then uses computerized balloting to select beneficiaries.

When Punjab launched balloting in March 2025, officials reported more than 861,000 applications. The first phase selected 94,483 consumers for solar systems.

The digital selection process allows the government to manage a large number of applications while using electricity consumption records to identify eligible households. This approach helps direct limited public resources toward households that meet the program’s criteria.

Expanding Solar Access Beyond Punjab

Punjab is not the only province leveraging solar power to expand electricity access. The World Bank’s Sindh Solar Energy Project combines large-scale solar development with distributed solar systems and solar home systems for households with low or no access to electricity.

The project aims to provide affordable solar home systems to 200,000 households in Sindh. It also includes quality controls for solar equipment and collaborates with private-sector providers to reach rural consumers. The World Bank states that the project aims to make solar systems more practical for rural households by including high-efficiency fans in the solar home system packages.

This approach demonstrates how government and development partners can combine funding, private-sector participation and quality standards to make renewable energy more accessible to underserved communities.

Making Solar Power More Affordable

Although solar panels can reduce electricity costs over time, the initial price of a solar system can still deter low-income households from adopting the technology. Families may struggle to afford solar panels, batteries and installation costs without financial support.

Government subsidies can help address this barrier. Other approaches include flexible payment plans, microfinance and community-based solar systems that allow several households to share infrastructure.

The World Bank’s Sindh project uses partial grants and private-sector providers to expand the market for affordable solar home systems while maintaining quality standards.

The Challenges of Wider Adoption

Solar power still faces challenges in Pakistan. High upfront costs, limited financing and concerns about equipment quality can make adoption difficult for low-income families. Rural communities may also face limited access to technical services and maintenance.

Programs need to combine financial support with quality standards, trained technicians and accessible information. These measures can help households benefit from solar technology without incurring additional costs from poor-quality equipment or inadequate maintenance.

A More Affordable Energy Future

The expansion of solar power in Pakistan illustrates how renewable energy can address both electricity access and household financial pressure. Punjab’s free solar panel scheme provides one example of a government program targeting households with lower electricity consumption, while the World Bank-supported Sindh project demonstrates another approach to expanding solar access in areas with limited grid electricity.

As Pakistan continues to develop solar energy programs, directing financial and technical support toward underserved households can help ensure that renewable energy does not remain accessible only to families who can afford the initial investment. Expanding affordable solar access could help more Pakistani households reduce their energy burden while gaining a cleaner and more reliable source of electricity.

– Afia Atif

Afia is based in Chenab Nagar, Pakistan and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Ways Solar Technology in Malawi is Transforming Education

Solar Technology in MalawiFor many students in Malawi, a lack of electricity limits educational opportunities. However, solar technology in Malawi is helping schools overcome these challenges, providing reliable power, expanding access to digital learning and creating better learning environments. Solar energy could help address this gap, as an estimated 75% of Malawi’s population lives on $3 a day or less, illustrating how limited energy access and poverty can overlap in the country.

Bringing Electricity to Rural Schools

Many schools in Malawi are not connected to a reliable electrical grid. As of 2026, only 3.8% of rural households were connected to the national grid, according to the World Bank. Limited energy access is particularly challenging in rural communities in Malawi, where poverty is more widespread than in urban areas. Solar panels could help address electricity challenges these schools face without requiring major grid infrastructure. Solar power gives rural students access to resources that schools in more developed areas already have.

Without electricity, studying can become very difficult after the sun goes down. Solar-powered lights allow students to complete homework in the evening, giving them more time to study. This extra time could potentially allow schools to hold additional classes and study sessions. Solar power gives students more usable hours in their day for education. In Chang’ombe, a rural community in Malawi, students have reported improved test scores after gaining access to study at night, and teachers have observed a reduction in absences since electricity became available at their school.

Expanding Access to Digital Learning

Solar electricity can power online educational materials like computers, tablets and internet equipment that may not have otherwise been available in rural communities. Access to computers and tablets allows teachers to use digital resources for students, which can support the improvement of digital literacy. Solar systems allow schools to consistently charge these devices, making digital learning possible in schools that remain disconnected. Solar energy does more than turn the lights on; it allows rural students to connect to information and opportunities beyond their communities.

Creating Better Learning Environments

Solar technology in Malawi can provide electricity to rural classrooms, allowing them to have reliable lighting, fans and projectors. Better school facilities may make students more likely to attend and participate as the learning environments are more favorable. Improving the physical classroom can help enhance the overall educational experience. In Chang’ombe, teachers reported a reduction in absences after electricity became available. The benefits of solar power extend past lighting the classroom; it shows a direct correlation to attendance.

Solar technology is helping improve education all across Malawi, especially in rural communities. These improvements largely revolve around four areas: electricity, longer study hours, digital learning and better learning environments. Despite this progress, challenges remain, including funding, maintenance and the need for continued investment. Solar technology in Malawi is not only providing electricity – it is helping create new opportunities for Malawi’s next generation. As organizations continue expanding renewable energy to rural communities, solar energy has the potential to bring educational opportunities to thousands of students who are still unable to access online platforms.

– Tyler Rothwell

Tyler is based in Lexington, VA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Trinidad and Tobago

Renewable Energy in Trinidad and TobagoRenewable energy in Trinidad and Tobago is beginning to reshape how the country produces electricity and supports local communities. From national solar projects to rooftop systems in rural schools these efforts show how renewable energy can support economic diversification, local employment and ultimately reduce poverty within a country.

An Economy Built on Oil and Natural Gas

The twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago historically relied heavily on oil revenue to support its economy. The country developed the Caribbean’s largest hydrocarbon industry, initially through crude oil production and later through natural gas, liquefied natural gas and petrochemicals. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the energy sector accounted for nearly 20% of gross domestic product, approximately 80% of goods exports and about 35% of central government revenue in 2025.

A Gradual Shift Toward Renewable Energy

Despite its long dependence on oil and natural gas, Trinidad and Tobago has begun building a more diversified energy system. The country aims to generate 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It also seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power generation, transportation and industrial sectors by 15% compared with projected levels.

With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the government drafted a renewable-energy policy and a tariff plan that could eventually allow residents and organizations to supply renewable electricity to the national grid.

Several projects have already brought renewable energy in Trinidad and Tobago into schools and communities. Through the European Union-funded Global Climate Change Alliance Plus initiative, UNDP installed rooftop solar systems at 12 locations, including Brasso Venado Primary School, Speyside High School, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society and Nature Seekers.

By July 2024, the initiative had installed 108 kilowatts of solar capacity, trained 92 people to operate and maintain the systems and introduced more than 10,000 people in both rural and urban communities to renewable energy.

Renewable-energy projects can also create local economic opportunities. They create paid work, build usable technical skills and improve access to reliable electricity. Solar farms employed approximately 300 skilled and unskilled workers many from rural communities providing income and experience in a rapidly growing industry. Separately, solar systems employed at schools and community organizations improve educational outcomes by introducing electricity necessary for technological educational tools. These projects address important drives of poverty by expanding employment opportunities and strengthening workforce skills along with supporting reliable community services.

These developments show how the country’s energy transition is expanding from small community installations to national electricity production. Smaller projects, however, offer the clearest view of how renewable energy can affect daily life.

Solar Power at Brasso Venado Primary School

At the Brasso Venado Government Primary School, renewable energy in Trinidad and Tobago is supporting a rural community where unreliable electricity has created challenges for teaching and communication.

Located near the center of Trinidad, the school serves children from Brasso Venado, Los Atajos and Tabaquite. An EU project profile reported that frequent power outages and the absence of wired telephone service complicated internet-based learning and communication with parents.

Despite these limitations, the school arranged private internet access and helped parents develop the technical skills needed to support their children’s education. At the time of the profile, the school enrolled 42 students between ages 5 and 13 and employed nine staff members.

Through the EU-funded Global Climate Change Alliance Plus initiative, the school received a 10-kilowatt rooftop solar system designed to generate an estimated 16,780 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.

The project aimed to provide more reliable power for technology-based teaching, school programs and communication with families. The installation also gave students and residents a visible example of how solar energy can support education and community development.

A Model for Wider Change

For students at the Brasso Venado Primary School, the solar panels represent more than a new source of electricity. They demonstrate how renewable energy can support education, improve access to technology and strengthen essential community services.

Across developing nations, similar projects can bring more reliable power to schools and other institutions that face limited infrastructure or frequent outages. Brasso Venado offers a hopeful example of how a relatively small renewable-energy investment can create lasting opportunities for children, families and communities.

– Dimitri Moschochoritis

Dimitri is based in Betheda, MD, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Renewable Energy in Palau Is Tackling Energy Costs and Poverty

Renewable Energy in PalauPalau has long depended on imported fuel for electricity, leaving households and businesses exposed to high energy costs. The country’s 2014 Household Income and Expenditure Survey found that 19.4% of Palau’s population lived below the basic-needs poverty line. The Palau Development Plan notes that poverty in Palau extends beyond income and includes access to basic services and resources.

Against this backdrop, renewable energy in Palau is emerging as a solution that can lower household energy expenses while creating a more sustainable electricity system.

Solar Power Brings New Investment

One of Palau’s most important renewable energy projects is the Ngatpang Solar Plant on Babeldaob. Solar Pacific Pristine Power built the facility with financing from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). The project includes a 15.28-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility and a 12.9-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system.

The Australian government says the plant can provide approximately 20% of Palau’s power needs and deliver up to 23,000 megawatt-hours of electricity to the grid each year. The project also reduces Palau’s dependence on diesel generators.

The project has also created opportunities for local workers and businesses. AIFFP reports that 15 local entities participated during construction, which employed 288 people, including 77 Palauans. The project therefore connects the energy transition with economic opportunities inside Palau.

Clean Energy Targets Low-Income Households

Renewable energy is also reaching households that may have fewer resources to absorb high electricity costs. The Asian Development Bank’s Disaster Resilient Clean Energy Financing Project provides financing for low-income households and women borrowers to access renewable energy. The project is expected to directly benefit about 900 households, including at least 450 low-income households and 180 women-headed households. The Asian Development Bank says these households are expected to benefit from lower energy expenditures and greater access to affordable renewable energy.

The program began installing residential solar systems in 2022. Japan’s Embassy in Palau reported that the first home solar system was installed in Koror in July 2022. The program uses low-interest loans to help eligible homeowners purchase and install solar systems, intending to reduce monthly electricity bills.

Upgrading the Grid for More Renewable Power

Palau is also investing in the infrastructure needed to use more renewable electricity. Through the Palau Renewable Energy Integration Project, Australia is providing an AUD 16.38 million grant to upgrade the national electricity grid.

AIFFP says the project will enable renewable sources to provide up to 25% of Palau’s total electricity demand. The upgrades will also reduce reliance on imported diesel, lower emissions and improve grid stability.

Looking Ahead

Palau’s shift to renewable energy is about more than replacing diesel with solar power. By making clean-energy financing available to low-income households, creating local jobs and strengthening the electricity grid, these projects can help address some of the economic pressures faced by Palau’s communities. Renewable energy in Palau can lower household energy costs while supporting a stronger and more affordable energy system. As the transition continues, renewable energy in Palau can help ensure that the benefits of cleaner energy reach the people who need them most.

– Khushi Chaudhary

Khushi is based in Paderborn, Germany and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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World Bank Framework Reducing Poverty in Nigeria

Poverty in NigeriaLocated on the western coast of Africa, Nigeria is a country with diverse geography and an even more diverse population. An estimated 250 ethnic groups call Nigeria home, with hundreds of languages spoken across the nation. Building on Nigeria’s diversity and economic potential, the World Bank Group has endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework that will run from 2026 to 2032. By encouraging private-sector investment and supporting economic growth in Nigeria, the framework aims to create more job opportunities.

New Policies Aim to Strengthen Nigeria’s Economy

As part of this effort, the World Bank also approved the Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration (NAIJA) Development Policy Financing operation to help strengthen Nigeria’s economy. The program aims to encourage investment from businesses and entrepreneurs while supporting government efforts to create jobs and promote economic growth. By attracting both private and public investment, the initiative seeks to expand economic opportunities and strengthen key sectors across the country.

Through the new framework, 32 million Nigerians are expected to gain access to electricity, while broadband connectivity will expand to reach 58 million people. Health and nutrition services will improve for 40 million people, and 9.5 million farmers will receive support to increase agricultural productivity. By investing in energy, digital infrastructure, health care and agriculture, the framework aims to improve living standards and support long-term economic growth in Nigeria.

Poverty in Nigeria

Despite these efforts, poverty remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. According to the World Bank, 41.8% of Nigerians lived below the international poverty line in 2022. Rising inflation and limited economic opportunities have made it difficult for many families to afford necessities such as food, housing, education and health care. The World Bank estimates that an additional seven million Nigerians fell into poverty in 2025, increasing the share of people living below the national poverty line from 61% in 2024 to 63%.

For many Nigerians, poverty affects daily life in tangible ways. Families often struggle to afford basic necessities and maintain stable housing as the cost of living continues to rise. By expanding access to electricity, internet services, health care and agricultural support, the Country Partnership Framework aims to address some of the barriers that contribute to poverty and limited economic opportunity.

In a 2022 poverty assessment, the World Bank reported that four in 10 Nigerians lived in poverty and lacked access to essential services such as education, safe drinking water, electricity and sanitation. The report also found that only 17% of workers held jobs that provided wages sufficient to lift them out of poverty, as many Nigerians rely on small-scale farming and household businesses for income.

A New Framework: Reducing Poverty

The World Bank identified three key areas for reducing poverty in Nigeria: implementing macroeconomic reforms, supporting farm and nonfarm household enterprises and expanding access to electricity, water and sanitation. The new Country Partnership Framework aligns with these priorities by investing in infrastructure, agriculture and human development programs designed to improve economic opportunities.

With Nigeria’s population expected to continue growing, expanding economic opportunities for young people will be critical to the country’s long-term development. If successful, the partnership could help create jobs, strengthen businesses and improve access to essential services for millions of Nigerians. Through investments in key sectors and support for economic growth in Nigeria, the World Bank hopes to help build a stronger and more prosperous future for the country.

– Alexandra Pedroza

Alexandra is based in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

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