Archive for category: Electricity and Power

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The Emergence of Energy Poverty in Madrid

Poverty in MadridThe capital of Spain, Madrid, is a major metropolitan area with around 6.8 million people. Known for its clean streets, bustling shopping on the Gran Via and vibrant greenery, the city attracts tourists from across the world. However, below its surface are serious problems of poverty, climate change and energy.

As the city experiences more severe weather in summer and winter, families struggle with energy poverty, or the inability to afford basic energy necessities such as heating and cooling. This term does not only mean being unable to afford high energy costs, but also deliberate choices to lower energy usage to save money, known as “hidden energy poverty.”

Energy Poverty in Madrid: An Overview

Poverty itself has moved in concerning directions in the capital. Madrid continues to be a strong economic center, but the government often falls short in providing assistance for those in low-income households. About 1.4 million people live in material deprivation, or a lack of ability to afford basic necessities like food or heating. Though air conditioning is usually viewed as a consumer good, people such as Yamina Saheb, a professor at Sciences Po in Paris, push for it to be considered a human right. Madrid’s case stands in contrast to the rest of Spain, where poverty rates are falling. A rise in general poverty has the natural outcome of increasing energy poverty.

The city’s most impoverished neighborhoods, those with the most energy poverty, did not come to be as they are by chance. Puente de Vallecas, for instance, was for decades a shantytown, a poor, small settlement on the outskirts of Madrid. However, in the 1950s, it was incorporated into the municipality of the capital. Currently, the neighborhood remains one of the poorest, revealing that wealth disparities and energy inequalities arise as a result of complex historical factors.

The Link Between Poverty and Energy

The inability to afford access to energy almost exclusively harms those in poverty. Madrid health professor Julio Diaz Jimenez found in a 2020 paper that heat waves cause mortality in three of the lowest-income districts of the city. In 2024, Save the Children stated that one-third of Spanish children were unable to maintain an adequate temperature at home. These figures serve as warning signs for the region’s future, as struggles with extreme heat will continue to affect those in poverty.

Obstacles to Eliminating Energy Poverty in Madrid

Energy poverty in Madrid is worsened by infrastructure and housing that are unprepared to cope with these climate extremes. Last year, Spain’s energy grid faltered during a time of high energy usage, causing blackouts in regions as far as Portugal and France. Though the blackout is not attributed directly to climate change, it signals that without further updates, Spain and its capital will be unable to support the higher energy usage required to maintain comfortable levels in homes.

Housing also remains in need of renovations. According to Professor Neville Li of Saint Louis University’s Madrid campus, the city’s housing is “designed to trap heat because of the hot summers.” Due to increased weather variability, winters are not only getting warmer but also more extreme. As a result, Madrid often experiences both extremely hot summers and cold winters. With more unpredictable weather, families struggle to maintain an adequate temperature.

Energy Savings

A study by researchers Roberto Barella and Jose Carlos Romero at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid points to the benefits of shallow home renovations, such as fridge replacement or LED installation. After looking at 10 provinces of Spain, they found that Madrid saved the most from theoretical energy savings, about 8.41%. The study shows how, with only small changes, Madrid households can reduce their energy usage. This would not only save families hundreds of euros per month but also allow them to live in more comfortable conditions.

In addition, the issue of “green gentrification” worsens extreme heat for those who cannot afford cooling. In recent years, the capital has lost tree cover disproportionately in poorer areas. The “urban heat island” effect makes some areas, such as Puente de Vallecas, some of the hottest in the city. Despite being one of the most tree-covered cities in the world, lower-income neighborhoods have borne the brunt of tree loss.

Looking Ahead

According to Li, Spain’s energy is “relatively cheap,” in part due to its significant renewable industry, such as wind and hydroelectric power. This gives the government more room to implement tax cuts that benefit lower-income families. In March 2026, the Spanish government announced cuts, including those tied to energy. These measures protect families as prices across the region spike.

In addition, several groups have emerged to support those suffering from high temperatures and energy insufficiency. Concerned citizens have come together through initiatives such as the Sustainable Vallekas Collective, which raises awareness about unequal temperatures in the neighborhood.

Energy poverty is a serious problem in Madrid, especially as temperatures warm due to the changing climate. However, the government and citizens are taking action to address its consequences. Through home renovations, tree planting, tax cuts and community advocacy, the issue is being addressed step by step.

– Ben Anderson

Ben is based in Madrid, Spain and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Hydropower in the DRC is Reducing Poverty

hydropower drcOnly China and Russia possess greater hydroelectric potential than the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), yet 97.5% of hydropower in the DRC is untapped, and this 100,000 MW capacity remains a dormant resource. This staggering lack of development is both the cause and the symptom of a substantial energy poverty gap. As the world looks toward renewable transitions in 2026, the challenge for the DRC lies in finally harnessing the power of its geography to fuel a long-overdue economic transformation.

The Congo River: A Blueprint for Hydropower in the DRC

The Congo River is the engine of the DRC’s immense hydropower capacity and is essential to fighting poverty. Its position across the equator ensures a steady, year-round surge, unaffected by the seasonal droughts that plague other hydropower regions.

Despite this reliable flow, the DRC remains one of the world’s most impoverished nations. While the river could technically power the entire African continent, the vast majority of its energy currently escapes into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving millions of Congolese homes and businesses in the dark. Bridging this gap is no longer just an engineering goal; it is a human rights necessity. By finally tapping into this ‘liquid gold,’ the DRC is beginning to unlock four critical pathways out of poverty.

Powering Rural Entrepreneurship

Reliable electricity is currently helping rebuild the DRC’s local economies by shifting manual labor toward productive use. Through initiatives like the Virunga Alliance, rural villages gaining access to electricity now allow market vendors to refrigerate produce and preserve perishables like fish and meat. This infrastructure is sparking immediate entrepreneurship; electric saws or sewing machines could be serving as catalysts for increased trade in newly electrified zones.

This transition is moving local communities from subsistence living to micro-enterprise, creating a stable cash flow that was previously impossible due to the prohibitive cost of diesel generators.

Boosting Agricultural Value Chains

The Virunga Alliance has “introduced modern farming techniques, provided high-quality seeds, and organised cooperatives to cultivate nearly 80 hectares of wheat, with plans to expand to 500 hectares.” According to the Alliance, “the introduction of mechanised tools such as tractors, harvesters, and threshers has significantly increased efficiency, enabling faster harvesting and the preparation of additional land for cultivation.”

The ability to process crops locally is increasing market value — rather than selling raw, perishable goods at a loss, farmers are now selling shelf-stable, higher-value produce. This shift could directly increase household income and reducing post-harvest waste in regions where hydropower and electricity are available.

How Localized Hydropower is Creating Jobs in North Kivu

While the world waits for project “Grand Inga,” decentralized projects like “Run-of-River” are already transforming the lives of many across the DRC, specifically in North Kivu. The Virunga Alliance is at the heart of this success, using the Congo River’s natural flow to generate electricity as opposed to using traditional dams with massive reservoirs. Not only is this much cheaper, requiring less capital, it is also faster and helps those in poverty now versus in 20 years — with minimal environmental disruption.

The Matebe hydroelectric plant is another great example, providing 13.6 MW of stable energy to the city of Goma and surrounding villages. Every megawatt generated by their plant creates approximately 1,000 local jobs. So far, the plant has connected more than 42,000 households and 2,800 businesses with power, offering young people viable employment alternatives to joining local armed groups.

Ending Poverty Through Hydropower in the DRC

The scale of the DRC’s energy crisis is as vast as the Congo River itself, but the success of decentralized projects is paving the way for further development in the nation. While infrastructural issues remain, the shift to localized run-of-the-river hydropower offers a scalable blueprint to move forward with.

Prioritizing smaller, high-impact investments, the DRC can bypass the decades-long wait for mega-dams and begin lifting millions out of poverty today.

Leveraging the river’s natural flow is no longer a technical challenge; it is a key driver behind providing the Congolese people with the necessary tools to build a more stable, brighter future.

– Rebecca Cameron

Rebecca is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Working With Seaturns To Strengthen Mauritius’ Ocean Economy

Mauritius' Ocean EconomyIn March 2026, a two-megawatt (MW) wave energy pilot project was announced and launched in Mauritius, an island nation in East Africa. Developed by the French company Seaturns in partnership with Taylor Smith Group, a privately owned family business in Mauritius, it is designed to be grid-connected to the Central Electricity Board (CEB). This pilot project represents a significant step in the company’s full-scale trials scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

Wave energy is a renewable, high-density power source generated by harnessing the movement of ocean surface waves. In Mauritius, wave energy is vital for assessing renewable energy potential, informing coastal protection against erosion and planning marine infrastructure. This project aligns with the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

It contributes to the implementation of the European strategy, as defined in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Ocean Energy (SRIA) 2024. Seaturns is also supported by the FRANCE 2030 program, run by Business France. This project aims to keep Mauritius on the path to a better future since it gained independence.

Staying Above the Poverty Line

Mauritius has been above the poverty line since the late ’80s. By changing the trajectory it was on after gaining independence in 1968, the country set poverty on a path toward eradication. By 2017, extreme poverty had been virtually eradicated. 

In recent years, poverty has remained relatively stable at around 7%. With Seaturns being developed with support from the local company Taylor Smith Group, the project aims to create local job opportunities within the maritime sector.

Seaturns’ Goals

The Seaturns technology features a floating, cylindrical buoy that harnesses wave motion for power generation. Choosing Mauritius was a strategic choice for Seaturns. Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and has high-potential, consistent wave energy resources and a commitment to change. 

The project is part of the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA) initiative. The initiative supports Mauritius’s energy transition, aims to expand to 10 MW in the future and seeks to establish Mauritius as a regional hub for wave energy technology in the Indian Ocean. In 2025, Mauritius emitted 6.96 megatonnes of CO₂e.

Mauritius relies heavily on fossil fuels, mainly oil and oil products. In 2023 alone, the total energy supply in Mauritius accounted for nearly 62%. With Seaturns providing a clean energy solution, the project helps decrease the island nation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electricity generation. With a goal of reducing GHG emissions by 40% by 2030, Seaturns is a stepping stone for other countries to follow Mauritius’ footsteps. 

Countries have the opportunity to learn from this pilot project in Mauritius and become active in lowering their GHG emissions while advancing the blue economy.

The Blue Economy

The blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean, sea and coastal resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of marine ecosystems. Mauritius joined this economy in 2013 to become a large ocean state and updated that goal in 2023. Being surrounded by water, Mauritius has a high economic dependence on the ocean relative to its landmass, which has driven its interest in ocean energy.

This economy is vital for poverty reduction in Mauritius, aiming to diversify beyond tourism and sugar by leveraging its large Exclusive Economic Zone. The Mauritian ocean economy contributed 10% to 12% of GDP in 2026. Given that the ocean economy is relatively new, Mauritius is seizing the opportunity to expand in a positive direction.

With the ocean economy growing 2.5 times since 1995, outpacing other global sectors, wave energy is yet another stepping stone toward combating climate instability. Wave energy provides a consistent, renewable and emission-free source of electricity.

Final Remarks

Ocean energy is a relatively new, untapped renewable energy source. It has the potential to cut GHG emissions by up to 3.60 gigatonnes per year in 2050. As countries implement more stringent measures to limit GHG emissions, using renewable resources is a key element toward a better future. 

– Elizabeth Fryer

Elizabeth is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia

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Solar-Powered Vaccine Cold Chain in Chad and Sudan

vaccine cold chain in ChadAfrica lacks the capacity to manufacture its own vaccines. As a result, combined with other factors such as limited health care infrastructure, vaccination rates across the continent remain lower than in many other parts of the world. Since building high-functioning manufacturing facilities would be both difficult and costly, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are seeking practical, feasible ways to expand vaccine access in Africa.

Why Vaccine Delivery Remains a Challenge

Although many vaccines are available today, low vaccination rates in Chad and Sudan mean that only a few can be prioritized immediately. In 2024, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, launched pneumococcal, rotavirus and malaria vaccines in Chad. This approach centers on reducing vaccine-preventable deaths, making these vaccines the most immediately impactful.

Vaccines are not widely manufactured in Africa and are often transported from overseas. Most also need to be stored at specific temperatures to remain effective. Adding to the challenge, each vaccine requires its own storage conditions. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a detailed toolkit on vaccine storage and handling.

The cold chain is the critical system that allows vaccines to reach their destination safely and remain usable. If required temperatures are not maintained throughout the process, vaccines can lose potency and health workers must discard them. This means that everyone involved in the cold chain process, from transport personnel to staff managing refrigeration at medical facilities, requires specialized training. 

It also demands strong infrastructure and tightly coordinated logistics to ensure there are no gaps in storage or delivery. Because cold chain delivery and storage require such close oversight, the UNICEF Supply Division treats them as a major operational priority.

The Status Quo

While the vaccine cold chain requires particular attention, refrigeration is also essential for many other perishable supplies that must be transported to especially hot climates, such as Chad and Sudan. According to the WHO’s Communications Officer for News and Media, the organization published an evidence brief for this reason. Titled “Solar direct-drive vaccine refrigerators and freezers,” the brief explains how solar power can play a particularly important role in vaccine storage. 

Because electricity is unreliable in many parts of Chad and Sudan, clinics and transporters often rely on kerosene and gasoline to power cold chain storage and refrigeration. Unfortunately, these fuel-powered systems are both costly and difficult to maintain. Rising prices and supply chain disruptions can also make kerosene and gasoline hard to keep in stock. 

In addition, because these fuels are used with absorption refrigeration systems rather than the more reliable electric refrigerators, reliability remains a major concern.

Where Do Solar Panels Come In?

As demand for reliable energy grows, researchers are exploring alternatives to fossil fuels. Beyond climate concerns, fossil fuels are finite and increasingly expensive. While no energy source currently known to scientists is without cost, many groups have spent years searching for sustainable options with the lowest possible operating costs.

While energy needs vary across regions, Northern Africa’s arid climate and abundant sunshine make solar power a strong candidate for a major energy source. Globally, CleanEnergy predicts that solar power will become a leading source of energy generation by 2050. WHO and UNICEF, alongside partners such as the World Bank, are actively scaling up solar energy to stabilize critical health, water and education services in Chad and Sudan.

Barriers To Creating a Solar-Powered Vaccine Cold Chain

Transitioning to new energy sources does not come without cost. Although sunshine is abundant in Northern Africa, installing solar panels would require a major investment. While exact figures are unclear, providing solar-powered refrigeration and cold chain storage for vaccines in Chad and Sudan would likely require large organizations such as the WHO and UNICEF to purchase and install a significant number of solar panels.

There would also be initial challenges in integrating solar energy into existing power systems. Although this would likely be a short-term issue, failures during the transition could lead to the loss of vaccines and other perishable supplies. In addition, while Chad and Sudan are still developing their solar regulatory frameworks, government policy remains an important consideration when implementing large-scale energy or grid infrastructure projects.

Looking to the Future

While 2050 is more than two decades away, solar energy use is rapidly expanding worldwide and creating a solar-powered vaccine cold chain in Chad and Sudan will soon be a reality. Given the evidence highlighting refrigeration’s critical role in vaccine distribution, solar power is likely to be prioritized and expanded in the region sooner rather than later.

– Nicole Miller

Nicole is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Antigua and Barbuda

Renewable Energy in Antigua and BarbudaEnergy and climate crises are pushing insular countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, to the frontlines. Rising fuel costs, combined with hurricanes and a tourism-dependent economy are exposing how fragile a state’s fossil-fueled energy system can become. For years, imported fossil fuels generated electricity entirely, leaving communities vulnerable to fluctuations of the global oil markets.

Now, a different future is being sketched across these islands. It is common for government plans and regional forums to center on renewable energies projects. Rather than being treated as a distant ideal, green energy is increasingly being framed as a matter of survival — economically, environmentally and socially. 

Antigua and Barbuda, as many small island developing states, is seeing the transition away from fossil fuels as the pathway to keeping the coasts protected and the economy afloat. Here is more information about the promotion of renewable energy in Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda

Nestled in the eastern Caribbean’s Leeward chain, Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-islands nation that squeezes a population of nearly 95,000 onto 440 square kilometers of low coral atolls and limestone ridges — Antigua’s volcanic hills peak at just 405 meters, while Barbuda’s pancake-flat expanse is waterless and boasts pink sands.

When it comes to demography, a peculiar distribution characterizes Antigua and Barbuda: nearly all residents — 98% — crowd onto Antigua, with 60% living in St. John Parish and another 26% crammed into the capital and port city of St. John’s.

Having been a check point for the slave trade routes in the 17th century, most islanders (87% of the total) are of African descent navigate a youthful, female-skewed demographic with life expectancy hovering near 79 years.

Green Energy Targets

Antigua and Barbuda is aiming at one of the most ambitious targets in renewable energy among Small Island Developing States (SIDS), targeting 86% of electricity from local renewables by 2030 and 100% for water management essentials like desalination. This vaults it into the ninth spot among the best SIDS for expected MW capacity by 2030 — eyeing 483 MW — despite a population of less than 100,000, far outpacing per capita efforts by giants like Fiji or Cuba, home to millions of inhabitants. This green energy strategy crosses three main sectors: geothermal, wind and solar power, not all equally viable and the current share of renewable energy is only at 7%.

Although a country of very small size, geothermal power could leverage the nation’s perch on the Caribbean Plate. A 2018 pact with Polaris Energy scouts baseload potential on the territory and the government has recently expressed the intention of entering the geothermal market of St. Kitts and Nevis, a neighbor small island country, to strengthen regional energy cooperation.

At an initial look wind may seem like a source perfectly suiting an oceanic nation. However, this power proved to be a double-edged sword: trade winds whip reliably, but 2017’s Hurricane Irma — obliterating 95% of Barbuda — canceled the efforts of erecting resilient turbines, stalling ambitious sites.

It is solar power that steals the spotlight as the most reliable source of green energy, dominating almost 100% of current renewables. Bathing in year-round Caribbean sun, Antigua and Barbuda benefits from more than 4,300 hours of sunlight, making it the perfect spot for accumulating solar energy. A key feature of the sector is the shift from rooftop systems to off-grid systems. Projects like the hurricane‑resistant solar and battery plant on Barbuda are designed not just to generate clean power, but to keep the lights on after storms and also attract foreign capitals.

Changing Weather Patterns

Poverty remains a persistent challenge in Antigua and Barbuda, worsening under the strain of changing weather patterns. Those already on the margins face increasing threats from extreme weather, disrupted livelihoods and limited access to essential services such as health, transport and communications. The combined effects of hurricanes and the lingering fallout from COVID‑19 continue to erode social and economic stability.

Women are disproportionately affected, forming the majority in tourism and public sectors while shouldering household leadership. A UN Women and IISD survey urged retraining of public employees and stronger integration of gender concerns into climate policies. Many women rely on microfinance after disasters, while health risks — from waterborne diseases to mental stress — intensify vulnerabilities.

Expanding renewable energy in Antigua and Barbuda is vital to reversing these trends. Clean energy projects can lower costs, create stable jobs and strengthen climate resilience, ensuring that development benefits vulnerable groups more equitably. For instance, the International Renewable Energy Agency estimated that in a scenario where Antigua and Barbuda make it to 100% renewable energy, including the use of hydrogen and the proliferation of electric vehicles as variables, the cost of energy would decrease from USD 0.15 kWh to USD 0.09.

Why Are SIDS Obsessed With the Green Transition?

SIDS like Antigua and Barbuda, Mauritius, Nauru and others champion the green transition despite contributing a minuscule slice of global GHG emissions — less than 1% collectively, for 39 countries falling into this category.

Changing weather patterns hit them first before any other country in the world: sea-level rise erodes shorelines, hurricanes wreck homes and economies, coral die-offs cripple tourism and fish stocks.

Climate-resilient infrastructure and innovation are advancing at the national level among all SIDS. For instance, the Maldives and Tuvalu are experimenting with adaptive urban designs such as floating cities and artificial islands, adapting to rising sea levels. Collectively, SIDS are speaking out through the Alliance of Small Island States, urging stricter emissions targets and fair financial mechanisms for climate impact mitigation at the international level.

– Riccardo Chiaraluce

Riccardo is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Equatorial Guinea

Renewable Energy in Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea, a country just slightly above the equator line, has 1.4 million residents. Gas and fossil fuels provide 69% of the energy consumed in the country. The other 31% of energy consumed comes from hydropower, largely from the Dijibloho hydroelectric plant. Here is more information about renewable energy in Equatorial Guinea.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

In 2023, the Equatorial Guinean government announced a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by the year 2030. The government can only achieve this endeavor through further investment into renewable energies. An expansion in further hydropower projects could not only work towards this goal, but also provide stable employment for many citizens. The construction of the Dijibloho Dam from 2008 to 2012 demonstrates the potential benefits of hydropower investment, evidenced by the rapid growth in renewable energy generation in the years after the dam became operational. In 2011, Equatorial Guinea consumed only 4% of its energy through hydropower yet in 2015, the third year with the Dijibloho Dam running, this percentage jumped to 33%.

Hydropower Expansion

Building on its recent hydropower investments, the government of Equatorial Guinea is expanding efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase renewable energy production through the construction of the Sendje hydro project. This dam, with plans brewing since 2020, is ongoing and entirely funded by the Equatorial Guinean government. The new project is planned to attain a capacity of 200 MW, which would far eclipse the 120 MW capacity of the Dijibloho Dam. Therefore, when this Sendje hydro project reaches completion, the country’s energy consumption can begin to transfer towards a higher dependence on hydropower than that of fossil fuels.

The Beneficial Effects of Relying on Hydropower

Large projects like the Sendje dam represent the impact that investment in renewable energy in Equatorial Guinea can have on a community at large. Those living near the dam have the opportunity to attain a sustainable job not just through the construction of the plant, but also its maintenance and operation. The creation of new jobs remains the most powerful tool for reducing poverty by providing income as well as social identity. Equatorial Guinea’s President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, acknowledges this and plans to continue investing in the natural resources of the country to support the nation’s burgeoning non-oil sectors.

Reliable energy can also play a significant role in reducing poverty among local residents who the project did not directly employ. Approximately 18% of households in Equatorial Guinea still lack access to electricity, with higher percentages in rural areas. Projects like the Sendje Dam are particularly beneficial for these communities, providing access to reliable electricity that can be produced more sustainably and often at lower long-term cost than fossil fuel based energy.

Looking Ahead

Renewable energy is abundant in Equatorial Guinea. Through the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in projects like the Sendje dam, the country can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and expand access to electricity. These developments both help to address poverty in rural communities and protect the rich natural environment. Continued investment in renewable energy therefore has the potential to support both economic development and environmental preservation across the country.

– Zaccheri Morra

Zaccheri  is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Community Health Services Sustain Health Care Access in Cuba

Health Care Access in CubaWhen blackouts and fuel shortages threaten hospitals across Cuba, it is the doctors, nurses and medical students long embedded in neighborhoods who keep the system running. The de facto blockade of Cuba’s oil supply in recent months has had serious and widespread effects across all of Cuba, notably within the National Health Service (NHS). Representing the nation at the U.N. in September of 2025, Foreign Minister Bruno Parilla described daily challenges facing Cubans: “A grave scenario of prolonged and daily blackouts, difficulties in affording food, insufficient availability of medicines, reduced public transport, limited community services and pronounced inflation, which is eroding real incomes.”

Authorities and community clinics have reorganized services to protect health care access in Cuba. This ensures the continuous availability of life-saving treatments, including oncology care, dialysis and maternal health, across rural provinces. It also maintains regular access to primary family care physicians.

Cuba’s widespread, free-at-the-point-of-use medical system plays a critical role in maintaining access to health care, particularly during periods of economic or energy disruption. The health system’s ability to function under these conditions reflects Cuba’s family doctor and primary health care model. This model is built on principles that protect universal care and strengthen community resilience for all people in Cuba. These key principles form the foundation of Cuba’s strategy for maintaining health care access during humanitarian crises.

Accessibility and Regionalization

These first two principles establish that health care access in Cuba is universal and should remain available regardless of geography, income or social status. Before Cuba’s post-revolution health care reforms, rural Cubans had little to no access to hospital care. Today, “polyclinics,” general medical care centers are found in communities across the country, giving people outside major cities access to health care on a scale not seen since before the Spanish colonization of Cuba.

During the current fuel shortages and electricity disruptions, maintaining accessibility has required reorganizing how doctors and staff deliver care across Cuba. As a result, five million patients, including those undergoing dialysis or chemotherapy, who require constant electricity and regular specialist care, may see changes to their treatment plans.

Hospitals have prioritized electrical power for critical treatments to ensure staff can continue treating the most vulnerable patients. Thousands of cancer patients require ongoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, procedures that rely on stable electricity. Local health authorities have responded by concentrating patients in facilities with reliable power generators and hospital beds so that treatments can continue uninterrupted.

The newspaper Girón spoke with Yamira López García, the provincial director of Public Health in Matanzas, about the situation. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the operational capacity of all facilities within the public health system and expanding outpatient services so that “no patient will be left without the possibility of treatment.”

The paper also reported that radiotherapy, chemotherapy and dialysis remain available to patients and that authorities have established infrastructure for new admissions. These efforts demonstrate how the system seeks to preserve health care access in Cuba even as logistical conditions deteriorate.

Prevention

Preventive medicine is the central pillar of Cuba’s health care model. Rather than focusing solely on hospital treatment, the system relies on neighborhood doctors and nurses to monitor family health and identify risks early. The NHS has called for doctors to be reassigned to facilities near their residences to strengthen neighborhood clinics and reduce transportation pressures.

Specialists from secondary care institutions have also been temporarily deployed to community polyclinics to ensure local services remain operational. Because this regionalized network already exists, the system can redistribute medical personnel across local facilities without dismantling care. Clinics remain embedded within the communities they serve, helping maintain health care access in Cuba even when transportation and electricity shortages disrupt larger hospitals. 

These visits allow health workers to identify patients who may require urgent care before conditions worsen, reducing pressure on hospitals and helping preserve health care access at the community level in Cuba.

Community Participation

Rather than imposing health care structures on communities, Castro’s system sought to integrate local populations and emphasize organized public participation. Health care delivery, for example, is not limited to professional staff but also involves collaboration among medical institutions, local communities and educational programs. To maintain universal health care access in Cuba, medical students have joined primary care teams in clinics and doctors’ offices. 

As part of their training, students assist with household visits, patient monitoring and public health education. Their work expands the capacity of the neighborhood health system while allowing services to continue despite staffing and transportation challenges. This collective approach strengthens the resilience of local clinics. It ensures that community-based care remains a cornerstone of health care access in Cuba.

International Collaboration

Cuba’s health care strategy also includes international collaboration, with thousands of medical professionals participating in missions across Africa, Asia and Latin America. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, tens of thousands of Cuban doctors were working in more than 50 countries. Rather than recalling them, the Cuban government asked them to cooperate with host nations in combating the pandemic.

In recent months, many of those host countries have donated thousands of tons of critical aid, reflecting how international cooperation and reciprocal support can lead to better outcomes. The Nuestra América Convoy to Cuba is one such coalition aimed at delivering humanitarian aid based on “cooperation, respect for international law and U.N. values.” Arriving in Havana on March 21, 2026, the convoy is made up of volunteers from around the world and carries food, medicines and energy supplies.

Final Remarks

The energy crisis has tested every link in Cuba’s health care system. The resilience of community clinics and primary care networks demonstrates how strong public health infrastructure can protect health care access in Cuba, even under severe resource pressures. The polyclinic model supports universal accessibility and regionalized services, while prevention and community participation make clinics more adaptable under pressure. This approach offers a potential model for other low-resource settings facing similar shocks.

– Zoey Cruz

Zoey is based in Bedfordshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Renewable Energy in Africa: Startups Driving Sustainable Growth

Renewable Energy in Africa: Startups Driving Sustainable GrowthRenewable energy in Africa is transforming markets, communities and the environment as innovative companies expand access to clean, affordable power across the continent. While roughly 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, particularly in parts of West and Central Africa, a range of startups and business ventures are stepping in with technology-driven solutions that improve lives and create economic opportunities.

The Energy Challenge and Opportunity

Despite Africa’s enormous renewable potential, it holds about 60% of the world’s best solar resources, and the continent has historically received a small share of global clean energy investment. Renewables accounted for around 14% of total energy supply in 2020, and Africa received 2% of global clean energy funding in recent years.

Currently, energy access remains a development priority. Nearly half of the population in sub-Saharan Africa lives without reliable electricity, limiting business growth, health services and education. However, the growth in renewable energy, especially solar, signals a shift toward long-term, sustainable infrastructure across both urban and rural communities.

Startups Powering Progress

Several startups are leading the charge in delivering renewable solutions that expand access to power and stimulate local economies:

  • Sun King. Sun King operates a pay-as-you-go solar model that provides clean energy systems to households and small businesses. Its products, including solar lanterns and home kits, have reached millions of users across East Africa, helping households reduce dependence on expensive and polluting kerosene lighting while increasing productivity after dark.
  • M-KOPA. M-KOPA has pioneered affordable solar energy through digital micro-payments. Offering flexible payment plans, M-KOPA enables low-income households in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana to access solar systems without high upfront costs. The company has served millions of households and facilitated broader financial inclusion in underserved regions.
  • Bboxx. Bboxx provides pay-as-you-go solar power and smart energy solutions across multiple African countries. Bboxx not only supplies solar equipment but also integrates technologies such as batteries and enabled management systems that help users monitor and pay for energy more efficiently. With operations in more than 10 countries, Bboxx aims to expand its reach in the coming years.

Business, Health and Social Benefits

The spread of renewable energy in Africa is not only an environmental benefit; it is also a business and social solution. Consistent electricity enables small enterprises to scale, increases educational opportunities by providing light for study after dark and powers clinics and refrigeration for vaccines. Solar power investment also creates jobs, from installation technicians to business service providers, boosting local economies and workforce development.

Looking Ahead

Investors are taking notice, with grid and clean energy ventures attracting hundreds of millions in funding in recent years, showing growing confidence in Africa’s renewable energy market. Indeed, with continued innovation and investment, the region is positioned to make renewable energy a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and climate resilience. Renewable energy in Africa is not just a technical solution; it is reshaping markets, supporting communities and helping build a cleaner future for millions.

– Nishanth Pothapragada

Nishanth is based in London, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Kyrgyzstan

Renewable Energy in KyrgyzstanMany acknowledge Central Asia for its untapped, often overlooked energy resources. While the age of oil and gas has started to come to an end, Central Asia’s relevance in the energy space still remains. Kyrgyzstan opening its first solar power plant at the end of 2025 sheds light on the possible use of clean energy as a tool of national development.

Kyrgyzstan has made noticeable agreements with multiple leaders of the energy transition such as the UAE, China and Japan largely due to the expansive amount of minerals found in the country. While these countries get cheap access to important materials needed for renewable energy technology, Kyrgyzstan gets direct access to that technology. This is crucial to Kyrgyzstan’s economic development as the country currently suffers from unequal resource distribution and labor inequality. It is important to note the possible benefits Kyrgyzstan can gain through its current traction in clean energy because these issues are found in multiple corners of the world, not just to Kyrgyzstan.

Larger Access to Electricity

The current infrastructure for energy in Kyrgyzstan proves to be in poor shape; however, the increased investments in renewable energy in Kyrgyzstan will channel that energy to larger audiences with improved infrastructure. There is already evidence of this transition in the country: more than 50% of the urban population has a primary reliance on clean energy and fuels. This dependence indicates lower energy vulnerability which is a strong sign ending energy poverty.

Increased Jobs and Export Opportunities

New initiatives to increase private investment from the government offers the chance of more opportunities to employ local populations to work on renewable energy systems. This would have immense impacts on the Kyrgyz economy. While many initiatives are still in talks, Kyrgyzstan has already showcased the future through its current plans like the newly implemented the Partnership for Action on Green Economy. This plan directly assesses gaps and finds opportunities for local participation, with a particular dimension of gender-specific participation.

Some analysts note that Kyrgyzstan’s energy production will lead to a surplus generation which can then be exported to foreign entities interested in both renewable energy resources and technology and the actual energy itself. This would turn Kyrgyzstan into an export economy which would help with economic development as a whole. 

Climate Resilience

There is a common perception that consumption of fossil fuels is necessary for economic and national development. However, the impacts of Kyrgyzstan’s investments in clean energy show otherwise. The nation is directly contributing to climate resilience and the energy transition while still being able to develop its population, providing an alternative path to other nations in similar positions. Furthermore, this investment helps to address a key problem in local energy poverty rates. Central Asia, as a whole, generates 75% of its electricity through fossil fuel consumption making the region susceptible to global disruptions. By investing into clean energy, like Kyrgyzstan, nations in the region can combat this vulnerability as they would rely on their local energy sources for electricity generation thereby reducing this chokepoint.

Looking Ahead

Kyrgyzstan’s current patterns and position towards clean energy development have not been solely towards the interests of foreign entities or even the global energy transition. Kyrgyzstan stands as an example of how clean energy is very much the future and what it can do to improve the livelihoods of future populations. The country’s investments in renewable energy in Kyrgyzstan are not only enhancing the day-to-day lives of its population through larger access to electricity and increased jobs for citizens but also changing the perception of the country as a whole as they invite foreign investments and development alongside exporting current capital. These initiatives are essentially reshaping Kyrgyzstan’s role in the global economy into both a provider and teacher for other nations.

– Saanvi Mudpa

Saanvi is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Micro-Hydro Power Stations in Nepal’s Villages

Micro-Hydro Power StationsNepal’s mountainous terrain and abundant water resources make off-grid electricity a persistent challenge for rural villages. Indeed, many remote communities remain outside the reach of the national grid, relying on kerosene lamps or wood fuel for lighting and basic energy needs. Micro-hydro community power stations in Nepal’s mountain villages offer a promising alternative, generating small amounts of renewable electricity from local rivers and streams to directly power homes, schools and small businesses.

This decentralized approach expands electricity access in areas where extending grid infrastructure would be prohibitively expensive or technically difficult. Between 2007 and 2014, more than 400 micro-hydropower plants were built under Nepal’s Micro-Hydro Village Electrification Program. These projects brought reliable, clean power to hundreds of rural communities and helped nearly 625,000 people improve their quality of life.

The power stations in Nepal’s mountain villages harness community involvement, local labor and sustainable water flow. They reduce poverty, increase economic productivity and improve education and health outcomes in the country’s most isolated areas.

Expanding Electricity Access in Remote Areas

Micro-hydro systems in Nepal typically produce between 10 and 100 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power dozens or even hundreds of homes in mountain villages. These systems do not require large dams or reservoirs, making them well-suited for Nepal’s steep topography and numerous rivers. Communities work together to construct, operate and maintain these stations and many projects include local training on electrical systems management.

For example, community-owned micro-hydro plants supported by the Nepal Micro-Hydro Promotion project helped villages install turbine systems that replaced expensive diesel generators and provided light for homes and power for mills and small enterprises.

Boosting Local Economies and Education

Access to electricity through Micro-hydro community power stations in Nepal’s mountain villages has had clear economic impacts. In Darbang, a 51-kilowatt micro-hydro plant sparked local economic growth by powering poultry farms, metal workshops and other small businesses that now operate year-round. The community coordinated construction and operations, drawing on training and technical support from government programs such as the Alternative Energy Promotion Center.

Electrification enables local entrepreneurs to use electric tools and machines, which increases productivity and income. Families who previously relied on manual labor and inefficient fuels now have access to power that supports income-generating activities and reduces the time spent on chores such as fetching firewood.

Reliable electricity improves education by enabling students to study after dark and powering classrooms with lighting and digital equipment. Community clinics can store vaccines and run basic medical devices, which enhances public health outcomes. Micro-hydro plants also displace kerosene and wood-burning fuels, reducing indoor air pollution that contributes to respiratory illness.

Community Ownership and Sustainability

Micro-hydro community power stations in Nepal’s mountain villages are often built and operated by locals, with support from organizations such as UNDP and the government’s rural energy programs. This model prioritizes community management, with members taking responsibility for operations, maintenance and tariff collection to sustain systems in the long term.

Micro-hydro community power stations in Nepal’s mountain villages illustrate how decentralized renewable energy systems can bridge gaps in electricity access where national grid expansion remains limited. These projects power homes, support economic activity, improve education and health and empower communities to manage their own energy futures. As Nepal continues expanding renewable energy solutions, micro-hydro power offers a scalable way to reduce energy poverty in some of the country’s most remote locations.

– Shahzeb Khan

Shahzeb is based in San Ramon, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash