Archive for category: Electricity and Power

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Transforming Rural Electrification in Tanzania Introduction

Rural Electrification in TanzaniaAccess to electricity is an essential aspect of a country’s development that plays an important role in improving education, health care, and economic development. However, millions of people in rural Tanzania still live without enough power. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), access to quality electrification in sub-Saharan Africa remains low due to high cost and difficulties in the extension of national power grids to remote communities.

In response to these challenges, solar energy has emerged as a practical, affordable, and renewable source of energy. Rural Energy Agency (REA) in Tanzania has played a key role in promoting off-grid solar systems and mini-grids to expand electricity access in rural areas. Also, Private companies such as Zola Electric and Mobisol have also introduced pay-as-you-go solar models that allow low-income households to access electricity without high upfront costs.

In addition, organizations like IRENA report that decentralized solar systems have improved education outcomes, health care delivery and local business productivity in rural Africa. This paper will explore how solar energy is transforming rural electrification in Tanzania and supporting sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Background

Tanzania is a country in East Africa and home to more than 67 million people, it shares borders with countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Known for its rich natural resources, including wildlife, fertile land and renewable energy potential, incredible landscape, being home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and diverse culture, Tanzania has played an important role in regional trade and development.

Despite those advantages, access to reliable electricity remains a major challenge, particularly in rural areas, with only about 25% of rural residents having electricity compared to 75% in urban areas that aren’t connected to the national grid. Limited rural electrification in Tanzania has slowed economic growth, restricted access to education and healthcare, and widened the gap between urban and rural populations.

Health clinics without reliable electricity have trouble operating medical equipment, storing vaccines safely, and providing emergency care during the night. Similarly, small businesses face reduced productivity when they cannot power machinery, refrigeration, or communication tools, limiting the income of workers and local economic growth. These challenges have encouraged Tanzania to adopt off-grid solutions such as solar home systems and mini-grids as practical alternatives to improve rural electrification in Tanzania.

To address Tanzania’s electricity challenge, the country has turned to solar energy as a practical and renewable solution for rural and off-grid communities. The following paragraphs will examine the main solar energy systems driving rural electrification in Tanzania and highlight how these innovations are improving access to electricity while supporting economic development.

Solar Home Systems

Solar Home Systems (SHS) are small, off-grid energy systems that provide electricity to individual households in rural Tanzania. SHS provide houses with small, solar setups that generate electricity for basic amenities such as lighting, phone charging, radios, and small appliances. These systems typically include solar panels, a battery for energy storage, and sometimes an inverter or controller, which makes them perfect for off-grid areas where the availability to switch to the national grid is costly and slow. They are designed to provide electricity to homes and small businesses that lack access to the central grid, with components like PV panels and batteries that are engineered for basic electricity needs.

One major provider is Zola Electric, which supplies solar home systems to households through flexible payment plans, allowing families to access electricity without high upfront costs. Another key company is Mobisol, which offers larger SHS capable of powering multiple appliances and supporting small home-based businesses. These systems have significantly improved living conditions by replacing kerosene lamps with clean, reliable energy.

Mini-Grids

Solar mini grids are small-scale power systems that generate and distribute electricity to entire communities, including homes, schools, health clinics, and businesses. Unlike SHS, mini grids can support higher energy demand and productive activities such as milling, refrigeration and phone charging services.

In Tanzania, the government supports mini-grid development through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), which works with private developers to expand electricity access in remote areas. These partnerships help reduce costs, improve system maintenance, and ensure long-term sustainability of rural electrification in Tanzania

Pay-As-You-Go Solar

Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar systems allow users to pay for electricity in small, affordable installments using mobile money, thereby making solar power accessible to low-income households. This system removes the inconvenience of high upfront costs and enables families to gradually own their systems.

An example is Solar Sister, which combines PAYG solar with a community-based distribution model. Solar Sister trains and supports women entrepreneurs to sell solar products within their communities, increasing both energy access and local economic opportunities. This approach not only expands electricity access but also promotes gender empowerment and poverty reduction.

Looking Ahead

As Tanzania continues to explore other solar energy solutions, off-grid systems, mini-grids and pay-as-you-go models, a clearer path towards rural electrification can be achieved. With enough government support, private partnerships and continued investment in renewable technology, solar power has the potential to reach even the most remote communities. These systems not only improve daily living conditions, but also support education, healthcare and small businesses. Looking ahead, with enough innovation and practical application, solar energy can play an important role in reducing energy poverty and promoting rural electrification in Tanzania.

– Emmanuel Fagbemide

Emmanuel is based in Winnipeg, Canada and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Sao Tome and Principe

Renewable Energy in Sao Tome and PrincipeSão Tomé and Principe, with a population of about 220,000 people, is one of the smallest countries in Africa. It consists of two main islands near the Equator, with rainforests and many beaches. As is common on islands, there is a great dependence on imported goods. One of these imports is diesel, which the country uses to generate electricity. Most of the energy generated in São Tomé and Principe comes from fossil fuels, which harms both the environment and the country’s energy independence. A solution would be to focus on renewable energy. Sources of renewable energy in Sao Tome and Principe are more sustainable in the long term and can reduce its reliance on imported diesel for electricity.

Current Energy Situation

Renewable energy in Sao Tome and Principe is no longer just an option; it is a necessity. In 2022, 95% of all the country’s electricity generation relied on oil, which is imported, creating a big problem. This heavy dependence on imported diesel creates high electricity prices. The cost of the kilowatt per hour in São Tomé and Príncipe is $0.18, while in the neighboring country of Nigeria, it is a much lower rate of $0.035.

As a result, grid coverage in the country is limited, with approximately 78% of the population having access to electricity, and many people experience frequent outages. That means many people in São Tomé and Príncipe still use candles as the main source of light in their houses and have to burn biomass when they need to cook.

Electricity is essential. Homes, businesses, hospitals and schools all need electricity to function properly. The economy of a country is directly linked to its capacity to generate energy.

Renewable Energy Potential

One of the significant advantages of São Tomé and Principe is its enormous potential for renewable energy. This tropical island nation has mountainous terrain, rainforests and abundant water resources. Even though only 5% of the country’s electricity comes from solar and hydro power, Sao Tome and Principe can do so much more on both these sources.

  • Solar: Situated almost on the Equator, the country enjoys sunny days throughout the year, providing a sustainable way to generate electricity.
  • Hydropower: This form of energy generation was common in the country and could become widely used again with improvements to the current infrastructure. The creation of small hydro plants is a great alternative to strengthen electricity distribution in the country.

Current Projects and International Support

The government of São Tomé and Principe is aware of this energy challenge. It is taking concrete steps to address it, making renewable energy in São Tomé and Príncipe a reality. The goal is to achieve full electricity coverage in the country by 2030 with 50% of generation coming from renewable sources.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a partner in this effort, along with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Their goal is to promote energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy sources.

A recent example is the launch of a photovoltaic solar park in São Tomé and Principe, with a capacity of 1.2 megawatts. This demonstrates the country’s intention to reduce dependence on imported diesel for electricity.

As mentioned above, foreign investment is key to developing renewable energy in São Tomé and Príncipe. With early initial successes, more external financing is likely to follow.

Environmental, Social and Economic Benefits

The development of renewable energy brings many benefits:

  • Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Using less fossil fuel to generate electricity means lower greenhouse gas emissions, which benefits the environment.
  • Lower Energy Costs in the Long Term: Initially, the infrastructure for renewable energy can be expensive, such as building a dam. However, in the long run, this option is cheaper than continuously importing diesel. The installation of the solar park mentioned above has already eliminated the use of 15,000 liters of fuel, according to Sao Tome and Principe’s Prime Minister.
  • Better Access to Electricity for Rural Areas: Rural communities can benefit greatly from renewable energy. Solar and hydro facilities can be installed near these areas, solving access and transportation challenges.
  • Support for Tourism: Tourism requires reliable electricity to grow. Using renewable energy is also a strong selling point. Additionally, tourism creates jobs, injects money into the local economy and increases the country’s visibility. With a contribution of up to 11% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), tourism is on the rise in Sao Tome and Principe and the energy production improvement in the country is sure to make it even more important.

Challenges and Future Outlook

The challenges for Sao Tome and Principe are clear: a lack of funding for large-scale renewable energy investments, a shortage of technical expertise and infrastructure gaps. However, these barriers can be overcome. The country’s full potential could make Sao Tome and Principe a model for other tropical island nations seeking a viable and sustainable energy system.

– Thiago Almeida de Andrade

Thiago is based in Edmonton, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Renewable Energy in Suriname: A Pathway Out of Poverty

Renewable Energy in SurinameSuriname is a small country on the northern coast of South America in which many rural families still struggle with energy poverty. Rural communities often receive unreliable electricity if they receive it at all and diesel generators only deliver power for limited hours each day. In isolated areas families pay high costs for fuel while students and workers lack reliable lighting and power for basic appliances. This constrained energy access limits economic opportunities, education and health outcomes. Renewable energy in Suriname is increasingly seen not just as an environmental goal but as a critical driver for inclusive development and poverty reduction.

Renewable energy initiatives in Suriname, supported by government partners and international institutions, are expanding continuous electricity access to remote areas. These programs improve educational opportunities, reduce household energy costs and bring dependable power to villages that previously relied on expensive diesel generators. Here are five Ways that renewable energy reduces poverty in Suriname:

1. Solar Microgrids Bring Power To Remote Villages

The Suriname Village Photovoltaic Microgrid Project is a major step toward expanding renewable energy in Suriname’s interior. The initiative uses solar photovoltaic battery storage and hybrid systems to provide uninterrupted electricity to remote forest villages that historically had only a few hours of power each evening. As of 2024, 12 remote villages are connected to the first phases of the project and this infrastructure is being expanded to serve 34 villages with continuous electricity at a combined capacity of approximately 5,314 MWh once fully completed. These microgrids enable households to use lighting, refrigeration and phone charging throughout the day and night improving quality of life and creating new economic possibilities for residents.

2. Clean Energy Reduces Expenses at a Household Level

Although Suriname has a high national electricity access rate, rural communities continue to lag behind. More than 99% of urban residents have access to grid electricity, while rural access falls below 90% and many remote villages rely on diesel generators that provide power for only a few hours each day. Renewable energy infrastructure is expanding through solar mini-grids and hybrid systems that combine solar panels, battery storage and diesel backup to bring more reliable power to isolated communities. For example, in addition to the Suriname Village Microgrid Photovoltaic Project’s accomplishments, PowerChina is building additional hybrid solar microgrid plants to supply electricity to 25 villages across regions such as Daume, Cajana and Galibi. By replacing diesel generation, these renewable systems reduce fuel costs and price volatility while improving the stability of daily life for rural families.

3. Renewable Projects Create Skilled Jobs

Renewable energy projects like the solar microgrid deployments often create opportunities for local employment in installation operations and maintenance. International development frameworks for rural renewable projects typically include capacity building components to strengthen local skills and workforce readiness. For example, technical cooperation programs supported by institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank aim to increase local capacity for energy infrastructure development and productive use of electricity in rural areas.

4. Clean Energy Empowers Small Businesses and Farmers

Consistent electricity from renewable sources allows students to study after dark and supports digital learning tools in rural schools. Stable energy also enables small businesses such as shops and refrigeration services to operate reliably beyond daylight hours. Hybrid microgrids and solar PV systems moving into Suriname’s interior are part of this broader trend empowering communities to plan and expand entrepreneurial activities with a dependable power supply.

5. Renewable Energy Strengthens Climate Resilience

Changing weather patterns threaten Suriname’s rural economy through flooding and disruptions to traditional livelihoods. Renewable energy in Suriname, especially decentralized solar PV and hybrid systems, improves energy resilience by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and fossil fuel price shocks. Decentralized systems also provide essential power for critical services such as health clinics and water supply systems even during severe weather events or grid interruptions.

Conclusion

Renewable energy in Suriname plays a critical role in reducing poverty by expanding electricity access, lowering household costs and creating employment opportunities. Solar microgrids, home systems and hybrid energy projects strengthen education, health care and small businesses while improving resilience to changing weather patterns. As these initiatives continue to grow, renewable energy in Suriname offers a sustainable pathway toward economic stability and long-term poverty reduction.

– Shahzeb Khan

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Renewable Energy in Slovakia Is Powering a Sustainable Future

Renewable Energy in SlovakiaFor the last 10 years, renewable energy in Slovakia has changed from a developing goal to a national priority. A decade ago, this small Central European nation relied on imported fossil fuels to sustain its economy and power supply. Today, sustainable energy has become the cornerstone of economic and environmental growth. Supported by the European Union and local innovation, Slovakia invests heavily in solar, hydropower and wind systems to reduce emissions and strengthen energy security. This transformation demonstrates how small countries can contribute to global sustainability while improving the quality of life of citizens.

A Growing Commitment to Sustainability

Slovakia’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) requires renewable energy to supply at least 23% of gross final energy consumption by 2030. The plan aligns with the EU Green Deal while supporting job creation through green initiatives. EU financing and the Recovery and Resilience Plan have already funded projects that focus on sustainability, local employment and regional development, helping Slovakians gain stable work in growing clean-energy fields.

Harnessing the Sun

Solar energy is one of the most rapidly expanding forms of renewable energy in Slovakia. New photovoltaic farms across rural areas supply affordable electricity and reduce carbon emissions. The government proposed incentive programs that help households and businesses install rooftop panels, lowering utility costs for low-income families. These programs directly address energy poverty, which still affects about 6% of Slovak households due to aging infrastructure and high winter heating costs. By expanding solar access, families spend less of their income on energy and gain energy independence.

Hydropower: Slovakia’s Renewable Backbone

Hydropower remains Slovakia’s most consistent renewable source. The Danube River and its tributaries host hydroelectric plants that generate a large portion of the country’s clean energy. Ongoing modernization projects improve efficiency while protecting fish migration and water ecosystems. By upgrading its hydro systems, Slovakia demonstrates that environmental progress can build on tradition rather than replace it.

Wind and Community Energy Projects

Although wind energy is not yet a large part of Slovakia’s energy mix, many small-scale renewable energy in Slovakia projects are being developed. Supported by EU investments, western regions have installed small turbines where wind conditions are favorable. Local cooperatives let citizens invest collectively, meaning profits from green power stay within communities and support local growth. These initiatives empower residents and increase awareness of the environmental and economic value of clean energy.

Job Creation

Renewable energy in Slovakia is an economic win as much as an ecological one. The renewable sector has created more than 10,000 jobs in production, implementation and maintenance, which is necessary for a country that had a 6% unemployment rate in 2023. Furthermore, the IEA indicates that renewables create substantial private investments which stimulate regional economies and are, ultimately, cost-cutting. Thus, for households that experienced energy poverty and employment deficits during the crisis, the clean-energy sector serves as a stable employer and provider of safety.

Renewable energy in Slovakia is not just an ecological success, but an economic one, too. The International Energy Agency (IEA) observes that thousands of jobs are created because of the renewable energy sector in Slovakia. Furthermore, the more practical and efficient technological applications become, the more private investments it will receive and technological sustainability in the field becomes more realistic. These new energy applications will be economically sustainable for the long-term future for Slovakia.

– Sudhansh Reddy Pakala

Sudhansh is based in Monroe Township, NJ, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions, and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Fighting Poverty With Renewable Energy in Grenada

Renewable Energy in GrenadaGrenada, a small island in the Eastern Caribbean, has a population of approximately 113,000, nearly half of whom are under 30. Despite a period of economic growth and some poverty reduction according to the World Bank, extreme poverty has worsened between 2015 and 2019, rising from 2.4% to 3.5%. It is particularly prevalent among the youth, who make up two-thirds of this statistic.

The nation is held back by its small, service-based economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture—sectors vulnerable to recent shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly frequent climate-related disasters. These industries are also largely unskilled, offering limited income prospects that keep many Grenadians in unstable economic positions.

Energy Dependence and Its Effects

Adding to the problem is Grenada’s energy situation. More than 98% of the nation’s energy comes from imported fossil fuels. The lack of self-sufficiency and renewable energy in Grenada subjects the population to high, unstable living costs due to international market fluctuations and import taxes in a remote region. It also affects demand and availability through supply chain disruptions. This can exclude remote or impoverished groups from basic resources and create structural challenges for small and family businesses relied upon for survival—forming a vicious cycle of poverty. The dependency on fossil fuels also worsens climate-related challenges, creating a cycle of environmental devastation.

A Focus on Renewable Energy Opportunities

The United Nations (U.N.) outlines that a strategic focus in Grenada should be placed on stabilizing and diversifying the economy, becoming more self-sufficient, and creating jobs and opportunities to unlock the nation’s potential. All of this can be achieved through developing the renewable energy industry. While the current situation is troubling, Grenada is on the brink of opportunity. The nation has access to various international funds and climate finance mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), that can accelerate and actualize the transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The Grenadian government’s “Grenada Vision 2030” illuminates this potential. “Grenada’s National Energy Policy” proposes to establish a 100% renewable energy target by 2030. The vision statement behind the initiative outlines a desire to “build a competitive green economy that will be affordable and provide universal access to resources to improve the living standards for current and future generations.” This project focuses on developing renewable energy systems and enhancing energy efficiency infrastructure.

Benefits of Renewable Energy Development

The benefits of developing and investing in renewable energy sectors are wide-ranging and particularly beneficial for smaller, remote nations. Broadly, the industry creates sustainable, skilled jobs, as well as labor in installation and maintenance, improving income capacities and opportunities. Energy production also promotes self-sufficiency, eliminating import taxes and foreign dependency while stimulating and investing in the nation’s own economy.

More individually, cheaper and more available energy would boost disposable incomes, leaving more money to be spent on health care, food and education—vital for families at risk of resource deprivation. It would also lower costs for small businesses and local services, supporting communities and promoting local entrepreneurship. The nature of the industry and technological focus would also attract foreign investment and support from organizations involved in promoting renewable energy and sustainability.

The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) exemplifies the fundamental significance of this transition. As a nonprofit intergovernmental institution, CCREEE functions as a technical hub, advisory body and implementation partner for renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives in the Caribbean. The organization’s core mission is to promote sustainability, reduce fossil fuel dependency and build public knowledge in clean energy and related technologies.

Examples of CCREEE’s work include training in professional renewable energy and efficiency jobs, supporting the creation of green-skill jobs, and advising the region’s governments on energy policies and strategies to help them meet targets such as “Grenada Vision 2030.”

A Tool for Sustainable Poverty Reduction

The initiatives of CCREEE demonstrate how renewable energy in Grenada is a fundamental tool to fight poverty, increase equity and mitigate climate-related shocks. The organization provides a case study for how collaboration, advocacy and research are just as vital in sustainably alleviating poverty as monetary donations. It is largely funded by Caribbean governments and regional bodies such as CARICOM, emphasizing the importance of supporting similar initiatives in nations that need them most.

– Mia Keen

Mia is based in London and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Solar Energy in the Amazon: Lighting up Villages With Electricity

Solar Energy in the AmazonThe Amazon region of Brazil, known as Amazônia Legal, covers nearly 60% of the country’s territory across nine states. Yet, it is home to only about 12% of the population. More than 20 million people live within this vast area, including Indigenous residents, many of whom live in villages disconnected from Brazil’s national power grid. In recent years, both the Brazilian government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have begun investing in solar energy in the Amazon in an effort to bring sustainable electricity to the region.

More Light for the Amazon

In 2020, the Brazilian government launched the “More Light for the Amazon” project, later integrating it with the national Light for All initiative. The program aims to deliver renewable electricity to 228,000 homes by 2026, improving lives, creating opportunities for communities long overlooked and protecting the fragile Amazon environment.

These public policies have been essential for scaling up efforts, especially since NGOs alone often lack the resources to reach every village.

Impacts of Solar Energy in the Amazon

The Indigenous territory of Xingu offers a powerful example of how solar energy in the Amazon is transforming daily life. Today, many households have access to renewable electricity. Although it took more than a decade from the launch of the original initiative, families in Xingu can now switch on the lights and even watch TV, thanks to this clean and renewable energy solution.

Another example of how solar energy in the Amazon is transforming lives can be found in Vila Limeira, a village located within a protected area of the rainforest. The nearest city is 112 kilometers away and the community is reachable only by boat. Before solar power, diesel generators were the residents’ sole source of electricity, an expensive and unsustainable option.

Today, thanks in part to a donation from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to the World Wildlife Fund, Vila Limeira operates its own solar grid. Families can now enjoy basic amenities like refrigerators and washing machines, dramatically improving daily life.

Solar energy in the Amazon is transforming daily life and helping remote communities thrive. Renewable power now runs irrigation systems, keeps produce and meat fresh through refrigeration and makes simple tasks, like washing clothes at home, possible. Beyond convenience, solar power has also saved lives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities with access to solar energy could refrigerate vital medications and vaccines while also staying informed with reliable updates on resources and the spread of the virus. This access proved critical in such isolated areas, where reaching a hospital or medical facility is often difficult and time-consuming.

Final Remarks

As Brazil continues to expand public policies that promote solar energy in the Amazon, the results are already proving transformative. Remote villages, once isolated from the national grid, are now writing their own success stories, with renewable power bringing light, refrigeration, communication and opportunity into daily life.

Solar energy has minimal environmental impact, which allows communities to preserve their land and traditions while also strengthening local economies. Most importantly, it provides the foundation for future generations to thrive, with improved access to education, health care and the tools needed to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

– Fernanda Nilson

Fernanda is based in North Charleston, SC, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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5 Facts About Renewable Energy in Guinea-Bissau

Renewable Energy in Guinea-BissauLocated in West Africa, with about 2 million residents, the country of Guinea-Bissau has struggled with both economic and political instabilities for decades. However, with its coastal location, fishing has become an integrated part of the country’s economy. However, Guinea-Bissau has the power to improve both its economy and country with renewable energy. Here is information about energy poverty and renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau.

Energy Poverty in Guinea-Bissau

Energy poverty in Guinea-Bissau is very high. In fact, half of the country, more than a million people, are still unable to access electricity. As of 2023, only 0.8% of the country had access to clean fuels that are able to be used for cooking. While one may associate clean fuels with a more efficient way of cooking, there are other benefits of cooking with clean fuels as opposed to cooking with non-clean fuels, such as a lower risk of dying from indoor air pollution. Non-clean fuel sources, such as charcoal, crop waste or even dung, leave people at risk of death and ill-health, as opposed to those who use clean cooking fuels. While one may think of renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau as something that will help out our planet, citizens of Guinea-Bissau think of it as a life-altering and potentially life-saving change to their everyday lives.

Facts About Renewable Energy in Guinea-Bissau

  1. Implementing Renewable Energy is a Challenge: Guinea-Bissau’s electric sub-sector is one of the least efficient in West Africa. This is due to several factors, including, but not limited to, waste, supply and demand issues, financial issues and low investments. This means that renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau may be harder to implement.
  2. Low Electricity Availability: The availability of electricity in the West African country is low; however, the addition of renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau would change this. In fact, as late as 2022, more than one million people across the nation still do not have access to electricity. On the other hand, more than a million people across the country do have access to power. Out of the country’s entire population, rural areas were the smallest group to have that access, typically staying at the same low levels from 2015 to 2022. With the implementation of renewable energy in the country, more communities would have access to electricity, which could benefit their businesses, home lives and education.
  3. A Delayed Power Plant: The development of renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau experienced a delay due to an unfinished power plant. A 15MV power plant was supposed to reach completion in November 2018 as a replacement for another power plant; however, the power plant did not begin operating in 2019.
  4. Increasing Renewable Energy: Despite the electricity issues Guinea-Bissau faces, its electricity supply, particularly that which is renewable, has increased. In fact, in 2021, electricity that was generated from renewable sources was at its highest, at 18.3 (GWh).
  5. Possibility of Increased Renewable Energy: Even with the lack of resources, renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau is possible. Currently, the country has a huge potential to commit to using renewable energy more than ever. Since 2018, the country has had more electricity than before, growing from 28.3 MW to 29.1 MW in about three years. Furthermore, more advancements are to come to the country’s renewable energy use in the near future.

Investments in Renewable Energy in Guinea-Bissau

The European Commission has collaborated with Guinea-Bissau in an attempt to help better the country and its citizens. Aside from strengthening education and climate-resilient practices when it comes to agriculture and fishing, Team Europe is investing in clean and renewable energy with solar plants in rural areas of the country. In addition to this, the two are working to promote sustainable and climate-resilient practices, which include the use of renewable energy and agricultural techniques to protect the environment.

As of March 2015, the European Union pledged 160 million euros (which is just less than $2 million in the United States) in order to help strengthen the rule of law within the country and consolidate democracy. While this was over a decade ago, it shows good signs as to what is to come to Guinea-Bissau, thanks to the EU. In fact, the article states that this is the resumption of support towards the country from the union, rather than the start. In a more recent development, in 2020, during the Universal Periodic Review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, Guinea-Bissau received 197 recommendations; the country taking 193 into account, most of which involved the issue of sustainable development.

The types of renewable energy Guinea-Bissau is hoping to implement in the country’s future has been recorded as recently as 2021, specifically from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA’s 2021 energy profile release of the West African country found that out of the total energy supply available in the country, 85% of it was renewable, compared to the other 15%, which was oil. Furthermore, a closer look into Guinea-Bissau’s renewable energy use found that 100% of the renewable energy used in 2021 came from bioenergy. As of 2023, the renewable energy capacity of the country was 100% solar instead of bioenergy. This may be due to the increase of solar power installations across the country.

Looking Ahead

While Guinea-Bissau is a low-energy country, more than a million citizens are still unable to access electricity; renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau would do wonders for the country. Between boosting the country’s economy to improving countless families’ lives, renewable energy would create access to a feature that half of the country has not had exposure to. While progress might seem far away, due to the issues involving the West African country’s resources, the European Union is working to make the seemingly impossible, not only possible, but possible in the near future. Right before the pandemic, the EU had implemented suggestions to the country to help it improve its sustainable development, and Guinea-Bissau took nearly all of them into account. While the future is always uncertain, the use of renewable energy in Guinea-Bissau is looking up.

– Megan Akers

Megan is based in Fredericktown, OH, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Benin

Renewable Energy in BeninBenin, a small West African country, is making significant strides towards a sustainable, energy-secure future. With only 57% of its population currently having access to electricity, Benin ranks low in energy consumption among African nations. The country is at a critical point in its energy development and transition; strategies implemented now will determine whether the country can progress sustainably and guarantee nearly half of its citizens a way out of energy poverty. Fortunately, Benin has demonstrated considerable progress and commitment to utilizing renewable energy resources, particularly through solar power.

A National Investment in Solar Power

Renewable energy in Benin is rapidly expanding with the government aiming to increase its share of renewables in the energy mix to 31% by 2030 and achieve 100% energy independence by 2050. Currently, much of the population’s energy is imported from neighboring nations such as Ghana and Nigeria in the form of fossil fuels. As these imports become more of a cost burden, the government is investing in locally generated energy sources. Benin’s recently enacted National Renewable Energy Development Policy (PONADER) supports various projects and strategies aimed at increasing energy security through renewable resources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This includes new investments in the private solar energy sector with Axian Energy and Sika Capital currently developing four large-scale solar power plants. These plants will fuel Benin’s centralized power grid; as a result, project developers expect 50,000 urban households to gain access to decarbonized power.

Electrifying Rural Areas

Rural populations often face numerous challenges that keep them in a cycle of impoverishment. However, energy security addresses many of these issues. Initiatives to increase energy access help communities build capacity by powering schools, health facilities, homes and businesses. In turn, this positively impacts educational, health and economic outcomes, all important determinants of poverty.

Bringing decentralized energy to Benin’s underserved rural areas, where only 17.4% of the population has access to electricity, has become a main focus in local government policy. Grid extensions and importing energy sources remain expensive, making local energy production more economically viable. Renewable energy in Benin expands further on the potential of solar power with the government establishing the Africa Minigrids Program. Implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility, this program aims to bring clean energy to communities not connected to the central power grid using solar mini-grids. Such a program will help reduce existing energy inequalities in Benin, with current large disparities between urban and rural populations.

This program reinforces the work that private solar energy providers are already doing in rural Benin. The company ENGIE Energy Access, in partnership with the Beninese government, implemented Benin’s first solar mini-grid in 2024 and is in the process of building several more across the country. This project is anticipated to bring electricity to 30,000 people living in rural areas. ENGIE is also one of the main providers of in-home solar systems in West Africa, providing households with affordable and reliable access to electricity. Without this resource, people are currently depending on biomass to power their homes, a technique that is inefficient and produces pollutants.

Job Creation

Job creation and reducing underemployment will play a large role in poverty reduction in Benin. The World Bank found that in 2022, 72% of Benin’s workforce struggled with underemployment, while 90.1% worked jobs in the informal economy. Those who work in the informal sector or have inconsistent employment often see lower wages at irregular intervals, making job security difficult to achieve. These factors contribute to monetary poverty and a lack of access to basic necessities, highlighting a need for increased job opportunities. 

Energy access is highly associated with economic growth and prosperity, empowering individuals to start businesses, diversify incomes and increase productivity. While electricity access enables individuals to engage in new income-generating activities, they will also be able to build upon existing ones. In developing countries like Benin, many rely on subsistence agriculture as a main source of income and to meet personal needs. With improved energy security, Benin’s farmers and the agricultural sector will benefit from more efficient farming practices.

Solar Electric Light Fund

Many communities are already seeing these benefits, with the nonprofit Solar Electric Light Fund establishing solar gardens across 10 villages in rural Benin. These gardens use solar power to operate water pumps and drip irrigation, making food production possible even during the long dry seasons. With a reliable harvest, these farmers generate consistent incomes and increase food security, contributing to their well-being and that of their families and communities.

An Increase in Green Jobs

There is also a rapidly growing demand for green jobs in Benin, as well as for the rest of Africa. These demands are beginning to be met in Benin through newly emerging programs that provide training and mentorship in renewable energy fields. Operating under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and financed by the World Bank, the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) is facilitating the growth of small-scale solar energy businesses and entrepreneurs in West Africa. Participants receive training in solar PV installation, maintenance and technology development, equipping them with the technical skills necessary to join the formal solar energy workforce. They are also trained in financial management and business strategies, helping them create startups and contribute to ongoing solar projects. ROGEAP also focuses on supporting youth and women-led enterprises, addressing gender inequality in the region.

A Future To Look Forward to in Benin

Renewable energy in Benin offers hope for its populations still living in energy poverty. Indeed, through the implementation of programs designed to increase energy security and strategic partnerships between the Beninese government and private solar power providers, the future for Benin’s energy sector looks bright. Building upon the capabilities of solar power will aid in the country’s prospective transition to energy independence and reduction of fossil fuel use. 

– Quinlan Bohannon

Quinlan is based in Portland, OR, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Renewable Energy in Azerbaijan

Renewable Energy in AzerbaijanAzerbaijan, home to more than 10 million people, is a landlocked country located between Russia and Iran in Southeast Asia. In the past decade, the Azerbaijan government has implemented significant initiatives to increase their renewable energy resources with plans to have up to 38% of its electricity come from renewable sources by 2030. Renewable energy has become one of the nation’s top priorities in recent years, as President Ilham Aliyev issued a 2019 decree to reform and modernize the national energy sector. According to Aliyev, renewable energy in Azerbaijan has the potential to stimulate economies both nationally and around the world.

The poverty rate in Azerbaijan has considerably declined in the past 20 years, dropping from 68.1% in 1995 to only 5.5% in 2023; however, with almost half the population living in rural areas, many residents continue to experience unreliable access to affordable energy. Some rural residents have access to electricity for only five to six hours a day, and poor insulation in outdated buildings further limits their ability to retain energy. Expanding renewable energy in Azerbaijan could close this gap by making power more accessible, while also improving public health and creating jobs.

Azerbaijan’s Renewable Energy Transition

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), oil and natural gas control Azerbaijan’s energy supply, which together account for more than 90% of electricity generation. Renewable energy in Azerbaijan contributes about 6% of total electricity generation, but that share is set to rise as the government invests heavily in renewables such as solar, wind, hydropower and bioenergy.

The Ministry of Energy estimates Azerbaijan’s technical renewable potential at more than 135 gigawatts (GW) onshore and 157 GW offshore, with 27 GW considered economically feasible. This includes 3,000 MW of wind, 23,000 MW of solar, 380 MW of bioenergy and 520 MW from small rivers. Azerbaijan currently operates 65 hydroelectric plants, five wind farms, nine solar plants and several hybrid projects that produce around 1,829 MW, which is more than 19% of the country’s total power capacity.

These investments align with Azerbaijan’s commitment to host COP29, the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, underscoring the country’s growing role in advancing world sustainability.

How Renewable Energy in Azerbaijan Can Reduce Poverty

  1. Lower Costs and Greater Access: Renewable energy systems such as solar and wind operate more efficiently and cost less than fossil-fuel plants. Expanding renewables could lower electricity costs for households and businesses, particularly in rural communities that currently rely on costly or unreliable sources. Microhydropower systems also deliver power to isolated regions, allowing residents to easily access lighting, refrigeration and internet. These are key factors in stimulating education and economic growth.
  2. Better Health and Living Conditions: Burning fossil fuels releases major air pollutants that contribute to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. More than 880,000 Azerbaijanis live within five kilometers of gas flaring sites, heightening their risk of developing these chronic and often lethal conditions. Cleaner energy reduces these health risks and lowers medical expenses for low-income families. The new Garadagh Solar Power Plant will save 110 million cubic meters of natural gas and cut 200,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. These projects will benefit not only the planet but also improve the quality of life for Azerbaijani residents.
  3. Job Creation and Economic Growth: The shift to renewable energy has generated substantial job growth across Azerbaijan. Building and maintaining solar farms, wind turbines and grid systems creates thousands of jobs. The Shafag (Jabrayil) Solar Power Project is projected to generate more than 400 new jobs by the end of 2027. Moreover, many of these opportunities are located outside urban centers, such as the Khizi-Absheron 240 MW Wind Farm, helping to reduce rural poverty.
  4. Energy Security and Climate Resilience: Dependence on oil and gas exposes economies to price fluctuations and resource depletion. Renewable energy provides stability and self-sufficiency. By saving natural gas used in power generation, Azerbaijan can increase exports, leading to increased revenue for poverty reduction and infrastructure development. It also strengthens the country’s resilience to changing weather patterns, which also disproportionately affects poor and rural communities.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While Azerbaijan’s renewable energy growth is promising, challenges remain. The country’s energy infrastructure continues to depend primarily on fossil fuels, and scaling up renewables requires additional investment in transmission lines and modernized regulations. The Ministry of Energy notes that although the technical potential exceeds 135 GW, only a fraction is economically feasible today due to costs, outdated technology and limited participation from the energy private-sector. 

Still, the government’s Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Electricity Production and the development of public-private partnerships represent crucial steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. If Azerbaijan continues its commitment to renewable energy expansion, it will foster not only a greener economy but also a more equitable one.

– Emily Salter

Emily is based in Birmingham, AL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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The Problem with Oil: Renewable Energy in Guyana

Renewable Energy in GuyanaGuyana currently has one of the fastest-growing economies due to its vast offshore oil reserves. Despite this, Guyana remains one of the most impoverished countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region. In 2023, 58% of Guyanese lived in poverty, earning less than $6.85 a day, and 32% lived in extreme poverty, earning under $3.65 a day.

This disparity worsened after the government signed production and revenue-sharing agreements in 2016 with major oil companies. These deals grant Guyana just 12.5% of oil revenues, a small portion of which reaches the average Guyanese. At the same time, energy remains expensive, unreliable, and inaccessible for many, exacerbating energy poverty nationwide.

For Guyana and other developing nations, renewable energy offers a path towards sustainable, affordable, and reliable power. It holds the potential to lift communities out of poverty and build a more secure future. While renewable energy in Guyana shows significant promise, the country must overcome several key challenges to unlock its full potential.

The Current State of Energy

Oil production in Guyana exploded after ExxonMobil’s 2015 discovery of offshore oil reserves in the Stabroek Block. By 2024, daily output reached 630,000 barrels, with projections to double by 2027. This will make Guyana one of the world’s top per capita oil producers. Additionally, petroleum supplies over 99% of the country’s energy generation and consumption.

Guayana generates its power primarily through aging diesel systems and delivers it through a deteriorating grid, which causes severe inefficiencies and frequent outages. This makes energy both expensive and unreliable, and leaves many Guyanese in a constant state of energy poverty and exacerbating financial strains.

Electricity in Guyana costs around $0.32 per kilowatt-hour, which is among the highest in the region and the country loses 26% of all power due to grid inefficiencies. Those who can afford power experience frequent power outages.

Oil companies have secured significant control over the energy sector, including monopoly rights on power generation and the grid, through legal frameworks designed to protect their interests. While oil brings GDP growth, due to these agreements, Guyanese citizens themselves see little of the money.

Why Renewable Energy in Guyana Matters

Renewables offer Guyana a way to produce inexpensive, reliable, and sustainable energy that will reduce energy and financial strain for many Guyanese citizens. Recognizing this, the Guyana government created a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which focuses on fostering low-emission economic growth by 2030. The LCDS emphasizes energy access for underserved populations, environmental protection, and international collaboration.

Despite strong potential, renewable energy development in Guyana remains slow and uneven.

Hydropower

Guyana has an estimated 7,600 megawatts of hydropower potential, but currently has no large-scale hydro plants. The country ultimately abandoned the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, proposed in 2014 to generate more than 1,000 gigawatt-hours annually.

More recently, smaller projects have found success. In 2024, the country built the 1.5 MW Kumu Hydropower Station, and in 2025, it built the 0.7 MW Moco Moco Plant. These projects provide clean, reliable energy to several hinterland communities.

Solar Power

Solar energy has seen the most progress in Guyana, particularly in rural and off-grid areas. In 2023, the Guyana Energy Agency distributed 26,398 solar units to remote communities, according to EIA. The Home Energy Systems Project plans to add 30,000 more units, totaling 4.8 megawatts of capacity.

Two 45-kilowatt mini-grids with battery storage were installed in Orealla and Siparuta. The GUYSOL program launched a 1.5 megawatt solar plant in Bartica in 2023, which aims for 19% renewable energy in the national grid.

In March 2024, Guyana signed a $38 million deal with SUMEC to build solar farms in three regions, adding 10 megawatts. By 2025, new solar farms in Guyana are expected to produce over 39 megawatts of solar energy.

Wind and Biomass

Wind power in Guyana remains largely underdeveloped. The country never completed a 10 megawatt wind farm proposed for Hope Beach in 2007. More recently, the government proposed a 450-kilowatt wind turbine for Leguan Island, designed to complement an existing solar farm.

Guyana’s agricultural sector produces large volumes of rice husks and sugarcane waste, which offer ideal biomass fuel sources. However, biomass energy remains underutilized.

The Skeldon Biomass Power Plant in East Berbice-Corentyne is currently the only operational biomass facility. It generates 30 megawatts of power from sugarcane residue and supplies energy to surrounding communities.

Challenges to Renewable Energy

Despite significant potential, renewable energy development in Guyana faces several obstacles such as energy laws, high upfront costs and unequal access. Building renewable infrastructure requires a significant initial investment. Remote and Indigenous communities benefit least from oil revenue and struggle to finance energy projects, making them particularly dependent on public or international aid.

Strategic investment, donor support, and regulatory change could help Guyana shift toward a more equitable and sustainable energy future.

– Dylan Kretchmar

Dylan is based in Granville, OH, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr