Archive for category: Electricity and Power

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Solar Power in Yemen Eases Energy Crisis

Solar Power in YemenIn many ways, the civil war has plunged Yemen into darkness. Over a decade of conflict has resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths, severe economic downturn and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. As of 2021, 82.7% of Yemenis were living in multidimensional poverty. Yet the country’s future is not entirely dark. Here are three ways solar power in Yemen is bringing literal and figurative light to communities nationwide.

Clean Water in Al Maqatirah

Finding clean water has been a challenge for many Al Maqatirah District residents. An outdated system lacking functionality and the high cost of diesel fuel created a difficult choice: pay for expensive and potentially unsafe local water or travel long distances to buy it from somewhere else.

Thanks to a 2025 project sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and several partners, 5,827 Yemenis no longer face this dilemma. The old pipelines have been replaced by a solar-powered water system that provides immediate access to reliable drinking water and sets Al Maqatirah toward long-term sustainability. This project is a clear example of the humanitarian potential of solar power in Yemen.

Powering Livelihoods in Al-Ghaydah

Meanwhile, the city of Al-Ghaydah struggled with an entirely different problem. Climate instability, rising fuel prices and energy shortages threatened the Bawazier Ice and Fish Preservation Factory operations. The facility is a critical part of the coastal community, which relies heavily on fresh fish for sustenance and employment. Without a way to preserve their catch, fishermen risked losing their livelihoods and families their dinners.

Recognizing the urgency, the World Bank, UNDP and Yemen’s Small and Micro Enterprises Promotion Service stepped in with a solution. In 2023, they gave the factory a grant, allowing it to transition 25% of its energy to solar power. This reduced reliance on diesel has enhanced efficiency, lowered monthly energy costs by $875 and created new job opportunities. As a result of this successful model of solar power in Yemen, higher-quality fish is now sold at lower prices and a community vulnerable to changing climatic conditions has become more sustainable.

Keeping the Lights on in Hospitals

Ensuring hospitals remain operational is essential, particularly in a country where 21.6 million desperately need humanitarian aid. However, 46% of Yemen’s health care facilities are either partially operational or completely out of service. A driving force behind this number is a long-standing energy crisis, which has significantly inhibited hospitals from giving patients the care they desperately need.

Once again, solar power in Yemen provides a source of hope. Through a partnership between the UNDP and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, four hospitals have been provided with renewable energy systems. This project hopes to see Yemeni patients receive high-quality health care by installing solar panels that keep the lights on. Enabling their communities to become cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

A Brighter Future for Yemen

As these examples show, solar power in Yemen has the potential to make a substantial difference in the lives of some of the world’s most impoverished citizens. It could help provide clean drinking water to the 18 million people without access. It could put food on the table for the 17 million suffering from severe malnutrition. Furthermore, it could also curb outbreaks of preventable infectious diseases that fuel the humanitarian crisis. In a country plagued with hardship, renewable energy illuminates a path forward.

– Caroline Clark

Caroline is based in Needham, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Morocco’s Noor Solar Project: Redefining Renewable Growth

Noor Solar ProjectThe Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex project in Morocco stands as a blueprint for sustainable innovation and alternative energy resources internationally. Set against the arid backdrop of the Sahara’s gateway, this solar giant does more than generate energy, but is building a model for clean development that blends technology, climate action and economic growth.

A Solar Vision for Change

Launched in stages beginning in 2016, the Noor solar project has rapidly grown into the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) facility, with a generation capacity of more than 580 megawatts. The complex currently provides electricity to more than 1.1 million Moroccans and offsets approximately 690,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, which equates to removing more than 145,000 constantly running vehicles from the road.

The project was born out of a critical energy need. In 2019, Morocco depended on imports for more than 97% of its energy demand, with the government strategically turning to the locally available, renewable source to secure its energy security. This national strategy for Moroccan energy has big aims, hoping  to raise renewable energy to 52% of capacity by 2030, the World Bank reports. Noor, the crown jewel of this strategy, is delivering on that promise.

Clean Energy with Storage Capacity

The technology developed in the Noor solar project also represents a leap forward for renewable sources and alternative energy usage. Unlike traditional solar panels, the Noor plant uses curved mirrors to concentrate sunlight and heat a fluid, either synthetic oil or molten salt. This allows storing energy captured from the sun up to eight hours after sunset, something not possible with regular solar technology. This capacity to deliver electricity after dark is vital for matching peak demand, and it sets CSP apart from most other renewable systems.

Noor I, II, and III use a mix of trough and tower-based CSP designs, and each component of the project contributes significantly to Morocco’s grid. Noor I alone produces 370 GWh per year, while Noor II and III add another 1,100 GWh combined, according to King’s College London. This amount of energy is enough to power all of Marrakesh, a city of more than a million people, highlighting the local impact the energy generated by the project has made.

From Local Jobs to Global Impact

Development of the Noor solar project additionally supported local development, creating thousands of jobs during the construction process, and although long-term employment at the site is limited, secondary benefits have been longstanding. New roads and water infrastructure have allowed surrounding villages to become better linked to public services, with local farmers additionally receiving sustainable agriculture training from the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN).

Crucially, the project has attracted $1.6 billion in concessional financing from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the European Union. This blend of public-private support signals what is possible when long-term environmental goals align with innovative development in the renewable energy sector.

Facing Environmental Trade-Offs

Despite its success, the Noor project does raise concerns, with the plant consuming a significant amount of water in the very dry and already water-scarce arid region. However, dry-cooling systems and air-based mirror cleaning are helping to lower usage, attempting to ensure the plant would remain functional in water shortages. Environmental studies have also flagged habitat loss and disruptions to native ecosystems, underscoring the importance of integrated sustainability planning in large-scale infrastructure.

Still, for many, the trade-offs are worth it. Noor represents more than just a solar farm, it is a pivot toward energy independence and a vision for exporting clean energy beyond Africa. As Morocco eyes future CSP developments in Midelt, Boujdour and Laayoune, the Noor Complex offers a promising path forward.

Looking Ahead

As global energy demand continues to rise, especially across Africa, Noor is proving that utility-scale renewables are viable. With a stable policy environment, strategic public-private investment and cutting-edge technology, Morocco is highlighting how developing nations can leap forward economically with sustainable practices.

– Thomas Finighan

Thomas is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Journey To Renewable Energy in Micronesia

Renewable Energy in MicronesiaMicronesia (or the Federated States of Micronesia) is a small country located in the continent of Oceania. A large advocate of environmental policy, renewable energy in Micronesia has a long history behind it. Through many years of struggle and advancements, Micronesia has made its intentions for a clean future clear.

Life in Micronesia

While Micronesia’s environment is beautiful, living there isn’t easy.  In 2013, 41.2% of the population lived below the national poverty line, a statistic that the World Bank Group estimates to be higher post-COVID-19. Due to its isolated geography, poor mineral deposits and lacking economy, opportunities can be slim.

Electricity is a scarce resource in Micronesia; most of the country is reliant on diesel generators that power a central grid. Most communities do not have day-long access to electricity. Individual households are not the only parties affected by a lack of energy; hospitals have to work with a less-than-ideal power supply as well.

For those with more reliable access to electricity, another problem rears its head. Aging infrastructure causes many power grids to be vulnerable to intense weather like typhoons. This leads to frequent power outages as the grids fail to hold under the conditions.

Fossil Fuels in a Changing World

As an island country, Micronesia experiences some of the highest rates of sea-level rise per year on the planet. A reliance on diesel generators, which produce more pollutants than gasoline engines, exacerbates the issue. Its economic reliance on fisheries and farming causes a unique need to halt the unsustainable fossil fuels use as weather patterns rapidly intensify.

Micronesia’s reliance on diesel generators is more than just an environmental issue however, it is also a financial one. Micronesia has a severe lack of local fossil fuel deposits, this includes resources to fuel these generators. Due to this, Micronesia must outsource its entire fuel supply.

The U.S. used to pay for these fuel imports, but that stopped in 2004. As Micronesia locally lacks typical energy sources, the cost for a fossil fuel economy is too great for Micronesia to handle.

A Plan To Help

In 2004, Micronesia implemented a Strategic Development Plan to outline the goals and benchmarks of renewable energy in Micronesia up until 2023.  This plan detailed multiple advancements towards green energy, such as providing sustainable funding for environmental programs and would outline the approach towards green energy for the coming years.

This plan provided an outline that would pave the way for climate and disaster policy, as well as the formation of new climate committees. Through this new focus, renewable energy in Micronesia has grown into a larger force. Solar energy has become prevalent in the country, playing a large role in the hopeful eventual phasing out of the reliance on diesel.

A Green Future

Renewable energy in Micronesia still has a long way to go. The country still has an overwhelming reliance on diesel generators, and most households are still without electricity. However, through actions both past and present, there is undeniable progress ahead.

The World Bank’s recent ARISE Project is set to be a significant boon for the country. The project aims to increase solar construction, creating both mini-grids and home systems. It also aims to strengthen the older grid’s infrastructure to make them more resilient to natural events. This project will help more than 3,000 people gain electrical access.

The FSM recently launched its National Energy Policy through 2050. This policy outlines a future of independent power production as well as public private partnership. It also calls for studies into clean energy sources such as wind, the implementation of hydropower and advancements in architecture for solar. 

Looking Ahead

With weather patterns steadily intensifying over time, renewable energy’s steady traction and momentum and an ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2050, a green future is not only necessary, but inevitable for Micronesia.

– Cayle Harrison

Cayle is based in West Columbia, SC, US and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Energy Poverty: Renewable Energy in Lesotho

Renewable Energy in LesothoThe Kingdom of Lesotho has stood at the precipice of expanding renewable energy projects in recent years. According to the World Bank Group, the nation has a great capacity to utilize wind, solar and hydropower resources, which is abundant and can completely cover their national energy needs if harnessed.

Despite this, only 50% of the population has access to electricity. Lesotho’s efforts to reduce poverty have decreased urban impoverished groups by a small margin, but rural areas stagnated, likely needing decentralized electricity for development. Additionally, their high unemployment rates will make unaffordable energy, inequality and poverty persist if not addressed.

In order to prevent economic collapse in the wake of worsening climate effects and unpredictable economic surprises such as the U.S. tariff on Lesotho’s textile industry, focusing on improving domestic renewable energy in Lesotho can create jobs and reduce poverty.

What Is Energy Poverty?

A negative impact to populations is the lack of access to energy in households, depriving them of heating, cooling and functioning lights. As the problem occurs behind closed doors, governments often overlook this aspect in developing energy sectors.

Energy poverty can continuously affect vulnerable populations’ income levels. These impacts include less access to hygiene, healthcare issues and educational barriers. Improving household inequalities with renewable energy in Lesotho utilizes resources local to impacted areas.

Economic processes, such as humanitarian aid or budgetary spending, often tackle poverty. Lesotho’s poverty rate of 49% as of 2017 proves that these efforts are not enough. Concrete steps to stimulate the energy sector can provide relief for the at-risk population.

Additionally, the process to eradicate poverty and to provide renewable energy intertwine. To solve either issue, the government must commit to a combination of strategies. Strategic Planner for the United Nations, Subhra Bhattacharjee believes that to deliver clean energy, ending poverty is important as it is a requirement for future sustainable development.

PowerPoor: A Model for Energy Poverty

In addition to increasing their capacity to harness renewable energy in Lesotho, the government can improve their energy sector further by mitigating energy inefficiencies. Lesotho’s relatively small population gives them the opportunity to employ PowerPoor’s Power-Act tool in an effort to reduce inefficiency. 

Power-Act is the project’s idea to customize advice based on assessments of energy profiles of vulnerable citizens. As a secondary step in poverty reduction, this can prevent energy access from being unaffordable and can increase the country’s quality of life.

Looking Ahead

With better electricity infrastructure, using renewable energy in Lesotho will physically improve their initial energy needs, increase jobs and their overall quality of life. In combination with structured plans to reduce inefficiency, they can teach energy preservation to prevent future decline.

– Aliyah Omar

Aliyah is based in Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Energy Access in India: Zor’s Battery-Sharing for Small Farmers

Energy Access in IndiaPersistent gaps in reach, quality and reliability mark energy access in India. Around two-thirds of the country’s 1.3 billion people live in rural areas, many working on small farms with limited electricity access. Despite national progress, energy access in India’s rural regions remains unreliable or unavailable. Approximately 300 million Indians live off-grid and many agricultural areas remain disconnected due to high costs and coordination challenges. Most farmers earn about $4 a day.

As a result, farmers remain dependent on costly fossil fuels for irrigation and mechanization. Diesel is nearly twice as expensive as subsidized grid electricity, significantly reducing profit margins. While rural electrification efforts in the 2000s, such as RGGVY, expanded household electricity, they largely neglected agricultural needs, focusing on basic domestic connections rather than high-capacity farm requirements like irrigation pumps. Districts electrified after these policy changes saw only two additional electrified wells per 100 households, compared to 16 in districts electrified earlier.

This shift increased diesel pump adoption, raising operating costs and emissions. Reliance on diesel generators also heightens environmental and health risks, as prolonged exposure to emissions is linked to respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and pneumonia. Critically, the absence of stable, grid-based electricity perpetuates poverty cycles among farmers, as inefficient and expensive energy solutions erode already narrow profit margins. However, emerging initiatives are leveraging technology to address these gaps, offering scalable, sustainable alternatives to uplift rural livelihoods.

Zor: A Battery-Sharing Model Transforming Rural Energy

Zor is an innovative startup founded by Rea Savla and Vishesh Mehta, two Harvard Business School graduates with agricultural expertise. The company tackles energy access in India’s rural areas through a modular battery-sharing system, enabling farmers to rent and swap charged batteries powered by both grid and renewable sources as needed.

Recognizing diesel’s financial burden on smallholder farmers and leveraging India’s existing solar subsidy programs, Zor designed a pay-per-use model. This approach avoids brand-specific subsidies and eliminates prohibitive upfront costs that often deter solar adoption. It shortens typical payback periods from 10–20 years to under two years, dramatically improving returns on investment for farmers.

Zor’s modular lithium-ion battery system, powered by adaptable software, supports diverse agricultural needs, including grinding, milling, transportation and crop preservation. Designed for resilience, the batteries can be reliably charged even in remote areas with unstable grid access. Operating in rural India required a high-touch approach. Success demands constant availability and a hands-on mindset. Zor’s team conducted 18 months of fieldwork to ensure a farmer-centric solution, engaging more than 700 farmers across 25 villages to understand their pain points and refine the model.

Zor Energy’s Community-First Model

Early pilots in Odisha and Jharkhand proved the model’s viability as farmers rapidly adopted the service for convenience and cost savings. Zor’s community-driven approach prioritizes local management by deploying village charging stations and training residents to operate them, ensuring sustainability and scalability. The model also emphasizes gender inclusion, aiming for 50% female field staff to create economic opportunities for women historically marginalized in rural energy sectors.

With seed funding secured, Zor Energy is poised to scale its technology and expand its reach. This solution delivers reliable, on-demand electricity for farming and household needs, cutting energy costs by 40% compared to diesel. Its modular design directly addresses rural India’s electrification gaps, demonstrating that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Bridging the Critical Energy-Irrigation Gap

Zor’s model targets diesel-dependent irrigation in energy-poor regions, a well-documented challenge in rural electrification studies. In eastern Indian states like Odisha and Jharkhand, where Zor piloted its approach, farmers face inconsistent grid access. They often rely on costly diesel pumps that deplete groundwater.

Research indicates that closing this energy-irrigation gap could expand irrigated land by 20% during dry seasons, boosting productivity and resilience. Zor’s decentralized battery system directly supports this goal, cutting costs and enabling sustainable irrigation where the grid falls short.

Community-Led, Scalable Impact

Zor emphasizes community participation and skills development, mirroring successful initiatives like Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP). SSP has trained 60,000 women as clean energy leaders across rural India, reaching four million people, increasing the adoption of clean cookstoves and reducing household pollution. This grassroots approach builds local support networks, develops technical skills, facilitates livelihoods, all whilst improving energy access in India.

Zor similarly engages women as field staff and managers, promoting gender inclusion and creating pathways for economic agency and social change. Like SSP, Zor employs a market-based, decentralized model designed for scalability. It demonstrates how clean energy solutions can meet widespread demand while creating livelihood opportunities, making it a sustainable blueprint for rural development in India and beyond.

A More Equitable Energy Future

By enabling farmers to access clean, modular power, Zor enhances adaptability during droughts and erratic monsoons, supporting climate resilience and food security. Its gender-inclusive hiring approach mirrors the proven positive effects of female-led clean energy expansion, catalyzing economic and social transformation in rural communities.

Zor’s battery-sharing innovation is more than a technology solution to energy access in India. It aligns with a proven ecosystem of decentralized, community-led clean energy initiatives that drive economic uplift, climate adaptation and social equity. Its scalable, agrarian-focused model is a strong example of how local renewable energy solutions can advance sustainable development and reduce poverty.

– Jacobo L. Esteban

Jacobo is based in Cali, Colombia and focuses on Technology and Solutions, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything to Know About Renewable Energy in Djibouti

Renewable Energy in DjiboutiThe development of renewable energy in Djibouti has become a national priority as the country aims to achieve 100% energy generation from renewable sources. Situated in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti currently relies heavily on energy imports to meet domestic demand. As energy needs rise and climate risks intensify, the government has launched major renewable energy projects to promote energy independence and long-term economic growth.

Why Djibouti Needs Renewable Energy

Djibouti faces high electricity prices due to its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The country also experiences power shortages that hinder industrial growth and daily life. According to the World Bank, only 65% of the population had access to electricity in 2022—and in rural areas, that number drops below 20%. This limited access disproportionately affects poor and remote communities, where families are forced to rely on expensive diesel generators or go without electricity entirely.

Without reliable power, small businesses struggle to operate, students are unable to study after dark and health clinics face life-threatening service disruptions. In fact, 50% of Djiboutians lack reliable electricity, contributing to significantly higher infant mortality and economic instability in off-grid regions. Djibouti’s overall poverty rate remains high, with more than 17% of the population living below the national poverty line.

To reduce costs and improve access, Djibouti’s government created the National Energy Strategy, which aims for 100% renewable electricity production by 2035. Launched in 2020, the initiative focuses on geothermal, solar and wind energy projects supported by international investors and development organizations.

Major Projects Advancing Renewable Energy in Djibouti

Several large-scale energy projects have transformed renewable energy in Djibouti from a goal into a reality:

  1. Ghoubet Wind Power Plant: In 2023, the 58.9 MW Ghoubet Wind Power Plant became Djibouti’s first utility-scale wind energy facility. Developed by Africa Finance Corporation, Climate Fund Managers and Great Horn Investment Holding, it marked the country’s first privately financed independent power project. Taking advantage of the highest annual wind speeds in Africa, the plant significantly boosts Djibouti’s renewable energy generation and decreases its reliance on imported electricity from Ethiopia. The $122 million project was completed in just 24 months and supplies power at a competitive rate of $0.07–$0.08 per kWh. It is expected to improve supply reliability, strengthen the business environment and mobilize additional foreign investment. The project also supports job creation and climate resilience by avoiding the emission of approximately 154,526 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year—contributing to long-term economic and environmental gains for Djibouti’s young population.
  2. Fiale Geothermal Project: Located in the Lake Assal region, the Fiale Geothermal Project has received funding from the World Bank and the African Development Bank. The project aims to generate 50 MW of geothermal power and will eventually serve more than 300,000 people. Djibouti’s geothermal resources, among the best in East Africa, have the potential to support continuous, low-cost energy production.
  3. Grand Bara Solar Plant: In 2021, the government partnered with Engie and the Djiboutian Office of Development and Energy Efficiency to begin construction on a 25 MW solar facility in the Grand Bara Desert. The plant includes battery storage systems to ensure an uninterrupted supply and has already started providing clean power to underserved rural areas. Indeed, full completion is expected by late 2025, with plans to expand capacity as demand grows.

Key Benefits of Renewable Energy in Djibouti

Key benefits of renewable energy in Djibouti are:

  • Increased Energy Independence: Reduces reliance on energy imports from Ethiopia
  • Lower Energy Costs: Renewable energy projects will decrease electricity tariffs over time
  • Job Creation: New facilities have created hundreds of construction and maintenance jobs
  • Climate Resilience: Clean energy reduces emissions and environmental damage

Ongoing Challenges and Solutions

While renewable energy in Djibouti continues to expand, the country faces obstacles. These include limited technical expertise, underdeveloped grid infrastructure and high upfront costs. To address these issues, Djibouti has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to train local engineers and expand grid connectivity to rural communities.

Additionally, the African Development Bank (ADB) launched the Desert to Power initiative in Djibouti to improve solar access across the region. Since 2022, it has funded mini-grid projects reaching more than 50,000 residents in remote areas.

Djibouti’s commitment to renewable energy has placed the country on a path toward energy security, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Through targeted investment and international cooperation, renewable energy in Djibouti is no longer a distant goal, but a rapidly growing reality.

– Hayden Chedid

Hayden is based in Parker, CO, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Renewable Energy in Slovenia: Ending the Energy Poverty Gap

Renewable Energy in SloveniaMany families suffer from a wide gap in access to energy to properly support themselves and their homes. Presently, Slovenia is currently working on engaging hydro-energy in their nationwide effort to redistribute access to both sustainable and efficient energy for their lower-income citizens. Here is information about renewable energy in Slovenia.

An Overview of Renewable Energy in Slovenia

As an overview, one-third of Slovenia’s energy comes from hydroelectric sources, with the other two-thirds coming from renewable energy in Slovenia that encourages a lowering of greenhouse gas emissions.

Utilizing the power of the Sava River, rushing water powers the hydro-electric plants to become renewable energy in Slovenia. Indeed, along the banks of the Sava River, is home to many small and large plant chains that all work together to produce energy leading into a single unit. In total, there are four Slovenian plants generating power on these banks to effectively and, most importantly, sustainably power the nation.

Not only are these plants and renewable sources that have spread all over the nation sustainably generating Slovenia; these renewable sources have led to the opportunity for many low-income families that did not have access to energy to power their homes properly. 

Energy Poverty in Slovenia

As it stood in 2023, the percentage of Slovenian families that experts considered energy-poor households was at 7.2%, with an even larger number of 41 million people across Europe unable to power their homes. Within a faction of the Slovenian government, the Eco Fund as it is noted, promotes projects that invest in support of lower-income families to gain energy access in their homes sustainably; which includes the promotion of hydro-electric plants. The Eco Fund looks to support projects across Slovenia that reduce carbon and greenhouse emissions while reducing energy waste.

The tools the Eco Fund plan to utilize include properly insulating roofs, installation of energy-efficient windows and replacement of heating devices, along with the spread of renewable energy in Slovenia broadly. All of these tools give lower-income families the chance to both save money and power.

Using these plans to efficiently power the nation, the Eco Fund looks to cut energy-poverty almost in half. With the investment of proper tools in lower-income homes, the Eco Fund seeks to reach by 2026 the use of renewable energy in Slovenia to almost 8,000 homes within lower-income communities.

Looking Ahead

Looking into the future, it is clear that the chance for Slovenia to reduce improper energy use and the energy poverty gap within its nation is something that will be reduced soon. Slovenia and the Eco Fund work to not only reduce energy-use but the poverty gap that is present in their nation to broadly expand chances for citizens to live better lives. 

In a broader lens, Slovenia’s example of changes with its Eco Fund offers a look into the reduction of energy cost and carbon and greenhouse emissions that should be more accessible for all in the future. Furthermore, this investment gives a look into how being sustainable is a well-rounded opportunity that helps the poverty gap for lower-income families and helps countries become less energy inefficient as a whole.

– Angelina Tas

Angelina is based in Cleveland, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Vanuatu

Renewable Energy in VanuatuRenewable energy in Vanuatu is becoming an important pathway towards the reduction of poverty, influx in energy access and the creation of local opportunities. The Pacific Island nation faces energy poverty with more than 70% of its population lacking reliable grid electricity, along with 80% of rural residents remaining off grid. Implementing renewable energy solutions is transforming, improving and empowering communities. 

1. Community Owned Mini Grids

Hybrid solar-hydro mini grids are bringing electricity to dozens of villages in Vanuatu. In Loltong, Pentecost Island, a system now powers hundreds of households, schools, clinics and shops. That mini grid alone is offering more than 300 people stable electricity that lowers household costs and improves quality of life. This is creating a strong example of how renewable energy in Vanuatu is linked to the broadening of energy and economic opportunity for rural communities in need.

2. Pico-Hydro for Remote Villages

Three pico-hydro stations are being installed in Pentecost Island under the Japan-funded Pacific Green Transformation Project. These will directly benefit more than 2,366 residents and create green sector job opportunities for the community. These small hydro-powered units will not only expand energy access but also create employment opportunities, helping to reduce poverty through sustainable, community based infrastructure.

3. Solar Kits for Households and Schools

The National Green Energy Fund has funded dozens of solar-powered energy kits for schools, co-ops and local governments, resulting in lighting classrooms, providing refrigeration and allowing for more communication. With half of Vanuatu’s households off grid, affordable solar kits allow for kids’ success in schooling and financial gain through replacing kerosene lamps, actively alleviating poverty.

4. Energy Access Through Rural Electrification Programs 

Projects supported by the World Bank have subsidized home solar systems for nearly 9,000 homes and 37 public buildings, granting renewable energy access to 45,000 people. These programs are significantly raising energy accessibility for lower income communities, leading to a reduction in poverty through enabling refrigeration, powering lighting and allowing cell phone usage.

5. Empowering Youth and Women

Renewable energy in Vanuatu is also contributing to social change. Youth, especially women, are receiving green skills training and leadership roles in energy planning through a regional program with UNDP. Aditionally, cooperatives led by women manage energy systems, earn income and increase community well being, boosting both gender equity and local prosperity.

6. Increased Support from Private Sectors

Donor support has allowed for a lot of progress in Vanuatu. Although the future growth will succeed with focus on private sector investment. The government backed the National Green Energy Fund ,which provides support for things like mini power grids, battery storage and energy-saving appliances. Additionally, with the government and support from World Bank, they are working with private firms to set up systems through its Rural Electrification Project (VREP I & II). These partnerships will help bring clean energy faster and support local jobs and the green economy.

Looking Ahead

Vanuatu ranks high in Pacific nations in regard to rural energy poverty and climate vulnerability. Indeed, through the increase in renewable energy in Vanuatu the country is improving in electricity access. Additionally, health standards, education, and economic opportunities also benefit. These smaller scale renewable energy initiatives are poverty alleviating and inspiring a pathway for other small developing communities. Vanuatu’s clean energy future is looking bright. By focusing on community needs, supporting youth leadership, and expanding access to new technologies, the country is setting an example for others to follow. Small island nations have the power to lead the way in sustainable development.

– Kyra Cribbs

Kyra is based in Charleston, SC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Rural Communities and Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Renewable Energy in NigeriaNigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation faces a deep-rooted energy crisis. More than 85 million Nigerians, nearly 43% of the population, lack access to grid electricity. Rural areas are the worst affected, often relying on kerosene, charcoal and expensive diesel generators. This not only harms health and the environment but also perpetuates poverty and economic stagnation. As the global shift toward cleaner energy accelerates, Nigeria has started implementing innovative off-grid solutions to bring light to its darkest corners.

The Untapped Potential of Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Nigeria possesses vast renewable energy potential, particularly in solar energy. The country receives an average of 5.5 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiation, making it one of the most promising locations for solar energy development on the continent. However, until recently, this potential was largely untapped due to weak infrastructure, limited investment and policy gaps. In response, the Nigerian government and development partners are now leveraging this resource to establish decentralized solar systems, solar home kits and hybrid mini-grids as the backbone of rural electrification.

Overcoming Structural Barriers

Despite progress, Nigeria’s rural electrification efforts face persistent challenges. Many remote areas lack basic infrastructure like roads and telecommunications, complicating the delivery and maintenance of energy solutions. Financing remains a hurdle for both consumers and project developers.

Additionally, Nigeria’s regulatory landscape can be slow and fragmented, delaying project approvals. Weak grid infrastructure in urban areas also poses a barrier to expanding hybrid models that integrate renewables with the national grid. For Nigeria to meet its electrification goals, it has to streamline permitting processes and provide greater access to green finance.

The Power of Public-Private Collaboration

The success of Nigeria’s renewable energy drive lies in the strength of its public-private partnerships. Companies like Rubitec Solar, PowerGen Renewable Energy and Husk Power Systems collaborate with communities to install and operate mini-grids using a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model. This approach lowers entry costs for rural users while ensuring systems are financially sustainable.

These companies also provide training to local technicians, fostering job creation and community ownership. Donor agencies such as USAID and the U.K.’s Department for International Development (DFID) help de-risk these projects through grants and technical support. PowerGen Renewable Energy, for instance, has been instrumental in expanding access to electricity in rural Nigeria. In partnership with international investors, PowerGen launched a distributed renewable energy platform aimed at deploying 120 MW of renewable power solutions, including battery energy storage, across Africa.

The initial focus is on Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with plans to expand further across the region. This initiative is supported by the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), the Danish Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) and the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) Management Company. The platform is expected to serve nearly 70,000 households, enhancing electricity access and stimulating local economies.

Aligning With Nigeria’s Climate Commitments

In addition to its profound social and economic benefits, renewable energy stands as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s climate resilience and low-carbon development strategy. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria reaffirmed its climate commitment by submitting an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in July 2021. This revised NDC commits the country to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, relative to business-as-usual projections and up to a 47% reduction with adequate international financial and technical support.

This ambitious climate pledge places renewable energy at the center of national mitigation strategies. Renewable energy technologies, particularly solar, wind and small hydro, produce virtually zero GHG emissions during operation. Their widespread adoption not only displaces high-emission diesel and petrol generators, which are commonly used for backup and off-grid electricity in Nigeria but also contributes to reducing localized air pollution and related public health risks. The expansion of solar infrastructure is particularly critical. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, enhances national energy security and shields the economy from the volatility of international oil markets, a significant concern for a country that remains heavily dependent on oil revenues.

To enable this transition, Nigeria has adopted several supportive policies and institutional reforms, including Nigeria’s 2022 Energy Transition Plan (ETP), the first in Africa. ETP sets out a clear roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. It outlines targets such as achieving 30% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030. These commitments are bolstered by partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Climate Promise initiative, the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Such partnerships are mobilizing investment and technical expertise to scale renewable energy solutions, improve regulatory environments and drive innovation in climate-smart technologies.

A Brighter Path Forward

Access to reliable electricity is not just about powering light bulbs; it’s about unlocking human potential. Electrified communities experience improved health care, enhanced gender equality and increased school retention. Farmers utilize solar-powered irrigation and cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses and boost income. Women can cook safely with electric stoves, reducing hours spent collecting firewood. Microenterprises, from phone charging stations to poultry farms, flourish with a constant power supply.

The Nigerian government’s National Energy Compact aims to accelerate electricity access from 4% to 9% per annum and increase the share of renewable energy in the generation mix from 22% to 50% by 2030. This ambitious plan underscores the critical role of energy access in achieving broader development objectives. Furthermore, the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) initiative’s Rapid Assessment and Gap Analysis highlights the need for coordinated efforts to address energy access disparities in Nigeria.

By investing in decentralized renewable energy solutions, Nigeria could make significant strides toward universal energy access and sustainable development.

– Kenneth Ebhomeye Oko-Oboh

Kenneth is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Needpix

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5 Bold Solutions for Poverty Reduction in Myanmar

Poverty Reduction in MyanmarMore than 32% of the population in Myanmar lived below the national poverty line in late 2023/early 2024 and about two-thirds face economic insecurity. These most recent statistics erase all of the progress the country had made since 2015.

By 2017, the poverty rate in Myanmar had dropped below 25% with 24.8% of the population living below the national poverty line. However, conflict, political instability and a faltering economy (just 1% GDP growth) have displaced more than 3 million people and worsened living conditions. These challenges underscore the need for bold and proven strategies to achieve poverty reduction in Myanmar. Here are five solutions for poverty reduction in Myanmar.

1. Revive Rural Agriculture

Almost half of Myanmar’s workforce depends on agriculture; however the yields remain low. Climate-smart seeds and improved irrigation can greatly improve the output of yields. 

From 2019 to 2022, the Climate Smart Rice Project helped 4,100 farmers in Shan, Mon, Mandalay and Bago adopt improved seed varieties and water-saving practices. These efforts increased rice yields by up to 22% while reducing methane emissions and water use. Similarly, the MYRice Pilot Program by IRRI introduced better post-harvest drying and storage techniques. This reduced crop losses and increased the market value of rice by 15%.

Investing in value chains, such as processing, transport and storage, not only increases rural incomes but also creates jobs and reduces food waste, contributing significantly to poverty reduction in Myanmar. 

2. Scale Up Social Protection 

A limited number of vulnerable households benefit from social safety nets. In Chin, Rakhine, and Kayin states, which are part of the nationwide rollout that began in 2017, the Maternal & Child Cash Transfer (MCCT) program has provided 15,000 kyats per month (about $10–11 USD) to pregnant and lactating women for up to 24 months, supporting their children’s crucial first 1,000 days. As of October 2019, the program reached 33,723 women in Chin State and 124,719 women in Rakhine State.

Meanwhile, Yoma Social Development Association’s mobile health initiatives in Karen State have tackled child malnutrition by training mothers in organic vegetable cultivation. In 27 villages, field facilitators identified children with moderate acute malnutrition and then equipped women, especially expectant and breastfeeding mothers, with seeds (e.g. beans, okra, eggplant) and farming tools. They also held nutrition awareness sessions and cooking demonstrations, resulting in a “noticeable improvement in positive social behaviors related to nutrition,” particularly for children under five.

3. Invest in Smart Infrastructure 

A shocking 84% of rural households lack electricity access in Myanmar. NGOs, like Techno Hill, have implemented solar micro-grids which serve 700 households and deliver 24/7 power to remote villages.

Moreover, by investing in all-weather rural roads and digital infrastructure, daily life in underserved regions can be transformed as economic productivity would be boosted and various aspects of life, such as education, disaster resilience, financial services and health care would be greatly improved, helping to reduce poverty in Myanmar. 

4. Expand Financial Access 

Only 23% of adults possess formal bank accounts, according to CGAP and GSMA. Expanding mobile banking and microfinancing services will create many opportunities for millions currently excluded from formal finance. Wave Money dominates the mobile finance market here—holding more than 80 % market share and serving about 38 % of the population via its agent network of 50,000 outlets. In 2019 alone, its transaction volume more than doubled to 6.4 trillion kyat ($ 4.3 billion USD).

KBZPay, which the KBZ Bank developed and launched in October 2018, has rapidly scaled, amassing more than 6 million downloads, serving 4 million customers, and enabling seamless digital access via a network of 280,000 agents nationwide.

5. Govern With People, Not Just for Them 

Corruption and opaque procedures pollute trust and public support. In Kachin, Kayah and Ayeyarwady, community budgeting and public scorecards have allowed for more responsive local services and reduced fund leakages. It is important to note that in conflict zones, poverty reduction and peacebuilding work in tandem as displaced households can be supported through integrated Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) approaches.

Moving Forward 

Despite Myanmar’s worsening poverty crisis, there are tested and scalable solutions already in place: cash transfers, solar energy, climate-resilient farming, mobile finance and community-led governance. These interventions have demonstrated measurable impact and represent a viable path forward.

The future of poverty reduction in Myanmar depends on building on what works and ensuring these strategies reach the most affected, including rural communities, women, ethnic minorities and displaced families. While the challenges remain immense, the tools for transformation are already in motion.

– Arabella D’Aniello

Arabella is based in The Hague, Netherlands and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay