Archive for category: Electricity and Power

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Unlocking the Future of Renewable Energy in Cuba

Renewable Energy in CubaThe island nation of Cuba, located in the Caribbean, is at a critical juncture in its energy development. Cuba has considerable renewable energy resources, including sunlight, wind and biomass. However, its energy grid relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, especially from Venezuela, making it vulnerable to price volatility, geopolitical changes and concerns over energy security.

Renewable energy in Cuba has the potential to be about more than just technology; it can offer economic independence, a climate-resilient future and sustainable development opportunities in a country where energy development has long been constrained by existing energy infrastructure and a lack of foreign investment options.

Renewable Energy in Cuba

Currently, renewable energy sources contribute to less than 5% of Cuba’s total electricity generation. This is incredibly low compared to the government’s target of 24% renewable energy generation by 2030. Cuba’s energy infrastructure remains outdated, inefficient and frequently experiences breakdowns. The result is regular blackouts and, in rural areas particularly, energy poverty complicating any efforts for economic activity and the modernization of living standards.

Notably, Cuba has significant untapped solar capacity, receiving an average of 5.4 kWh/m2 per day and significant capability in wind, biomass and small hydro. The potential for real transformation is incredible. However, the challenge is fostering the conditions to attract investment, skills, capabilities and partnerships to harness that potential.

For investors, Cuba’s renewable energy sector is a largely untapped multibillion-dollar market that could encourage local job development, reduce carbon emissions and modernize the energy grid. If successful, Cuba could gain some degree of economic sovereignty through a low-carbon energy project.

However, foreign investors face numerous complications and sometimes, impenetrable obstacles, including red tape, legal uncertainty and financing. Furthermore, U.S. sanctions present an additional layer of difficulty in exploring partnership possibilities, which, in many cases, innovative financing and creative partnerships can help to advance projects.

Public-Private Partnerships Gaining Traction

In light of these challenges, there are hopeful signs on the horizon. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are starting to emerge. These partnerships allow foreign firms to contribute equity and technology as partners with the Cuban state-owned enterprise. New financing options, including green bonds and blended finance models, may provide a pathway to mitigate the risks of investing in Cuba’s renewable energy market.

Cross-border projects, particularly with European countries and Latin American neighbors, demonstrated a potential for scaling renewable projects. For example, Spanish and Chinese firms have engaged in various levels of partnership with Cuba, committing to constructing solar parks and wind farms. These cross-border collaborations have revived the feasibility of industrial-scale renewable energy projects across the Cuban landscape.

What Cuba Needs for a Successful Energy Transition

Interviews with Cuban engineers and energy policy specialists suggest that Cuba’s transformation to renewable energy will depend on three factors. The first is regulatory reform, which could streamline the approval of renewable energy projects by dealing with the current layers of licensing and approval that can be cumbersome.

The second relates to financing mechanisms, which may require the government to establish ways to de-risk investments for foreign entities interested in participating in the energy transformation. Third is capacity building, which includes developing a local skilled workforce.

There are lessons that Cuba can learn from other emerging economies, such as Costa Rica’s remarkable transition to renewables to achieve 99% of its electricity from renewables and Uruguay’s successful public-private partnerships.

Socioeconomic Benefits of a Greener Grid

Cuba’s renewable energy implications extend beyond electricity. From a microeconomic perspective, a greener grid could mean lower household costs. This could have a ripple effect in reducing risk from air pollution-related health outcomes, creating thousands of new jobs in installation, maintenance and manufacturing.

From a macroeconomic perspective, decentralized power using solar and biomass could facilitate reliable access to power in rural regions. It could unlock local economic development through agricultural growth, small and micro-enterprises development and improve educational delivery.

In urban agglomerations like Havana and Santiago de Cuba, renewable-powered public transit, such as electric vehicles or other clean energy systems, offers a promising shift in urban mobility. Paired with new energy-efficient infrastructure designed to meet local environmental conditions, these developments could significantly transform both the economy and the environment in these regions.

Yet, any sustained progress will rely on long-term commitments and funding. Most of Cuba’s renewable energy projects are funded through one-off grants, pilot programs or developmental loans and lack funding to assist with continued operational costs. Cuba could struggle to reach its renewable energy commitments and aims without stable policy frameworks and continued periodic financial assistance from rich states and multilateral institutions.

Conclusion

Cuba’s renewable energy sector may be nascent, but the possibilities are considerable. Through the appropriate policy alterations, financial instruments and international arrangements, Cuba may become a model of clean energy development in the Caribbean. The opportunities remain largely unrealized, coolly waiting for much political, economic and technological convergence, potentially to reshape Cuba’s energy future.

– Sophia Scelza

Sophia is based in Lindenhurst, NY, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pxhere

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Increasing Access to Electricity in Ethiopia

Access to Electricity in EthiopiaThe continent of Africa has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, making life more difficult for millions of people. Africa is home to 19% of the world’s population, yet many—mostly in sub-Saharan Africa—are living without electricity. Those who do have access often rely on power sources that are unreliable and unsustainable. Electricity demand has continued to grow over time, especially in Ethiopia, but the World Bank has been making moves to change that.

The ELEAP Program

The Ethiopia Electrification Program (ELEAP) is under the leadership of the World Bank Group. Its main goal is to reach complete electrification in Ethiopia by the end of 2025 and to support the rollout of new electrification systems. The plan is to expand electricity through solar mini-grids, with some grid (65%) and some off-grid (35%) energy systems.

So far, the results have been positive. As of 2025, the program has made strong progress. From March 1, 2018, to June 4, 2024, 6.3 million people gained access to on-grid electricity sources. Solar energy is the most viable option for renewable energy and the most reliable source, as it has already been a major part of Ethiopia’s electrical landscape. The implementation of solar energy fits easily with the systems already in place, which allows them to work together effectively. Because of these systems, more than 19,000 public facilities have gained access to electricity, including health clinics and schools. Forecasts suggest that by 2026, 10 million more people in Ethiopia will have access to electricity.

The Burden of Limited Electricity Access

Ethiopia is one of the most populous countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 100 million people. The country is experiencing rapid population growth, which has contributed to challenges such as food insecurity, environmental strain and low electricity access. Even though Ethiopia has substantial renewable energy resources, most of the population still relies on traditional biomass energy such as firewood and coal.

Even when households have access to power, financial constraints often prevent them from using it. Most electricity needs are for cooking, but the existing systems are not large-scale enough to provide the energy required for all Ethiopians to prepare their meals. As electricity reaches more areas, household chores have become easier since many families can now use electric stoves instead of fire-burning stoves, saving time and benefiting the environment. Solar-powered water pumps have also been introduced to provide clean water to rural communities. 

Before the introduction of new energy systems, women and children had to go outside and search for wood to use as fuel and poor households had to devote all their income to energy. With expanded access, energy is now reaching both large infrastructure projects and poor urban communities.

Looking Ahead

Access to electricity in Ethiopia has risen to 55.4% and continues to grow rapidly. ELEAP has made significant progress in electrifying the country within just a few years. The outlook for Ethiopia and ELEAP remains positive, with sustainable energy sources supporting growth and improving the lives of many.

– Bowie Aldrich

Bowie is based in North Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Solar Microgrids in Uganda Powering Progress

Renewable Energy in UgandaUganda, a landlocked country in East Africa, is one of the most impoverished nations in the world. More than 40% of its citizens live below the national poverty line, most living in rural areas and acting as subsistence farmers. Many obstacles hinder poverty reduction efforts in the region, including low electricity access.

Poor and unequal access to electricity prevents rural residents from having core services like refrigeration, the ability to study in the evening or even powered medical tools. This lack perpetuates poverty through low productivity, poor health and limited education.

The introduction of solar microgrids in Uganda provides efficient and more affordable methods of increasing access to electricity. Here is some information on how solar microgrids operate in Uganda.

Background

In rural Uganda, studies estimate that 26 million people live without electricity as the grids are often limited to towns. This is partly because grid expansion is expensive due to long distances and low density. Hence, off-grid solar microgrids have become a cheaper option that is much quicker to install.

Solar microgrids are localized energy systems incorporating features like solar panels, batteries or small distribution lines. In Uganda, they have been used to great success. For example, in The Lamwo District, 25 solar mini-grids provide electricity to more than 15,000 residents and 100 businesses. In Kiwumu, a 40 kW system provides electricity to 360 homes, 60 companies and a maize mill. On Bunjako Island, eight grids serve more than 3,300 people.

Microgrids as a Tool To Reduce Poverty

Investing in Uganda’s solar microgrids has been crucial in bolstering poverty reduction efforts. It has increased the income for rural Ugandans as it provides a boost for buildings like shops, mills, salons and charging kiosks. In Kiwumu, businesses saw an increase of 68% in their revenue. This also helps women’s businesses as they grow with powered sewing machines and food processors.

In the health care sector, solar microgrids have also made an impact. There is now proper refrigeration for vaccines in the regions with these microgrids. Hospitals can now better provide nighttime emergency care. Likewise, diagnostic equipment is now powered more reliably.

Solar microgrids in Uganda have also improved the education effort in rural areas. Evening study is now possible with the lighting produced by electricity. Students and learners in the region can also now use computers and printers more consistently. This has also bolstered efforts to provide digital literacy training.

Conclusion

Some barriers to expanding solar microgrids in the region remain, such as complex regulations and licensing delays. However, more support must be given as expanded microgrid access for rural Uganda reduces energy poverty. It also means the growth of small businesses, better health care and stronger education outcomes: all crucial features in the fight against poverty.

– Seun Adekunle

Seun is based in Scotch Plains, NJ, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Energy Storage and Flow Batteries in Africa

Flow Batteries in AfricaNations across the African continent are developing renewable energy projects at an impressive pace. With some of the world’s best solar exposure, the continent is harnessing the sun’s potential through large-scale solar farms. This paves the way for cleaner air, sustainable industrialization and new economic opportunities.

However, a fundamental challenge has long constrained this progress. Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. This limitation means power can be unreliable for a hospital, school or business. Such an inconsistency has traditionally tethered grids to expensive, polluting fossil fuels and hindered the ultimate goal of true energy independence.

To capture the full benefits of the sun, the continent has to invest in a crucial parallel technology: energy storage. Fortunately, in 2025, this is not a secret and several African countries have now pledged gigawatts of storage in the near term.

A Surge in Battery Deployment

According to the African Solar Industry Association, operational energy storage in Africa skyrocketed from 31 megawatt-hours in 2017 to an estimated 1,600 megawatt-hours in 2024. This growth is driven by falling battery costs and a clear understanding that storage is the key to unlocking the full value of renewables.

In 2024, South Africa brought one of the world’s largest solar-and-battery projects online. The Kenhardt hybrid complex in the Northern Cape combines 540 megawatts of solar with a 225-megawatt, 1,140-megawatt-hour battery system, delivering reliable clean energy to the grid and strengthening power supply for industries, including mining.

Energy Sovereignty as a Path to Development

The foundation of energy sovereignty is the ability to generate, store and deploy energy locally. More than just energy independence, sovereignty is the right and ability of a nation to define its energy policies, control its resources and ensure that its energy systems are designed to meet the specific needs of its people. Today, battery storage empowers nations to build resilient, decentralized systems that are owned and operated by Africans, for Africans. This shift is a direct pathway to systemic poverty reduction.

Consistent electricity creates tangible benefits across society. It allows children to study after dark, improving educational outcomes. It enables health clinics to refrigerate vaccines and power essential medical equipment, saving lives. It empowers small businesses to operate machinery, access digital markets and create local jobs.

Furthermore, countries can capture even more economic value by developing domestic supply chains for these technologies. An example is South Africa’s initiative to manufacture batteries locally using its vast vanadium reserves. This creates high-skill jobs in manufacturing and engineering instead of simply exporting raw materials, fostering sustainable and equitable development.

Using Flow Batteries in Africa

Technological breakthroughs are making the future of energy storage in Africa even more attainable. While lithium-ion batteries have led the charge, next-generation technologies suited for African climates are emerging. Vanadium redox flow batteries, for example, are gaining significant traction in Africa. Unlike solid-state batteries, these batteries use two tanks of a vanadium electrolyte solution to store and release charge. This design means they do not degrade over thousands of cycles. Additionally, they have an operational lifespan of more than 20 years and pose virtually no fire risk, making them exceptionally safe and durable.

Such characteristics make flow batteries ideal for many African renewable energy sites, often with hot and remote conditions. Alongside these systems, innovations in chemistries like sodium-ion promise to drive down costs even further by eliminating the need for expensive and environmentally complex minerals like cobalt and lithium. These are not advancements of the far future, either, only validated on paper. They are currently in production phases.

With this future coming fast, Africa is proving through strategic energy storage development that they are ready to generate and hold onto the benefits of a green future.

– Levi Ravnsborg

Levi is based in Summerland, BC, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Solar Energy is Transforming Rural Africa

Solar Energy is Transforming Rural AfricaSolar power is delivering more than just electricity across rural Africa, it provides education, health care access and economic opportunity in communities long left in the dark. In many remote parts of sub-Saharan Africa, sunset often means the end of the day. Without reliable access to electricity, millions of families are forced to live and work in darkness. However, solar energy is transforming Africa by changing that reality. Affordable, off-grid solar solutions are lighting up homes, schools and clinics, offering clean energy where traditional power grids have not reached. These solutions are not just providing light, they are transforming lives.

How SolarAid Is Making a Difference

Founded in 2006, the U.K.-based nonprofit SolarAid is a leading organization working to bring solar lighting to underserved areas. Through its social enterprise, SunnyMoney, it has distributed more than 2.2 million solar lights across Malawi and Zambia. These lights are safe, affordable alternatives to kerosene lamps and candles, which are not only expensive but also harmful to health.

By 2024, SolarAid’s efforts had positively impacted more than 10 million people, helping children study at night and families save money on fuel. In total, its work has helped communities avoid more than $400 million in energy-related expenses.

“When the sun goes down solar light extends the day” said SolarAid CEO John Keane in a 2023 interview with The Guardian. “That means more study time for children, more productivity and less dependence on harmful kerosene.”

Improving Rural Health Care

Solar energy is transforming rural Africa by aiding health care in off-grid communities. Since 2014, Let There Be Light International (LTBLI) has brought solar lighting systems to clinics and homes in rural Uganda. As of 2023, the organization had provided more than 6,000 solar systems to underserved areas.

These solar-powered clinics can now safely carry out nighttime deliveries, store vaccines and provide emergency care. In one example from Kayunga District, maternal deaths decreased by 45% between 2018 and 2022 thanks to better lighting and solar refrigeration for medicine.

Fueling Local Economies

In Tanzania, solar company Mobisol has installed more than 150,000 solar home systems in rural areas. These systems provide power for lighting, mobile phone charging and small appliances, helping people start income-generating activities such as phone charging stations and barbershops. Mobisol’s work has improved the lives of 750,000 people while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 150,000 tons.

In countries like Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia, d.light is helping families access solar energy through a pay-as-you-go model. Founded in 2007, the company lets users pay in small, mobile-money installments. By 2023, it had reached more than 150 million people globally, including 35 million in Africa.

“Our goal is to transform the lives of a billion people with sustainable products by 2030” said d.light co-founder Sam Goldman in a 2022 interview with Reuters.

Empowering Women and Young People

Solar power is also creating job opportunities, especially for women and youth. In Senegal, the Barefoot College Africa program has been training rural women, many of them grandmothers, as solar engineers since 2012. Known as “Solar Mamas” these women install and maintain solar systems in their villages. So far, more than 1,500 women across 93 villages have received training, bringing electricity to more than 200,000 people.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, youth-led solar startups like Arnergy and Havenhill Synergy are training and employing technicians to install and maintain solar equipment. These growing companies are contributing to both energy access and youth employment in underserved regions.

Looking Ahead

Solar energy is transforming rural Africa by not only providing electricity but also delivering opportunities. From improving health care to supporting education and fueling local businesses, solar power is proving to be a practical, affordable and life-changing solution for communities living off the grid. With millions already benefiting from these programs and more projects underway, solar power continues to shine a path toward lasting development across the continent.

– Tonia Uzor

Tonia is based in Lagos, Nigeria and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Fighting Gendered Poverty Through Clean Energy

Gendered PovertyAround the world, women are disproportionately affected by poverty. Sustainable programs hope to address this inequality, fighting gendered poverty through clean energy careers for women.

Women in Energy Networks – Africa

Since it was founded in 2024, WEN-Africa has fought to boost female representation in the African energy sector. It promotes gender equality and clean energy (like geothermal energy).

In the year since its establishment, the organization has:

  • Held training conferences targeted at women to better their skills and, as a result, their chances at employment opportunities.
  • Created mentorship programs for African women working in energy through an expansive network, partnering with major companies.
  • Fought for gender-progressive legislation related to the energy sector across Africa.

LaGeo’s Opportunities for Women

Geothermal energy is a vital resource in El Salvador, a volcanic “hot spot” that generates one-quarter of its electricity from this source. El Salvador’s LaGeo, an electricity generation company, operates two geothermal plants extracting energy from volcanoes. The company launched projects to employ local women in farming communities surrounding its geothermal plants.

These initiatives helped boost the economy in regions especially vulnerable to extreme poverty. Waste from geothermal plants, like condensates and steam, is utilized in these projects to water plants and dry fruits. This also fights the climate crisis by reducing the use of fossil fuels for the same purposes.

Fighting gendered poverty through clean energy, LaGeo provides women with opportunities to earn additional income by hiring them as park rangers to conserve local forests and plant cacao. Beyond income, these roles equip women with valuable job skills, from learning English to environmental stewardship.

Stories of Women Empowered

Women like Yenni Guadalupe Castillo Argueta directly benefit from LaGeo’s efforts. In just one year, she ascended the ranks of the Communications branch at LaGeo. Her career success inspired her to pursue higher education beyond her high school diploma, especially with the education reimbursement of up to 90% provided by the company.

Similarly, Rosa Escobar has been employed at LaGeo for 20 years. She is currently the Engineering Manager and part of the 45% of female management. Her designs lead sustainability efforts. Additionally, the company promises explicitly equal pay in deep contrast to the gender wage gap that exists in so many other workplaces.

On March 28, 2025, the World Bank sponsored a $150 million project to build a third geothermal plant. LaGeo plans to use the project to advance both its sustainability goals and efforts to empower women, furthering the fight against gendered poverty.

The Bottom Line

From Africa to Latin America, people are fighting gendered poverty through clean energy, training and providing opportunities to women in the energy sector. Simultaneously taking strides toward gender equality and reducing environmental pollution, the world can finally believe in a better tomorrow.

– Klara Jones

Klara is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Rawpixel

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Floating Solar Power in India

Floating Solar Power in IndiaFor the first time, it is predicted that energy investments in solar power will exceed oil and gas in 2025. Solar energy has become a vital way to create jobs, cut carbon emissions and accelerate economic progress. While many new solar installations are found on land, land availability in India is the lowest per capita among G20 countries. To strengthen its green energy capacity, India is turning to floating solar power.

India’s Floating Solar Revolution

India has the potential to generate 280 GW to 300 GW of electricity by installing floating solar panels and the work has already begun. The Ramagundum Floating Solar Project, which has been built over 500 acres and the Kayamkulam Floating Solar Power Plant, which can light up 26,000 households daily, were commissioned as early as 2022.

The Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project is projected to power more than 100,000 houses daily and offset carbon emissions by 1.2 million metric tons annually.

More Than Land Savings

Installing solar panels has other benefits besides land preservation, which is important to India. Floating panels operate more efficiently thanks to the cooling effect of water. Covering large areas of lakes, rivers and reservoirs with plastic solar panels also reduces water loss from evaporation, which has become more of a concern due to increased global temperatures.

Many large countries already use floating solar to generate clean, green energy and India is joining their ranks. Globally, floating solar could supply up to 50% of the world’s electricity.

In addition to advancing India’s clean energy goals, including a net-zero carbon target by 2070, the push for floating solar generates millions of new jobs annually. The renewable energy sector globally created 13.7 million jobs in 2022, rising to 16.2 million in 2023. India alone accounted for an estimated 1.02 million jobs in 2023. With the push towards floating solar panels in 2024, India’s renewable energy job numbers are expected to grow even further.

Floating Solar’s Promise and Roadblocks

India is leading the way in charging for green electricity. However, other countries like the Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been trying to adopt clean energy, particularly floating solar panels.

The cost of installing solar on land in India is cheaper than on bodies of water and there are some unclear eligibility criteria for floating solar sites, as well as a limited manufacturing capacity for floating solar equipment. There are still struggles involved in implementing floating solar technology.

Final Remarks

India depends heavily on its land for agriculture, mining and other vital economic activities. Discovering India could use its abundant bodies of water for floating solar power, rather than sacrificing precious land, was a breakthrough. This approach is generating much-needed energy, cutting CO₂ emissions, reducing evaporation from critical water sources and creating valuable jobs nationwide.

– Gregory Walker

Gregory is based in York, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Opportunities Created By Renewable Energy in Seychelles

Renewable Energy in SeychellesWhen flying off the coast of East Africa, one may spot a glimpse of the 115 islands that make up Seychelles. In terms of land area, this is the smallest African nation. Yet, the archipelago is making big waves in the energy industry to combat environmental changes and economic impacts. Contrary to mainland nations, critical problems for this cluster of islands include vulnerability to changing weather and reliance on foreign oil. To combat this, large scale changes are in progress for renewable energy in Seychelles.

Seychelles’ Renewable Energy Goal

According to the World Bank, Seychelles has the highest Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in Africa. The small African nation boasts an impressive renewable energy goal of reaching 15% by 2030 and 50% by 2050. This change impacts far more than Seychelles’ carbon footprint. Without the means to produce their own energy, local communities are at the mercy of fluctuating import costs of energy and fuel, which support important vehicles, like cars and boats. For a country with an economy driven primarily by fishing and tourism, the shift towards renewable energy has the potential to decrease poverty through economic growth and increase job opportunities related to energy initiatives. 

The Dangers of Fossil Fuels

Experts have linked air pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels, such as the use of diesel-fueled vehicles, to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes. To address the effects of biodiversity loss and pollution, Seychelles entered a more than two-decade long partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This partnership has helped the country mitigate greenhouse gases and both land and marine pollution. According to Seychelles’ Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert, “The programmes that UNEP has been operating over the past years have really contributed to the success of Seychelles that we see today.”

The Creation of Solar Farms

Due to Seychelles’ lack of natural oil reservoirs and limited space for development, the government announced the creation of floating solar farms on uninhabited islands. “The Seychelles import three times more oil than they need so that they can support internal activities as well as boats and airplanes that travel to and from the islands,” Forbes reports. In 2024, the country secured a $15 million loan from the World Bank to support key environmental challenges, including its progressive energy initiatives. Naadir Hassan, Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade of Seychelles, explains, “This support will help Seychelles strengthen financial stability and the business environment, improve fiscal management, and address important environmental and social challenges.” As with other island nations, access to energy sources is crucial for survival, especially due to an increased risk of extreme weather events. 

3 Opportunities That Renewable Energy in Seychelles Created

  1. Poverty Reduction: While extreme poverty is hardly present, youth and single mothers make up a large portion of the 3.5% unemployment rate. In order to reach Seychelles’ renewable energy goals, it invests in the production of solar farms. The use of solar energy will reduce energy costs and create jobs related to the construction and maintenance of the farms. According to the World Bank, the success of social programs has contributed to the decline in poverty. It is reported that “the poverty rate is projected to decline from 6.2 percent in 2024 to 5.9 percent in 2025, based on the $6.85-per-day poverty line.” 
  2. Economic Stimulation: The cost of importing of foreign oil is dependent on global markets. In 2023, the nation imported an estimated $361 million in refined petroleum. Renewable energy is competitive in price to fossil fuels. With an economy dependent on tourism, the decreased reliance on imported fuel lessens the financial burden for local communities, resulting in economic growth.
  3. Health Benefits: The Ministry of Health in Seychelles alerted the public of air quality concerns in early 2025 due to “haze, caused by a combination of atmospheric conditions and potential transboundary pollutants.” Air pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels is a known contributor to respiratory, cardiovascular and other diseases. Vulnerable populations include those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, including asthma. According to the Lancet Countdown, fossil fuel emissions contribute to more than 2 million deaths globally each year, as energy-related CO2 emissions continue to climb to new heights. Switching to renewable energy sources provides cleaner air and improves both public health and environmental stability.

Looking Ahead

The precedent that Seychelles has set is an environmentally conscious feat that serves as an example to the world. Not only is the investment in renewable energy production in Seychelles beneficial to the health of our environment, it increases opportunities to better our communities.

– Jamaya Newton

Jamaya is based in Somerset, NJ, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Solar Clinics in Malawi: How Off-Grid Power Is Saving Lives

Solar Clinics in Malawi: How Off-Grid Power Is Saving Lives in the Poorest Communities In some of Malawi’s most remote health posts — where fewer than 4% of rural facilities are connected to the national grid — women once gave birth by candle or torchlight. In 2025, with solar-powered “suitcases” and larger photovoltaic systems, these solar clinics in Malawi can refrigerate vaccines, light delivery rooms at night and power vital diagnostics around the clock.

Bringing Light to Rural Clinics

Malawi still faces stark energy inequities: only 11% of the population has grid access (4% in rural areas) and 13% of public health care facilities have no electricity, while another 32% rely solely on unreliable diesel generators. Unreliable power severely hampers vaccine storage, nighttime deliveries and emergency care—contributing to one of the world’s highest maternal mortality ratios.

In August 2024, We Care Solar launched its Light Every Birth initiative in partnership with Malawi’s Ministry of Health and the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Momentum 1-Tiyeni Project. By mid-2025, teams had installed 800 solar suitcases — compact panels, batteries and LED lights — in rural clinics across all three regions and 28 districts. These units provide at least 12 hours of reliable light per night, power fetal monitors and charge mobile devices for telemedicine calls.

Complementing this, the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) Solar for Health programme has supplied and installed larger photovoltaic systems at secondary clinics and district hospitals. A 2020 feasibility study reported that 13% of Malawi’s 568 public health care facilities lacked electricity and another 32% depended on diesel, while only 21% had solar systems; UNDP estimates a full solar installation yields a 100% return on investment within 2 to 3.5 years through fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs.

Measurable Health Impacts

At more than 100 rural health centers, We Care Solar and the Judith Neilson Foundation support safer deliveries for at least 80,000 women annually. Midwives report that nighttime delivery complications have dropped by 60% since lights were installed and vaccine cold rooms maintain the required 2–8 °C range, reducing stock loss from 15% to under 1%.

A 2022 report by SolarAid and Mzuzu University found that 76% of off-grid solar systems in Malawian clinics fail within two years because of a lack of maintenance. Their joint pilot introduced local technician training and remote monitoring, achieving 90% system uptime after one year. Scaling this model, UNDP’s capacity-building component trains community-based technicians — 50% women — to install, maintain and repair both Solar Suitcases and larger photovoltaic (PV) arrays.

Sustainable Partnerships and Policy

In late 2023, Malawi’s Ministry of Health adopted a sustainability plan: by 2030, all public clinics will transition to hybrid solar–grid systems, with district health offices responsible for preventive maintenance. This aligns with the national target of 70% off-grid electrification by 2030.

International partners—USAID, UNDP, GIZ and the European Union (EU)—have coordinated through a technical working group to standardize equipment lists, set up long-term supplier agreements and develop an energy-as-a-service model that removes upfront costs for clinics. Community volunteer committees oversee solar equipment maintenance, ensuring that local voices guide the programme’s evolution.

A Model for Low-Income Regions

Off-grid solar clinics in Malawi reveal how decentralized renewable energy can transform health care in low-income settings. Indeed, by combining compact solar suitcases for basic lighting and power, larger photovoltaic systems for refrigeration and diagnostics and strong local capacity-building, clinics gain the reliability once thought impossible beyond the grid. As rural facilities report improved maternal outcomes, reduced vaccine spoilage and greater staff retention, this model offers a scalable blueprint for other countries with similar energy and health care challenges.

– Alexander Broermann

Alexander is based in Frankfurt, Germany and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy: Improving the Health Care System in Haiti?

Health Care System in HaitiBetween the unstable political economy and repeated destruction left by climate disasters, around 50% of Haitians lack consistent access to electricity. This impacts not only individuals’ homes and livelihoods, but also the health care system in Haiti. Renewable energy has become the solution to this problem of healthcare access in Haiti as Justinien University Hospital stands out as a success story in renewable energy use.

Thanks to its location in the center of Cap-Haitien in Northern Haiti and available services, Justinien University Hospital is one of the largest public hospitals in the country. The hospital is also the second-largest teaching hospital in Haiti. Justinien University Hospital serves a population of more than 1 million in the surrounding area of northern Haiti

Renewable Energy Use at Justinien University Hospital

Beginning in 2024, Justinien University Hospital has been transitioning to a renewable energy model to power their medical facilities. As of May 2025, 60% to 75% of daily energy needs within the hospital are supplied by renewable sources. Justinien University Hospital used to rely heavily on diesel generators for power. As an administrator commented to a World Bank reporter, “We used to buy 120 gallons of diesel every day, which would cost nearly $22,000 per month. The installation of the renewable energy system has allowed us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by more than 60%. Now, we reallocate these funds to other services and improve the quality of care offered.”

Hospitals Turning to Solar Energy

In addition to Justinien University Hospital, the Ministries of Health and Public Works of Haiti, the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS) and the World Bank have come together to implement renewable energy in five hospitals across Haiti. These hospitals have implemented a solar photovoltaic and battery storage system that provides a clean and reliable energy system to their medical facilities. Because of the quantity and reach of hospitals that have implemented this energy model, more than 1.5 million people could benefit, according to the World Bank. This increased energy security for medical facilities means a revolutionary increase in access to healthcare within Haiti

The Future

Access to energy is an ongoing issue in Haiti. Political upheaval and the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, leave the country struggling to establish a widespread power grid. Despite the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative aiming to provide universal energy access by 2023, there is still a long way to go within some Caribbean nations

Several sectors feel the impacts of this, but none so dire as the health care system in Haiti. In recent years, however, the Haitian government, along with several NGOs, has initiated the implementation of renewable energy sources in hospitals across Haiti. This has significantly improved healthcare access in Haiti, cutting hospital operating costs, making services more consistently available, and expanding the reach of the hospital within the local community.

– Gwyneth Connor

Gwyneth is based in Kensington, MD, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr