Energy Access And Productive Use

The adoption of off-grid renewable energy solutions, including stand-alone systems and mini-grids, has grown tremendously over the past few years. By 2018, over 170 million people globally had access to some form of electricity from decentralized renewable energy solutions, representing an almost eight-fold increase compared to 2011. Reductions in costs, improvements in technology, innovations in delivery and financing models, and stronger policy support is expected to drive future deployment.

Off-grid renewable energy solutions will play a crucial role in reaching the target of universal access to modern energy. In fact, it is estimated that off-grid solutions are the most viable option for providing over 70% of new connections in unconnected rural areas. Scaling-up deployment requires an enabling environment that includes dedicated policies and regulations, tailored delivery and financing models, capacity building, technology adaptation and cross-sector linkages.