The World Bank has identified off-grid solar solutions as the most effective means to bridge the global electricity gap, according to the 2024 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report released on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya. The report underscores the pivotal role of off-grid solar in providing affordable and clean energy to nearly 400 million people worldwide who currently lack access to electricity.
“The sector already provided 55 percent of new connections in sub-Saharan Africa between 2020 and 2022, where over 80 percent of the unelectrified population lives,” the report states. Published by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program and GOGLA, a global association for the off-grid solar industry, the report highlights the sector’s significant impact on expanding energy access in underserved regions.
Launched during the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo 2024, the report was a focal point for over 1,500 delegates, including government officials and industry leaders, who gathered for the three-day event to discuss the future of energy access. The findings reveal that approximately 685 million people around the world still live without electricity, emphasizing the urgency for scalable solutions.
As of the end of 2023, more than 560 million people globally relied on off-grid solar solutions to power their homes and businesses. Fan Qimiao, the World Bank’s country director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, emphasized the critical role of off-grid solar in alleviating poverty. “Providing access to affordable, clean electricity is essential for lifting people out of poverty on a livable planet,” said Fan. “Off-grid solar will play a crucial role in reaching households and accelerating electricity access for businesses, schools, and health centers, unlocking development across sectors.”
Sarah Malm, executive director at GOGLA, highlighted the resilience of the off-grid solar industry amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. “The off-grid solar industry has shown tremendous resilience,” she noted. “However, $21 billion is needed to create a financially sustainable off-grid solar sector that can serve the hardest to reach and help achieve energy access and climate goals.”
The report calls for increased investment to foster a financially sustainable off-grid solar sector capable of reaching the most remote populations. With substantial funding and supportive policies, the off-grid solar industry could be instrumental in achieving universal energy access and advancing global climate objectives.
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Report shows off-grid solar provides ways to bridge electricity gap
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