Off-grid solar solutions are emerging as the most effective pathway to bridge the global electricity gap, according to a new report released by the World Bank on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya. The 2024 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report highlights that off-grid solar remains the most economical means to provide power to nearly 400 million people worldwide who currently live without electricity.
\"The sector already provided 55 percent of the new connections in sub-Saharan Africa between 2020 and 2022, where over 80 percent of the unelectrified population lives,\" the report states. The findings were unveiled at the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo 2024, a three-day event attracting over 1,500 high-profile delegates, including government officials and industry leaders, to discuss the future of energy access.
Despite advancements, approximately 685 million people around the world still lack access to electricity. The report notes that by 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 global development. \"Providing access to affordable, clean electricity is essential for lifting people out of poverty on a livable planet,\" he said. \"Off-grid solar will play a pivotal role in reaching households and accelerating electricity access for businesses, schools, and health centers, unlocking development across sectors.\"
Sarah Malm, executive director at GOGLA, a global association for the off-grid solar industry, highlighted the industry's resilience amidst 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 growing emphasis on off-grid solar solutions is not only a beacon of hope for millions without access to electricity but also a significant step towards sustainable development. As stakeholders gather to strategize and collaborate, the future of energy access appears increasingly bright, driven by innovative solutions and international commitment.
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Report shows off-grid solar provides ways to bridge electricity gap
cgtn.com
