Around 685 million people still live without access to electricity around the world. This is a figure that has barely decreased in recent decades, as expected. According to a report from the World Bank and the solar energy association GOGLAthe best way to provide electricity to a significant percentage of this population is to do so through electricity systems. “off-grid” solar energy. These systems, which operate independently of public electrical grids, are more economical and efficient to electrify isolated and disadvantaged areass, especially in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where 85% of people live without access to electricity.
“Socketless” solar technology is based on autonomous photovoltaic systems that, with the help of batteriesthey can store energy to guarantee supply even in the absence of sunlight. This autonomy of a public network infrastructure facilitates the supply of electricity to remote areas, where traditional connections would be complicated or expensive to establish.
The impact of solar energy in sub-Saharan Africa
According to the report, between 2020 and 2022, the 55% of new electricity accesses in sub-Saharan Africa through the implementation of off-grid solar systems. In this area, access to light is a need that affects all aspects of daily life, from education to health. Electrification allows students to study after dark, health centers can safely store vaccines and medications, and small businesses operate more efficiently and safely. However, despite the progress, the document warns that achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 is currently a difficult challenge to achieve due to lack of investment.
For affordable access
At the moment, only 22% of households without electricity can afford a Tier 1 solar systemthe most basic of energy. In conflict zones (where 82% of the population without access to electricity is concentrated) prices increase by 57%. “Provide access to clean and affordable electricity is essential to lifting people out of poverty on a liveable planet,” he said. Qimiao Fan, country director of the World Bank for several East African nations.
To achieve these electrification goals through off-grid solar energy, both public and private investment in this sector should be multiplied by six according to these entities. That is, some 21 billion dollars to which others should be added 74 billion dollars for the development of complementary technologies such as solar water pumps and cold storage systems and other higher level OGS (Off-Grid Solutions), among others.
GOGLA Executive Director, Sarah Malmstressed that this technology is “the most effective route to reach almost 400 million people without electricityproviding them with life-changing energy solutions for their homes, farms, businesses and utilities.”
In this document, both entities warn about the urgency to raise investment levels in solar systemssince without the support of governments and the private sector, access to electricity will continue to be an inaccessible luxury for millions of people in the world.