By Simran Dali, Fátima Lunsford, and Duncan Wegner
If we continue to produce emissions at current levels, we will lead ourselves towards irreversible atmospheric damage to our planet. The Paris Agreement on climate change emphasizes keeping the atmospheric temperature increase well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while making efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. This limit is essential to avoid crossing a dangerous threshold.
This urgency has driven efforts to cut emissions and reach net-zero targets, but these climate goals must also address global energy access disparities, highlighting the critical intersection between SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 13 (climate action). To achieve these SDGs, we must ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, especially in rural areas for underserved communities. By tackling these interconnected challenges, renewable energy can promote climate resilience and economic development and improve quality of life for all.
In this context, closing the global energy gap becomes a strategic priority, particularly in light of the recent slowdown in the expansion of access to electricity. Between 2020 and 2022, population growth outpaced access growth, resulting in 10 million more people without access to electricity in 2022 compared to 2021. Logistical challenges in accessing remote, low-income communities have further complicated electrification efforts, with 675 million people still lacking access to electricity. Over 80% of this deficit is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022, 571 million people in the region remained without power, up from 566 million in 2010, reflecting a decade of stagnation.
Economic shocks to the energy markets – due to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine – have further hindered progress by disrupting infrastructure development and driving up energy costs. Without significant intervention, an estimated 660 million people will still lack basic electricity access in 2030. Accessibility is further exacerbated by unit costs. Affordability will be an important issue to address as currently, only 22% of households lacking electricity globally can afford the monthly payment required for a Tier 1 solar energy kit with “pay-as-you-go” (PAYG) payments. This cost can be mitigated with community purchasing.
Despite these challenges, decentralized renewable energy solutions like off-grid solar systems, including solar lights and solar home systems, offer a promising path forward. In 2022, off-grid solar systems served 490 million people globally, and projections suggest decentralized systems could account for 44% of new energy connections by 2030. One particularly effective approach is microgrid systems – off-grid solar networks made up of stand-alone units that when interconnected, form localized power grids. These systems provide significant advantages, including immediate impact, low maintenance, and scalability, making it possible to bring power to remote communities. By 2030, microgrids are expected to reach 41% of people still lacking energy access globally.
Expanding energy access through microgrids in remote areas supports SDG target 7.b, which aims to improve energy infrastructure in least developed countries (LDCs), addressing disparities in regions with the highest unconnected populations. These solutions also advance SDG 13, particularly target 13.b, by promoting climate-resilient planning. Additionally, decentralized renewable systems directly or indirectly contribute to other Goals, including economic growth (SDG 8), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), improved education (SDG 4), and enhanced healthcare services (SDG 3) in rural, fragile communities.
It will also be important to establish policies for the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) related to off-grid solar products to avoid tradeoffs with responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). E-waste poses a unique waste disposal problem due to the presence of toxic materials that leak into groundwater or contaminate soil, so safe disposal, including e-waste recycling to recover non-renewable minerals, is vital. As distribution of off-grid solar products increases – e-waste is predicted to grow 40% by 2030. About 80% of general e-waste globally in developing countries is handled informally, with implications for human health.
While off-grid solar is not a replacement for grid connectivity in achieving universal electrification, it represents a transformative step forward by delivering significant benefits for rural, underserved communities.
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Simran Dali is a Masters of Asian Studies candidate, Fátima Lunsford is a Masters of International Development candidate, and Duncan Wegner is a Masters of International Development candidate at The George Washington University.