Intermittent renewables, such as solar and wind power, offer an array of benefits that can revolutionize rural electrification and contribute to the overall sustainability of communities.

The Challenge of Rural Electrification

Rural areas around the world face unique challenges when it comes to electricity access. Approximately 789 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, with a significant percentage residing in remote and underserved rural communities. The traditional approach of extending centralized power grids to these areas is not only expensive but also fraught with technical and logistical difficulties. This is where intermittent renewables come into the picture.

Key takeaway: Intermittent renewables provide a viable alternative to extend electricity access to remote and underserved rural communities.

The Rise of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, have experienced tremendous growth in recent years. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), renewable energy capacity increased by 176 GW in 2019 alone, the largest annual increase to date. This growth is driven by declining costs, favorable policies, and increased public awareness of the environmental benefits offered by renewable energy sources.

The Role of Intermittent Renewables

Intermittent renewable energy sources have specific characteristics that make them a particularly suitable choice for rural electrification:

• Scalability: Intermittent renewables can be easily scaled up or down, allowing for the development of decentralized energy systems that match the specific energy needs of rural communities. This modular approach promotes flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Resilience: Unlike centralized power grids vulnerable to disruptions, intermittent renewable energy systems are resilient to natural disasters, transmission failures, and fuel supply issues. This ensures a more reliable and sustainable energy supply in rural areas.
• Lower Operating Costs: Intermittent renewables have relatively low operating costs once installed, as they rely on abundant and free sources of energy such as sunlight and wind. This factor is especially advantageous for rural communities with limited financial resources.

Key takeaway: Intermittent renewables offer the advantages of scalability, resilience, and lower operating costs, making them ideal for rural electrification.

Empowering Rural Communities

The deployment of intermittent renewable energy sources goes beyond just providing electricity. It has the potential to transform rural communities by enabling socioeconomic development and fostering self-sufficiency. Here’s how:

• Productive Uses of Energy: Access to reliable electricity enables rural communities to engage in income-generating activities, such as agro-processing, small-scale industries, and tourism. This boosts local economies, creates employment opportunities, and improves living standards.
• Education and Healthcare: Reliable electricity opens avenues for better healthcare services by powering medical clinics and refrigerating vaccines. It also supports educational institutions, facilitating e-learning and enhancing access to modern educational resources.
• Social Inclusion and Gender Equality: Intermittent renewables contribute to social inclusion by providing equal opportunities for marginalized groups in rural areas. It also empowers women by reducing their domestic burden through access to cleaner energy sources for cooking and lighting.

Key takeaway: Intermittent renewables empower rural communities by enabling productive activities, improving access to healthcare and education, and promoting social inclusion.

The Way Forward

As the world strives to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the role of intermittent renewables in rural electrification cannot be underestimated. Governments, international organizations, and private companies must work together to:

• Promote favorable policies and regulatory frameworks that facilitate the deployment of intermittent renewable energy systems in rural areas.
• Invest in research and development to improve the efficiency and affordability of intermittent renewable technologies.
• Encourage partnerships between public and private entities to attract investment and support sustainable development initiatives in rural communities.

By embracing intermittent renewables, we can bridge the electricity gap in rural areas, drive sustainable development, and ensure a brighter future for all.

For more information on rural electrification and sustainable development, please visit the World Bank’s Sustainable Energy page.