All Impact
Power for All Clinches Prestigious Ashden Award for Integrated Energy in Africa
LONDON November 14, 2023 - In a significant recognition of its innovative efforts in renewable energy, Power for All’s Utilities 2.0 Project has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Ashden Award for Integrated Energy Africa. This accolade is a part of the globally acclaimed Ashden Awards, which acknowledge organizations at the forefront of tackling the world’s most pressing climate challenges.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/press-releases/power-all-clinches-prestigious-ashden-award-integrated-energy-africa
Crops and Kilowatts: Transformational Potential of Decentralized Renewable Energy in Africa's Agrifood Landscape
In the upcoming weeks, Power for All will explore the potential of decentralized renewable energy, or DRE, and its transformative role in bolstering Africa's agrifood system. Amid the ongoing wave of technological innovation, DRE technologies have surfaced as a substantial force capable of modernizing traditional farming methods and fostering a sustainable agricultural ecosystem in Africa.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/crops-and-kilowatts-transformational-potential-of-decentralized-renewable-energy-africas-agrifood-landscape
Harvesting Hope: How Distributed Renewable Energy Can Reshape Agriculture for Communities and the Planet
More than 800,000 Kenyan dairy farmers have no electricity to refrigerate their milk, which means that about 60% of milk in Kenya spoils. Farmers don’t have access to electricity, and they can’t afford diesel generators, which are expensive to operate.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/harvesting-hope-how-distributed-renewable-energy-can-reshape-agriculture-communities-and-planet
Earth Day Risks Becoming a Hallmark Holiday Amid Rampant Greenwashing and Deceptive Marketing
As Earth Day celebrations unfolded across the globe this weekend, Denis Hayes, one of the founders of Earth Day, expressed his dismay at the "appalling" environmental messaging and greenwashing by oil and gas companies. At the same time, Big Oil continues to invest millions in marketing campaigns aimed at coopting climate change coverage to diminish its impact, despite minimal investment in genuinely sustainable activities.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/earth-day-risks-becoming-hallmark-holiday-amid-rampant-greenwashing-and-deceptive-marketing
"Climate breakdown: The clock is ticking, but hope remains," says IPCC report
The latest IPCC report on climate change, released in March 2023, warns of "widespread and rapid" changes needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. According to an article in The Conversation, "climate damage is worsening faster than expected" and the situation is dire. The report highlights the urgent need for action on climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/climate-breakdown-clock-ticking-hope-remains-says-ipcc-report
Fact Sheet: IEA’s 2022 World Energy Outlook
Will governments around the world create a safety net for electricity consumers by accelerating the establishment of new renewable energy projects?
https://www.powerforall.org/resources/fact-sheets-research-summaries/fact-sheet-ieas-2022-world-energy-outlook
Ripple Effects of War Exacerbate Energy Prices and Jeopardize Universal Access and Just Transition
Power for All’s Matuba Mhlatajie discusses the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and its impact on energy access and just transition in the global south with Angelo Fick, the Director of Research at Auwal Socio-Economic Research Institute and Kalnisha Singh, founding director of KD Strategies.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/ripple-effects-of-war-exacerbate-energy-prices-and-jeopardize-universal-access-and-just-transition
PoweringJobs Census 2022: The Energy Access Workforce Report Stirs Industry Debate
Power for All recently launched the ‘Powering Jobs Census 2022: The Energy Access Workforce’ report which compiles employment data from a comprehensive survey conducted across five countries and provides evidence of the potential of decentralized renewables to help achieve both United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 8.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/articles/poweringjobs-census-2022-energy-access-workforce-report-stirs-industry-debate
Enhancing Post-Harvest Operations with Renewable Energy to Minimize Food Loss and Wastage
September 29 is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2022. Marking its third year, the day was set aside to create global awareness and encourage people and organizations to work together to cut food loss and waste in an effort to mitigate climate change and boost food security and nutrition.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/enhancing-post-harvest-operations-renewable-energy-minimize-food-loss-and-wastage
Interview with John Paul Jose: Commemorating International Youth Day
Young people form a large part of the global population and that’s why it makes sense for them to be part of the climate change solutions, said John Paul Jose, a young climate change and social activist. He joined Power for All’s Matuba Mahlatjie for a special edition of Power for All’s podcast to commemorate International Youth Day.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/interview-john-paul-jose-commemorating-international-youth-day
Ambitious Solar Strategy Puts Jharkhand on Track for a Secure Clean Energy Future
Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) unveiled the "Jharkhand State Solar Policy 2022" on July 5, 2022, outlining its vision to bring solar energy closer to the local communities, businesses, and industries. The policy aims to achieve 4000 MW of solar power capacity across a variety of applications by 2027.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/asia/ambitious-solar-strategy-puts-jharkhand-track-secure-clean-energy-future
Interview with REN21’s Laura Williamson: Energy Crisis Sets Backs Clean Energy Transition
In this episode of the Power for All podcast, our Africa Communication Director, Matuba Mahlatjie talks with Laura Williamson, who is responsible for directing the membership and institutional partnership work at REN21 on their recently launched Renewables 2022 Global Status Report. Laura notes that while there is the ambition and desire for energy transition, it is not being backed by the necessary action and policies to make that shift happen
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/interview-ren21s-laura-williamson-energy-crisis-sets-backs-clean-energy-transition
733M People Without Access to Electricity Globally as COVID-19 Slows Progress: 2022 SDG7 Tracking Progress Report
COVID-19 sets back previous gains in universal energy access with Sub-Saharan Africa paying the highest price. Renewable energy was the only energy source that grew through the pandemic.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/733m-people-without-access-electricity-globally-2022-sdg7-tracking-progress-report
Transitioning to Clean Energy a Priority to Save Our #OnlyOneEarth and Humanity
Reducing the use of ‘dirty’ fossil fuels and speeding up the transition to renewable forms of energy, such as solar and wind, has been identified as one of the best options for slowing down climate change for a more optimistic future.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/transitioning-clean-energy-priority-save-our-onlyoneearth-and-humanity
Post the Pandemic Hiatus, Spirited Investments, and Commitments set to Drive Energy Access in Africa
Power for All was part of the over 1,000 participants from the energy sector gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, at the recent and highly successful Sustainable Energy for All Forum. The event made significant progress in advancing a clean and inclusive energy transition around the world, including a commitment of USD 347 million to support energy access and transition. The team shares their highlights and takeaways from the forum.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/articles/post-pandemic-hiatus-spirited-investments-and-commitments-set-drive-energy-access-africa
Energy Catalyst Accelerates Innovation to Deliver Clean Energy Access
Energy Catalyst recently announced up to £40 million to support early- to late-stage innovators to develop market-based technologies and business models that accelerate access to affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy in Africa, South Asia and Indo-Pacific regions for Rounds 9 and 10 funding cycles.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/articles/energy-catalyst-deploys-more-innovations-end-energy-poverty
Building Partnerships for an Integrated Energy Approach: Experience from the Utilities 2.0 project, Uganda
Building a strong partnership has been one of the key strengths of the Utilities 2.0 project that has contributed significantly to its successful implementation. This was the key takeaway from a webinar titled“Building Partnerships for an Integrated Energy Approach: Experience from the Utilities 2.0 project, Uganda,'' held on May 5. Representatives of all the partner organizations shared their experiences in developing and managing partnerships that shaped the project's success, challenges faced, and lessons for scaling up or replicating the project across Africa.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/videos/building-partnerships-integrated-energy-approach-experience-utilities-20-project-uganda
Interview with Prof Dan Kammen on PayGo, a Disruptive Tool for Just Energy Transitions
In this podcast interview, Kristina Skierka, Founder and CEO of Power for All, speaks with Dan Kammen, a Professor of Energy at the University of California, Berkeley, on the social and technological innovations that have transformed the renewable energy sector over the years including the PayGo business model that is driving a just energy transition.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/interview-prof-dan-kammen-paygo-disruptive-tool-just-energy-transitions
Interview with Alice Goodbrook on Energy Catalyst’s Support for Innovations to End Energy Poverty.
In this episode of the Power for All podcast, Kristina Skierka, Founder and CEO of Power for All, speaks with Alice Goodbrook, Innovation Lead for Energy Catalyst on the Energy Catalyst program, which funds private sector innovation and energy access.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/interview-alice-goodbrook-energy-catalysts-support-innovations-end-energy-poverty
Energy Access, Financial Inclusion, and Improved Livelihoods: PayGo’s Triple Win
“Africa is simply tired of being in the dark. It is time to take decisive action and turn around this narrative: to light up and power Africa – and accelerate the pace of economic transformation, unlock the potential of businesses, and drive much-needed industrialization to create jobs,” This was said by Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, in his speech at the Africa Union Summit held in January 2016 while outlining the bank’s five development priority areas for Africa’s transformation including Light up and Power Africa initiative.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/energy-access-financial-inclusion-and-improved-livelihoods-paygos-triple-win
India’s Decentralized Renewable Energy Enterprises Show Resilience Amid COVID -19 Pandemic
Clean Network has recently published the State of the Sector report, and it shows that the Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) sector in India, with policy and financing support, is poised to bounce back from the sluggish growth of the past year.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/finance/indias-decentralized-renewable-energy-enterprises-show-resilience-amid-covid-19-pandemic
Factsheet: Off-grid PayGo: Unlocking Affordable Energy Access and Financial Inclusion in SSA
PayGo (short for pay-as-you-go) is a system that allows customers to purchase solar home systems and appliances through installments. It has not only enabled bottom-of-the-pyramid households to access clean energy but it is also creating opportunities for financial inclusion and economic development.
https://www.powerforall.org/resources/fact-sheets-research-summaries/factsheet-paygo-driving-energy-access-and-financial-inclusion-ssa
Women in Power: Celebrating Inspiring Women Leaders in Clean Energy Access
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.’ It recognizes the contribution of women and girls worldwide in addressing climate change for a sustainable future. To mark the day, Power for All pays tribute to some of the most accomplished women in the renewable energy sector as they share their passion and stories in a male-dominated field.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/women-power-celebrating-inspiring-women-leaders-clean-energy-access
Country spotlight: Cape Town Looks Towards DRE to End its Energy Woes
Cape Town wants to set itself free from South Africa’s scheduled power cuts introduced because of the fragile state of the national power utility. The South African main grid has been unable to meet the country's energy demands since 2007. Now the city wants to explore renewable energy to solve the problem.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/country-spotlight-cape-town-looks-towards-dre-end-its-energy-woes
Interview with Dr. Arunabha Ghosh: 2022 Top Energy Access Trends
In this podcast episode, Dr. Ghosh, the founder and CEO of Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and Power for All CEO, Kristina Skierka continue to dissect our 2022 top trends for energy access.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/interview-dr-arunabha-ghosh-2022-top-energy-access-trends
Data for Energy Access: Power for All's Platform for Energy Access Knowledge (PEAK)
Power for All's Platform for Energy Access Knowledge (PEAK) is a research tool built for fact-based advocacy and communication. PEAK has amassed over 600 registered users from all over the world.
https://www.powerforall.org/resources/infographics/data-energy-access-power-alls-platform-energy-access-knowledge-peak
Shining the Light on Women!
Women have a key role to play in combating climate change and achieving universal energy access, both as energy entrepreneurs and end-users. Yet both groups tend to be overlooked in today’s market and face huge challenges. Here Camco Clean Energy’s Impact Manager Laura Lahti investigates the roots of these problems and shares her thoughts on what is needed to resolve them.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/shining-light-women
Decentralized Renewable Energy Trends to Watch in 2022
From a heated African UN COP27 to unlocking of finances for small and medium-sized enterprises, more jobs, and the take-off of electric two-and three-wheelers. These and others are amongst the top trends to watch in 2022 in the clean energy access arena according to our partners. This year, we again reached out to them to share their predictions on what will be hot for the sector in the new year. Their verdict is out. Read on to see what’s in store in what seems a stellar year ahead!
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/decentralized-renewable-energy-trends-watch-2022
Interview with Glenn Pearce-Oroz: 2022 Clean Energy Access Trends
In this episode of the Power for All podcast, Kristina Skierka speaks with Glenn Pearce-Oroz, Senior Director of International Relations and Special Projects at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) on trends to watch out for in the Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) sector in 2022. At the beginning of every year, Power for All releases a trends report that highlights anticipated developments that will shape the sector in the year informed by feedback from a survey to partners on their predictions.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/interview-glenn-pearce-oroz-2022-clean-energy-access-trends
Energy equity is a full harvest
What does it mean to have energy equity? Energy equity means that the farmer in rural Uganda doesn’t have to worry about reduced harvest yields, food spoilage, or a loss in revenues. It means residents of nearby villages don’t have to walk long distances to process their maize or worry about the uncertainties of climate change on their food supply.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/energy-equity-full-harvest
Energy equity is a successful small business
What does it mean to have energy equity?
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/energy-equity-successful-small-business
Energy equity is the right to healthcare
The current COVID-19 crisis has brought into sharp relief the inadequacy of Africa and India’s healthcare infrastructure—including access to energy—especially in the case of the rural poor. WHO notes that 70 percent of medical devices cannot be used in developing countries due to unreliable power supply.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/energy-equity-right-healthcare
Beyond COP26: renewable energy empowering employment and equity
After the conclusion of COP26, Power for All summarizes the key takeaways for the decentralized energy sector from its various panel discussions and interviews during the two weeks. The need to address employment and equity in a world recovering from the pandemic is now more urgent than ever.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/beyond-cop26-renewable-energy-empowering-employment-and-equity
Fact Sheet: Decentralized Renewable Energy Can End Energy Inequities Inherent in the Global Power System
Nearly 800 million people live without electricity, and millions more have only intermittent or unreliable access worldwide. Distributed renewables can address energy inequities by offering customized solutions that provide clean, sufficient, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
https://www.powerforall.org/resources/fact-sheets-research-summaries/fact-sheet-decentralized-renewable-energy-can-end-energy-inequities-inherent-global-power-system
Interview with Jay Taneja: Energy Equity
In this episode of the Power for All podcast which is a continuation of Power for All's integrated energy podcast series, Kristina Skierka, Founder and CEO of Power for All speaks with Jay Taneja, Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he heads the Systems Towards Infrastructure Measurement and Analytics (STIMA) Lab.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/energy-equity-interview-jay-taneja
India can lead in ending energy poverty for good: will it seize the opportunity?
Can India's 2070 commitments to net zero at COP 26 result in a leadership role to end energy poverty by 2030? India's 50% renewable energy share by 2030 should not overshadow the opportunity it has in ending energy poverty by increasing investments in decentralized renewable energy sector.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/policy/india-can-lead-ending-energy-poverty-good-will-it-seize-opportunity
Interview with Richard Harrison (Smart Power Myanmar) & Sam Duby (TFE): Integrating DRE and Agriculture in Myanmar
In this episode of the Power for All podcast, William Brent speaks with Richard Harrison, the head of Smart Power Myanmar. Richard is joined by Sam Duby, research partner of Smart Power Myanmar, who is from TFE Energy. In support of this year's UN food system summit, this conversation is part of a special series on the critical link between food systems and decentralized renewable energy. This discussion aims to shed light on game-changing ideas in Africa and Asia that can help ensure sustainable energy for all, improve farmers' lives and support economic growth.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/interview-richard-harrison-smart-power-myanmar-sam-duby-tfe-integrating-dre-and-agriculture-myanmar
Clean energy transition through integrated energy, what will it take?
Neither centralized nor decentralized energy is purpose-built to end energy poverty at scale, alone. Integrated energy approach through public private partnerships can accelerate energy access, through faster and lower-cost electrification, and advance productive use of energy. However, regulatory and finance interventions are needed to transform national energy systems into robust networks that deliver reliable, affordable, universal access for all.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/technologies/clean-energy-transition-through-integrated-energy-what-will-it-take
Interview with Rajneesh Rana: Bulk procurement improves quality, reduces cost, and increases the uptake of off-grid appliances
In this episode of the Power for All podcast, William Brent speaks with Rajneesh Rana of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). In support of this year's UN food system summit, the conversation with EESL is part of a special series on the critical link between food systems and decentralized renewable energy. The discussion aims to shed light on game changing ideas in Africa and Asia that can help ensure sustainable energy for all, improve farmer's lives, and support economic growth.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/interviews/interview-rajneesh-rana-bulk-procurement-improves-quality-reduces-cost-and-increases-uptake-of-grid-appliances
Now or never: SDG7 out of reach without decisive action
Despite the remarkable growth in rural electrification over the last decade, the world is falling short of its sustainable energy goals. Lack of access to energy impedes both economic and human development. In an urgent call to action ahead of summits on energy and climate, the co-facilitators of the SDG7 Technical Advisory Group assert that we must radically accelerate the pace of scaling energy access to create a more resilient, equitable and sustainable future.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/now-or-never-sdg7-out-of-reach-without-decisive-action
Accelerating the global energy transition powered by a young workforce
To be successful, the energy transition will require a generational transition as well. New ideas, new leadership, and new opportunities depend on putting young people at the center of shaping the future of energy systems in Africa and Asia. The time for business-as-usual approaches is ending, as we take the first steps toward the next energy generation and a new legacy.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/policy/accelerating-global-energy-transition-powered-young-workforce
Power for All’s 2021 top trends for energy access
2021 is a critical year on many fronts: food systems, healthcare, economic recovery and job creation, climate action, and much more. Decentralized renewables will have a major role to play in all of them. In our annual energy access trends forecast, we consulted multiple sources and identified what are the market movers that will drive progress in energy access finance, technology, policy and capacity.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/technologies/power-alls-2021-annual-top-trends-energy-access
Vaccine cold chain is the beginning, not the end, for rural healthcare
Vaccine cold chain only a first step Refrigation for vaccines is essential to achieve global equity in the fight against COVID, but to ensure universal health care requires service-based models, a standardized and affordable supply chain of off-grid medical devices, and much great inter-sectoral collaboration to power 10s of thousands of unelectrified clinics.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/vaccine-cold-chain-beginning-not-end-rural-healthcare
How we count energy poverty is broken, requires new framework
Electricity consumption is a misleading measure of energy poverty and SDG7 is significantly farther away than governments and donors currently think, according to a new IIASA framework that measures energy access based on appliance ownership. The framework also shows affordability is a greater barrier than previously thought.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/policy/how-we-count-energy-poverty-broken-requires-new-framework
Why off-grid technologies are key in bridging the digital divide amid COVID-19
An estimated 1.3 billion pupils have experienced school closures across 186 countries due to COVID-19. Millions of children in Africa and Asia do not have access to digital learning devices or even electricity. As we mark this year’s World Children’s Day, off-grid energy technologies are urgently needed to ensure learning continuity for every child.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/why-grid-technologies-are-key-bridging-digital-divide-amid-covid-19
From global to local: building energy-smart local food systems post-COVID era
Achieving food security, economic development and poverty reduction remain elusive goals without sustainable energy access. As we mark World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, FAO, Khethworks, Krishi Star, IFPRI and others weigh in on the opportunities for building climate-smart local food systems that grow rural economies and reduce food insecurity.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/global-local-building-energy-smart-local-food-systems-post-covid-era
Is the G20 serious this time about energy access and SDG7?
New data shows that only 1 of 54 countries in Africa is on track to achieve SDG7. What does the G20 need to do to change that?
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/policy/g20-serious-time-about-energy-access-and-sdg7
Beyond COVID, consumer subsidy needed to narrow energy affordability gap
By 2030, 228 million people worldwide are expected to still be without access to electricity due to affordability and access constraints, and COVID is likely to push that number higher. "Demand-side subsidies," i.e. reducing the cost of power to the poorest of the poor, are essential to avoiding this scenario, concludes ACE TAF.
https://www.powerforall.org/decentralized-renewable-energy-covid19-subsidy
Donors: where’s your money promised for minigrids?
Donors have deployed just 13% of the US$ 1.6 billion in funds committed to the minigrid sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, and most of that went to technical assistance consultants, not building projects. Where is the other 87%?, asks the African Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA).
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/finance/donors-wheres-your-money-promised-minigrids
Off-grid sector success post-pandemic hinges on shift to new financing models
Off track and under-funded, the goal of universal energy access will only happen if there is much tighter collaboration between funders to unify a highly fragmented finance landscape, while also maintaining a laser focus on results. SEforALL explains why multi-donor RBF is essential for success.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/finance/grid-sector-success-post-pandemic-hinges-shift-new-financing-models
Amps for animals: greening Africa’s livestock sector
The use of energy-saving technologies in Africa’s agricultural sector shows a great deal of promise and has the potential to change the way livestock is raised and managed for the better.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/amps-animals-greening-africas-livestock-sector
Energy access enters decade of homegrown innovation
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the global engine of innovation and job creation. On MSME Day, learn about the state of energy access entrepreneurship in Africa and Asia, how disruptive ingenuity is accelerating SDG7, and why financial and technical support for innovation must be redoubled post-pandemic.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/finance/energy-access-enters-decade-of-homegrown-innovation
Off-Grid Renewable Energy Sector Response to COVID-19
Power for All has created a comprehensive roundup that highlights the response to COVID-19 by the decentralized renewable energy sector, including a new €100 million recovery fund and technical assistance opportunities, but also what steps are being taken by WHO and others to accelerate electrification of rural health facilities.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/covid-19-roundup
3 pathways to powering agriculture in Nigeria
Nigeria's post-harvest losses are put at $9 billion, accounting for nearly 70% of global post-harvest loss due to lack of power to drive agro-allied processing. Powering agriculture with decentralized clean energy solutions can play a critical role in reducing food losses and increasing farmers’ revenues.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/3-pathways-powering-agriculture-nigeria
What does it take to eliminate energy poverty in Africa?
An alternative energy future for Africa is possible and affordable, but only if Governments can make the shift to more renewable energy sources according to a new report from IEA. Here are the key report findings.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/what-does-it-take-eliminate-energy-poverty-africa
Local manufacturing: a next frontier for SDG7
Almost without exception, the growth of distributed renewable energy (DRE) in sub-Saharan Africa and developing economies in South and Southeast Asia has been achieved on the back of inexpensive imports from China. That is changing.
https://www.powerforall.org/news-media/articles/local-manufacturing-next-frontier-sdg7
Forbes: Renewable Energy Provides Growing Source Of Skilled Jobs For Africa And Asia
James Ellsmoor writes on how delivering rural electrification using distributed renewable energy (DRE) can put a serious dent in joblessness, in particular for youth and women.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/renewable-energy-provides-growing-source-of-skilled-jobs-africa-and-asia
Reimagining utilities as a way to end energy poverty
If the world is to provide electricity to all by 2030, utilities and off-grid renewable energy providers must join forces
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/opinion-reimagining-utilities-way-end-energy-poverty
Amid renewed DISCOM woes, new data points to mini-grids for last-mile electrification in India
Should another ongoing cycle of utility bailout-bust and the election see a revival of India’s stalled mini-grid policy?
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/amid-renewed-discom-woes-new-data-points-mini-grids-last-mile-electrification-india
Beyond access: elevating the DRE narrative
The decentralized renewable energy (DRE) sector is entering a new phase, one that goes “beyond access” and instead focuses on co-benefits, dividends, outcomes, improved livelihoods, productive uses -- whatever term you prefer -- that both satisfy consumer aspirations, but also power rural economies.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/beyond-access-evolving-dre-narrative
Energy access means jobs in Zambia: new data
Governments and donors in sub-Saharan Africa that adopt coordinated approaches to electrifying rural communities using distributed renewables can count on meaningful job creation, according to recent data from REEEP in Zambia.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/energy-access-means-jobs-zambia-new-data
NGO partners join hands in 25x25 collaborative to accelerate market transformation
Four organizations committed to accelerating universal electricity access – Hivos/ENERGIA, Power for All, Practical Action, and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation – recognize that the level of ambition and urgency for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 is far from what's needed to deliver modern, affordable, sustainable and reliable energy for all before 2030.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/ngo-partners-join-hands-25x25-collaborative-accelerate-market-transformation
Transitioning energy, creating green jobs in Myanmar
Mee Panyar is helping villages in rural Myanmar transition from diesel to solar power through training programs to support electricians operating mini-grids. This decreases household electricity prices by up to 50%, reduces carbon emissions by 60%, and creates opportunity for productive uses.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/transitioning-energy-creating-green-jobs-myanmar
2018: Top Energy Access Tweets
Approaching 10,000 followers (with average 300,000 impressions per month), Power for All’s Twitter account is a window into the topics that most interest the distributed renewable energy sector. Twitter measures “Top Tweets” based of engagement and impressions. The themes that generated the biggest response in 2018? Mini-grids, and the jobs opportunity of energy access. Other topics of interest: consumer demand, market development, and data.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/2018-top-energy-access-tweets
CNBC Africa: "How renewables could help solve Africa’s job crisis"
CNBC Africa highlights the #PoweringJobs campaign, spotlighting that distributed renewable energy solutions like home solar and green mini-grids can help solve Africa's job crisis.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/how-renewables-could-help-solve-africas-job-crisis
4 keys to unlock cheap micro-grid finance
To improve lender confidence and increase project financial attractiveness, micro-grid developers should reduce the risks of non-steady cash flows through four short-term actionable strategies
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/finance/4-keys-unlock-cheap-micro-grid-finance
Turning Data Into Insight
According to the UN, the “deployment of decentralized renewable energy is fueling a disruptive transformation of the energy sector”, by providing a fast, cost-effective and sustainable approach to universal energy access. Yet we at Power for All, our partners and stakeholders agree that many actors with the influence to accelerate decentralized renewable energy (DRE) growth.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/turning-data-insight
When Power is Life or Death
The founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Michael Liebreich, recently launched the Project Bo crowdsourcing campaign, triggered when he saw a tweet last year from Dr Niall Conroy of University College Dublin.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/when-power-life-or-death
Hey Matt Damon, Let’s Talk
Chances are that if you live in a remote part of sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia and don’t have access to electricity, you also don’t have access to clean water. That’s hundreds of millions of people.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/hey-matt-damon-lets-talk
Sierra Leone Energy Revolution Picks Up Pace
Innovative financing proposals and local media support for energy access were the outcomes of two workshops held in Sierra Leone to propel the Energy Revolution. At the events, Power for All brought together stakeholders to drive engagement and collaboration in support of the country’s efforts to help families and businesses gain energy access.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/sierra-leone-energy-revolution-picks-pace
Solar Jobs in India Changing Lives
Off-grid solar leader Greenlight Planet directly manages 2,000 sales agents in India, with its distributors employing another 10,000. Here is the story of one woman and the impact of solar on her life.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/solar-jobs-india-changing-lives
Spotlight: massive "under-the-grid" opportunity for distributed energy – Power for All
In our ongoing series with GTM Research on energy access, GTMR's Ben Attia and our PEAK research team uncover the untapped opportunity for decentralized solutions to serve "under-the-grid" communities, which total 110 million people, or one in every six African people without electricity access.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/spotlight-massive-under-grid-opportunity-distributed-energy-power-all
Mini-grids can quickly achieve universal access in India, cut emissions: report
New research from REEEP shines light on need for greater public support for private sector mini-grid developers, with 36.5 million people in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh states hanging in the balance
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/mini-grids-can-quickly-achieve-universal-access-india-cut-emissions-report
India’s Renewable Energy Push: A Win-Win for Job Creation and Electricity Access
A new report from World Resources Institute (WRI) explores India’s opportunity to be a role model for job creation in developing countries, especially for women, and create lucrative alternatives to subsistence farming through energy access
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/indias-renewable-energy-push-win-win-job-creation-and-electricity-access
India energy future needs to be less ad hoc, more distributed
Arunabha Ghosh, the CEO of leading research institute Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), lays out a vision for how to build an inclusive, resilient, sustainable energy future in India that leaves no one behind
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/india-energy-future-needs-be-less-ad-hoc-more-distributed
How India can lead the world in super-efficient appliances
India made efficient LED lightbulbs ubiquitous and cheap in just three years. It has an opportunity to do the same for super-efficient appliances and create a massive new global and domestic market, says innovator Sundar Muruganandhan.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/how-india-can-lead-world-super-efficient-appliances
India’s Twitterati for electricity access
Power for All has compiled an informal guide of leading voices on Twitter connected to the effort to bring electricity to the 300 million in India without access. The below list is based on frequency and relevancy of posts and number of followers. We’ve included individuals and institutions, both from within and outside India. If you think we missed someone, or have story ideas for the Powering Rural India publication, please comment below. #SDGs #GlobalGoals #SDG7 #India #energyaccess
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/indias-twitterati-electricity-access
Solar mini-grids deliver clean water to rural India
Distributed solar is about more than just bringing electricity to rural villages. It’s about delivering the services that electricity enable, including clean water. Grassroots and Rural Innovative Development (GRID) and a growing number of private companies are pioneering a new approach in India using renewable energy mini-grids to power reverse osmosis (RO) water purification plants.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/solar-mini-grids-deliver-clean-water-rural-india
Thoughts on quality electricity access in rural Jharkhand
Jharkhand is one of the most diverse states in India with 32 recognized indigenous tribes accounting for more than 26% of the state’s population. The village of Kantasola is inhabited by one such tribe, the Santhals, known for their art, handicrafts, bow and arrow skills and, spot-clean villages and houses.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/thoughts-quality-electricity-access-rural-jharkhand
Mini-grids deliver in India floods
In late August, Bihar, one of the poorest states in India, was devastated by flooding that affected millions of people and severely challenged authorities working to support the rural communities hit hardest. With uncertainty about the availability of grid power, renewable energy mini-grids stepped up to ensure adequate back-up power and played a key role in assisting with relief operations.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/mini-grids-deliver-india-floods
New research: rooftop solar can bridge India’s gap in rural health services
The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), one of South Asia’s leading policy research institutions, today issued a new report concluding that distributed solar energy can play a major role in bridging India’s massive gap in delivering rural healthcare services, both as a primary and backup source of power. Currently, 1 in 2 rural Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in India suffer from lack of electricity or irregular power supply, with over 38 million households depending on PHCs that have zero electricity access.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/new-research-rooftop-solar-can-bridge-indias-gap-rural-health-services
In north-east India, boat clinics go solar for better healthcare delivery
For communities perilously living in flood prone areas, access to basic resources and opportunities is a perpetual challenge. River islands especially lack basic infrastructure and services such as healthcare, education, power, drinking water and sanitation. People risk the weather and flooding rivers, and make long journeys in difficult terrains to get basic health services such as vaccination, mother and child care, medicines, minor operations, etc. Medical emergencies can be particularly harrowing. Same challenges are prevalent across the sundarbans in Bangladesh, coastal areas of Rakhine in Myanmar, the lakes of Cambodia, and many other areas.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/north-east-india-boat-clinics-go-solar-better-healthcare-delivery
India: Ground zero for scaling electricity access and SDG7
For good reason, sub-Saharan Africa gets much of the attention when it comes to electricity access. It is home to more than 600 million energy poor spread across nearly 50 countries. But it is likely going to be India — by itself home to roughly 300 million unelectrified — where decentralized renewable energy (DRE) achieves the scale needed to deliver Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) — universal access to modern, affordable, reliable and sustainable energy by 2030.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/india-ground-zero-scaling-electricity-access-and-sdg7
Roti and a Renewable Recipe for Better Livelihoods in Rural India
Clear linkages exist between distributed energy, energy efficiency and sustainable livelihoods. However, a holistic solution needs to go beyond the confines of technology, and integrate aspects of capacity building, appropriate financing and market intelligence. Take the case of roti.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/roti-and-renewable-recipe-better-livelihoods-rural-india
New Report: Progress on 24x7 Power for All
India’s government has made transparency a centerpiece of its rural electrification campaign, called Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY). A new update summarizing the status of India’s overall energy reform program (called 24x7 Power for All, or Ujwal Bharat) was recently issued, reporting that 73% of villages have been electrified under DDUGJY as of May 19, 2017.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/new-report-progress-24x7-power-all
Virtually battery-free, 100% renewable, remotely-managed rural utility is coming
Husk Power Systems, an early pioneer in developing micro-grids for poor, rural communities in India and sub-Saharan Africa, plans a 7-fold increase in its power plants to 600 within 5 years, expanding into a fully-fledged rural utility that delivers reliable 24/7 grid-compatible power and better customer service than incumbent utilities.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/virtually-battery-free-100-renewable
Utilities partner with micro-grids in India to provide rural power access, save money
In an attempt to address electricity poverty in India and make uninterrupted power accessible to all, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, in conjunction with several utilities, has pioneered work on solar-powered direct-current (DC) micro-grids that have reduced system costs by about 50%. The project has so far connected around 9,000 homes in 11 states.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/utilities-partner-micro-grids-india-provide-rural-power-access-save-money
“Utility in a Box” — a mini-grid solution for scaling last-mile connectivity
Prototypes of an integrated, standardized “Utility in a Box” (UiB) are being deployed in rural India starting this month, with the goal of significantly reducing the cost of mini-grid systems and contributing more significantly to India’s goal of national electrification by 2019.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/utility-box-mini-grid-solution-scaling-last-mile-connectivity
India’s Power Surge: A Paradox of Plenty?
India’s state power ministers convened in Delhi recently for an unusual group meeting. The event had a dual purpose: partly to celebrate how far India has come in rebuilding its power sector, and partly to lay out a roadmap for confronting the challenges that remain. My recent journey through 11 of India’s 29 states, speaking with senior power officials, confirms that India has made incredible progress in tackling its power generation deficit. Increased generation capacity through new additions of renewables and greater efficiency and reliability of coal stocks for thermal power plants is coupling with the success of India’s incredible demand-side measures to create a perfect storm of plentiful power. However, the next set of problems for its power sector are in some ways more difficult to confront. To address those problems, India will have to employ a diverse and creative set of solutions.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/indias-power-surge-paradox-plenty
Extending the Horizon: Access to Finance and Kenya’s DRE Market
Our Director of Research, Dr. Rebekah Shirley, took a post-conference opportunity to explore the catalysts of growth in the Kenyan decentralized solar market. In this article, she shares key insights and reflections from KEREA, Steama.co, Azuri and Tropical Power.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/finance/extending-horizon-access-finance-and-kenyas-dre-market
Building Better: Why Decentralized Energy Increases Resilience
One of the most pronounced effects of a changing climate is the increase in extreme weather and other natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires. These disasters are not spread evenly: of the 30 countries most affected by changing weather, 26 are least developed countries. To put it another way, 423 million people living in extreme poverty are considered likely to experience the impacts of a changing climate. The tragic events of hurricane Matthew in Haiti are just the most recent example.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/finance/building-better-why-decentralized-energy-increases-resilience
New Markets, New Opportunities
Increasingly off-grid solar enterprises are creating big impact and significant sales outside the more established markets of East Africa and Asia. Power for All were fortunate to host a panel of expert speakers at the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association Annual General Meeting 2016 to learn about the opportunities and challenges of operating in Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/impact/new-markets-new-opportunities
The Missing Link in Global Development: Energy Access Opportunity Costs
This article was originally printed in the World Post | 14 April 2016
https://www.powerforall.org/insights/finance/missing-link-global-development-energy-access-opportunity-costs