Off-Grid Renewables: Powering More Than Electricity in the World’s Most Underserved Communities

More than 666 million people worldwide still live without access to electricity, most of them in remote, low-income regions. For these communities, extending national grids is often slow, costly and impractical.

This is where off-grid and decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions—such as solar, mini-hydro and hybrid systems—are emerging as a powerful alternative, not only to close the energy access gap, but to unlock wider social and economic transformation.

Off-Grid Renewables: A Quiet but Growing Force

Although off-grid power generation often goes unrecorded in national statistics, its footprint is expanding steadily. Each year, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) sheds light on this evolving landscape through its Off-grid Renewable Energy Statistics report.

By the end of 2024, global off-grid renewable capacity had reached 11.1 gigawatts (GW), providing electricity to around 86 million people. Africa accounted for more than three-quarters of these beneficiaries, underlining the continent’s central role in the off-grid energy transition.

Beyond households, over two million off-grid renewable systems were supplying power to productive sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, public lighting, tourism and communications.

The Energy Access Challenge Persists

Despite this progress, challenges remain. In 2024, most off-grid households without grid access received less than eight hours of electricity per day, typically limited to basic lighting and small devices like phones or radios. This highlights a critical gap: access to electricity does not always mean access to energy services that truly improve livelihoods.

To realise the full potential of off-grid renewables, systems must evolve from basic energy provision to enabling productive, income-generating and social services.

Driving Sustainable Development Beyond the Grid

Off-grid renewables are uniquely positioned to support multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bringing power generation closer to end users and fostering local ownership.

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Local installation, operation and maintenance of DRE systems create jobs and stimulate rural economies.

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Solar-powered pumping and purification systems improve access to safe water.

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Reliable electricity enables extended study hours, digital learning and better school facilities.

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Affordable, accessible energy empowers women, particularly in female-headed households and community enterprises.

Real-World Impact: DRE in Action

Decent Work and Economic Growth | Kenya

In a coastal fishing community in Kwale County, off-grid solar power now runs cold storage facilities. Fishermen can preserve their catch when rough seas prevent them from working, reducing waste and stabilising incomes. By lowering dependence on an unreliable grid, the community secures fairer prices and more sustainable livelihoods.

Gender Equality | Rwanda

In Bugesera, in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, a women-led farming group installed a solar-powered irrigation system to overcome chronic water shortages. The result: higher-quality crops, improved food security and increased household incomes. The farm now stands as a symbol of how renewable energy can strengthen women’s economic participation and community resilience.

Clean Water and Sanitation | Zimbabwe

A rural school in Epworth, Zimbabwe, experienced a dramatic transformation after installing a solar-powered water borehole. Students who once missed school due to thirst and illness now attend regularly. The wider community also benefits from clean drinking water and has launched a solar-powered mushroom farm, turning agricultural waste into nutritious food and income.

Quality Education | Papua New Guinea

In Hogave, Papua New Guinea, a mini-hydropower system supplies reliable electricity to shared community facilities, including the local school. Teachers can charge digital devices and use them in lessons, while students study under proper lighting instead of darkness—opening new pathways to learning and opportunity.

Beyond Access: A Catalyst for Inclusive Development

Off-grid renewables are no longer just a stopgap for places beyond the reach of national grids. They are catalysts for inclusive growth, enabling communities to build resilience, improve livelihoods and participate meaningfully in the global energy transition.

As investment, policy support and innovation continue to scale, decentralised renewable energy has the potential to move millions more from mere electricity access to true energy empowerment—where power fuels prosperity, equality and sustainable development.