Over 666 Million People Still Without Electricity As Off-Grid Renewable Energy Reaches 11.1 GW And Powers 86 Million By 2024

More than 666 million people around the world still live without access to electricity. Most of these individuals live in remote regions and belong to low-income communities, making it difficult for them to benefit from conventional grid connections. Because they are easy to install and cost-effective, decentralised renewable energy (DRE) systems are becoming an increasingly important solution for bringing electricity to these underserved regions. Even though many countries do not officially record off-grid energy production, renewable off-grid electricity has been steadily increasing. Every year, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) publishes its Off-grid Renewable Energy Statistics report to outline major global developments in this space.

By the end of 2024, global off-grid renewable energy capacity reached 11.1 gigawatts (GW), providing electricity to around 86 million people. Africa accounted for more than three-quarters of these beneficiaries, reflecting the region’s growing dependence on off-grid solutions for rural electrification. Beyond households, more than 2 million off-grid renewable energy systems were supporting a wide range of sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, education, public lighting, tourism, and communication. However, many households that rely on off-grid systems still received less than eight hours of electricity per day in 2024, often limited to basic uses like lighting, phone charging, and radio. This indicates that while off-grid systems are expanding, many families still lack sufficient energy to significantly improve their daily lives and economic opportunities.

Off-grid renewable power plays an important role in improving livelihoods in rural and remote communities and contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since DRE systems generate electricity close to where it is used, they help create local jobs and stimulate economic growth, supporting SDG 8. They also improve access to clean water and sanitation, contributing to SDG 6, as solar-powered water solutions make safe water available for households, schools, and communities. Education also benefits from reliable energy access; with lighting and the ability to charge electronic devices, students can study for longer hours and teachers can use digital tools, supporting SDG 4. In addition, off-grid technologies have helped improve gender equality by reducing energy-related burdens on women and making electricity more affordable for women-led households, in line with SDG 5.

There are some examples demonstrating how DRE solutions are supporting different SDGs in communities located far from national grids or facing unreliable grid electricity. In a coastal fishing community in Kwale County, Kenya, off-grid solar power is helping local fishermen maintain steady incomes. A solar-powered cold storage system allows them to preserve their catch on days when rough seas prevent them from fishing. This reduces their dependence on an unstable grid and helps them secure fair market prices, ultimately improving their livelihoods.

In Bugesera in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, a group of women farmers faced challenges due to inconsistent access to water for irrigation. To overcome this, they installed a solar-powered irrigation system on their farm. This solution enabled them to grow healthier fruits and vegetables, support their families with better nutrition, and contribute to the local economy. Their efforts demonstrate how renewable energy can enhance both women’s empowerment and community development.

In rural Epworth, Zimbabwe, a school installed an off-grid solar-powered water borehole, bringing significant change to both students and the surrounding community. Children who previously missed school because of thirst or hunger now have access to clean drinking water, which has improved school attendance. Families in the area also benefit from reliable water for daily use. Additionally, the community has started cultivating organic mushrooms on a solar-powered farm, turning agricultural waste into nutritious food and creating new income opportunities.

In Hogave, Papua New Guinea, a mini-hydropower system has provided sustainable electricity to shared community facilities, including the local school. Teachers can now charge digital devices and use them as teaching aids, giving students access to more engaging and modern learning resources. With reliable lighting, students can comfortably study in the evenings, marking a significant improvement in their educational environment.