Global off-grid renewable capacity has doubled since 2014, reaching 12.9 gigawatts (GW) in 2023 and bringing power to 155 million people in remote and underserved regions, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
While the number of people without electricity access dropped from 1 billion in 2014 to 685 million in 2022, progress has stalled since 2018, particularly in remote and rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. The region now accounts for 83% of the global access deficit, a sharp increase from 50% in 2010.
Some key IRENA figures on off-grid renewables find that:
- Off-grid renewable power capacity reached 12.9 GW in 2023.
- Off-grid renewable solutions benefited 155 million people in 2023.
- Over 2 million off-grid renewable systems were delivering energy services across agriculture, health, education, public lighting, tourism and communication end-use sectors.
Accelerating progress on off-grid renewables requires action through enabling policies, innovative financing, and strengthened local supply chains. These critical issues will take center stage at the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC) which was held in conjunction with the SADC Sustainable Energy Week from 24-28 February 2025 in Botswana
The event, held under the theme “Translating Commitments into Actions: Off-Grid Renewables for Socioeconomic Development and Climate Action”, brought together officials, experts, and practitioners from different regions of the world to deliberate on how off-grid renewables can contribute to achieving SDG7 while also supporting broader sustainable development and climate goals.
Particular emphasis was given to the topic of nexus between energy access and other key development priorities such as agriculture, food, and health services.
