Over 13% of the world’s population still have no access to electricity. Typically, these are also the poorest, most deprived communities. Electrification is a powerful driver for development. In addition to the safety, environmental and health benefits of replacing fuels like kerosene, electricity provides access to communications, learning resources, medical support and helps facilitate local micro-businesses.
Often, even where there is access to an electricity grid or generator, reliability and cost can be powerful incentives to adopt localised renewable-energy alternatives, especially if selling surplus electricity is a possibility.
Overriding all of this is our collective responsibility to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and fight climate change.