Localized renewable energy project
 | This article may incorporate text from a large language model. (October 2025) |
A localized renewable energy project is a small-scale, decentralized renewable energy system such as a solar home kit, a micro-hydropower station, or a community mini-grid that provides electricity access in developing countries. These projects are often designed to reduce dependence on national electrical grids, which are limited or absent in rural areas, and to promote sustainable development.
Background
[edit]Access to reliable electricity remains a challenge in many developing regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), localized renewable solutions have become central to electrification strategies, as they can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively in remote areas.[1]
Case studies
[edit]Africa
[edit]In Mali, solar mini-grids have been deployed in rural areas to power households, schools, and health clinics. A report by Associated Press highlighted how these systems transformed access to electricity in off-grid villages.[2] Similar initiatives in Niger and Mauritania were co-funded by the IRENA-ADFD Facility, focusing on small community-based solar systems.[1]
Asia
[edit]In India, the Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency (LREDA) has implemented solar photovoltaic power plants, micro-hydro stations, and solar water heating systems in the Himalayan region.[3]
Municipal initiatives
[edit]Research published in Frontiers in Energy Research analyzed the feasibility of renewable energy projects run by local municipalities in developing countries. The study concluded that locally managed systems can serve both households and small businesses, while also fostering community ownership of energy resources.[4]
Economic and social impacts
[edit]A study in the Journal of Public Economics concluded that renewable energy investments significantly increased employment at the local level, suggesting similar outcomes in developing contexts.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "IRENA-ADFD-Facility-Selected-Projects". www.irena.org.
- ^ Ahmed, Baba (March 27, 2025). "Mali embraces solar power for rural areas but the challenges are still vast". AP News.
- ^ Srinagar (5 September 2013). "Ladakh's giant leap in renewable energy". Kashmir Newz. Retrieved 11 November 2013.[dead link]
- ^ Oladejo, Olufemi Michael; Shava, Elvin; Muringa, Tigere Paidamoyo (May 23, 2025). "The feasibility of implementing renewable energy systems by local municipalities for households and economic entities". Frontiers in Energy Research. 13 1517054. Bibcode:2025FrER...1317054O. doi:10.3389/fenrg.2025.1517054.
- ^ Fabra, Natalia; Gutiérrez, Eduardo; Lacuesta, Aitor; Ramos, Roberto (November 2024). "Do renewable energy investments create local jobs?". Journal of Public Economics. 239 105212. doi:10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105212.