Rural Electrification and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries

Abstract

Over a fifth of the world’s population, 1.4 billion people, lack access to electricity at home and the vast majority of these people live in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Access to electricity is vital for achieving human and economic development and rural electrification presents a significant challenge in many developing countries. Decentralized renewable energy technologies can play a significant role in increasing electricity access in rural areas, as well as contributing towards poverty alleviation and sustainable development. However, a number of key barriers must be overcome before an intervention becomes sustainable, scalable and replicable. Research carried out in Nepal, Peru and Kenya has highlighted the importance of institutional frameworks, delivery models, access to financing and technical support