In 2023, 745 million people lacked access to electricity worldwide. That is like all of Europe still being in the dark. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reality that affects millions of families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Without reliable energy sources, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities all suffer. Why do so many people still struggle to access sufficient electricity?
Many factors contribute to insufficient access, including geographic isolation, underfunded infrastructure, and economic barriers. The United Nations Sustainable Development has identified affordable and clean energy as one of its major Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7). Significant progress has been made towards achieving this goal, with global efforts expanding access and driving innovation in energy solutions.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 240 million people in sub-Saharan Africa—approximately 48% of households in the region—gained access to electricity in 2022 alone, thanks to the deployment of solar technologies like solar home systems and off-grid solar PV systems. Moreover, Ethiopia is currently constructing Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which will generate over 5 gigawatts of electricity annually. This will make up the needs of over 50% of the Ethiopian population currently living without the power.
It may be surprising, but challenges also occurred in developed countries such as the United States. Some communities are unable to afford electricity, with the average cost of connecting one household to the grid being around $5,500. For example, indigenous communities have long faced challenges with energy availability. As of 2023, approximately 21% of homes in the Navajo Nation and 35% in the Hopi Nation still lack electricity. Additionally, 31% of electrified homes in these tribal communities still experience monthly power outages.
However, there’s good news. Advances in renewable energy technologies are making it easier to address these challenges at the local level. In February 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) granted more than $366 million to projects across 30 Tribal Nations and communities to accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects in rural and remote areas. One initiative involves the free installation of 300 solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems in off-grid homes across the Hopi and Navajo Nations, enhancing energy resilience and increasing electrification rates.
Solar electric array on an off-grid Navajo Indian home in Arizona. Off-grid means that the home has no other source of electric power. U.S. Department of Energy photo
Beyond increasing electricity access, renewable energy sources offer numerous benefits to households. The most significant advantage is the reduction in carbon emissions, as renewable energy systems do not produce air pollution after installation. Generating electricity from renewable sources can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote healthier ecosystems and communities. The shift to renewable energy can also foster community resilience by creating green jobs, enhancing local economies, and encouraging sustainable practices that benefit future generations.
Renewable energy is also more affordable in the long run. Once these systems are in place, their operating and maintenance costs are lower than those of fossil fuel plants. Solar and wind energy, for instance, become essentially free after the initial setup. Building on all those benefits, renewable energy plays a crucial role in the green transition, and we should encourage households and businesses to adopt more sustainable energy solutions.
Throughout this semester, I will dive into how renewable energy can be implemented in different living environments, from city apartments to suburban houses and rural areas. I’ll look at how solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies impact the people who live there. Moreover, I’ll explore how we can accelerate the transition to cleaner energy forward through better policies, smart financial choices, and community support.