Expanding Energy Access Through Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE)

Closing the Energy Access Gap Demands Urgent Action

Access to affordable, reliable energy is foundational for economic growth, human development, and climate resilience — yet globally roughly 665 million people lack electricity access and about 970 million people still cook using open fires or inefficient stoves. While much of the world is nearing universal access, progress in some countries lags - most notably in Sub-Saharan Africa where the pace of electrification must triple to achieve universal access by 2030.

 

2030 – the target year to achieve sustainable, universal energy access (SDG 7) and connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa (Mission 300) — is fast approaching, and both targets are only achievable with distributed renewable energy (DRE). DRE technologies are expected to make up about half of the new connections under Mission 300, which will require accelerating and refining efforts by addressing affordability and structural challenges. 

ESMAP Drives Innovation to Close the Energy Access Gap

ESMAP helps lay the groundwork to turn targets like Mission 300 into reality by shaping how the World Bank, governments, and other stakeholders deliver energy access. Recognizing the need for solutions to complement grid expansion – particularly for hard-to-reach low-income populations -- ESMAP began mapping and supporting access to decentralized renewable energy solutions through initiatives like Lighting Africa and Lighting Global in the early 2000s. Our work helped build the off-grid solar industry from the ground up — today a market serving hundreds of millions of people — and we continue to provide data-driven technical expertise to World Bank projects expanding electricity access through Off-Grid Solar, mini grid, and Clean Cooking solutions.  

Putting People First: ESMAP's Beneficiary-Focused Strategy

To ensure ESMAP’s work best serves those still living without access to modern energy, and to maximize impact, ESMAP targets our efforts to three beneficiary groups. Energy Access for Households improves health, education, and quality of life. Energy Access for Income Generationenables productive uses of energy that support livelihoods, small businesses, and job creation. Energy Access for Human Capital Development delivers reliable power to schools, health centers, and other essential public services. 

ESMAP’s Energy Access work is organized into three workstreams.

A father helps his daughter with her homework while sitting at a table inside a modest home.
Energy Access for Households

Expanding affordable and reliable access through grid, mini grid, and off-grid systems.

A woman operates a small milling machine powered by solar panels outside a rural building.
Energy Access for Income Generation

Enabling productive uses of energy to support livelihoods, small businesses, and job creation.

Three children sit outdoors, learning together while looking at a laptop.
Energy Access for Human Capital Development

Delivering reliable power to schools, health centers, and essential services.

Practitioner Voices

Electricity demand is growing rapidly, yet millions of people still live without access to electricity, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the greatest burden and missing out on opportunities for economic growth, jobs, and development. We have the solutions to accelerate progress—proven technologies, effective financing models, and strong partnerships—but constrained public budgets mean we must also mobilize much greater private sector investment. Working together, we can deliver reliable, affordable energy to the people who need it most.

Valerie Levkov
Vice President for Infrastructure World Bank Group