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Bringing sustainable light to off-grid communities
Lighting Africa is striving to accelerate access to affordable, clean energy to the one in six people in the world who live without electricity.
Thu, 04 May 2017 07:23:29 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Energy poverty affects over 1.2 billion people globally, with many relying on inefficient and costly lighting solutions like kerosene lamps.
- Modern energy technologies such as solar power and LED lights offer a transformative solution to the challenges faced by off-grid communities.
- Collaboration between organizations like the IFC and private sector partners is essential for driving innovation and attracting investments in the clean energy sector.
In an effort to advance access to affordable, clean energy for the one in six people worldwide who lack electricity, Lighting Africa is on a mission to bring sustainable light to off-grid communities. Russel Sturm, the Global Head of the IFC Clean Energy and Resource Efficiency Unit, sheds light on the importance of tackling energy poverty and the transformative impact of modern energy solutions. Sturm highlights the dire situation faced by over 1.2 billion people globally who have no access to electric grids, or whose grid access is unreliable. These individuals often resort to costly and hazardous solutions like kerosene lamps, leading to health hazards and economic burdens. The existing market for lighting services in these underserved communities amounts to a staggering $30 billion annually, representing a significant opportunity for modern energy technologies. Sturm emphasizes the role of innovative solutions such as solar power, lithium-based batteries, and energy-efficient appliances like LED lights in revolutionizing the off-grid energy landscape. By bridging the gap between technology providers and untapped markets, organizations like the IFC can catalyze positive change and attract private sector investments. Through initiatives like Lighting Africa, which focuses on quality verification and standardization of products, over 24 million lighting solutions have been introduced into off-grid communities, paving the way for sustainable development and economic empowerment. The collaboration between the IFC and other World Bank Group partners underscores a strategic approach to fostering private sector engagement and driving innovation in the clean energy sector.