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This renewable energy technology is the most cost-effective solution for providing first-time electricity access to 400 million people by 2030, says a new report Off-grid solar products can increase the climate resilience of electricity supply and provide crucial electricity infrastructure. This is either by providing a primary energy source to communities that currently lack access, or an alternative or back-up source of power. This is one of the key findings of – Powering Climate Resilience: The Role of Off-Grid Solar Report -launched at the (SEforALL) two-day Global Summit that ended in Barbados yesterday (13 March). The report by GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar energy industry, set out to demonstrate the contribution of off-grid solar (OGS) solutions to climate resilience and adaptation across key impact areas. Currently, 685 million people worldwide live without electricity, most of whom reside in climate-vulnerable areas. Framework and guidance resources launched alongside report The report is one of three key resources developed by GOGLA with support from the IKEA Foundation, in partnership with Efficiency for and Practical Action. The resources are meant to guide investments and policies in off-grid solar energy, particularly in regions most vulnerable to climate change. In addition to the report, the Off-Grid Solar Resilience and Adaptation Framework (beta version); and Off-Grid Solar Resilience and Adaptation Sector Guidance were also launched. The report points out that off-grid products’ physical properties also enhance energy resilience as they are portable, small scale and distributed – reducing hazard exposure. “Nevertheless, OGS products are not immune to climate related impacts including damage by floods and extreme winds. “Steps must also be taken to reduce products’ exposure and vulnerability during design, installation, operation and maintenance.” The utility of off-grid solar energy technologies Off-grid solar products contribute to household and community resilience in diverse ways. For example, solar home systems with charging capacity are being used to power: Communications devices through which families can receive critical climate adaptation and early warning information; Refrigeration units and water pumps which are enhancing resilience by increasing incomes and food security, and Reductions in energy expenditure, creating the potential to increase household savings with which to buffer climate impacts. “The role of off-grid solar in powering the resilience of energy poor communities should be better explored and supported. “Resilience and adaptation outcomes can be optimised by linking and layering access to off-grid solar solutions with other interventions.” The report cites the example of solar water pumps that have the potential to “significantly increase food security for small-scale farmers, but enhancing crop yields could reduce soil quality or lead to the overuse of the ground water supply. “Linking the use of solar water pumps to sustainable or regenerative agricultural practices can help to improve resilience outcomes for households and the environment. “Energy access via off-grid solutions can provide a critical input to climate resilience and adaptation but this can be optimised through linkages with other measures.” Funding required to propel off-grid solar The GOGLA report recommends greater recognition by climate funds, governments and other influential stakeholders of the role that off-grid solar solutions can play in enhancing climate resilience and adaptation. “Many adaptation strategies – from accessing climate information services, to making livelihoods more resilient – require access to energy. “Where communities are living with no, or limited, access to electricity this can often be achieved most rapidly via off-grid solar solutions. “We encourage those working on resilience and adaptation efforts to engage more with the off-grid solar industry. “To enhance the contribution of OGS products to resilience and adaptation, we call for donors and investors to increase adaptation finance, and channel more funding to the off-grid solar sector. “For example, adaptation finance could be used to support subsidies to help climate vulnerable communities access solar energy kits that can power access to climate information or appliances that support income generation and food security.” |
