Improving Access to Power Through Off-Grid Solar Energy and Mini-Grids

This artifact shows a collaborative effort by the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group, other partners, and the Ghana Energy Development and Access Project (GEDAP), to provide affordable and renewable energy; specifically solar energy to rural dwellers in 9 regions of Ghana. This is to enhance their access to reliable energy, which was hitherto not the case due to geographical remoteness, high cost of grid connection, inability to pay for services, and limited access to renewable energy providers. 

Through this project, a new legal and regulatory framework for renewable energy was enacted and “efforts to create a local market of service providers as well as support access to financing with local financiers” was also initiated. The enactment of this Renewable Energy Law also enhanced the work of donors. To tackle the issue of affordability, the required capital was attained through the use of output subsidies to poor households. Ploughing on, IDA anticipates more private sector participation as well as the creation of a framework that will make mini grids financially sustainable with support from the energy regulatory agencies in Ghana. 

This artifact highlights the need to not just develop renewable energy solutions but to do so with the aim of ensuring affordability so that the people or vulnerable groups that really need it the most will be able to access it.