Solar energy adoption challenges in rural Ethiopia
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 19, 2024
Despite decreasing costs and increasing accessibility of solar home systems, significant obstacles hinder their widespread use in remote areas of developing countries, such as Ethiopia, where they could greatly improve health and education.
Inexpensive, yet uncertified and inferior solar panels, along with limited government engagement in rural energy transition, impede access to dependable electricity for these communities.
When homes do incorporate solar energy, it replaces harmful kerosene lamps, offering a healthier, eco-friendly alternative and enabling children to study after dark.
“Understanding the dynamics of renewable energy adoption in rural sectors of the Global South is crucial,” said Yujin Lee, a doctoral student at Cornell University’s Department of City and Regional Planning and first author of a related study in Energy Policy.
Chuan Liao, the study’s senior author and assistant professor in the Department of Global Development at Cornell, emphasized, “The global shift to renewable and clean energy sources must include remote and rural populations in the developing world.”
Ethiopia’s national electrification strategy aims to power all homes within 25 kilometers of the grid by 2030. Those further away are slated for long-term off-grid solutions.
However, the prevalence of low-quality solar panels, which often fail and contribute to environmental waste, poses a barrier to adoption. Additionally, the infrequency of government visits to rural, off-grid or road-less villages leads to misinformed policies.
“Government reports often do not reflect the true situation in rural areas,” noted Lee, who found actual solar adoption rates to be markedly lower than official claims.
Lee advocates for increased governmental presence in rural communities, enhanced public engagement in energy management, and improved communication between governments, private sectors, international organizations, and end-users to support sustainable energy solutions.
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