From solar photovoltaics to battery storage systems, technology and innovation have taken a central part in the global energy transition. However, transition should not just be about shiny new instruments. These renewable energy innovations must be systemically integrated to support inclusivity and accessibility for all. 

Gaps to Address

Renewable energy is a foundation of energy security and sovereignty; it is expected to account for 90% of global electricity generation in 2050. Realizing this projection centers on strengthening implementation and expanding access, which, despite substantial progress, still has a long way to go.

For instance, approximately 666 million people still lack access to electricity globally, according to a World Bank report. A significant majority lives in Sub-Saharan Africa, where expansion of access is outpaced by rapid population growth. Issues on affordability and reliability of electricity supply also add to the challenges.

Globally, the World Bank report also reveals a gap in electricity access between rural and urban areas. Around 84% of people without electricity live in rural communities, underscoring the need to both address the inequality and empower local communities.

Systemic Innovation for Local Development

Renewable energy innovations are central to tackling the above issues. A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) emphasizes systemic innovation, to be more specific. This means integrating technological innovation with innovation in policy, regulation, market design, system operation and planning, and business models. The report presents four strategic toolkits comprising 40 innovations to formulate context-specific solutions. 

To advance inclusive local development, in particular, the report highlights that renewable energy innovations must transform energy from a basic necessity into a key enabler of economic development, job creation, and genuine empowerment. 

One innovation is establishing an energy community as an alternative model to state-owned or private energy utilities. In Tanzania, for instance, research found that the most common ownership models for solar and hydro mini-grids are community-based and faith-based. The community can share ownership, responsibilities, decision-making, and benefits, thereby enabling people-centered engagement in renewable energy projects that are tailored to their needs and growth.

Another innovation is the productive use of electricity to create economic value and generate income. For example, electricity from off-grid solar plants is used to cool and pasteurise milk in Senegal and Mauritania through the Progrès-Lait initiative. This fosters economic activity and employment in local communities and adds value to renewable energy projects.

Enabling Renewable Energy Innovations 

Harnessing the potential of these renewable energy innovations requires an enabling environment. IRENA’s report highlights strategic priorities to create supportive conditions. It mentions investing in comprehensive innovation ecosystems, prioritizing local value creation and knowledge transfer, and engaging with consumers and communities.

In short, policymakers can direct resources and funding to research institutions, technical education, and local knowledge systems and value chains to develop a skilled workforce and foster innovation beyond existing technologies. The policies and decisions must be formulated through dialogues among policymakers, local communities, and other key stakeholders to ensure inclusive and just renewable energy benefits for people and the planet.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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