Rural Areas and Small Scale Entities Benefitting From Solar Mini-Grids

The use of solar renewable energy is taking shape around African nations. Among the beneficiaries are rural residents, including small-scale setups, adapting the non-fossil fuel energy resource for activities like farming. 

A particular case study involves Andat Datau, a nurse in the Sabon Gida village in Nigeria. Half of the households in the Nasarawa State village currently use solar energy, with Andat Datau taking advantage of the consistent power supply in her medical activities. This includes delivering babies and other urgent medical procedures around the village. 

According to Datau, “It was stressful holding torchlights,” Datau told AFP at her clinic…Even giving injections without electric light would make it difficult for us.” 

Regardless of the increased use of solar energy, nearly 600 million Africans live without electricity. As the most populated country in Africa, 90 million Nigerians lack access to electricity. This is a call for the relevant authorities to push for more use of renewable resources such as solar to cut these numbers. 

With the lack of necessary resources and technology, Africa provides an opportunity for foreign investors and the youth looking to join the energy sector. These parties (youth and foreign investors) this year convened via the Youth Energy Summit

Kenya and South Africa are also incorporating the large-scale use of solar power. Kenya aims to join the global green movement, while South Africa looks to get a long-term solution to the year-long electricity crisis. Undoubtedly, with COP28 fast approaching, tripling renewable energy, including solar, will be one of Africa’s main agendas.

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