Despite being a basic necessity of existence, many people around the world still consider access to electricity to be a luxury. According to our data, 32 countries populations have very low power accessibility (below 50%).
They are primarily in Africa. As seen in our visualization
People’s lives are significantly impacted by the absence of access to electricity, which can range from hindering economic progress to limiting access to healthcare and education. The issue of lack of access to energy will be covered along with possible remedies in this article.
The struggles experienced by individuals without access to power are exemplified by the narrative of Fatumata, a mother of four who lives in a rural community in the DR of Congo. The only sources of lighting for Fatumata’s family are kerosene lamps and candles; they lack access to refrigerators or other contemporary conveniences. In order to purchase food and other necessities, people must travel a great distance, which is not only time-consuming but also costly.
The tale of Fatumata is not original. For cooking and heating, millions of people still rely on antiquated and ineffective energy sources like kerosene lamps and wood. These sources not only endanger the environment but also put people’s and their families’ health at risk.
Many options can be thought of in order to solve this problem. Investing in alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower is one solution. These energy sources can be put in remote locations and are clean and sustainable. To promote the use of renewable energy, governments and international organizations might offer subsidies and incentives.
Building mini-grids, which are compact power delivery systems capable of serving a neighborhood or a collection of residences, is another option. These grids can supply dependable and reasonably priced electricity to underserved populations and can be supplied by renewable energy sources. To create and manage mini-grids, local communities can work with governments and organizations.
Last but not least, community education and awareness efforts are required to enlighten people about the advantages of clean energy and the risks associated with conventional energy sources. Governments and organizations can work with neighborhood groups to offer instruction and training on how to operate and maintain clean energy systems.
In conclusion, the absence of electricity is a serious problem that has an impact on the lives of millions of people around the world. However, there are ways to deal with this problem and give everyone access to clean, inexpensive, and sustainable energy, including making investments in renewable energy, setting up mini-grids, and running education and awareness campaigns. We can provide everyone in this world a better future by making investments in sustainable energy.