Towards universal electricity access in Sub-Saharan Africa

Decentralised electrification systems are key

Achieving the target of universal electricity access requires significant expansion of generation capacity and transmission and distribution networks. Grid-based electrification is only attractive for densely populated areas with an expected high demand for electricity, and/or for locations within reasonable distance from the existing grid. For the many households in poor and sparsely populated rural areas far from the existing grid, mini-grids and stand-alone systems play a vital role in the provision of electricity.

Not in conflict with the 2 °C climate target

Universal electricity access in Sub-Saharan Africa will have only a small impact on global CO₂ emissions, compared to a situation in which this target is not achieved. Furthermore, global coordinated climate policy and international climate finance can stimulate Sub-Saharan African countries to follow a renewable energy pathway when pursuing universal electricity access.

A clear role for Dutch development cooperation

With its target to provide access to renewable energy for 50 million people by 2030, the Dutch Government significantly contributes to achieving the SDG target on electricity access. Dutch development cooperation policies could be targeted at capacity building, financing and training, supporting market development for off-grid systems, targeting international climate finance to decentralised electricity projects, and helping to strengthen the national enabling environment to incentivise decentralised energy access.