Renewables can help transform lives in rural areas [point of view]

Abstract

Electrification has been one of the greatest engineering achievements in human history. In spite of the fantastic progress in all areas of electrotechnology, a large section of humanity has limited access to electricity, and some do not have any access to it at all. Fifteen years into the 21st century, it is hard to imagine that more than 1.2 billion people around the world have never been touched by the electric grid and another 3 billion people have intermittent or limited grid connectivity. Life and economic activity in large areas of the developing world remain unchanged, as access to reliable electricity is key to participate in and enjoy the benefits of modern conveniences.