Power for Security
09/23/2024
Connecting rural populations to electricity supports international development and peace efforts. It helps stabilize energy supplies and lowers the risk of conflict caused by resource scarcity. Take a look at this Bottom-Up Approach to Rural Electrification in Nigeria.
Approximately 60% of the population in Nigeria have access to electricity according to the World Bank. This national average, however, conceals a significant urban-rural divide. Rural areas in Nigeria are highly dependent on expensive diesel power sources, which causes significant challenges in the country’s energy supply. In urban areas 90% of residents have electricity access, while in rural areas, the electrification rate is only 26%. This disparity underscores the urgent need for focused rural electrification strategies.
Against this backdrop, the German International Climate Initiative (IKI) launched a bottom-up electrification project in five communities. The project helps empower local residents by involving them in the creation and management of mini-grid systems. They were given an innovative toolbox that provided step-by-step guidance, enabling them to plan and implement these systems effectively. Participants of the training sessions learned how to operate and maintain the new infrastructure.
With the mini-grids in place, the communities’ overall quality of life improved, as access to reliable electricity sparked economic growth and enhanced educational opportunities. The IKI project transformed not only the villages’ energy landscape but also the lives of its inhabitants, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency with lasting effects.
The overall objective of the project is to achieve a climate-friendly energy supply through decentralized renewable energy (DRE) in Nigeria by 2030. To this end, the project involves civil society and creates exemplary communities of practice, contributing to a more peaceful society.