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Global map showing practical solar energy potential after excluding for physical, environmental and other factors Highlights The potential for clean, carbon-free electricity generation from solar photovoltaic (PV) sources in most countries dwarfs their current electricity demand.

Modern solar mini grids now provide enough electricity for life-changing electric appliances, such as refrigerators, welders, milling machines or e-vehicles. Mini grid operators can manage their systems remotely, and paidsmart meters enable customers to pay as they use the electricity.

“Solar technology and renewable energy are at the heart of the climate agenda,” said World Bank Senior Energy Specialist David Vilar, who leads the infrastructure programs in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. “Solar energy is renewable and carbon-free; it has unquantifiable potential to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The off-grid solar sector has grown rapidly over the past decade and is now a $1.75 billion annual market serving 420 million users, with further growth predicted. Despite its strong growth trajectory, even more investments are needed for the sector to continue playing a key role in achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.

Pakistan has tremendous potential to generate solar and wind power. According to the World Bank, utilizing just 0.071 percent of the country’s area for solar photovoltaic (solar PV) power generation would meet Pakistan’s current electricity demand. Wind is also an abundant resource.

Solar (photovoltaic) water pumping systems offer a financially and environmentally sustainable source of power, and can significantly reduce the cost of water extraction for rural communities. The World Bank has developed an accessible and interactive knowledge base on solar water pumping.

SRMI aims at supporting governments to develop, finance and implement sustainable solar and wind programs to: (i) attract affordable private investments in optimized conditions for grid-connected and off-grid projects; (ii) reduce reliance on public finances — limited to critical public investments; and (iii) maximize socio-economic benefits ...

In late November, the government launched a five-megawatt solar project that will support the Maldives in moving closer towards its renewable energy targets, as part of the World Bank-funded Accelerating Sustainable Private Investments in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) project.