The Sustainable Development Goal #7 to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 has brought about a renewed focus on the 1.1 billion people around the world without any access to electricity. The increasing commercial viability of off-grid technologies provides an effective and scalable complement to traditional electricity grid expansion, and the opportunity to rapidly improve the livelihoods of millions across the globe.

Our panel of experts discussed the commercial viability and potential of off-grid technologies. Speakers from the World Bank Group, the private sector and non-profit sector shared their perspectives, drawing on their experience and knowledge of current sector trends. The event featured the findings and lessons of a recent IEG study: Reliable and Affordable Off-Grid Electricity Services for the Poor: Lessons from World Bank Group Experience. 

This learning event was jointly hosted by the Independent Evaluation Group, the World Bank’s Energy & Extractives Global Practice, and the International Finance Corporation’s Clean Energy and Resource Efficiency Group.

Read the Report

Watch a re-play of the live event

View the Presentation

See also:

• Reliable and Affordable Off-Grid Electricity Services for the Poor: Lessons from World Bank Group Experience

• IEG #WhatWorks Blog: Powering Africa: Strategies for Scaling up Electricity Access

Photo Credit: © Dominic Sansoni / World Bank