The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7, aim to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. However, projections indicate that without drastic acceleration, over 600 million people will still lack electricity access by 2030. Decentralized renewable energy (DRE) microgrids present a scalable solution to bridge this gap, particularly in underserved regions where centralized grid expansion remains economically or logistically unfeasible.
Microgrids—localized energy systems capable of operating independently or in conjunction with the main grid—are critical for achieving universal energy access. These systems leverage renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, minimizing carbon emissions while providing reliable power.
To accelerate universal clean energy access, microgrid architectures must be designed with scalability and adaptability in mind. Key technical considerations include:
A modular approach enables phased deployment, aligning energy supply with demand growth. Components such as solar PV arrays, battery storage, and inverters can be incrementally expanded without system overhauls.
Integrating multiple renewable sources (e.g., solar-wind hybrids) enhances reliability. For instance, wind power can compensate for solar intermittency during low-irradiation periods.
Advanced controllers and IoT-enabled monitoring optimize energy distribution, prioritizing critical loads and storing excess generation for later use.
Lithium-ion and flow batteries are commonly used, but emerging technologies like solid-state batteries may offer higher efficiency and longevity.
Bangladesh’s off-grid solar initiative has provided electricity to over 20 million people, demonstrating the scalability of decentralized solar solutions.
Kenya has deployed over 100 mini-grids, combining solar and diesel hybridization to ensure reliability in remote areas.
India’s microgrid projects emphasize demand-responsive design, where systems adapt to local consumption patterns.
Despite their potential, decentralized microgrids face barriers:
To align with extended SDG targets, governments and developers must:
Decentralized renewable microgrids represent a proven, scalable pathway to universal energy access. By integrating modular design, hybrid technologies, and smart management, these systems can align with 2035 SDG targets while fostering economic and environmental resilience in underserved regions.