26 February, 2025 ARE article

Productive Use of Renewable Energy: Driving growth through communities

The economic development of rural and peri-urban communities largely depends on access to modern, reliable energy. A farmer can operate more efficiently with renewable energy powered irrigation, and a grocery store can increase profits with lighting and cooling solutions. However, all these require a dependable energy source, and this is where decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions play a crucial role.

The Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) champions the inclusion of underserved communities in the global shift to clean energy, emphasising their needs as the world strives—amid mounting challenges—to meet the Paris Agreement targets by 2030. New approaches are needed to accelerate the clean energy transition, and renewable electrification projects must integrate both economic and social dimensions to achieve large-scale decarbonisation. Community engagement and community-driven energy initiatives, especially in the DRE sector, are essential in advancing global clean energy systems.

Energising partnerships for impact

One of ARE’s key roles is fostering partnerships to accelerate renewable electrification projects, particularly by catalysing investments. To this end, ARE’s flagship event, the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF), will take place in Kampala, Uganda, from 8-10 April 2025. The event will feature a dedicated session on innovative financing solutions for the productive use of renewable energy (PURE).

Join the sector’s leading stakeholders by registering at www.eaif.energy. SMEs, social entrepreneurs and community organisations in the region can apply for discounted participation via this application form.

ARE’s goal

ARE is committed to empowering women, youth and communities by providing DRE solutions tailored to their needs. To support this mission, ARE has launched several sector-wide initiatives in collaboration with key partners:

• ARE Investment Academy: Supported by GET.invest, this initiative trains early-stage, locally owned, and women-led businesses in business development, finance readiness, and pitching strategies. Two new editions will soon be launched for companies in East Africa and Lesotho. Interested applicants can apply via the Request for Proposals (RfP).
• CORE Initiative: Managed by ARE, this programme has trained over 3,050 practitioners and 210 trainers across 15+ countries, with recent sessions in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Learn more at www.core-initiative.org.
• Collaboration with ADEME: Together, ARE and ADEME have hosted workshops in Madagascar, Benin and Cameroon on PURE equipment and are planning future sessions. A joint paper on scaling PURE technologies will be launched at EAIF 2025.

For a deeper dive into these topics, explore ARE’s publications, including Understanding the Clean Energy Transition with Community-Driven DRE Projects, DRE Innovations to Boost Agri-Sector Productivity, and more.

ARE Members driving the PURE revolution

ARE Members are at the forefront of the PURE revolution, advancing innovative solutions worldwide. Recent examples include Customized Energy Solutions and ENGIE Energy Access, who are collaborating on PURE initiatives in Zambia.

Additionally, ARE Members such as Phaesun, ennos and Aptech Africa provide cutting-edge technologies that can be rapidly deployed to enhance productive energy use.

Meanwhile, ADA recently launched the Green Energy for Rural Development programme, highlighting solar energy’s role in rural economic growth. Many more initiatives are emerging as ARE Members continue to innovate in this space.

Are you an SME contributing to the clean energy transition? Good news! ARE has launched a new campaign offering attractive discounts on membership for SMEs. For more details, contact Carlos Ferré.

Finally, let’s create new connections, forge impactful partnerships, catalyse investments, and build momentum at EAIF 2025 to drive the global clean energy transition forward!