Goals for decentral energy access, productive use and a just energy transition require expanding skills – especially to rural areas. The international renewable energy agency IRENA estimates that off-grid renewables for energy access can create at least 4.5 million jobs by 2030.
Growing demand for off-grid, decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions is challenged by a shortage of skilled professionals to design, finance, sell, install, operate and maintain systems.
The German government’s Green People’s Energy for Africa initiative aims to improve skills development offers for key stakeholders in the decentralised renewable energy ecosystem (e.g. technicians, sales agents, extension officers, credit institutes, teachers).
Especially in rural areas, lack of skilled professionals leads to: