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Mapping synergies and trade-offs between energy and the sustainable development goals: A case study of off-grid solar energy in Rwanda

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  • Bisaga, Iwona
  • Parikh, Priti
  • Tomei, Julia
  • To, Long Seng

Abstract

Energy access is crucial for human well-being and poverty reduction. In sub-Saharan Africa, the failure of grid systems to provide electricity access to last mile users has led to the rapid scale up of off-grid solutions. The authors examine synergies and tradeoffs between solar off-grid solutions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Rwanda which as a nation has successfully implemented innovative solar off-grid systems at scale. This paper is the first to map the relationship between energy and the 169 Targets of the 2030 Agenda in a specific country and sector context by operationalising the framework developed in Fuso Nerini et al. (2018). By doing so, this paper demonstrates the need for context-specific rapid assessment tools to monitor and improve energy access. The paper identifies synergies between 80 (47%) of the SDG targets and off-grid solar systems in Rwanda, thus demonstrating the wideranging benefits and value added through the inclusion of the off-grid solar energy sector in the electrification strategy. The paper demonstrates how mainstreaming off-grid policies and prioritising investment in the off-grid sector can realise human development and well-being, build physical and social infrastructures, and achieve sustainable management of environmental resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Bisaga, Iwona & Parikh, Priti & Tomei, Julia & To, Long Seng, 2021. "Mapping synergies and trade-offs between energy and the sustainable development goals: A case study of off-grid solar energy in Rwanda," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:149:y:2021:i:c:s0301421520307394
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.112028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kennedy, Ryan & Numminen, Sini & Sutherland, Joseph & Urpelainen, Johannes, 2019. "Multilevel customer segmentation for off-grid solar in developing countries: Evidence from solar home systems in Rwanda and Kenya," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
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