Rural Energy

Group of people with bright electricity in a dark room

RURAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Off-grid energy solutions provide a fast and sustainable way to deliver modern energy to communities that live beyond national electricity networks. Expanding access to reliable energy is essential for improving livelihoods, supporting economic growth, and achieving the global Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) target of universal energy access by 2030.

At DEM, we provide technical assistance to governments and development partners by researching and promoting innovative off-grid renewable energy technologies for developing countries.

Our work focuses on solutions such as:

  • Rural grid extensions to connect remote communities
  • Hydropower, solar, and hybrid mini-grids for decentralized electricity supply
  • Stand-alone solar home systems for households and small businesses
  • Portable solar lighting equipment for remote areas
  • Clean cooking technologies, including improved firewood and charcoal stoves, biogas systems, and biofuel solutions for electricity generation
  • Capacity building for public institutions in the energy sector

These technologies enable communities to access reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy while supporting long-term development.

A tangle of power cables and wires in street

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

Rural electrification plays a critical role in socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and improved quality of life. Electricity acts as a catalyst for modernization and helps close the development gap between urban and rural communities.

Education

Reliable electricity improves education by providing lighting for evening study, allowing students to learn beyond daylight hours. Electrified schools can also attract and retain qualified teachers while enabling the use of digital learning tools and online resources.

Healthcare

Electricity strengthens healthcare services by supporting vaccine and blood storage cold chains, powering diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines, and enabling clinics to operate safely at night. Electrification also reduces dependence on harmful fuels like kerosene, improving indoor air quality and respiratory health.

Household Wellbeing

Access to electricity enables the use of electric water pumps and modern appliances, reducing the time and physical effort required for daily tasks such as collecting water or firewood. This can free time—especially for women—for education, employment, and income-generating activities.

Digital Connectivity

Electricity enables mobile phone charging, internet access, and television, helping reduce the isolation of remote communities and improving access to information, services, and markets.

Local Economic Development

Reliable power allows shops, workshops, and small enterprises to operate longer hours, increasing productivity, revenue, and opportunities for local entrepreneurship and job creation.

At DEM, we support ministries, directorates, and utility companies by:

• Identifying energy investment opportunities

• Assessing legal and regulatory frameworks for decentralized renewable energy

• Developing Integrated Resource Plans (IRP)

• Creating energy efficiency guidelines

• Evaluating the feasibility of expanding national transmission and distribution networks

Modern Cooking Solutions

Modern cooking in Africa is rapidly transitioning from traditional solid fuels to cleaner and more efficient technologies. Initiatives such as the Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA) aim to reach more than 4 million people by 2027 with modern cooking solutions.

These technologies include:

  • Electric cooking systems
  • Biogas stoves
  • Ethanol-based cooking solutions

The adoption of modern cooking technologies significantly reduces indoor air pollution, improves health outcomes, and lowers carbon emissions. At the same time, it is transforming food culture as chefs and households adopt modern cooking techniques to reinterpret traditional dishes while preserving culinary heritage.

Want to know more?

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our Rural Energy services.

Contact:

kontakt:

Kresten Sørensen

+45 3143 5313kks@dem.dk

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