Government Energy Policy, Business and Technology

Policy, Not Finance, Biggest Obstacle to Scaling Decentralized Renewable Energy: Energy Access Summit

Renewable Energy World: Renewable energy companies in emerging markets in Africa and Asia frequently lament the shortage of financing as the main barrier to scaling decentralized solutions, such as rooftop solar and mini-grids. But at a summit in early June, industry leaders singled out the lack of supportive national energy policies as the biggest obstacle to accelerated growth.

The decentralized renewable energy industry, which will play a central role in solving energy poverty for the 1.1 billion people (17 percent of humanity) worldwide without access to electricity, is booming, and significant advances in policy are being made. However, much more needs to be done, according to investment, business and civil society leaders at EnergyAccessX, an official initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM7) held in San Francisco.

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