23 June, 2025 ARE article

Yes – distributed renewable energy technologies are ready to be deployed

The renewable energy sector is growing faster than ever, driven by breakthroughs in technology, stronger policy support and falling costs, especially for solar PV and wind power. Thanks to their flexibility, affordability and rapid deployment, distributed renewable energy (DRE) systems are set to deliver the majority of new electricity access connections worldwide.

Lower costs of DRE components like PV modules, inverters, batteries and meters are making projects such as mini-grids more profitable than ever. At the same time, exciting innovations in proven technologies like small hydro, bioenergy and small wind, as well as cutting edge solutions like airborne wind and green hydrogen, are helping to electrify communities everywhere.

By scaling up decentralised renewables, the sector is not only transforming energy access but also catalysing economic development in underserved areas and driving global climate action.

At the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), we are proud to lead this global movement. In this edition of our newsletter, we shine a spotlight on some of the pioneering work our Members are delivering on the ground.

 

Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future

ARE is working around the world to speed up access to clean energy. Here’s the latest on how:

• Our recent partnership with GSMA is set to transform the energy and mobile sectors by powering telecom towers and local communities with clean, reliable electricity.
• Through our DRE Impact Stories, we are showcasing inspiring projects supported by EUR 155 million from European Development Finance Institutions, proving that clean energy solutions deliver real impact.
• Together with ADEME, we have launched a vital technical guide to drive electrification of healthcare facilities, improving and saving lives.
• Our footprint is growing in Asia too. ARE is making sure that DRE solutions are firmly on the energy agenda at major events like Asia Clean Energy Forum.
• Africa remains at the heart of our work. ARE is a trusted voice in policy discussions with the African Union Commission, and an active player at events such as the Africa Energy Forum. We also remain committed to organising country-specific events, with the most recent being the Lesotho Energy Dialogue 2025.
• And in Europe, we are shaping the future of the sector through contributions to major initiatives like M300 Initiative meeting that took place in Brussels recently.

ARE Membership: Where Opportunities Start

ARE Membership opens doors. It builds trust, creates visibility and helps businesses close deals. One of the latest success stories is the USD 20 million partnership between ARE Members ANKA and CrossBoundary Access to deliver new mini-grids in Madagascar.

Join Us at EAIF 2026

The flagship Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2026, organised by ARE and supported by GET.invest, will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 21 to 24 April 2026. This is your chance to connect with over 1,000 leaders, investors and decision makers from around the world.

Contact Deepak Mohapatra now to unlock Super Early Bird offers on sponsorship packages.

Now is the time to join ARE. Take your place at the heart of the global renewable electrification movement. Build partnerships. Win new business. Make a real impact. Contact Carlos Ferre to find out about our latest Membership offers.

We also call on foundations, development finance institutions and international agencies to work with us and accelerate innovation and promotion of DRE solutions for energy access worldwide. By embracing all renewable technologies, ARE is naturally positioned for scaling up.

Together, we can power a brighter, cleaner future.