Charging the future: Why energy storage matters for DRE industry
Energy storage is a game-changer for the distributed renewable energy (DRE) industry. It makes solar, wind, hydro and other renewables reliable for 24/7 in remote and off-grid areas without the need for costly grid extensions.
By storing excess energy and shifting it to when demand is highest, storage keeps the lights on, lowers costs, and boosts affordability. It also powers mini-grids, maintains supply during outages, and supports local industries. These are key drivers for economic growth in emerging markets.
Photo credit: Foundation Rural Energy Services (FRES)
On top of all these, the technology has become much more affordable. Over the last decade, lithium-ion battery prices have dropped from $780/kWh in 2013 to $139/kWh in 2023 (Bloomberg). This dramatic fall shows that storage is ready for large-scale deployment in DRE projects worldwide.
Of course, there are still some challenges. Batteries often rely on critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, lead and nickel. These are resources that are geographically concentrated and create supply chain risks. But here, too, DRE can help. Many members of the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) provide solutions that electrify industrial sites such as mines with renewables, ensuring a stable supply of electricity even in remote areas.
Another way to decrease supply chain risks is recycling and reuse. By extending the life of batteries, the sector can reduce dependence on new extraction while building stronger, more sustainable supply chains.
ARE in Action
The Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) is driving change in the energy storage sector with projects and initiatives such as:
- ProBaMet: Supporting battery recycling in Nigeria, raising environmental and labour standards, and enabling fairer trade flows.
- Circularity Guidelines: Backed by 80+ companies, these guidelines set minimum standards for battery recycling in renewable energy.
- Global Advocacy: Bringing energy storage & circularity to the global stage, including sessions like Integrating Circularity Practices in the DRE Sector at EAIF 2024.
To explore potential collaborations with ARE on energy storage or DRE solutions in general, you can connect with the ARE Team at:
- Semaine Africaine de la Finance Inclusive 2025 (13-17 Oct, Nairobi)
- Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (14-15 Oct, Abuja)
- Mobile World Congress 2025 (21-23 Oct, Kigali)
- OFF-GRID Expo + Conference (30-31 Oct, Augsburg)
- COP30 (10-21 Nov, Belem)
Photo credit: enee.io
A place to find cutting-edge storage technologies: EAIF 2026
ARE Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) is the top annual investment event, enabling and fostering partnerships for the purpose of energy access, renewable electrification and the green energy transition worldwide.
The exhibitors at EAIF will have the chance to present their energy storage solutions to participants joining from across the world. Early Bird rates on sponsorships and exhibition booths are open for a limited time. Contact d.mohapatra@ruralelec.org for details.
To secure your free ticket for EAIF and benefit from countless other opportunities, join ARE today. You can build new partnerships, unlock new business deals, and create real impact by simply becoming a Member.
EAIF 2024 Exhibition
We also invite foundations, development finance institutions, and international agencies to collaborate with us in driving innovation and advancing DRE solutions for energy access worldwide. With a technology-neutral approach, ARE is uniquely placed to scale renewable electrification worldwide.
Together, we can charge a brighter and cleaner future.
