Why are people moving to solar power in Yemen?

The migration to solar power is part of what researchers say is an energy revolution in the country of 28 million, where the electric grid has been decimated by fighting. More than 50 percent of Yemeni households rely on the sun as their main source of energy, and solar arrays power everything from shops to schools to hospitals.

Is solar power a lifeline in Yemen?

“For many in Yemen, especially for farmers, solar power has been a lifeline,” says Matt Leonard, who specializes in microfinance with IFC. “The key now is to scale up its use.” Yemen has long been the poorest country in the Middle East and North Africa, but a conflict that broke out in 2014 has pushed the country to the brink.

How much does a solar system cost in Yemen?

Rassam paid about 50 million Yemeni rials (around $90,000 based on the unofficial market exchange rate) for his system, which is considered large by local standards. The average cost of an array is around $10,000. Rassam financed the solar panels with a loan from Al Kuraimi Islamic Bank, one of the country’s largest private lenders.

What is the Yemen emergency electricity access project?

In June 2022, the Bank approved an additional US$100 million for the second phase of the Yemen Emergency Electricity Access Project, which is designed to improve access to electricity in rural and peri-urban areas in Yemen and to plan for the restoration of the country’s power sector.

Can solar power save Yemeni rials?

Farmer Mohamed Ahmad Sid El Rassam can attest to those benefits. He built a solar-powered water pump on his land in the region of Beni Hocheich. The setup chopped his diesel use by more than 85 percent, saving him 17 million Yemeni rials ($68,000) a year.

How will a new electricity Grant help Yemenis?

The grant will provide 3.5 million people, of whom an estimated 48% (1,680,000) are women and girls, with new or improved services to electricity. It will also provide around 700 public services facilities and 100 schools with new or improved electricity services, helping Yemenis to have better access to critical services.