ABSTRACT
Energy poverty is a major global issue affecting over a billion people around the world, especially in low-income developing countries. Renewable energy serves as a solution to this problem, allowing us to increase energy production without causing a significant impact on the environment. However, large-scale renewable energy systems, such as hydroelectric dams and offshore wind farms, require enormous amounts of investment and infrastructure development, making it impractical for the countries that need them the most. On the other hand, small-scale renewable energy systems, producing less than 20 MW of power, prove to be more effective at improving energy access. These systems require lesser capital and infrastructure investment and have diverse applications. This study shows the relationship that exists between energy poverty and renewable energy. It focuses on why small-scale renewable energy systems are some of the most effective solutions for energy poverty. Also, it elaborates on the importance of sustainability in renewable energy projects, using case studies from different regions to show the various factors affecting the success of a project and its impact on the communities.
