Renewable Energy in Benin – The Borgen Project

Report on Renewable Energy Development and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals in Benin

The Republic of Benin is undertaking a significant transition towards renewable energy, positioning its national development strategy in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines Benin’s progress in expanding energy access, particularly through solar power, and analyzes the direct and indirect impacts on key SDGs, including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Advancing SDG 7: National Strategy for Affordable and Clean Energy

Benin faces a critical energy deficit, with only 57% of the population having access to electricity. This challenge directly impedes progress on multiple development fronts. In response, the government has established ambitious targets to address this gap and advance SDG 7.

Strategic Goals and Policy Framework

The government’s commitment is formalized through the National Renewable Energy Development Policy (PONADER), which aims to achieve two primary objectives:

1. Increase the share of renewables in the national energy mix to 31% by 2030.
2. Achieve 100% energy independence by 2050, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Public-Private Partnerships for Urban Electrification

To meet these goals, Benin is leveraging partnerships as outlined in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). A key initiative involves Axian Energy and Sika Capital, which are developing four large-scale solar power plants. This project is expected to:

• Contribute significantly to the centralized power grid.
• Provide an estimated 50,000 urban households with access to decarbonized power.
• Support progress towards SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by providing reliable and clean energy infrastructure.

Addressing Rural Energy Poverty and Promoting Inclusive Growth (SDG 1 & SDG 11)

A major disparity exists between urban and rural energy access, with only 17.4% of the rural population connected to electricity. Closing this gap is essential for achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and ensuring inclusive development.

Decentralized Solar Solutions for Rural Communities

Decentralized energy systems, particularly solar mini-grids, have been identified as a cost-effective and scalable solution for electrifying remote areas. These initiatives are critical for building community capacity by powering essential services.

• Health Facilities: Improved healthcare delivery.
• Schools: Enhanced educational outcomes.
• Homes and Businesses: New economic opportunities and improved quality of life.

Key Programs and Initiatives

Several programs are underway to accelerate rural electrification:

• Africa Minigrids Program: A partnership between the Beninese government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility, this program is designed to deploy solar mini-grids to communities not connected to the central grid, directly addressing energy inequality.
• ENGIE Energy Access Projects: In collaboration with the government, this private entity implemented Benin’s first solar mini-grid in 2024 and is expanding its operations. The project aims to provide electricity to 30,000 people in rural areas, replacing inefficient and polluting biomass energy sources and contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Socio-Economic Co-Benefits and Progress on Multiple SDGs

The expansion of renewable energy in Benin generates significant socio-economic benefits that contribute to a range of interconnected SDGs.

Fostering Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

The energy sector’s growth is a catalyst for job creation, directly addressing Benin’s high rates of underemployment (72%) and informal employment (90.1%).

1. Economic Empowerment: Access to reliable electricity enables individuals to start businesses, diversify income streams, and increase productivity.
2. Agricultural Sector Enhancement: Improved energy security allows for the adoption of more efficient farming practices, boosting a sector that is a primary source of income for many.

Enhancing Food Security and Agricultural Productivity (SDG 2)

Innovative applications of solar technology are directly improving food security. The Solar Electric Light Fund, a non-profit organization, has established solar gardens in 10 rural villages. These gardens utilize solar-powered water pumps and drip irrigation systems, which:

• Enable year-round food production, even during dry seasons.
• Provide farmers with consistent and reliable incomes.
• Increase local food security, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Creating Green Jobs and Empowering Communities (SDG 5 & SDG 8)

The transition to a green economy is creating demand for a skilled workforce. The Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), financed by the World Bank, is building human capital in the solar sector. The program provides comprehensive training in:

• Solar PV installation and maintenance.
• Financial management and business strategy for energy entrepreneurs.
• A specific focus on supporting youth and women-led enterprises, thereby advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future Aligned with Global Goals

Benin’s strategic focus on renewable energy, driven by strong government policy and multi-stakeholder partnerships, is creating a positive trajectory towards a sustainable and energy-independent future. These initiatives not only address the critical need for electricity but also serve as a powerful engine for achieving broader sustainable development objectives, including poverty reduction, economic growth, gender equality, and climate action.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

   The article highlights several issues in Benin that are directly connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The analysis identifies the following SDGs:

   • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

     This is the central theme of the article. It extensively discusses Benin’s efforts to increase access to electricity, particularly through renewable sources like solar power, to combat energy poverty and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

     The article addresses Benin’s challenges with underemployment (72% of the workforce) and the informal economy (90.1%). It links increased energy access to economic growth, entrepreneurship, and the creation of “green jobs” in the renewable energy sector through training programs like ROGEAP.

   • SDG 1: No Poverty

     The article explicitly connects energy poverty to a “cycle of impoverishment.” It argues that providing energy security helps communities build capacity by powering schools, health facilities, and businesses, which are crucial determinants for poverty reduction.

   • SDG 13: Climate Action

     The article discusses Benin’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and increase the share of renewables in its energy mix. This transition to clean energy, supported by the National Renewable Energy Development Policy (PONADER), is a direct measure to combat climate change.

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger

     The article mentions the Solar Electric Light Fund’s project, which establishes solar gardens. These gardens use solar-powered water pumps and irrigation to enable food production during dry seasons, thereby increasing food security for local farmers and communities.

   • SDG 5: Gender Equality

     The article notes that the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) specifically focuses on supporting women-led enterprises, thereby addressing gender inequality and promoting women’s economic empowerment in the growing renewable energy sector.

2. Specific Targets Identified

   Based on the article’s content, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

     The article highlights that only 57% of Benin’s population has electricity access, with a stark disparity in rural areas where access is only 17.4%. Projects mentioned, such as the four large-scale solar plants expected to power 50,000 urban households and ENGIE’s mini-grids aiming to connect 30,000 rural people, directly address this target.

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

     Benin’s government has a stated goal to “increase its share of renewables in the energy mix to 31% by 2030.” The entire article focuses on the country’s investment and progress in solar power as a means to achieve this target.

   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.

     The article points out the high rates of underemployment (72%) and informal work (90.1%). It discusses how programs like ROGEAP are creating “green jobs” and training a workforce for the formal solar energy sector, which contributes to achieving this target.

   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have access to basic services.

     The article frames electricity as a basic service that is fundamental to breaking the “cycle of impoverishment.” The initiatives to electrify rural areas are aimed at providing this basic service to the most vulnerable populations.

   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.

     The Solar Electric Light Fund’s solar gardens, which use solar power for “water pumps and drip irrigation,” are a direct example of implementing resilient agricultural practices to ensure reliable harvests and food security, even during dry seasons.

   • Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology… to promote the empowerment of women.

     The ROGEAP program’s focus on “supporting youth and women-led enterprises” in the solar energy sector is a clear effort to use the growth of renewable energy technology to empower women economically.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

   The article provides both explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity.

     This is explicitly mentioned multiple times. The article states the current overall access rate is 57% and the rural access rate is 17.4%. Progress can be measured by tracking the increase in these percentages.

   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.

     This is directly referenced by the government’s goal of increasing the share of renewables to 31% by 2030. This percentage serves as a clear indicator of progress.

   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate (and related concepts).

     While not providing the unemployment rate, the article gives closely related figures: 72% of the workforce struggles with underemployment and 90.1% work in the informal economy. A reduction in these figures would indicate progress.

   • (Implied) Number of households/people with new electricity access.

     The article implies this indicator by mentioning specific project goals, such as providing power to 50,000 urban households and 30,000 people living in rural areas.

   • (Implied) Number of people trained for green jobs.

     The description of the ROGEAP program, which provides training in solar PV installation and business management, implies that the number of participants, particularly women and youth, is a key indicator of success.

   • (Implied) Number of small-scale solar businesses established.

     The ROGEAP program’s goal of facilitating “the growth of small-scale solar energy businesses and entrepreneurs” suggests that the number of new enterprises created is a relevant indicator.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.	7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity (stated as 57% overall, 17.4% in rural areas). 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (target of 31% by 2030).
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.	Related to 8.5.2: Underemployment rate (72%); Proportion of employment in the informal economy (90.1%). (Implied): Number of people trained and jobs created in the solar energy sector.
   SDG 1: No Poverty	1.4: Ensure access to basic services for the poor and vulnerable.	(Implied): Number of households in rural and urban areas gaining access to electricity, a basic service.
   SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies.	(Implied): Implementation of the National Renewable Energy Development Policy (PONADER) to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
   SDG 2: Zero Hunger	2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.	(Implied): Number of solar gardens established; increased food production and security in participating villages.
   SDG 5: Gender Equality	5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology to promote the empowerment of women.	(Implied): Number of women-led enterprises supported by programs like ROGEAP.

Source: borgenproject.org