Energy Access & Off-grid

Source Metadata
Field
Value
source
cpi
source_version
GLCF 2025
source_id
CPI-ES-005
sector
Energy Systems
subsector
Energy Access & Off-grid
mitigation
Y
adaptation
Y
last_checked
2026-05-26
CPI Definition & Scope
Energy Access and Off-grid in CPI's GLCF framework captures finance directed toward extending clean energy services to underserved populations, primarily through decentralized renewable energy systems. CPI tracks investments in solar home systems, mini-grids, productive use appliances, and clean cooking solutions that leapfrog fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. This category bridges climate mitigation and energy poverty alleviation, tracking both public and private capital flows.
Subsectors & Examples
Solar Home Systems — pay-as-you-go solar kits, standalone PV systems
Mini-grids — renewable-powered community-scale generation and distribution
Clean Cooking — improved cookstoves, biogas digesters, electric cooking appliances
Productive Use Equipment — solar water pumps, solar cold chains, agri-processing
Rural Electrification — last-mile grid extension with renewable integration
Mitigation & Adaptation Classification
Energy access is classified as dual-benefit in CPI's framework. Mitigation comes from displacing kerosene, diesel generators, and traditional biomass with clean alternatives. Adaptation benefits arise from strengthening energy resilience in climate-vulnerable communities, enabling climate-adaptive livelihoods such as solar-powered irrigation, and reducing indoor air pollution from traditional cooking fuels.
LATAM Relevance
While Latin America has relatively high electrification rates compared to other developing regions, significant energy access gaps remain in remote and indigenous communities. Colombia's Zonas No Interconectadas (non-interconnected zones) in the Pacific coast, Amazon, and insular regions are prime targets for off-grid solar and mini-grid investments. Peru's rural Amazon communities rely heavily on diesel generators, creating opportunities for clean energy leapfrogging. Costa Rica has near-universal access but supports regional clean cooking initiatives in Central America.
Cleantech Taxonomy Crosswalk
Maps to Cleantech Taxonomy sector ES (Energy Systems) for off-grid energy. Cross-references with XS (Cross-Sectoral) for just transition and energy equity, and AF (AFOLU) for productive use in agriculture.