Volume 3 Number 1 2025
Exploring the Role of Renewable Energy in Enhancing Rural Livelihoods
Ashok Kumar Chowdhury1*, Md Mofasel Hossain2
Energy Environment and Economy 3 (1) 1-7 https://doi.org/10.25163/energy.3110328
Submitted: 12 November 2024 Revised: 05 January 2025 Published: 07 January 2025
Abstract
Background: Renewable energy has become an increasingly valuable resource to promote sustainable development and to improve rural livelihoods, especially in off-grid rural areas. This study explores the adoption of, perception of, and socio-economic impact of renewable energy technologies based on a study of 100 rural respondents using a structured survey. In particular, the study focuses on clear renewable technologies such as solar, wind and biogas, and how these renewable energy technologies affect the daily lives, economic activities, education, healthcare and environmental awareness of rural respondents. Methods: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through one-on-one interviews, and captured information regarding household energy use, cost savings, productivity, and satisfaction with renewable systems. The study used descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and graphical interpretations of data to describe trends and relationships among variables. Results: It was found that 78% of these households sampled had access to some type of renewable energy, which overwhelmingly (>65%) was a retrofit of solar. A very high positive correlation (r = 0.67) was found between using renewable energy and increased household income. Also, moderate levels of association (r = 0.59) between renewable energy access and education outcomes for children were found. Conclusion: In aspects of rural access to energy through renewable energy, issues like uptake, cost of installation, and technical knowledge, there are overall success, as study participants indicated renewable energy is reliable environmental and an essential service for sustainable development into taller term rural area.
Keywords: Renewable energy, rural development, solar power, energy access, socio-economic impact, livelihood improvement
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