Can Rental Batteries Bridge the Global Electricity Divide?
The world still grapples with a significant electricity gap, leaving approximately 730 million people without access to power in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This figure, while a decrease from the previous year, highlights the persistent challenge of providing electricity to underserved communities. The situation is particularly dire in sub-Saharan Africa, where eight out of ten people globally lack access to electricity.
The IEA's data reveals a stark disparity in access across regions. Developing Asia boasts an impressive 98% access rate, with India and Indonesia achieving universal access. However, the remaining gap is concentrated in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Myanmar, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, where progress has been hindered by various factors.
Latin America has made significant strides, but remote areas like the Andean Highlands and the Amazon still lack the necessary infrastructure for electricity supply. Honduras and Haiti also face significant access gaps.
Sub-Saharan Africa, despite some progress, lags behind. While Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, and Mozambique have made headway, 27 countries in the region are still falling short of their pre-pandemic access expansion rates. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with investments in solar projects, primarily from China, expected to accelerate clean electricity deployment.
BP's BPowered initiative in South Africa offers a promising solution. It provides daily rental batteries ranging from 300 to 1,000 watt-hours, capable of powering essential devices like lights, TVs, laptops, and small appliances. This enables individuals to run businesses, such as convenience stores and hair salons, fostering economic opportunities.
MOPO, a U.K.-based firm, has been distributing rental batteries in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Chad, and Uganda. Their solar battery-charging stations, installed in communities lacking petrol stations, offer regular access to power. While these batteries may not power large appliances, they significantly improve access to electricity for underserved communities.
The development finance institution Norfund invested $5 million in MOPO in 2025 to expand its battery projects, underscoring the potential of rental programs. MOPO's CEO, Chris Longbottom, emphasizes the transformative impact of their proprietary batteries and pay-per-use rental model, revolutionizing energy access for millions.
Battery rental projects in Africa hold the promise of reducing reliance on noisy and polluting diesel generators, which are still used by over 40% of businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. While diesel generators are cost-effective, they are environmentally detrimental due to high carbon dioxide emissions. Rental programs are particularly popular in poor communities, where purchasing batteries is financially unfeasible.
To achieve universal and sustainable access to electricity, governments and energy companies worldwide must invest in expanding energy production capacity and developing supporting transmission infrastructure. This ambitious goal will likely take several decades. In the interim, battery rental projects can empower communities without access to electricity, enabling them to power basic devices and improve their living standards.
This innovative approach to addressing the electricity gap showcases the potential for rental batteries to play a pivotal role in bridging the global electricity divide.
