Exploring the Term
A productive use of energy facilitates income generating activities and improves overall business climate – there is a strong and proven connection between increased commercial energy consumption and improved human welfare.
Despite this promise, there is relatively little consensus in the energy access sector on the scope and mandate of the term, and little data exists regarding its opportunities and challenges, and the relative impact potential of the relevant technologies. There are also variations on the term, such as “energy for livelihoods”.
While relatively large-scale appliances such as agricultural grain mills and water irrigation systems come to mind, all appliances can unlock income. Lights keep a store open later, a TV with the news may attract new customers, and a household refrigerator stores cold drinks and perishable food items for later sale.
