India, Sept. 8 -- Battery-backed solar mini-grids could help expand electricity access in rural and remote parts of West Africa, where conventional grid extension is often too costly, IRENA said.

Western Africa accounted for 33% of the 565 million people without electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, with most living in rural and remote communities.

Solar mini-grids with battery storage represent a near-term opportunity of about 568MW across Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal, potentially serving 21 million people.

IRENA said falling solar and battery costs, stronger policies and innovative finance could make mini-grids central to expanding access and reducing reliance on diesel fuel.

Battery storage could help solar-powered ...