Solar Expansion in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, solar power is now energizing over 6,400 facilities, significantly improving healthcare access and creating new economic opportunities for women.

KABUL – In a significant stride toward addressing a chronic energy crisis, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced that more than 6,400 critical facilities across Afghanistan have been equipped with solar power since 2021. This large-scale initiative is powering essential services, fostering small businesses, and bringing sustainable electricity to millions, particularly women and those in remote, underserved regions.

The breakdown of the 6,400 facilities underscores a focused effort on vital social infrastructure. According to a UNDP statement released on Monday, the project has successfully solarized:

• 5,462 healthcare centers, ensuring that vaccines can be refrigerated, medical equipment can operate, and critical procedures can continue uninterrupted.

• 153 schools, providing students with lighted classrooms and the potential for digital learning tools.

• 854 small businesses, a significant portion of which are women-led enterprises, enabling them to operate more efficiently and extend their working hours.

Empowering Women and Local Economies

A key outcome highlighted by the UNDP is the direct impact on women. The agency reports that more than two million women have now gained access to safe and sustainable energy through these initiatives. For many, this means light to study or work by, power for household needs, and new economic opportunities.

“Before, when a patient needed an emergency operation at night, we had to use the light from our mobile phones. It was terrifying,” said Dr. Amina, a physician at a rural clinic in Daikundi province, in an interview last year. “Now, with solar power, we can provide proper care at any hour. It has saved lives.”

The solar installations for small businesses—such as tailoring shops, bakeries, and food processing units—are helping to drive local economic resilience. By reducing or eliminating the need for expensive, polluting diesel generators, these businesses can lower their operational costs and increase profitability.

Addressing a Deep-Rooted Energy Crisis

This renewable energy push tackles a fundamental challenge in Afghanistan. The UNDP has previously reported that the country remains one of the world’s most energy-insecure, with over 80% of its population lacking reliable access to electricity. Even those connected to the grid face frequent blackouts, relying on an unstable cross-border supply.

“Afghanistan’s energy poverty has been a major brake on its development for decades,” said energy analyst David Myers. “These decentralized solar projects are a game-changer. They bypass the need for vast, fragile transmission infrastructure and deliver power directly to the communities that need it most. It’s not just about light; it’s about powering local clinics, pumping water for agriculture, and creating livelihoods.”

A Sustainable Path Forward

The UNDP program is framed as a crucial step toward creating a “brighter and more sustainable future for Afghan families.” By harnessing Afghanistan’s abundant sunlight, the projects offer a clean, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels.

Experts agree that such initiatives are critical. “Renewable energy is no longer just an environmental choice for Afghanistan; it’s a practical necessity,” Myers added. “It directly addresses the power crisis, boosts livelihoods, and reduces the nation’s dependency on costly and volatile fuel imports. The success of this program demonstrates a viable model for building climate-resilient development from the ground up.”

As the international community continues to navigate its engagement with Afghanistan, the UNDP’s solar program stands out as a tangible, impactful intervention that is directly improving the lives of millions, proving that even in a complex humanitarian context, progress is possible.

 

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