The global landscape is increasingly affected by escalating regional conflicts and unprecedented climate events, fundamentally reshaping international priorities regarding energy security and affordability. Rural regions, which accommodate approximately half of the global population, face disproportionately complex challenges in terms of energy accessibility, infrastructure reliability, and long-term sustainability compared with their urban counterparts. This report “Toward a Shared Zero-Carbon Energy Future: A Global Analysis of Rural Energy Cooperatives” by RMI highlights that a people-centered approach emphasizing local engagement, equitable access, and benefit sharing represents a fundamental prerequisite for fostering a sustainable rural energy transition and shaping an inclusive national energy landscape.
Rural areas also present new opportunities to contribute to a sustainable national energy landscape and drive innovative economic growth. Abundant renewable resources, such as wind, solar, and agroforestry biomass, are essential for establishing a modern energy system. Expanding clean energy in rural areas can help bridge the urban-rural development gap by enabling the use of affordable and sustainable clean energy in both production and daily life. Furthermore, the growth of new energy industries in rural areas can stimulate economic opportunities and job creation, further supporting rural revitalization and alleviating energy poverty. In this context, the rural energy transition will not only expand access to reliable, clean, and affordable energy but also drive local economic growth, ultimately fostering more resilient and prosperous rural communities.
Access the report here
