Yemeni communities have long suffered from frequent and prolonged power outages, forcing people to rely on diesel

generators to maintain electricity supply. However, fuel shortages and high prices make this solution unsustainable,

highlighting the urgent need for alternative energy solutions. To meet this challenge, the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP), with the support of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, launched the “Renewable

Energy for Improving Health Services and Livelihood Opportunities” (HEAL) project in five Yemeni governorates,

including Aden, Lahj, Abyan, Sana’a and Hajjah, to alleviate the impact of the power crisis on vulnerable communities.

 

The HEAL project provides clean energy to local kiosks, commercial stalls and households by establishing solar microgrids,

which not only solves the electricity problems of shop owners, but also creates employment and income-generating

opportunities for low-income youth and marginalized individuals. A total of 360 participants were selected for the project,

and they were divided into groups to operate 7 to 10 solar microgrid sites. Each site is equipped with an integrated

microgrid solar system, including solar panels, batteries and inverters, tailored to actual needs. It is expected that about

205,000 people (including 98,400 women) will benefit from it, significantly enhancing the economic empowerment of

women and youth.

 

To ensure the sustainability and scalability of the project, UNDP worked with the Enjaz Foundation to provide participants

with a six-day professional skills training covering courses such as solar panel installation and maintenance and business

management. Aya from Lahj is one of them. She shared: “Through the training, I have mastered the skills of operating

solar microgrids and handling faults, and gained valuable practical experience.” In addition, the project team also assigned

tasks according to members’ academic background, interests and abilities, such as installing circuit breakers, marketing

services, etc., which simplified the work process and improved team efficiency.

 

These solar microgrids not only bring economic benefits to operators, but also inject vitality into the local market, allowing

shop owners to enjoy affordable and uninterrupted electricity supply, and promoting the resilience of communities affected

by conflict. The successful implementation of the HEAL project highlights the important role of renewable energy in solving

the energy crisis and promoting economic development, and provides a model for reference for Yemen and the world. In

the future, with the establishment of more solar microgrids, Yemen’s energy structure will be greener and more sustainable,

bringing a brighter future for the people.