Yemenis' reliance on fossil fuels has come at a high cost. As diesel prices have skyrocketed, electricity has become inaccessible for many. Hospitals face operational challenges, schools struggle to provide quality education, businesses remain stagnant, and water systems—critical for pumping and sanitation—are disrupted.
In response, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sweden, launched the Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security, and Climate Adaptation in Yemen (ERRY Joint Programme III). Since 2023, this initiative has installed solar energy systems in 152 public service facilities, benefiting nearly 200,000 individuals, including 16,175 women.
Educational institutions have seen significant improvements. Kod Otira School in Lahj Governorate now provides a conducive learning environment with adequate lighting and ventilation, thanks to solar energy. Vocational institutes in Taiz Governorate, such as the Al-Khayami Technical Institute, have reopened, enabling over 200 students to acquire skills for the job market.
The program has transformed healthcare delivery across Yemen, equipping 48 facilities with solar energy systems. These facilities can now safely store vaccines, operate lab equipment, and deliver critical services. At Dhahr Abu Teir Health Unit in Hajjah Governorate, reliable power has sparked dreams of expanding to include laboratories and obstetric emergency rooms.
In Taiz Governorate, a hybrid mini-grid plant powered by solar and wind energy has provided 200kW of electricity, reducing CO2 emissions by 72 tons annually. This project exemplifies the potential of clean energy in remote areas, improving livelihoods and supporting local markets.
The HEAL Project, funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, is advancing renewable energy across five governorates. The project has empowered marginalized youth and women by establishing solar microgrid stations, creating employment opportunities while providing affordable energy for businesses.
Aya, a Business Administration graduate from Lahj, shared how training programs equipped her to operate and maintain a solar microgrid station. “This job allows me to meet my family’s needs and acquire new skills, making it a life-changing experience,” she said.
These initiatives extend beyond energy access. Operators gain income and skills, while local businesses thrive with uninterrupted electricity. Barbers like Ahmed in Aden, once reliant on noisy, fuel-guzzling generators, now enjoy stable power at a fraction of the cost.
Environmentally, solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, fostering healthier communities. The ERRY program’s solar systems alone are projected to cut 560 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Yemen’s transition to renewable energy is not only addressing its current energy crisis but also laying the groundwork for long-term climate security. The success of programs like the ERRY III Joint Programme and HEAL highlights the transformative power of clean energy solutions in fostering resilience, empowering communities, and driving sustainable development.