Power crisis : Solar panels system [2] | Stock Arena

Wide shot for solar panels system in one of the remote areas in Lahj governate.

Power crisis

Yemen has the lowest level of electricity connection in the Middle East – 40 per cent, compared with around 85 per cent in the region. The frequent failure of the public grid has forced Yemenis to rely on alternative power and light sources such as diesel generators and kerosene lamps. These alternatives pose detrimental effects on the environment, and come at a high cost for Yemeni households. [Source : UNDP]

With the start of the civil war, solar panels found their way into the country fast. On March 23, 2015, Sanaa experienced a major power outage. The Marib power plant, which supplies Yemeni cities with energy, went out of service. Consequently, the generator business flourished for a while. However, due to the unstable conditions in Yemen, generators were not guaranteed to remain functional at all times because of increasing fuel prices and occasional lack of fuel. Yemenis were thus left with the option of solar energy.