Key Takeaways from the 2025 Efficiency for Access Research Expo

The third edition of the Efficiency for Access Research Expo, held on 11 February 2025, brought together experts to discuss the latest research and insights in energy access. Covering topics from solar-powered refrigeration to innovative remote monitoring solutions, the event highlighted the need to accelerate sustainable access to efficient appliances to drive meaningful change.

Here are six takeaways from the expo.

Efficient Appliances can Unlock Opportunities and Empower Communities 

Projects focusing on solar-powered refrigerators, solar water pumps, and institutional e-cooking showed how energy-efficient appliances are about more than technology–they drive economic growth, empower communities, and help address inequality. For example, solar-powered refrigerators in Nigeria have enabled small business owners, primarily women, to store perishable goods longer which has reduced waste, increased sales, and helped them work more efficiently. Additionally, the introduction of e-cooking solutions in Kenyan schools has helped reduce fuel costs, indoor air pollution, and cooking time; directly benefiting the cooks, students, and communities at large.

Data and Remote Monitoring can Transform Energy Access 

One of the standout projects at the expo was the use of remote monitoring systems for off-grid appliances such as solar-powered cold rooms and refrigerators, solar water pumps, and solar dryers. By integrating smart technology, companies can track appliance performance, monitor energy consumption, and detect faults early.

For example, smart solar-powered freezers in Nigeria can help smallholder farmers preserve fish and meat products at reduced costs, reducing waste and increasing incomes.

Technology Needs to be Tailored to Local Realities 

Efficient appliances show great potential in addressing energy access challenges; however, they must be suited to the local contexts in which they are deployed. For instance, 70% of medical devices in the Global South go unused due to power incompatibility or lack of repair services. Likewise, unreliable grids prevent many institutions from switching to e-cooking solutions. And although remote monitoring solutions show how smart technology can improve the performance and efficiency of appliances, poor connectivity in remote areas is a significant barrier. Clean energy solutions must account for on-ground realities to ensure long-term viability and minimal service disruption for the end users.

Access to Financing can Boost Appliance Adoption 

A recurring theme across multiple projects was the importance of innovative financing models in driving the adoption of energy-efficient appliances. The Productive Use Financing Facility showed how results-based financing grants helped businesses increase revenues by 61%. Also, small grants and technical support helped last mile distributors struggling with affordability and distribution costs sell more than 170 new solar-powered refrigerators.

Second-Life Appliances can Expand Energy Access 

A well-structured repair and resale ecosystem can increase access to affordable and efficient appliances while reducing e-waste and promoting sustainability. Challenges remain, however, including high testing costs, limited spare parts, and a lack of consumer trust. Establishing quality assurance standards and leveraging digital marketplaces can help address these challenges and make energy-efficient appliances more accessible.

Awareness and Community Buy-in can Accelerate Appliance Adoption 

Cutting across all sessions was the understanding that community engagement and consumer awareness are essential for the adoption of energy-efficient appliances. For example, personalized experiences, clear communication, and deep community insights help local market distributors connect with clients and inform future developments. Awareness and education on appliance availability, functions, efficiency, and benefits also go a long way in ensuring users see value in these solutions.