REPORT | The Syrian Refugee Crisis and Energy Access

Worldwide, there is a growing importance to support the energy access needs of forcibly displaced persons. During humanitarian crises, energy access is often considered a lower priority when compared to the basic human needs of nutrition, health, education, etc. Further, empowering a marketplace for refugees strengthen self-determination and enables the development of economies and an increase in the supply of life-improving services and goods.

Yet, investing in clean, sustainable energy could save resources, improve living conditions, and accelerate access to the most crucial humanitarian needs. As support for energy access in the refugee context grows, the International Finance Corporation (IFC)’s Lighting Global program provides expertise from our work in creating off-grid solar markets on how relief agencies can best support refugee settings and engage the private sector.
This report examines the current solar energy sector in a few select refugee camps in Lebanon and offers a few insights into the potential market for solar lighting products. Read the report.