Renewable energy access in Alemwach refugee camp in Ethiopia—assessment of status, challenges and solutions

Abstract Energy access remains a sensitive issue for sustainable development, especially in developing countries where energy crises are widespread. This study explores the influence of socioeconomic variables on renewable energy access and examines the current status, challenges, and solutions for clean energy in the Alemwach refugee camp. 50 households were assessed through structured cross-sectional questionnaires. Education and income level affected energy access significantly (p < 0.05), whereas gender and age indicated no significant relationship (p > 0.05). The energy sources available in the camp are firewood, charcoal, diesel generator, and solar, with affordability of 44%, 24%, 32%, 24% respectively. According to the survey, the main reliable energy types were charcoal for cooking and solar for lighting and phone charging. The main challenges were a lack of awareness, low income, the absence of diesel oil and solar storage around the camp, and a skill gap in maintenance. These challenges should be addressed in the short term by fixing socio-economic variables, providing improved cookstoves, solar funding, and training for capacity building. Installing solar mini-grids, improving infrastructure, incorporating refugees in national energy policy, and strengthening all institutions and community organizations to participate in energy access programs should be considered in the long term. The results of this paper give important insights for energy policy experts in the Ethiopian government, research institutions, NGOs, and emergency relief organizations to address problems regarding renewable energy access in refugee camps.