• Residents of Bamenda, Cameroon, Turn to Solar Energy Amid Persistent Power Outages

  Residents in the New Council area of Bamenda, Cameroon, are increasingly adopting residential solar energy systems to combat prolonged, unpredictable power outages. Growing demand has led to increased availability of solar components in local markets and lower hardware prices due to competition. Solar power serves as a critical supplement for students, businesses, and organizations struggling with a failing national grid. Context of the Electricity Crisis The national grid, managed by Eneo Cameroon, has suffered from inconsistent supply for two years due to technical issues and hydrological shortages. Major hydroelectric stations, including Songloulou, Edea, and Memve’ele, have reduced output, and some thermal plants have been shut down, necessitating load shedding. Community efforts, such as pooling funds for a local transformer in January 2026, failed to stabilize supply, driving the shift to decentralized power. Solar Adoption and Challenges Typical residential setups provide enough power for lighting, refrigeration, and device charging, proving more cost-effective than running fuel-powered generators. While equipment prices have dropped, challenges remain, including high upfront installation costs, a lack of licensed vendors, and a shortage of skilled technicians. Experts advise households to prioritize products with guaranteed warranties to ensure system longevity and performance. Impact on Community and Institutions Students at the University of Bamenda report significant disruptions to their studies and ability to access essential academic assessments due to electricity instability. Organizations like the Luc Menora Rehabilitation Foundation (LMF) are facing operational threats and are actively exploring solar conversion to continue their services for children. Government officials state that efforts are underway to improve grid reliability, including increasing state stakes in Eneo, though decentralized solar remains the most immediate local adaptation.

  Global Voices · Mar 7, 2026

  

• Wasting Renewable Energy Comes at a High Cost for the Dominican Republic

  The Dominican Republic lost approximately USD 5.17 million in renewable energy between January and June 2025 due to "curtailment," the practice of intentionally limiting renewable energy production. State-owned distributors (EDES) incurred USD 6.5 million in excess costs by prioritizing more expensive fossil fuels over available, cheaper renewable energy. Frequent grid congestion and the "forced dispatch" of inflexible thermal power plants prevent renewable sources from reaching their full potential. Economic Impact Renewable energy companies face reduced profit margins as production is limited and average energy purchase prices drop, affecting those with fixed-price Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Fossil fuel plants benefit from increased marginal costs in the spot market, rising from 9.75 to 12.65 US cents/kWh between January and July 2025. The state provided USD 737.3 million in subsidies to cover deficits of the distribution companies as of July 2025, with an accumulated deficit of USD 936.7 million. Operational Challenges Thermoelectric plants frequently ignore the Technical Minimum Power (PMT) standard, which is intended to limit fossil fuel use and favor renewables. "Forced dispatch" payments—where inflexible plants are paid to stay online despite not being cost-competitive—rose to USD 11.33 million in the first half of 2025. Lack of grid modernization and insufficient energy storage capacity are primary drivers of grid instability and the need for curtailment. Future Outlook IRENA reports suggest the country could reach 44 percent renewable generation by 2030 if it addresses institutional and technical flexibility gaps. Experts advocate for immediate investment in energy storage to regulate frequency and safely integrate more solar and wind power into the national grid.

  Global Voices · Feb 1, 2026

  

• Cameroonians Shift Toward Clean Cooking Solutions with Eco-Charcoal

  Eco-charcoal briquettes, made from organic waste like coconut husks and plantain peels, are gaining traction in Cameroon as a cleaner alternative to traditional wood charcoal. Traditional wood charcoal production is a leading cause of deforestation in Cameroon, which has lost over 2 million hectares of tree cover since 2001. Inadequate access to clean cooking fuels causes roughly 815,000 premature deaths annually across Sub-Saharan Africa. Environmental and Health Impact Traditional charcoal production contributes significantly to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and removing forests that would otherwise absorb emissions. Using eco-friendly briquettes provides household benefits: Cleaner burning: Eliminates black smoke, reducing respiratory illness risks. Cost efficiency: Prevents kitchenware from blackening, reducing cleaning expenses. Waste management: repurposes materials like bamboo, corn stalks, and sawdust, which otherwise clog drainage systems and trigger flooding. Government and Regulatory Context The 2024 Forestry Law aims to curb deforestation through stricter logging controls and better forest monitoring. International programs like REDD+ and FLEGT are being implemented to improve forest governance and reduce illegal timber trade. The Code of Hygiene and Sanitation (Law No. 92/020) provides the framework for managing solid waste, sanitation, and public health. Future Outlook Under the National Energy Compact, Cameroon aims to increase the national clean cooking access rate from 23.4 percent to 40 percent by 2030. The government supports this sector through the National Prototype Support Fund, which has issued annual calls for project proposals since 2021 to assist producers in expanding market reach.

  Global Voices · Dec 31, 2025