Millions of people in Yemen are gaining improved access to electricity and essential services through a renewable energy programme led by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) with support from the World Bank.
The Yemen Emergency Electricity Access Project is helping rural and peri-urban communities access reliable power through solar energy solutions. The initiative is improving healthcare, education, water access, and household electricity availability in areas where energy shortages have affected daily life for years.
Through the second phase of the project, UNOPS has provided energy solutions to 332 health facilities and vaccine cold chain systems, helping maintain essential healthcare services and protect medical supplies. The project has also supported 89 schools, ensuring more reliable access to education for local communities.
More than 144,000 households now have access to home solar systems, allowing families to benefit from safer and more dependable electricity. In addition, over 148 solar-powered water pumping systems have been installed, improving access to clean water for communities facing critical shortages.
As of June 2026, more than 5 million people living in rural and peri-urban areas of Yemen have benefited from improved access to essential services through the project. The transition to renewable energy is also helping reduce environmental impacts by preventing more than 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The project focuses on providing durable solar solutions designed to withstand Yemen’s challenging climate and terrain. Alongside installing solar systems, UNOPS is working with local service providers and communities to improve technical skills, maintenance capacity, and the overall quality of renewable energy services.
The initiative also supports the growth of Yemen’s local solar industry by working with domestic suppliers and contractors. Training opportunities and partnerships are helping local businesses develop expertise in renewable energy technologies and provide solutions adapted to community needs.
The second phase builds on the success of the earlier project, which provided solar power systems for hundreds of schools, health facilities, COVID-19 isolation centres, and water wells. More than 117,000 households received small solar systems during the first phase, benefiting approximately 4 million people across Yemen.
By expanding access to clean and reliable electricity, the UNOPS and World Bank-supported programme is helping communities strengthen resilience, improve essential services, and move towards a more sustainable energy future.
