Electrification of rural areas: progress, challenges, and prospects toward sustainable development. A systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17188819Keywords:
rural electrification, renewable energy, sustainable developmentAbstract
This article systematically analyzes the progress, challenges, and prospects for rural electrification within the framework of sustainable development, considering international, Latin American, and Ecuadorian experiences. Special attention is paid to the role of public policies, implemented technological models, community participation, and environmental sustainability, all aimed at contributing to universal energy access. The research adopts a qualitative approach based on a systematic literature review, following the PRISMA model, which encompasses four phases: search, evaluation, analysis, and synthesis. Fifteen scientific articles were selected from a total of 440 documents, between 2013 and 2025, using rigorous inclusion criteria and keywords related to rural electrification and sustainable development. The review highlights the progress achieved through decentralized models, the expansion of electricity grids, and the development of microgrids based on renewable energy, allowing for comparisons of results across various regions. Finally, the importance of effective public policies, the active involvement of local communities, and the incorporation of renewable technologies to ensure long-term sustainable impacts of rural electrification are highlighted.
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