Having access to energy is associated with better health services, education and more developed industries. Due to the remoteness of rural areas, these communities often do not have access to modern energy sources and are not connected to energy grids. This contributes to poverty, lack of health services, and low education levels. Using literature review and case studies, this paper will look at the connection between energy and development, the challenges of energy access for rural areas, and how and if RET projects can be designed to tackle energy poverty in these areas.