Globally, 759 million people—1 out of 10—lack access to electricity to light their homes, refrigerate their food, or stay cool in rising temperatures. Additionally, around 2.6 billion people rely on dirty biomass fuels such as charcoal, coal, and animal waste for cooking. These figures are unacceptable.

In Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, 20 countries have the largest gaps in electricity and clean cooking access. These regions are among the 80 percent of countries worldwide that do not have adequate access to electricity. Without clean, modern energy, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce poverty, broaden education, and improve public health is impossible. For instance, replacing outdated stoves and open fires could save the lives of 800,000 children who die each year from exposure to indoor air pollution. That is why SDG 7 calls for action to close these energy gaps by 2030.

Research from Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) shows that investment for better electricity access falls far short of what is needed to deliver universal access by 2030. The Energising Finance report reveals that of the USD 36 billion in total finance for electricity access in 2017, only USD 12.6 billion was estimated to support new access for households. This represents just one quarter of the estimated annual investment of USD 51 billion required to achieve universal access. Furthermore, an annual investment of USD 4.4 billion is needed to close access gaps in clean cooking, yet only USD 32 million in finance commitments for clean cooking solutions were tracked—less than 1 percent of the estimated finance required for universal clean cooking access by 2030. Source: SEforALL Research

Addressing these challenges is crucial for global development. In the subsequent edition, we delve deeper into the significance of access to energy, explore innovative solutions, and highlight success stories that illuminate the path forward. Together, we can drive the change needed to achieve SDG 7 and ensure a brighter future for all.

Don’t miss out on next week’s topic; SDG 7.2 – Renewable Energy. It’s an exciting area that holds immense potential for transforming our world. Stay tuned!

…TRUST us to Deliver!

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Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you’re going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus.” – Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine (2011)

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|Editor-in-Chief: Monica Uduku