Global Energy Report Highlights Urgent Need to Address Electricity Access Deficits for 655 Million People
In the current landscape where energy security and affordability are paramount, 655 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity. Additionally, two billion individuals rely on polluting fuels and technologies for cooking, posing significant health risks. Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected, with over 560 million people without electricity and 970 million lacking clean cooking solutions.
The recent Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report, which includes new data for 2023 and 2024, indicates that while many regions are approaching near-universal energy access, progress in Sub-Saharan Africa has decelerated. The electrification rate needs to triple to meet the 2030 goal for universal access. Despite these challenges, the report points to positive trends, such as the growth of renewable energy, which now constitutes over 30% of global electricity consumption. The global capacity for renewable energy generation has reached a record 544 watts per person. Furthermore, international financial support for clean energy in developing countries has increased slightly to US$ 24.6 billion, although this remains insufficient to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 targets.
Need for Accelerated Action
The report warns of a potential shortfall in achieving SDG 7, which aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030, unless swift and enhanced measures are taken. The ongoing global energy crisis is expected to significantly affect energy markets and the broader economy.
Accelerating the deployment of renewable energy is deemed essential for enhancing energy security, affordability, and fulfilling long-term climate and development goals. Off-grid solar solutions and mini-grids are highlighted as effective strategies for expanding electricity access, while electric cooking, bioethanol, and biogas solutions are recognized as promising options for clean cooking.
Challenges and Solutions
Affordability remains a significant barrier to electricity access. Even in areas with available infrastructure, many households are unable to afford connection fees and energy services. As countries strive to electrify the remaining populations, targeted subsidies and innovative financing models will be crucial to ensure inclusivity.
Financial constraints are hindering progress, with international financial flows for clean energy to the least developed countries dropping to $3.7 billion in 2024, an 11% decline from 2023.
Strong political leadership and improved coordination across sectors are needed to focus on vulnerable countries and communities. Consistent policy frameworks are critical for diversifying energy sources, boosting renewable energy, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and strengthening economic resilience against supply chain disruptions.
The report will be presented at a special event on July 8, 2026, following a detailed review of SDG 7 at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York.
The report, authored by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO), seeks to offer a comprehensive view of global progress towards energy access, energy efficiency, and renewable energy goals for SDG 7. The report can be accessed at trackingsdg7.esmap.org. Funding for the report was provided by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).
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