New York: Nearly one billion people have gained access to electricity since the beginning of the 21st century, marking significant progress in global energy access, according to the latest international assessment of Sustainable Development Goal

The report examines global progress on affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. While electricity access has expanded substantially, the pace of progress remains insufficient to achieve universal access by the 2030 deadline.

Major expansion in electricity access

Since 2000, countries around the world have expanded electricity infrastructure through grid connections, renewable-energy projects and decentralised systems.

The expansion has allowed hundreds of millions of people to gain access to lighting, communications, education, healthcare services and productive economic activities.

Despite this progress, a large population still lives without reliable electricity, particularly in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and other underserved regions.

Renewable energy gains ground

Renewable energy has become an increasingly important part of the global electricity system.

Solar, wind, hydropower and other renewable technologies have expanded as governments, businesses and communities seek to increase energy production while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The latest assessment notes that renewable sources have now surpassed coal in global electricity generation, representing an important change in the structure of the world’s power system.

Clean cooking remains a major challenge

Electricity access is only one part of the global energy-access challenge.

Large populations continue to depend on traditional fuels and technologies for cooking, creating health and environmental risks.

Smoke from inefficient cooking systems can contribute to household air pollution and respiratory health problems, particularly among women and children who may spend more time near cooking areas.

Expanding access to clean cooking technologies is therefore an important component of the SDG7 agenda.

Progress remains uneven

Global averages can conceal major differences between countries and regions.

Some economies have achieved near-universal electricity access, while others continue to face large infrastructure gaps.

Remote communities, low-income households and populations affected by conflict can face particularly difficult barriers to reliable energy services.

Investment is crucial

Achieving universal energy access will require substantial investment in electricity grids, renewable generation, storage systems and clean cooking solutions.

International financing can be especially important for developing economies where domestic resources are insufficient to fund large infrastructure projects.

Improving access to affordable financing could help accelerate energy projects in countries with significant access gaps.

Energy and sustainable development

Reliable energy is closely connected with economic and social development.

Electricity enables schools and hospitals to operate more effectively, supports businesses and manufacturing, improves communications and helps households access digital services.

At the same time, expanding energy access while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions remains a central challenge for policymakers.

The 2030 challenge

The latest data demonstrate that significant progress has been achieved since 2000, but the current rate of improvement is not sufficient to guarantee universal energy access by 2030.

Accelerating investment, expanding renewable energy and improving clean-cooking access will therefore be important during the remaining years of the Sustainable Development Goals period.

The global energy transition will ultimately require countries to address two objectives simultaneously: ensuring that everyone can access modern energy services while building energy systems that are more sustainable and resilient.