Global Energy Progress Report: Significant Gains in Electricity Access Amidst Persistent Challenges

India has emerged as a notable success story, advancing towards universal electricity access through robust government initiatives

The 2024 Energy Progress Report, co-authored by multilateral organizations including the WHO and the World Bank, reveals substantial global strides in electricity access. As of 2021, 91 percent of the global population had access to electricity, a notable increase from 83 percent in 2010. However, approximately 733 million people, predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, remain without access. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, delaying infrastructure projects and redirecting essential resources.

India has emerged as a notable success story, advancing towards universal electricity access through robust government initiatives and substantial investments in rural electrification. However, the transition to clean cooking solutions remains sluggish, with 2.4 billion people still reliant on traditional methods. Barriers such as affordability, cultural preferences, and supply chain issues impede the adoption of clean cooking technologies.

The report underscores the necessity of integrated policies that address both supply and demand. Recommended measures include subsidies, public awareness campaigns, and support for local entrepreneurs. Encouragingly, renewable energy usage has increased, driven by reduced costs and favorable policies. In 2021, global renewable energy consumption reached 19.3 percent, up from 16.3 percent in 2010, with solar and wind power being the primary contributors. China, the United States, and the European Union lead in renewable energy investments.

While the outlook for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 is mixed, the report calls for enhanced international cooperation, improved policy frameworks, and increased financial investments. It also highlights the crucial role of technological innovations, local capacity building, and inclusive approaches to ensure no one is left behind in the global energy transition.