Global Electricity Access Declines for the First Time in a Decade

In 2022, the number of people worldwide without access to electricity rose for the first time in 10 years, reaching 685 million, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This increase of 10 million people compared to 2021 highlights the challenges posed by energy crises, inflation, and geopolitical tensions.

The report, which also included contributions from the World Bank, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and the World Health Organization (WHO), attributed this setback to multiple factors. The COVID-19 pandemic, rising energy prices due to the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and increased droughts and floods in Sub-Saharan Africa all played significant roles.

Despite these challenges, progress in Latin America was notable. Between 2010 and 2022, 18 countries in the region achieved universal access to electricity. However, in 2022, approximately 2.1 billion people globally still relied on harmful cooking devices powered by coal, waste, wood, or agricultural waste. These devices emit gases that cause 3.2 million premature deaths annually, with rural areas in Latin America seeing about 35% of their populations lacking clean cooking technologies.

The report also highlighted the growth in renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind. Financial aid for developing low-carbon energy in developing countries rose to US$15.4 billion in 2022, a 25% increase from 2021 levels.

Despite these advancements, the authors noted that current efforts are insufficient to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to energy by 2030. If present policies continue, an estimated 660 million people will still lack electricity access by 2030, with 85% of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, around 1.8 billion people will continue to depend on harmful cooking devices.