Clean Energy Progress Masks Growing Access Crisis In Developing Nations

Renewable Energy Expands, But Millions Remain Left Behind

WHILE renewable energy continues to grow rapidly across the world, the benefits are not reaching everyone equally.

A new report released by the World Health Organization and partner institutions has revealed that the global community is unlikely to achieve universal access to electricity and clean cooking by 2030 unless urgent corrective measures are taken.

The Tracking SDG 7 Energy Progress Report shows that 655 million people still live without electricity, while around two billion rely on traditional fuels such as charcoal, wood and kerosene for daily cooking.

The findings expose a widening divide between countries making rapid energy transitions and those struggling to provide even basic energy services.

Africa Remains at the Centre of the Challenge

The report highlights Sub-Saharan Africa as the epicentre of the global energy access crisis.

Despite improvements in renewable energy deployment, the region continues to experience growing deficits because population growth is outpacing infrastructure expansion.

Rural communities are particularly affected. The report notes that the rural electricity deficit in Sub-Saharan Africa increased from 376 million people in 2010 to 447 million in 2024.

Experts argue that conventional grid expansion alone will not be sufficient and that greater reliance on decentralized solutions such as solar mini-grids and standalone renewable systems will be necessary.

Financing Structure Raises Concerns

A major concern identified by development agencies is the nature of energy financing available to poorer nations.

Although public financial flows for clean energy projects increased modestly, most support continues to come in the form of loans rather than grants.

According to the report, debt financing represented 80 per cent of clean energy funding in 2024, while grants accounted for only 13 per cent.

Analysts warn that heavy dependence on borrowing limits the ability of developing countries to invest aggressively in energy infrastructure while managing existing fiscal obligations.

Clean Cooking Remains a Neglected Crisis

The report identifies access to clean cooking as the largest remaining energy challenge globally.

Even if current progress continues, approximately 1.8 billion people could still depend on polluting fuels by 2030.

Health experts say the consequences extend beyond energy access. Indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods remains a major contributor to respiratory illnesses and premature deaths.

Women and girls are often disproportionately affected because they spend more time cooking and collecting fuel, exposing them to greater health and safety risks.

Energy Security and Climate Goals Intersect

International organisations argue that expanding access to clean energy is now central to broader global objectives, including climate resilience, economic growth and energy security.

The report notes that recent energy market disruptions and geopolitical tensions have reinforced the importance of diversifying energy sources and increasing renewable energy capacity.

World Bank Vice President Valerie Levkov said affordable and reliable energy remains one of the defining development challenges of the decade, requiring stronger public-private partnerships and greater investment mobilisation.

2030 Deadline Approaches

With only a few years remaining before the Sustainable Development Goals deadline, international agencies are calling for accelerated implementation of energy projects, increased concessional financing and stronger political leadership.

The report warns that without decisive intervention, the world risks missing one of its most important development targets, leaving hundreds of millions without electricity and billions without access to cleaner, healthier energy solutions.

For policymakers, the message is clear: renewable energy growth alone will not guarantee universal access. Bridging the energy divide will require targeted investments that prioritise the communities still being left behind.