Incredible Strides in Global Electricity Access as Millions Get Connected

Since 2010, around 800 million individuals worldwide have acquired electricity, a development the World Health Organization (WHO) labels as ‘encouraging progress’. This substantial increase in global electricity access opens up countless opportunities for communities, stimulating growth and development.

However, the path to universal electricity access is still riddled with challenges. There has been little growth since 2024, with the global electricity access rate remaining static at 92%. This lack of progress is especially pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the uneven distribution of resources and development.

One of the United Nations’ (UN) sustainable development goals is achieving universal electricity access by 2030. But to reach this target, the current rate of progress must triple, as stated by the WHO. Additionally, it’s worth noting that a quarter of the global population still lacks access to clean cooking fuels, indicating a broader energy problem.

Despite these challenges, the WHO believes that reaching the UN’s 2030 target is feasible with the right policy measures. A significant leap in renewable energy deployment is vital to this goal, a sentiment echoed by both the WHO and UN.

“While we’ve seen significant strides in providing affordable, reliable, and clean energy, millions still lack access,” says Li Junhua from the UN. “This year’s report underscores the urgent need for action in this area.”

The current global energy crisis presents a unique opportunity to hasten the transition towards clean energy, thereby enhancing energy security. Seizing this opportunity necessitates the amplification of international support and investment.

Image Credit: Vignesh Moorthy