Affordable and sustainable power for all people

The United Nations (UN) recognises that universal access to an affordable, reliable, and modern energy service is a prerequisite and catalyst for improving the living and working conditions of all the world's people. In its 2021 Theme Report on energy access, the UN estimated that currently 759 million people do not have access to electricity. World Bank data indicates that, whilst global access to electricity has been increasing linearly since 1998, in 2019 less than half of the populations of heavily indebted poor countries had access to electricity.

The UN has identified that investment must be made to support the most vulnerable countries to meet their energy targets through inclusion in the transition towards sustainable energy.

It has become clearer that for many communities, the least expensive way to achieve universal electricity access will be through community energy networks and the application of distributed energy resources (DER) rather than reliance on grid connection. This is partly because of the UN’s success in achieving SDG 7.1 through extension of existing grids and other relatively low-cost connections of communities to centralised systems. However, there are few low hanging fruit grid connection solutions for the remaining 759 million people that the UN estimates do not have access to electricity supplies. Also, grid connected electricity generators would likely be from non-renewable fuels with the associated additions to greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy for Good agrees and fully supports the UN’s Social Development Goal (SDG 7.1) which is intended to make universal access a reality. Also, many governments and corporations are mobilising resources to support the achievement of SDG 7.1. We are currently working to identify projects where we can apply the skills of our Collaborators to support achievement of the universal access goals.

Whilst the focus of universal access is rightly placed on those who currently do not have electricity supplies, it is important to ensure that electricity is accessible and affordable for all communities. In many developed countries there are families and individuals who do not have access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy service.

Accordingly, Energy for Good will support community energy projects in any country where there is a need and opportunity to achieve the realisation of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply.

If you have relevant experience and skills, and are willing to help to deliver Power to all Peoples initiatives, please contact Energy for Good.