The latest edition of the "Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025" reveals that nearly 92% of the global population now has basic access to electricity. Despite this progress, over 666 million people remain without access, highlighting a shortfall in reaching universal electricity access by 2030. The report emphasizes the importance of decentralized renewable energy solutions to accelerate access, particularly for remote and lower-income areas.
The report also notes that clean cooking access is advancing at a slower pace than seen in previous decades. An estimated 1.5 billion people in rural areas still lack access to clean cooking solutions, with over 2 billion people relying on polluting fuels like firewood and charcoal.
International financial flows supporting clean energy in developing countries have grown for three consecutive years, reaching USD 21.6 billion in 2023. However, regional disparities persist, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where renewables deployment remains limited compared to other developing regions.
Key findings show that while significant strides have been made since 2015, with around 310 million gaining electricity access, sub-Saharan Africa still accounts for the majority of those without it. Similarly, only minor improvements were observed in global clean cooking fuel access between 2022 and 2023.
Quotes from key figures underscore the urgency for increased investment and international cooperation to overcome existing challenges:
Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency highlights slow progress in expanding electricity and clean cooking access, calling for greater investment.
Francesco La Camera from the International Renewable Energy Agency points out record growth in renewables but stresses the need for more affordable financing.
Stefan Schweinfest from the United Nations Statistics Division urges collective efforts to build on achievements and address stagnation in renewable energy use beyond electricity consumption.
Guangzhe Chen of the World Bank emphasizes accelerating electricity connections as part of initiatives like Mission 300 across African nations.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus from WHO calls for urgent action against pollutants affecting both health and environment through enhanced clean cooking solutions.
The report will be presented at a special event on July 16 during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York.
About the report: Published by SDG7 custodian agencies including IEA, IRENA, UNSD, World Bank, and WHO; chaired by IRENA this year; funded by World Bank’s ESMAP program. Available at https://trackingsdg7.esmap.org/