Pandemic hampers progress to achieve universal energy access by 2030: UN

Pandemic hampers progress to achieve universal energy access by 2030: UN

The findings are from the 2022 edition of Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report, which monitors global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG7) of ensuring affordable modern energy supply for everyone by 2030.

The study was produced by UN entities and partners, known as the SDG7 custodian agencies, who urge governments and policymakers to step up action.

"International public financing for renewable energy needs to accelerate, especially in the poorest, most vulnerable countries. We have failed to support those most in need," said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), one of the partners.

"With only eight years left to achieve universal access to affordable and sustainable energy, we need radical actions to accelerate the increase of international public financial flows and distribute them in a more equitable manner, so 733 million people who are currently left behind can enjoy the benefits of clean energy access."

COVID-19 impacts such as lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and diversion of fiscal resources to keep food and fuel prices affordable, have affected progress towards achieving SDG 7.

The world’s most vulnerable countries have been particularly affected. Nearly 90 million people in Asia and Africa, who previously gained access to electricity, can no