At a time when energy security and affordability have risen to the top of the development agenda, 655 million people globally still lack access to electricity, and two billion use polluting fuels and technologies for cooking, putting their health and well-being at risk, according to the latest edition of Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report, featuring new 2023 and 2024 data. Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate share of these gaps, with over 560 million living without electricity and 970 million lacking access to clean cooking.
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Key Findings: Progress Stalls and Regional Disparities
Despite gains, progress remains far too slow. In 2024, the global access rate stagnated at 92%, and annual growth halved compared to the previous decade. Sub-Saharan Africa and rural populations are increasingly left behind, with the rural deficit in Sub-Saharan Africa growing from 376 million in 2010 to 447 million in 2024. Achieving universal access by 2030 will now require that the pace of electrification triple, the report warns.
| Indicator | 2023/2024 Data | Context |
|---|---|---|
| People without electricity globally | 655 million | — |
| People lacking clean cooking access | 2 billion | — |
| Sub-Saharan Africa without electricity | 560+ million | 85% of global deficit |
| Sub-Saharan Africa without clean cooking | 970 million | Nearly half of global total |
| Global electricity access rate (2024) | 92% | Stagnant from 2023 |
| Renewable energy share of global electricity consumption | >30% | Continued strong expansion |
| Renewable generating capacity per person | 544 watts | Global record level |
Renewable Energy Gains and Financing Gaps
Renewable energy continued its strong expansion, accounting for over 30% of global electricity consumption, while renewable energy-generating capacity reached a global record of 544 watts per person (enough to power a refrigerator). International public financial flows supporting clean energy in developing countries increased slightly to US$ 24.6 billion. However, financing constraints are hampering progress. International financial flows in support of clean energy to the least developed countries declined significantly, registering $3.7 billion in 2024, an 11% decrease from 2023.
Affordability and Distributed Solutions
Affordability remains a major obstacle to expanding electricity access. Even where infrastructure is available, many households cannot afford connection fees, wiring costs or basic energy services. The report highlights that distributed renewable energy solutions, including off-grid solar and mini-grids, are a cost-effective solution for electricity access, already serving hundreds of millions of people. Electric cooking, bioethanol and biogas are also gaining traction as scalable renewable energy cooking solutions, helping to further diversify clean cooking pathways.
Policy Priorities for Universal Access
Stronger political leadership, improved cross-sector coordination, and a strategic focus on the countries and communities most at risk of being left behind remain cross-cutting priorities in the lead up to 2030. Clear policy signals and sustained implementation are fundamental to diversifying the national energy mix, increasing renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports and bolstering macroeconomic resilience against global supply chain disruptions. Without urgent and scaled-up action, the world will fall short of achieving SDG 7 to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030. The current global energy crisis is still unfolding, and its impact on energy markets and the broader economy are expected to be significant.
