Advantage energy

Abstract

It is estimated that 1.4 billion people – 20% of the global population – lack access to electricity and that a further 1 billion lack reliable access. Some 2.7 billion people – 40% of the global population – rely on traditional use of biomass for cooking (IEA, 2010a). Although these statistics are well known to many already engaged in the energy aspect of the development agenda, they serve as a relevant reminder of the scale of the challenge. It is also worth reiterating that lack of access to modern energy services is most prominent in emerging economies and developing countries, although issues of energy access and energy poverty1 are evident throughout the world.