Achieving universal energy access in a low-carbon future

Time: 13:15-14:30

This event draws on analysis behind the World Energy Outlook’s Sustainable Development Scenario, a benchmark scenario to achieve three energy-related sustainable development goals (SDGs) – providing universal energy access, reducing air pollution and related health implications, and tackling climate change.

Opening remarks: Minoru Takada, Team Leader of Sustainable Energy, UNDESA

Presentation: Andrew Prag, Head of Environment and Climate Change Unit, IEA
Panel discussion: Laura Merrill, IISD; Linus Mofor, African Climate Policy Centre; Youba Sokona, the South Centre; Rana Adib, REN21.

After a presentation on IEA’s recent findings on energy access, a panel discussion will follow exploring challenges to accelerating energy access and interlinkages between energy access and gender equality. The discussion will likely expand on the following themes:

A review of recent progress on energy access (SDG 7.1) – we will provide the latest data on access to electricity and clean cooking, based on the latest data released in the World Energy Outlook-2018. Key findings are that for the first time the number of people without access to electricity fell below 1 billion, and updated data show that the number of people without clean cooking facilities is declining gradually.

Synergies between energy access and climate mitigation (SDG 13). In our proposed pathway to 2030, pursuing a least-cost strategy for closing the energy access gap has no negative impact on achieving climate change goals. Indeed, there is likely to be a net climate benefit due to displacing the traditional use of biomass for cooking.

Linkages between energy access and many other SDGs. Energy access is a cornerstone for economic and social development, so achieving SDG 7.1 brings benefits for many other SDGs. A particular focus could be on improving gender equality (SDG 5), building on analysis in the latest World Energy Outlook.