Affordable and clean energy

Over the last decade, access to electricity has expanded, use of renewable energy in the electricity sector has increased, and energy efficiency has improved. Still, millions of people are without electricity, and one third of the global population lack clean cooking fuels and technologies. Progress in ensuring energy access has been uneven across regions, leaving the most vulnerable even further behind. The pandemic is reversing progress and causing millions of people to lose access to electricity. Moreover, depressed oil and gas prices are likely to discourage uptake of clean energy technologies. On the positive side, lower fossil fuel prices provide an opportunity for Governments to reform fossil fuel subsidies. Stimulus plans designed to boost economic growth, protect workers and create jobs could scale up the deployment of clean energy technologies.