It's hard to believe that while in Europe we worry about the price of a kilowatt-hour to run the dishwasher, the reality is so different in the rest of the world. The most recent data reveals a figure that should give us pause: 655 million people lack electricity in their homes, a situation that not only turns off light bulbs, but also brings to a screeching halt any opportunity for economic or social development in the most vulnerable regions.
This gap is not a stagnant problem; rather, it seems to have gained dangerous momentum. Although many areas of the planet have made progress and are approaching full coverage, the report on energy progress warns that the pace of electrification It needs to triple if we are to meet international targets before the end of this decade. Energy security has become a priority for all governments, but solutions are not reaching all corners of the world equally and at the same pace.
The paralysis of progress in Sub-Saharan Africa
If we look closely at the map, it's clear that the African continent is bearing the brunt of this crisis. In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 560 million people live in poverty, a disproportionate burden that jeopardizes their future. And if that weren't enough, the global access rate It has stagnated at 92%, and the annual growth of connections has been reduced by almost half compared to what was being achieved ten years ago.
The difference between living in a city and in the countryside creates an insurmountable chasm in these regions. While infrastructure is generally more readily available in urban centers, rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa suffer from a lack of connectivity. has increased alarminglyrising from 376 million in 2010 to almost 450 million today. This demonstrates that current policies are not sufficient to reach those living far from major cities.
To ensure no one is left behind, simply laying cables isn't enough; energy must be affordable. Affordability is currently the biggest obstacle many households can't overcome. Even when there are power lines near the house, the cost of connecting to the grid or basic monthly bills They are prohibitive for families struggling for the bare necessities, forcing them to seek much more imaginative and humane financing mechanisms.
Public health and stagnant investment
The problem doesn't end with the lack of electricity; it extends directly to cooking. Some 2.000 billion people, a quarter of humanity, still cook with wood, coal, or kerosene, turning the air in their homes into an invisible poison. In fact, the WHO warns that three million deaths annually They are directly related to pollution from domestic fumes, especially affecting women and children who spend more time at home.
Regarding clean energy, it's not all bad news, although there are important nuances. It's true that renewables already generate more than 30% of the world's electricity and that capacity per person has reached a historic record, but the distribution is anything but fair. While high-income countries generate more than 1.200 watts per capita, the poorest nations... This figure drops drastically down to just over 33 watts, a tiny amount that would barely be enough to keep a couple of light bulbs lit.
The most worrying aspect of all is that, precisely when money is most needed, international financial flows to less developed countries have plummeted. There has been an 11% drop in support for clean energy in these regions, leaving investment at levels that They don't even come close to covering it. basic needs. Moreover, most of this money comes in the form of debt, which is a noose around the necks of economies already struggling under the strain of the global crisis.
To correct course, it is essential that international political leadership stop turning a blind eye and take energy efficiency seriously. Strengthening measures across all sectors not only protects the planet, but is also the fastest way to reduce costs and emissions In one fell swoop. Ultimately, ensuring that every home has a power outlet and a decent kitchen is not just a matter of cables and voltage, but a health and social justice imperative that will define our success as a global society in the coming years.