On planet Earth they inhabit more than 7.000 million people registered. The number of people in the world is probably even greater. However, not all people on this planet have equal access to energy resources. As is common, energy inequality is present in all countries of the world, which generates situations of energy poverty.
Energy poverty affects around 3.900 billion people worldwide. That is, more than half of the world's population does not have decent energy resources comparable to those of the most developed countries. Among them, 2.600 billion depend on firewood for cooking and lighting, an inefficient and harmful source for health. In the most extreme cases, 1.300 billion people lack electricity as such.
This not only impacts the daily lives of millions of people, but also creates knock-on effects that affect health, education and economic development. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, 80% of the population without access to electricity faces the most serious challenges.
What is energy poverty? Definition and dimensions
Energy poverty refers to the inability or difficulty of a household to meet its basic energy needs, which affects them in aspects such as air conditioning, lighting, cooking and the use of other essential appliances. According to the World Health Organization, a home should maintain between 18 and 22°C in winter and 25°C in summer, something that millions of households fail to achieve due to their precarious energy situation.
In developed countries, the problem is more about the economic strain of paying bills, while in developing countries, the lack of direct access to modern energy sources, such as electricity or gas, aggravates the situation.
Main causes of energy poverty they are three: high energy prices, low household income, and the energy inefficiency housing. In addition, there are factors such as insufficient support policies or lack of access to modern and efficient energy sources.
Consequences of energy poverty
Not having access to sufficient energy seriously impacts the health and the well-being of people. Burning firewood and charcoal for cooking generates indoor pollution, responsible for approximately 3,2 million premature deaths annually, according to OMSWomen and children, who are often the ones who cook in rural settings, are the main victims of this contamination.
In addition, energy poverty drives the social inequalityIn areas where there is no electricity, access to education., employment y decent health is limited. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, only 24% of medical centres have electricity, which makes it difficult to distribute vaccines and treatments.
Situation of energy poverty in the world
According to the 2024 report Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report, 685 million people still lack electricityIn 2022, the number of people without access to electricity increased for the first time in more than a decade due to geopolitical conflicts, energy crises and economic problems.
Access to Clean technologies for cooking is another challenge: more than 2.100 million people continue to use fuels that are harmful to health. If this trend continues, the goal will not be achieved. Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) of the UN.
Sub-Saharan Africa It is the region with the greatest energy inequality: more than 80% of people without access to electricity live there.
Solutions to energy poverty
Ending energy poverty requires a multifaceted approach that combines palliative measures y structuralAmong the first, we find programs such as Social Electricity Bonus and the Thermal Social Bonus in Spain, which provide financial assistance to vulnerable households.
housing renovations Energy efficiency improvements are another important pillar. Improving insulation, replacing windows and installing more efficient heating and cooling systems can significantly reduce energy costs and improve the quality of life of affected families.
At a global level, initiatives are being promoted to increase access to clean energies and sustainable. Initiatives such as the project of decentralized energy In Africa—mainly through solar energy—they are playing a key role in bringing electricity to remote areas.
In 2022, international financial flows to support clean energy reached 15.400 million, a considerable increase compared to the previous year. However, this effort is still insufficient to cover all the affected regions.
Necessary measures and actions against energy poverty
- Public policies and subsidies: Governments and international organizations must continue to implement programs such as the Electric Social Bonus and the National Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty to reduce the risk of exclusion in vulnerable households.
- Energy rehabilitation of homes: Improve the energy efficiency of buildings to reduce the amount of energy needed, adapting them to new requirements and technologies.
- Education and awareness: Promote energy saving measures in homes, as well as the importance of investing in efficient appliances and sustainable forms of energy consumption.
International collaboration, investment in renewable energy and government commitment to public health and social equality are essential to eradicating this phenomenon that affects millions of people.