10 December 2018: The World Bank and Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) have released a report titled, ‘Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) 2018: Policy Matters, a Global Inventory of Policies and Regulations.’ The publication allows States to compare their progress and identify areas for policy reform in support of achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy for all).

The report reviews sustainable energy policies in 133 States, including adoption of policies for energy access, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean cooking. The analysis finds that the number of States with strong sustainable energy regulatory frameworks has grown from 17 advanced economies in 2010 to 59 in 2017. Furthermore, there are strong performers in every region of the developing world.

Regarding energy access, the publication notes that countries that have increased their electricity rates have also implemented improved energy access policies. Furthermore, policy makers are shifting attention to off-grid solutions for closing the gap in access to electricity. On renewable energy, on the other hand, the authors find little progress in decarbonizing heating and transportation, which account for 80% of global energy use.

For energy efficiency, the global average score is low with only 25% of States having implemented advanced policy frameworks on energy efficiency. Measures for clean cooking continue to be underfunded by policy makers. The report notes that clean cooking needs better producer incentives for adoption of cleaner technologies.

“Without accelerated adoption of good policies, and strong enforcement, the world’s climate goals and SDG7 are at risk.”

Overall, the report concludes that progress on SDG 7 is too slow. Riccardo Puliti, World Bank Senior Director for Energy and Extractives stated in a press release that “the report […] contains a warning that without accelerated adoption of good policies, and strong enforcement, the world’s climate goals and SDG7 are at risk.” The RISE report concludes that policy enforcement is a key challenge and requires more backing from institutions. [World Bank: Press Release] [New RISE report highlights growth in sustainable energy policies] [Policy Matters: Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy]