A report by the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD) on energy access among the urban poor in developing countries calls for recognizing electricity as a basic urban service and promoting related enabling conditions.
The summary report presents the results of research by the network that has sought to bridge the gap in understanding the current clean energy access situation among the urban poor in developing countries, and related barriers and potential solutions.
4 March 2015: A report by the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD) on energy access among the urban poor in developing countries calls for recognizing electricity as a basic urban service and promoting related enabling conditions. The summary report presents the results of research by the network that has sought to bridge the gap in understanding the current clean energy access situation among the urban poor in developing countries, and related barriers and potential solutions.
The report, titled ‘Energy Access Realities in Urban Poor Communities of Developing Countries: Assessments and Recommendations,’ presents a summary for policymakers of work under the third phase of GNESD’s Urban Peri-Urban Energy Access (UPEA) theme, which has included technical country reports and a synthesis report produced by seven GNESD Centres of Excellence in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The report provides a comprehensive view of the clean energy access situation in urban and peri-urban areas in developing countries, including policy recommendations for improvements. The study: identifies specific barriers to energy access on the demand- and supply-sides; analyzes urban and energy policies, and recommends measures for addressing them; and identifies solutions and good practices for enhanced energy access in urban settlements.
Among the key recommendations and action points of the study are: recognizing electricity as a basic service and providing enabling conditions for clean energy access; defining clear roles and responsibilities for the nodal agencies responsible for energy provision; creating a database on the urban poor; incorporating monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in policy planning; and promoting and fostering the use of renewable energy sources.
GNESD, facilitated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), is a network of Centres of Excellence working to improve energy access for the poor in developing countries and help countries achieve their Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with regard to energy access. Through its Centres of Excellence in Africa, Asia and Latin America, GNESD initiated research under its UPEA theme in 2006. [UNEP DTU Press Release] [GNESD UPEA Webpage] [Publication: Energy Access Realities in Urban Poor Communities of Developing Countries]