Access to electricity reached 92% of the world’s population by the end of 2025. Thus, more than 300 million people joined the service in the last decade. However, progress lost momentum after the pandemic.
Although new households are connected each year, the pace is insufficient. Therefore, the goal of universal access by 2030 seems increasingly distant. Consequently, millions of people continue to rely on polluting sources.
If the current trend continues, the gap will persist in the coming years. Thus, energy inequality will continue to impact health and the environment. Additionally, opportunities for sustainable development will be limited.
Still millions live in darkness
Despite the advances, more than 660 million people lack electricity. The majority live in impoverished regions and far from major urban centers. Therefore, access remains deeply unequal.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for about 85% of the global deficit. There, eight out of ten people still do not have electric supply. This shortage affects education, health, and environmental protection.
Economic difficulties worsen the situation. Added to this are armed conflicts and the reduction of international aid. As a result, electrifying these areas becomes increasingly complex.
Regional gaps and uneven progress
Asia has made significant progress in recent years. Countries like India and Indonesia have achieved universal access. However, other nations remain stagnant in progress.
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Korea account for much of the Asian gap. Since 2021, growth in these territories has been minimal. Thus, millions of people continue to rely on domestic fossil fuels.
In Africa, signs of improvement are beginning to appear. The expansion of solar energy and new public policies are driving change. Even so, progress remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Latin America, close to the goal but with environmental challenges
The region reached 98% access to electricity in 2024. However, the last percentage points are difficult to cover. Remote areas have the greatest debt.
The Andean highlands and the Amazon remain poorly served. There, the extension of conventional networks is costly and environmentally sensitive. Therefore, closing the gap could take more than a decade.
In Haiti, the situation is especially critical. Approximately half of the population lacks electricity. This shortage deepens social and ecological vulnerability.
Countries with better access and how they generate their electricity
Nations with almost total access to electricity are concentrated in Western Europe. There, consolidated networks and stable energy policies ensure supply. Additionally, the weight of renewable energies is growing.
Nordic countries lead the sustainable model. They obtain electricity from hydroelectric, wind, and biomass. Thus, they reduce emissions and protect their ecosystems.
In Asia, Japan and South Korea combine efficient networks with advanced technology. Meanwhile, North America maintains high access through diversified systems. Together, these models show that electrification and environmental care can advance hand in hand.
