Despite significant growth in renewable energy, the world remains off track to achieve universal access to affordable and reliable energy by 2030, according to the latest, Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2026. The report shows that 655 million people worldwide still live without electricity, while nearly two billion people continue to rely on polluting fuels and technologies for cooking.

The findings highlight a widening gap between global energy ambitions and on-the-ground progress. While electricity access reached 92 percent globally in 2024, growth has slowed sharply compared with the previous decade. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region, accounting for more than 560 million people without electricity and around 970 million people lacking access to clean cooking solutions.

Renewable Energy Expands, But Access Gaps Persist

The report notes that renewable energy now provides more than 30 percent of global electricity consumption. Global renewable energy-generating capacity reached a record 544 watts per person. However, major inequalities remain. Low-income countries averaged only 33.6 watts of renewable capacity per person, compared with 1,224 watts in high-income economies.

Distributed renewable energy systems, including off-grid solar and mini-grids, continue to expand access in underserved regions. Experts say these technologies can help accelerate electrification where traditional grid expansion remains costly or difficult.

Affordability Emerges as Key Barrier

Researchers found that infrastructure alone does not guarantee energy access. Many households cannot afford connection charges, wiring costs, or regular energy services. The report identifies affordability as one of the most significant barriers to achieving universal access.

Progress on clean cooking also remains slow. Around one-quarter of the global population still depends on charcoal, wood, kerosene, and other polluting fuels. Household air pollution linked to these fuels contributes to an estimated three million deaths annually.

Financing and Policy Action Under Scrutiny

International public financial flows supporting clean energy in developing countries rose slightly to US$24.6 billion in 2024. However, funding for the least developed countries declined by 11 percent to US$3.7 billion. The report concludes that stronger policy implementation, targeted subsidies, expanded financing, and faster renewable energy deployment will be necessary to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7 by 2030.