Abstract
This paper reviews the inadequacies in energy systems in the three most deprived regions across developing countries: South Asia, Sub-Sahara Africa and East Asia. It highlights the weaknesses in energy systems contributing to energy poverty at the national levels as well as discusses overlooked issues which translate to energy poverty at household levels. Based on observations, as a starting point, we suggest a new definition for energy poverty in these regions. Finally, we recommend some policies to address highlighted issues. Adequate energy services are a crucial element for sustainable development and are vital for ensuring a good quality of life for people: a fact which has led to increased interest and attention in the area of energy sectors. However, previous strategies and approaches to eradicate energy poverty have failed to accomplish set goals. One of the arguments for this has been the lack of understanding of the problem and inefficient policies. To combat this problem, which the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts will increase by 2030, if not effectively addressed, a better understanding of the energy systems in the most deprived regions is necessary. In addition to this, more effective energy policies which encourage adequate, reliable and affordable energy services need to be designed.
Keywords
- Energy poverty
- Developing countries
- Sustainable development
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Source World Bank (World Bank Group 2016)
Source World Bank (World Bank Group 2016)
Source Munasinghe and Shearer (1995)
Notes
- 1.
Modern energy systems here refer to electricity and clean cooking fuels.
- 2.
For this purpose, we have used the World Bank region classification method.
- 3.
With adequate heating and cooling meeting the WHO standardised level of acceptable temperatures in a household.
- 4.
In terms of monetary or labour.
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Garba, I., Nieradzinska, K., Bellingham, R. (2019). The Energy Poverty Situation: A Review of Developing Countries. In: Alalouch, C., Abdalla, H., Bozonnet, E., Elvin, G., Carracedo, O. (eds) Advanced Studies in Energy Efficiency and Built Environment for Developing Countries. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-10856-4_4
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