Approximately 730 million people worldwide still lacked access to electricity in 2024, a decline of only 11 million from 2023. with climate risks exacerbating gradually, according to the World Energy Outlook 2025 released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on November 12.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Myanmar, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea together account for 83% of Asia's population still lacking access to electricity. Meanwhile, Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for eight out of ten people globally without electricity.

Ongoing debt burdens, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the global energy crisis, along with cuts in international aid, are hindering progress. Over the past decade, electricity tariffs in many African countries rose more quickly than household incomes.

New electricity connections in Sub-Saharan Africa rose to 6.8 million in 2024, marking a 2% increase from 2023. However, most of these connections were very small Solar Home Systems (SHS), including lanterns and systems up to 10 Wp, which fall short of the IEA's minimum definition of access.

The report states that in terms of energy accessibility and climate change mitigation, global progress has not yet to meet the necessary standards. It also emphasizes that achieving the net-zero emission target globally by mid-century would be critical in limiting long-term global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In the scenario given by the report, the growth in power demand is significantly outpacing overall energy consumption. The demand surge from data centers and artificial intelligence is mainly concentrated in developed economies and China. Renewable energy, especially solar power, continues to see the fastest growth, with China maintaining its position as the largest market for renewable energy. Global nuclear power capacity is expected to grow by at least one-third by 2035.

In terms of fossil fuels, global oil and natural gas supply will remain adequate in the near term, though geopolitical risks persist.

The IEA urges countries to accelerate energy diversification and deepen international cooperation to manage future uncertainties and risks.