Why it Matters
- >0BillionBillion
people face energy shortfalls, and 849 million people live without access to any electricity worldwide
- 0%%
people in sub-Saharan Africa, the continent with the lowest access rate, are without electricity today
- 0%%
of global carbon emissions will come from low-and middle-income countries by 2050 if they stay on their current trajectory
Overview
Energy is fundamental to modern living and a prosperous economy. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) calls for modern energy access for all, defined as 50-100 kWh per person per year at home.
100 kWh is enough to power several light bulbs for a few hours a day, charge a mobile phone, and occasionally run a fan or other small appliance. It’s not enough for modern appliances.
The access target does not cover energy used outside the home, even though most electricity is used in Industry and commerce.
Basic electricity access, as currently measured for SDG7, is necessary, but only a first step.
Our Strategy
- 1Scaling through the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP): We’re taking urgent action to end energy poverty and support inclusive energy transitions. We made the biggest bet in The Rockefeller Foundation's history in GEAPP, to unleash a renewable energy revolution in 80+ nations.
- 2Strengthening Energy Ecosystems in collaboration with GEAPP: We’re creating market tipping points to drive transformational change in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on advancing green grids, scaling distributed renewable energy, and building robust green economies.
- 3Spurring Clean Energy Investments: We incubate and invest in strategies to accelerate inclusive global energy transitions led by GEAPP and our other partners. We focus on creating energy transition architecture for Africa, developing innovative approaches to expand energy access, and propelling global shifts to clean energy.
- Report
Scaling the JETP Model – Prospects and Pathways for Action
For the first time, world leaders agreed to “transition away” from fossil fuels at COP28. The only way to achieve this—to avoid the worst of climate change—is to make this transition a path for human progress and development. However, people are being left behind in the ongoing climate transformation—that inequity is not only unjust, but also driving polarization, undermining democracy, and destabilizing the world.Download PDF
Featured Content
- The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) analysis, supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, found that preventing nine planned Indonesian coal plants would avoid nearly 300 million tons of emissions for less than 80 cents per ton of CO2. This study emphasizes the significant environmental benefits of shifting Indonesia's energy sector from coal to cleaner alternatives.
Impact Stories
We are dedicated to equitably expanding clean energy and jobs globally
Recent News
- Jun 21 2024Statement From Ashvin Dayal, Senior Vice President of Power & Climate at The Rockefeller Foundation, on Urgent Need To Accelerate Energy Transitions in Emerging and Developing Economies
- Apr 19 2024Energy Transition Accelerator Advances With New Secretariat, Expert Consultative Group
- Apr 17 2024ACEN and Rockefeller Foundation Pilot Could Avoid up to 19 Million Tons of CO2 via Carbon Financing