Energy
Nearly two billion people in the world – concentrated mainly in rural areas of developing countries - do not have access to modern energy services. Sub-Sahara Africa is a dramatic example of inequality in the energy field, with over 80% of the population having limited access to modern forms of energy.
Energy and development
On average, per capita electricity consumption in developing countries is barely one tenth of the consumption in the EU. Sub-Sahara Africa is a dramatic example of inequality. Large populations in Asia, particularly South Asia, and in Latin America live under similar conditions.
The social and economic development of poor communities is limited by the present unsustainable use of wood and other forms of biomass for energy purposes.
The EU Energy Initiative (EUEI) “will raise political awareness among high level decision-makers, encourage the coherence and synergy of energy-related activities and attract new resources (capital, technology, human resources) from the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and end-users.” It seeks to promote equitable access to energy for all.
The European Commission is active in all the geographical regions. For instance, the ACP-EU Energy Facilityis a EU contribution to the financing of projects that deliver energy services to poor rural areas, and to leveraging other sources of funds in the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.