Asia Pacific is on track to see 100% electricity access soon. And that’s a big deal.
The news come via a recent report card on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal-or SDGs-of which “Affordable & Clean Energy” is number 7.
It can’t come too soon for the 200M people still without electricity, but the region managed to connect nearly 700M people between 2010 & 2018. Not a bad achievement.
Governments and their partners—including the International Copper Association (ICA) I’m pleased to say—have played a big part in both extending electrification access, but also making sure its safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable.
The UN report said electricity came in 3 ways: “national grid extension covering large populated areas, renewable energy based microgrids servicing fewer households in remote areas, and standalone solar home systems-aka “nano grids”-for households.”
The ICA in the Asia Pacific—most notably in China and India—has been key partners in helping write national electricity standards, improve wiring for specific communities, and promoting the importance of safe wiring to prevent destructive fires or waste.
But with over 4B people, the region uses more than half the world’s energy & with one of the biggest demands. The vast majority comes from fossil fuels as well as relying on traditional biomass use-eg wood combustion-for cooking and heating.
That has to change. The region is outpacing most of the world largely due to significant growth in China, India and Australia, but renewables like wind and solar still account for only around 6.8% of total energy consumption.
The UN says Asia Pacific next needs to deliver 24/7 electricity supply. It can be done with investment & innovation. And copper of course.
Cheers
John Fennell
