Taking the Pulse

The report 'Taking the Pulse 2019' identifies a total financing need of $6.4 billion by 2030 to achieve SDG 7 in Madagascar, the Philippines, and Uganda. It breaks down these needs by technology—mini-grids, standalone solar systems, and improved cookstoves—and by capital type, including grants, equity, debt, and affordability gap funding. The analysis highlights that while grid electrification remains important, off-grid solutions are essential for reaching isolated populations. The report provides specific projections for each country, noting that Uganda has seen success in standalone solar, the Philippines relies heavily on mini-grids due to its geography, and Madagascar faces severe infrastructure and affordability challenges. It concludes with policy recommendations for development partners, governments, and investors to mobilize the necessary capital and create enabling regulatory environments.

• To achieve SDG 7 in Madagascar, the Philippines, and Uganda, a total of $6.4 billion in financing is required by 2030 for off-grid electricity and clean cooking solutions. This is distributed as $2.4 billion for Madagascar, $1.8 billion for the Philippines, and $2.3 billion for Uganda.
• The $6.4 billion total financing requirement is composed of approximately $800 million in grants, $1.7 billion in equity, $2.1 billion in debt, and $1.8 billion to address the affordability gap for households.
• Standalone solar systems are projected to be a major driver of access, particularly in Uganda, where they are expected to account for 52% of new domestic connections by 2030, requiring $1.76 billion in total funding (averaging $160 million annually).
• In the Philippines, mini-grids are critical due to the country's archipelagic geography. The forecast predicts access for 1.2 million households via mini-grids by 2030, requiring $354 million in capital.
• Madagascar faces the most acute affordability challenges, with over 60% of households unable to afford basic energy access without cost reductions. Standalone solar is projected to require $1.85 billion by 2030, including $662 million to bridge the affordability gap.
• Clean cooking access remains a significant challenge. The report projects financing needs for improved cookstoves and clean fuels of $523 million in the Philippines, $537 million in Uganda, and $365 million in Madagascar.
• The report argues that achieving SDG 7 requires a shift in financing mechanisms, including the use of blended finance where governments use concessional funding to mitigate risks for private commercial investors.

APA

Sustainable Energy for All (n.d.). Taking the Pulse. https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2019-10/EF-2019-TP-ES-fr-SEforALL.pdf

Chicago

Sustainable Energy for All. Taking the Pulse. n.d. https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2019-10/EF-2019-TP-ES-fr-SEforALL.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Sustainable Energy for All |title=Taking the Pulse |url=https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2019-10/EF-2019-TP-ES-fr-SEforALL.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sustainableenergyforallndtaking, author = {{Sustainable Energy for All}}, title = {{Taking the Pulse}}, institution = {Sustainable Energy for All}, url = {https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2019-10/EF-2019-TP-ES-fr-SEforALL.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }