Integrated Electrification Pathways for Universal Access to Electricity

The document argues that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 requires a shift from fragmented electrification efforts to Integrated Electrification Pathways (IEPs). IEPs are defined as inclusive planning approaches that leverage a mix of grid, mini-grid, and off-grid technologies based on human needs and sustainable development goals. The guide outlines four key features of IEPs—contextualizing access within human needs, considering all technological delivery models, securing high-level political commitment, and implementing market-enabling policies—and provides a five-step planning process. This process includes establishing a coordinating body, engaging experts, utilizing geospatial data and modeling tools, developing supportive regulations, and mobilizing diverse finance to support both developers and consumers.

• Global progress toward universal electricity access is insufficient to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7; as of 2017, 840 million people remained without access, with 573 million of those located in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• There is a significant imbalance in funding for energy access, with only approximately 1% of global finance directed toward mini-grid and off-grid solutions, despite the increasing business case for decentralized options in rural areas.
• Integrated Electrification Pathways (IEPs) prioritize the 'tier' of access required based on the specific needs of the user, recognizing that basic household needs differ from the higher power requirements of schools, hospitals, and industry.
• Decentralized generation is estimated by the IEA to be the least-cost option for increasing access in most cases, with solar home systems and mini-grids expected to provide up to 75% of the additional connections needed for universal access in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Effective IEPs require a level playing field for public and private providers; currently, only 37% of utilities in countries with low electrification rates meet basic creditworthiness criteria, often relying on government subsidies to keep tariffs low.
• The planning process for IEPs should utilize geospatial databases and modeling tools—such as the Open Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET), Network Planner, and the Reference Electrification Model—to determine the most cost-effective technology based on population density and distance to the grid.
• To ensure the viability of decentralized investments, governments should implement specific policy measures, including removing import duties on components, establishing fast licensing for mini-grids, and creating interconnection standards to protect investors if the central grid arrives.

APA

Sustainable Energy for All (2019). Integrated Electrification Pathways for Universal Access to Electricity. https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2019-06/SEforALL_IEP_2019.pdf

Chicago

Sustainable Energy for All. Integrated Electrification Pathways for Universal Access to Electricity. 2019. https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2019-06/SEforALL_IEP_2019.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Sustainable Energy for All |title=Integrated Electrification Pathways for Universal Access to Electricity |date=May 2019 |url=https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2019-06/SEforALL_IEP_2019.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sustainableenergyforall2019integrated, author = {{Sustainable Energy for All}}, title = {{Integrated Electrification Pathways for Universal Access to Electricity}}, institution = {Sustainable Energy for All}, year = {2019}, month = may, url = {https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2019-06/SEforALL_IEP_2019.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }