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Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) has rescheduled its Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, to early 2022 to ensure a full in-person experience, as the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to impact events through much of 2021. In the interim, SEforALL intends to drive action on SDG7 via the High-Level Dialogue on Energy, COP26, a global campaign, and a Virtual Youth Summit in February 2021.

The 2020 Energizing Finance report finds a widening gap between actual and required investment for universal energy access, with funding failing to reach the countries with the greatest need. In 2018, only USD 16 billion of the required USD 41 billion for residential electrification was tracked in high-impact countries, and clean cooking finance remained far below the USD 4.5 billion annual requirement. The report highlights a concerning shift toward fossil fuel-generated electricity and a lack of private sector investment in clean cooking, urging a move away from business-as-usual approaches toward coordinated, sustainable financing.

The report identifies a significant lag between energy finance commitments and disbursements, noting that while energy disbursements in high-impact countries (HICs) grew by over 61% between 2013 and 2018—outpacing overall development finance growth of 12%—substantial funding gaps remain. It argues that approximately USD 45 billion per year is required between 2020 and 2030 to meet SDG7 targets and emphasizes that project design and coordination are key to reducing disbursement delays.

This case study examines how Rwanda's domestic policy frameworks, tariff structures, and utility restructuring have increased electricity access, using the World Bank's Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) index as a benchmarking tool.

This case study examines the clean cooking landscape in Bangladesh, highlighting the country's success in attracting finance despite significant gaps in access and the investment requirements needed to reach universal access by 2030.

The briefing examines the critical role of cold chains in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, highlighting the gap between current infrastructure and the requirements of new vaccine candidates, some of which need ultra-low temperatures (-70C to -80C). It identifies significant barriers in low- and middle-income countries, including unreliable energy access, outdated equipment, and high upfront costs. The report argues that achieving herd immunity requires a massive expansion of sustainable, energy-efficient cold chains and proposes strategies such as 'Cooling as a Service' (CaaS), public-private partnerships like Project Last Mile, and a 'last mile' planning approach to ensure equitable access.

The Recover Better with Sustainable Energy Guide for Southeast Asian Nations outlines the economic benefits and strategic opportunities for Southeast Asian countries to integrate sustainable energy into their recovery efforts and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The SEforALL Anti-Terrorism Policy outlines a zero-tolerance framework to prevent the financing of terrorism, integrating risk management with financial controls and reporting mechanisms. It mandates rigorous vetting of staff and partners through international databases, establishes a confidential reporting hotline, and defines the responsibilities of leadership and staff in maintaining compliance with international and national counter-terrorism legislation.

This outcome document synthesizes discussions from a series of virtual consultative meetings hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) focused on improving and standardizing data for integrated energy planning, specifically addressing data gaps and quality in geospatial least-cost modelling for electrification and clean cooking.

AMMP Technologies provides a digital platform for the remote monitoring and operation of nearly 1,000 decentralized energy systems across 17 countries. The service allows energy companies to identify performance issues in real-time, reducing operational costs and preventing power outages in rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for such remote services due to mobility restrictions and the critical need to maintain power for healthcare facilities. To support further growth and platform expansion, AMMP raised €1.15M in venture funding in September 2020.

This briefing analyzes international finance commitments and disbursements to Sierra Leone following the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, noting a sharp decline in energy sector investments despite the sector's importance for healthcare resilience during pandemics.

The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Whistleblowing Policy provides a framework for reporting serious concerns such as fraud, corruption, and safeguarding issues. It applies to all staff, consultants, volunteers, Ambassadors, and Administrative Board members, as well as funded partners lacking their own policy. The policy guarantees protection against retaliation for those acting in good faith and establishes a reporting chain led by the Compliance Officer, with escalation paths to the Chief of Staff, CEO, and Administrative Board. It defines specific response timelines, requiring an initial acknowledgement within 5 working days and a final response within 28 to 65 working days. SEforALL commits to maintaining a Whistleblowing Incident Register and disclosing allegations to funding partners upon request.

The document examines how the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone led to a sharp decline in energy sector financing as Official Development Assistance (ODA) was redirected toward immediate health emergencies. It argues that this siloed approach undermined long-term healthcare resilience, as reliable electricity is critical for medical services. To avoid repeating these mistakes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the brief recommends integrated planning between the energy and health sectors, increased de-risking of private investments, and the use of renewable energy for economic recovery.

The report outlines the critical role of geospatial least-cost modelling in achieving universal energy access, while highlighting significant data gaps in demand-side considerations, grid infrastructure, and clean cooking patterns. It argues for a shift from static to dynamic data inputs and suggests that integrating electrification and clean cooking planning can double the viability of electric cookstoves. The document provides frameworks for key data inputs and proposes cost-effective methods for filling gaps, such as AI-driven remote sensing and cell phone-based surveys.

SEforALL has transitioned to a strategic model that combines global agenda-setting with data-driven in-country implementation. Key achievements include the launch of the Universal Energy Facility for mini-grids in Sierra Leone and Madagascar, support for Nigeria's 5 million solar connections programme, and the development of 'Recover Better' guides for the Caribbean and Southeast Asia to integrate sustainable energy into COVID-19 recovery. The organization is also leading preparations for the 2021 UN High-Level Dialogue on Energy and co-chairing the Energy Transition Council for COP26.

The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Anti-Corruption, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Fraud Policy mandates a zero-tolerance approach to financial misconduct for all staff, board members, and funded partners. It defines various forms of corruption—including grand and petty corruption, bribery, embezzlement, and extortion—and outlines a reporting structure led by a Compliance Officer. The policy details disciplinary actions, including dismissal and criminal prosecution, and provides protections for whistleblowers acting in good faith. To mitigate risk, SEforALL implements 'Know Your Service Provider' due diligence, background checks for new staff, and a three-year policy review cycle.

The SEforALL Anti-Money Laundering Policy mandates a zero-tolerance approach to money laundering and terrorist financing for all staff, ambassadors, and funded partners. It outlines a framework for risk identification through 'red flags', requires 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) due diligence for partners, and establishes a strict reporting chain led by a Compliance Officer. The policy emphasizes compliance with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and specific legal requirements in Austria, including the maintenance of financial records for at least five years.

The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Safeguarding Policy, approved on September 30, 2020, establishes a framework to prevent and respond to harm, abuse, and neglect involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The policy mandates a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation and outlines specific responsibilities for staff, leadership, and partners to ensure the safety of individuals interacting with the organization's operations and programmes.

Rift Valley Energy established a 4-megawatt hydro-power station and a subsequent 2.4-megawatt wind farm to provide reliable electricity to businesses, households, and institutions in Tanzania's Mufindi district and surrounding regions, reducing dependence on an intermittent national grid.

Agnisumukh develops flameless, radiant heat gas burners for commercial kitchens in India, reducing fuel consumption by approximately 30% and eliminating carbon soot. Founded in 2014 by Hari Rao, the company provides alternatives to traditional firewood and inefficient LPG burners, serving over 100 clients in 500 kitchens, including the President of India and the Prime Minister’s Office. The company's innovations have resulted in carbon savings of approximately 7,337 tons and the preservation of 469,201 trees.