Celebrating the 2nd International Day of Clean Energy

A moment to reflect on what it takes to create a more inclusive and sustainable energy future

On 26 January, the world celebrates the second International Day of Clean Energy. It is an important day that aims to celebrate progress, reflect on challenges, and recommit to ensuring that no one is left behind in the clean energy transition.

Developing nations are at the heart of the clean energy revolution. With growing populations, rapid urbanization, and an urgent need for sustainable development, it is expected that about 85% of additional electricity demand between now and 2026 will come from emerging and developing economies.

Access to clean energy is foundational for improving living standards, reducing poverty, and fostering economic growth. Yet 685 million people worldwide—many in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia—still lack access to electricity, with millions more relying on polluting and harmful fuels posing severe health risks, particularly to women and children.

Our SEforALL analysis shows that if we do not urgently raise ambition, the number of people without electricity access may stay the same by 2030 with 660 million people living without electricity, and 1.8 billion people not having access to clean cooking solutions.

If we are to achieve SDG7 by 2030, we must provide electricity access to 157 million people per year; and increase clean cooking access by 334 million people each year.

We therefore need to urgently come together to prioritize financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives to close these energy access gaps.

Mission 300, launched by the World Bank Group in partnership with the African Development Bank, is one such initiative that is scaling investment in both on-grid and off-grid solutions to power growth and deliver electricity access to some of the most remote and vulnerable communities in Africa.

The scale and the broad-based partnership within Mission 300 are like nothing we have attempted before, it brings together strong leadership from African governments, with diverse partners and the private sector to drive impact.

Mission 300 demonstrates what is possible when partners come together, and this should be replicated in other regions to ensure we leave no one behind.

As we celebrate this day, let us remember that achieving universal access to clean energy by 2030—a key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7)—requires collaboration on a global scale.

The journey toward a clean energy future is one that should be guided by the principles of justice and equality. Developing countries, with their vast untapped potential, hold the key to a sustainable future, and we must renew our commitment to building a world where clean energy is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.

Together, we can illuminate the path toward a brighter, cleaner, and more equitable future for generations to come.

Happy International Day of Clean Energy.