AUTHOR=Che Xiahui , Jiang Minxing , Fan Cheng 

TITLE=Multidimensional Assessment and Alleviation of Global Energy Poverty Aligned With UN SDG 7

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Energy Research

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2021.777244

DOI=10.3389/fenrg.2021.777244

ISSN=2296-598X

ABSTRACT=There are increasing concerns that energy poverty across nations is weakening the global efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A systematic assessment of energy poverty is therefore essential to track the spatiotemporal pattern of SDG 7 and monitor the global efforts in alleviating energy poverty. This paper develops the first Multi-dimensional Energy Poverty Assessment Index (MEAI) incorporating energy availability, affordability and efficiency applicable to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of energy poverty development at global, regional and national scales. Our analyses indicate that the overall MEAI and indices in all dimensions decreased from 2001 to 2016 at a global level with energy affordability experience the highest decline. The MEAI at national level decline within the same period showing significant regional heterogeneity in terms of the sub-index. Energy efficiency in developed and less-developed regions are characterized by high carbon emissions and low energy modernization, respectively. The energy availability indices are lower in developed nations and in nations with abundant energy resources. Overall, our results highlight a sudden increase in MEAI for Central America in 2014, and a gradual decline in MEAI for East Asia during 2014 to 2016. A call for regional actions is critically needed to solve energy poverty from different facets.