This new report presents a unique perspective on energy access in developing countries. Presents the experiences of energy use and deprivation of people living in poverty & alongwith recommendations on policy, financing & capabilities towards creation of a vibrant energy access “ecosystem” of energy product and service providers, engaging public, private & civil society sectors.

Energy poverty is a frequently used term among energy specialists, but unfortunately the concept is rather loosely defined. Several existing approaches measure energy poverty by defining an energy poverty line as the minimum quantity of physical energy needed to perform such basic tasks as cooking and lighting. This
paper proposes an alternative measure that is based on
energy demand.

This report forms part of a project aiming to develop a South-South-North partnership to reshape the impact of a predicted large-scale expansion in global biomass energy use towards greater poverty reduction and maintenance of ecosystem services in developing countries. The consortium of partners represents leading biomass energy researchers from multiple disciplines.