A2E - Access to Energy

Access to Energy - brief outlook

There are more than 685 million people without electricity access in the world, of which 83% (569 million) live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the electricity consumed in that region is not affordable or reliable. And 2,1 billion people have no access to clean cooking, usually generated through inefficient combustion of solid biomass - mainly wood or charcoal. This is increasing deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and not creating sustainable economies and well-being.

EDP’s role

EDP promotes Access to Energy (A2E) in emerging markets while supporting leadership in energy transition. Access to Energy reflects EDP's constant commitment to the local communities where it operates.

The EDP Group launched the A2E program in 2009, starting with a project at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. This initiative, a joint effort between EDP and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), implemented energy efficiency measures and solar power solutions for heating, lighting, water purification, and pumping, significantly improving the quality of life for thousands of refugees.

Since then, A2E projects have expanded to several countries, encompassing own developed projects, consulting, and investment in energy access companies. Currently, the focus is primarily on Corporate Social Responsibility activities through the EDP’s A2E CSR Fund.

By promoting access to energy in regions where a significant part of the population still lacks access to electricity, EDP not only provides access to affordable and clean energy but also enables broader impacts, such as poverty reduction, education, health, economic growth, and climate change mitigation.

Globally, EDP has already invested more than €16 million in energy access, directly benefiting more than 400,000 people and indirectly aiding over 3 million.