Using WRI’s Energy Access Explorer, recently named the first “digital public good” for energy, businesses, financiers and over 100 governments in Africa and South Asia are working to expand energy access and grow local economies through clean energy adoption.
The Challenge
Energy is fundamental to human wellbeing and economic growth, powering education, healthcare, jobs, agriculture and much more. Yet 675 million people still lack electricity access. Many more rely on polluting fuels like charcoal for cooking and diesel for other day-to-day needs.
It’s up to governments, businesses and financiers to identify and fill these access gaps, ideally with affordable and reliable clean energy sources. But doing so is a technical challenge. Many struggle with limited access to transparent, high-quality data and analytical tools to pinpoint energy gaps and plan the most effective interventions.
WRI’s Role
In collaboration with more than 200 partners, WRI launched the Energy Access Explorer in 2019 to help governments and other stakeholders map and improve energy access in underserved areas. Energy Access Explorer is the first open source, interactive platform to support energy planning and interventions, with a current focus on Africa and South Asia.
WRI works closely with energy planners, clean energy entrepreneurs, financiers and development institutions to assess energy needs and solutions using data and analysis from the Energy Access Explorer. Together, we identify areas where clean energy can not only provide electricity, but also improve livelihoods and support sustainable economic development.
The Outcome
Energy Access Explorer has reached more than 100 governments across eight countries, with over 25,000 users in total. It’s proven to be a powerful tool for supporting green growth.
In Kenya, the platform has helped local governments develop county energy plans that support the country’s Integrated National Energy Plan. In Nigeria, it’s pinpointed opportunities to boost agriculture through solar-powered irrigation and expand the use of mini grids. Government officials in Ethiopia used the platform to prioritize distributed renewables for 19 million people. And across Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania and India, Energy Access Explorer is helping stakeholders identify areas where clean energy can improve healthcare, education and agriculture —such as through rooftop solar on rural health clinics.
Energy Access Explorer was officially registered as a “digital public good” in 2024, the first of its kind in the energy sector. This status recognizes it as a critical tool for achieving the world’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7 calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” by 2030).
