• Commentary

        • 21 Apr 2026

        How governments can best support consumers during this energy crisis

        How governments can best support consumers during this energy crisis The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a major shock to global energy markets, with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggering the largest supply disruption in the history of oil markets and significantly impacting supplies of natural gas and a range of energy-related commodities.As concerns over supply security have grown, prices have risen across several parts of the energy system, increasing pressure on household budgets, public finances and economic activity more broadly. In response, many governments have announced emergency measures to protect consumers from…

        • Country

        Mozambique

        In Mozambique, around 40% of people have access to electricity, through the grid or mini/off-grid systems. The government has promoted solar PV solutions in rural areas, reporting that 700 schools and 800 other public buildings now have electricity from solar.

        Mozambique Flag

        • Country

        Uganda

        …Uganda’s energy mix was dominated by fuel wood and charcoal followed by a small share of oil products. The country produces electricity mainly from hydroelectric plants. Between 2017 and 2019, electrification outpaced population growth in Uganda. However in 2020, less than 5% of the population had access to clean cooking.
        The Electricity Connection Policy was introduced in 2018 with the ambition of increasing Uganda’s electricity access to 60 percent by 2027 through connection subsidies for consumers located close to the existing network. About 300,000 households and businesses have received free electricity connections, benefiting 1.5 million Ugandans…

        Uganda Flag

        • Commentary

        • 06 Mar 2026

        The next wave of LED lighting: Smarter, circular and more efficient

        …taking shape As the world enters the Age of Electricity, lighting remains one of the most visible – and widespread – parts of our energy use.The IEA estimates that lighting in buildings and outdoor applications accounts for the majority of overall lighting electricity demand. In 2024, around 8% of global electricity demand – or about 2 200 terawatt hours (TWh) – was attributed to lighting in buildings and outdoor applications, excluding industry and agriculture. These figures reflect the latest available data and define the scope of the analysis presented in this commentary.  Estimates from industry and experts place global electricity consumption for lighting…

        • Commentary

        • 13 Feb 2026

        Global battery markets are growing strongly – and so are the supply risks

        part 1- lithium-ion batteries Batteries’ importance is increasing across key sectors including autos, power, data centres and beyond The global lithium-ion battery market exceeded USD 150 billion in 2025, an increase of over 20% from 2024, but its economic and strategic significance extends far beyond market size. Batteries are becoming a cornerstone of the automotive sector, a critical source of flexibility for power systems, and an increasingly important source of back-up power for digital infrastructure, including data centres and artificial intelligence.Beyond energy, batteries remain indispensable for a wide range of industrial and strategic applications, from portable…

        • Country

        Bolivia

        A quarter of the electricity generated in Bolivia comes from renewables. On the other hand, 12% of the population still does not have access to electricity. The government has launched the Bolivia Electric Plan 2020-2025 to support the expansion of the electricity grid with a strong emphasis on renewables.

        Bolivia Flag

        • Country

        Tanzania

        Electricity access in Tanzania increased from around 13% in 2008 to 32% in 2017. The government is supporting the private sector to develop its electricity market, enhancing the role of renewable energy in the energy mix and increasing rural electricity access.

        Tanzania Flag

        • Country

        Madagascar

        Around a quarter of the population of Madagascar has access to electricity, and only 1.5% has access to clean cooking facilities. In 2019, Madagascar’s energy mix was dominated by biofuels and wastes (85%), with oil products (11%), coal and hydro accounting for the rest of the total energy supply. In 2020, less than 5% of the population had access to clean cooking and 27% had access to electricity. The Government of Madagascar has set a target of reaching 70% electricity access rate by 2030.

        Madagascar Flag

        • Country

        Bangladesh

        In Bangladesh, electricity is available for 85% of the population, up from 20% in 2000. Gas accounts for the majority of the country’s electricity production, even though wind, hydropower and solar PV shares are growing. Bangladesh has also implemented energy policy incentives towards the deployment of renewables.

        Bangladesh Flag

        • Commentary

        • 29 May 2026

        Battery storage is scaling up and taking on a larger system role

        …latest data, the deployment of batteries expanded strongly in 2025 and broadened across markets – with rapid growth in countries such as Australia and Saudi Arabia, where storage is increasingly being used to support the integration of rising shares of variable renewables.In regions that have been at the forefront of renewable integration and battery deployment, batteries now play an essential role in continuously balancing electricity demand and supply. Comparatively short construction and development timelines are further supporting the rapid deployment of utility-scale batteries in particular: in many markets, projects typically take around two years to develop and commission, giving…

      Prev
      Next