RISE RISE RISE 2024 REGULATORY INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY THE TIME IS NOW ABOUT ESMAP The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) is a partnership between the World Bank and over 20 partners to help low- and middle-income countries reduce poverty and boost growth through sustainable energy solutions. ESMAP’s analytical and advisory services are fully integrated within the World Bank’s country financing and policy dialogue in the ener- gy sector. Through the World Bank Group (WBG), ESMAP works to accelerate the energy transition required to achieve Sustain- able Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It helps to shape WBG strategies and programs to achieve the WBG Climate Change Action Plan targets. Learn more at: https://esmap.org © 2025 April | International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved. RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because the World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes if full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: +1-202-522-2625; e-mail: pubrights@worldbank.org. Furthermore, the ESMAP Program Manager would appreciate receiving a copy of the publication that uses this publication for its source sent in care of the address above, or to esmap@worldbank.org. This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under the Creative Commons Attribution license, you are free to copy, distribute, transmit, and adapt this work, including for commercial purposes, under the following conditions: Attribution—Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). 2025. Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE). Washington, DC: World Bank. Translations—Add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This translation was not created by The World Bank and should not be considered an official World Bank translation. The World Bank shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation. Adaptations—Add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This is an adaptation of an original work by The World Bank. Views and opinions expressed in the adaptation are the sole responsibility of the author(s) of the adaptation and are not endorsed by The World Bank. Third-Party Content—The World Bank does not necessarily own each component of the content contained within the work and does not warrant that the use of any third-party owned individual component or part contained in the work will not in- fringe on the rights of those third parties. If you wish to reuse a component of the work, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that reuse and to obtain permission from the copyright owner. Examples of components can include, but are not limited to, tables, figures, or images. Production Credits: Editor Steven B. Kennedy | Designer Duina Reyes, The World Bank Cover Photo credit: ©triloks / E+ / Getty Images All images remain the sole property of their source and may not be used for any purpose without written permission from the source. TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments ......................................................................................... 1 Abbreviations................................................................................................... 2 Key Messages................................................................................................... 3 1. METHODOLOGY................................................................ 4 Data Collection................................................................................................. 7 2. ELECTRICITY ACCESS....................................................... 9 3. CLEAN COOKING............................................................... 21 4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY......................................................... 28 5. RENEWABLE ENERGY........................................................ 37 References........................................................................................................ 43 Annex. RISE Pillar Changes between 2022 and 2024................................ 46 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW i List of Figures Figure 1.1 • RISE scoring: A simplified example .................................................................................................................................................. 5 Figure 2.1 • Evolution of RISE zones for electricity access pillar in surveyed countries, 2010–23........................................................... 11 Figure 2.1.1 • Pakistan’s progress in RISE electricity access indicators, 2021–23........................................................................................ 11 Figure 2.2 • Evolution of RISE electricity access scores across surveyed countries, by region, 2010–23............................................... 12 Figure 2.3 • Evolution of RISE electricity access scores in surveyed countries, 2021–23........................................................................... 13 Figure 2.4 • Progress on the RISE off-grid framework in surveyed countries, by number of countries per subindicator, 2021 and 2023.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 2.5 • RISE electricity access scores in surveyed countries, weighted by populations without access, 2010–23...................... 16 Figure 2.6 • Comparison of RISE score zones and progress in the five countries with the largest access deficits, 2023..................... 17 Figure 2.4.1 • RISE mini-grid and off-grid scores versus rural electrification rates in Sub-Saharan Africa............................................. 18 Figure 3.1 • Progress of RISE scores for clean cooking, 2010–23.................................................................................................................... 23 Figure 3.2 • RISE clean cooking pillar scores, 2021–23..................................................................................................................................... 23 Figure 3.1.1 • SENEGAL’S PROGRESS IN THE RISE CLEAN COOKING INDICATORS, 2021–23................................................................... 25 Figure 3.3 • Evolution of RISE clean cooking scores in surveyed countries, by region, 2010–23............................................................. 26 Figure 4.1 • Energy efficiency: Progress of RISE scores, 2010–23................................................................................................................... 29 Figure 4.2 • Energy efficiency: Evolution of RISE scores by region, 2010–23................................................................................................ 30 Figure 4.1.1 • Energy Efficiency: Rise Score Improvement, 2021–23............................................................................................................. 31 Figure 4.3 • Energy efficiency: RISE scores per income group, 2023.............................................................................................................. 32 Figure 4.4 • Elements of energy efficiency regulation...................................................................................................................................... 32 Figure 4.5 • Enforcing building codes that consider energy efficiency, 2010–23 ....................................................................................... 33 Figure 4.6 • Energy efficiency: Building codes and their enforcement, 2023 .............................................................................................. 33 Figure 4.7 • Adoption of minimum energy performance standards and energy labeling systems, 2010–23........................................ 34 Figure 4.8 • Residential energy efficiency financing instruments.................................................................................................................. 35 Figure 4.2.1 • Senegal RISE energy efficiency scores, 2021 and 2023............................................................................................................ 35 Figure 4.9 • Distribution of countries with EE scores. Snapshot for 2023..................................................................................................... 36 Figure 5.1 • Renewable energy: Progress of RISE scores, 2010–23................................................................................................................ 38 Figure 5.2 • RISE renewable energy score distribution, by region and country income level................................................................. 39 Figure 5.3 • Aggregated number of policies, by indicator, across the 140 countries.................................................................................. 39 Figure 5.1.1 • Albania’s progress in renewable energy scores, by indicator................................................................................................. 40 Figure 5.4 • World’s total final energy consumption by source, 2012 and 2022.......................................................................................... 42 Figure A.1 • Renewable energy pillar changes between 2022 and 2024....................................................................................................... 46 Figure A.2 • Electricity access pillar changes between 2022 and 2024.......................................................................................................... 48 Figure A.3 • Energy efficiency pillar changes between 2022 and 2024.......................................................................................................... 50 Figure A.4 • Clean cooking pillar changes between 2022 and 2024............................................................................................................... 52 ii RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW List of Boxes Box 2.1 • Pakistan: The best improver................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Box 2.2 • Enabling environment insights from the 2024 Mini-Grids Market Report . ................................................................................. 14 Box 2.3 • Policy insights from the 2024 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report.............................................................................................. 15 Box 2.4 • Relationship between RISE scores and electricity access rates..................................................................................................... 18 Box 3.1 • Senegal: The top improver in the RISE clean cooking pillar, 2021–23.......................................................................................... 24 Box 4.1 • Energy efficiency regional analysis...................................................................................................................................................... 31 Box 4.2 • SENEGAL: BEST ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVER ............................................................................................................................ 35 Box 5.1 • Albania’s renewables trading system ................................................................................................................................................. 40 List of Tables TABLE 1.1 • Databases consulted for the renewables pillar............................................................................................................................. 8 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS T he Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE analytical and advisory services are fully integrated within 2024), “The Time Is Now,” was produced by the Glob- the World Bank’s country financing and policy dialogue in the al Energy and Extractives Practice of the World Bank energy sector. Through the World Bank Group (WBG), ESMAP Group. It benefited from the support and guidance of Practice works to accelerate the energy transition required to achieve Manager Fanny Missfeldt-Ringius of the Energy Sector Manage- Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) ensuring access to ment Assistance Program (ESMAP). RISE is part of the Energy affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It Data and Analytics Hub Program managed by Sandeep Kohli. helps to shape WBG strategies and programs to reach the WBG Climate Change Action Plan targets. Carlos Guadarrama and Daron Bedrosyan led the project. Yaya Liu, Ashot Movsisyan, and the International Institute of Energy The team is grateful for the work of peer reviewers Tatyana Conservation (IIEC) collected the data. The RISE pillars—elec- Kramskaya, Joseph Kapika, and Viktoriya Ereshchenko. Oth- tricity access, energy efficiency, clean cooking, and renewable er external partners offered formal and informal guidance as energy—were written up as chapters by the staff members and the report was being prepared, among them Clara Galeazzi consultants named below: (International Monetary Fund, IMF), Emanuele Bianco, Diala Hawila, Faran Rana (International Renewable Energy Agency, • Electricity access: Alexis Loulier and Charles Miller IRENA), Glen Wright (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the • Energy efficiency: Tamara Babayan, Ivan Jaques and 21st Century, REN21), and Miquel Muñoz Cabré (Stockholm En- Daron Bedrosyan vironment Institute, SEI). The team is also grateful to the staff • Clean cooking: Jingyi Wu and Michelle Carvalho Hallack of World Bank’s Energy and Extractives Global Practice, which worked on validating the information and data. • Renewable energy: Yaya Liu and Carlos Guadarrama An editorial and design team comprising Steven Kennedy, Du- The team had valuable support throughout the project from ina Reyes, and Talar Manoukian raised the quality and visual Muna Abucar Osman, Eve Owens, Patrick Rugwizangoga, Ush- presentation of the final report. The online platform was orig- anjani Gollapudi, and Fakhruz Zaman. inally developed by K. S. Sreejith, R. Narayanan, Rony George, ESMAP’s financial support is gratefully acknowledged. ESMAP and Ram Prasad of Advanced Software Systems and was man- is a partnership between the World Bank and over 20 partners aged by Derilinx. The communications process was led by Luc- to help low- and middle-income countries reduce poverty and ie Cecile Blythe, with input and guidance on publication from boost growth through sustainable energy solutions. ESMAP’s Heather Austin. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 1 ABBREVIATIONS ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States ESCO energy service company ESMAP Energy Sector Management Assistance Program EU European Union GHG greenhouse gas GO guarantee of origin ICS improved cookstove IEA International Energy Agency IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency ISO International Organization for Standardization LPG liquefied petroleum gas MTR Market Trends Report NDC Nationally Determined Contribution PAYG pay-as-you-go RBF results-based financing REN21 Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century RISE Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy SAF sustainable aviation fuel SDG Sustainable Development Goal WBG World Bank Group 2 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW KEY MESSAGES • Since the publication of the previous (2022) RISE edition, frameworks, targeted financial interventions, and greater progress toward universal electrification reversed course international collaboration to scale clean cooking solu- for the first time in 20 years. About 685 million people, tions. most of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa, lacked access • Progress in energy efficiency was also modest. Advancing in 2022. While RISE electricity access scores climbed in progress requires robust policies and sound regulatory many countries between 2021 and 2023, progress in fragile frameworks—the latter to attract investments, incentivize states stalled due to structural barriers and instability. innovation, and contribute to the formulation of strategies Most countries with substantial unelectrified populations to enhance energy efficiency across sectors. Immediate have high RISE scores, but this has not translated into policy action is crucial to accelerate the transition to a significant electrification gains, because access requires sustainable energy future with the lowest-cost option: more than sound policies. Expanding access requires energy efficiency. capacity for implementation, together with efforts to • Virtually no progress occurred in renewables policy and address barriers to affordability and financing—and regulatory frameworks over these past two years. This challenging environments for doing business. With just worrying lack of progress is mirrored by the stagnation of five years left to achieve Sustainable Development Goal the shares of (modern) renewables in energy consumption. (SDG) 7, moving beyond strong RISE scores to expand Because most efforts are focused on the electricity sector, actual electricity access is more urgent than ever. more efforts could be directed toward transport, and • Clean cooking policy and regulatory frameworks saw heating and cooling. Naturally, without carbon pricing modest progress between 2021 and 2023. Many countries and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies, renewables do not showed minimal changes, while any improvements were have a level playing field. slow and uneven. More than half of surveyed countries re- main in the red zone, underscoring the need for stronger RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 3 1. METHODOLOGY Photo credit: ©Pexel 1. METHODOLOGY T he Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) is in clean cooking, RISE covers 19 of the 20 countries with the a global inventory of policies and regulations that sup- largest clean cooking deficits. Hence, RISE has comprehensive port the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal messages to convey about access. (SDG) 7. RISE provides policy makers with a tool to benchmark RISE follows a simple average score methodology. Scores range their countries’ progress over time and against peers to identi- between 0 and 100, and all variables have equal weight when fy areas for policy and regulatory reform. For investors in sus- summed up to arrive at a score for each area. The pillar score tainable energy projects, it provides a comprehensive picture (i.e., renewable energy) is the simple average of its indicators’ of the investment environment and informs decision-making. scores. In turn, the indicators’ scores are the simple average of First piloted in 2014 in 17 countries, RISE then focused on the scores for subindicators. Each subindicator has a set of bi- three pillars: electricity access, renewable energy, and energy nary questions. The score for these questions is 100 if Yes and 0 efficiency. After expanding its country coverage for 2018 and if No. The average of those values produces the subindicators’ adding clean cooking as the fourth pillar, RISE now covers scores. Figure 1.1 depicts a simplified example, which should 140 countries in renewable energy and energy efficiency, 56 be read from bottom to top. The scores, between 0 and 100, are countries in electricity access, and 57 countries in clean cook- grouped into three categories based on a “traffic light” system: ing. The countries where RISE tracks electricity access account green (67–100), yellow (34–66), and red (0–33). for 96 percent of the global population lacking access,1 while FIGURE 1.1 • RISE scoring: A simplified example Renewable energy Score: 37.5 Electricity sector Transport sector score Score: 75 Score: 0 Electricity targets, laws, Electricity pricing Transport quotas, mandates strategies and programs instruments and certificates Score: 50 Score: 100 Score: 0 Does a renewable Does the country have Is there a schedule for Are there quotas, obligations Is there net metering energy target, a law/strategy/plan/ future and systematic and/or mandates for renewables or net billing for either national or programme to achieve tenders/auctions in the transport sector? (e.g. renewables? international exist? the electricity targets? available for investors? ethanol or biodiesel blends) Y=100 Y=100 N=0 Y=100 N=0 Note: This is a simplified and illustrative example. To consult all the pillars, indicators, subindicators, and questions of RISE, please visit the RISE website (rise.esmap. org). 1 Most of the global population without electricity access —over 85 percent— is in Sub-Saharan Africa, while East Asia & Pacific and South Asia each account for approximately 5 percent. Only a few countries with major electricity access gaps are not included, such as Botswana, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Lesotho, Namibia, and a few others. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 5 This simple framework has limitations. First, while the Energy The renewable energy pillar, for example, aligned its indicators Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) publishes with the analyses and databases of RISE partners—the Inter- an overall RISE score, the number of constituent pillars varies national Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Renewable Energy across countries. For countries where electricity access and Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), and Internation- clean cooking are measured, the overall score is the simple av- al Energy Agency (IEA). By classifying policies and regulations erage of the scores for the four pillars. However, for countries into indicators for (1) governance, (2) electricity, (3) heating and for which the above two pillars are not measured, the overall cooling, (4) transport, and (5) leveling the playing field, RISE score is, in fact, the simple average of the scores for the electric- built on and complemented their work. As an example, their ity access, energy efficiency, and renewable energy pillars. For information on targets and mandates across sectors was cross- countries with universal electricity access, RISE assigns a score checked, and new questions were added on the frameworks to of 100 for electricity access; it assigns a “not available” (N/A) monitor and penalize noncompliance with the RISE indicator score for clean cooking when that pillar is not measured. Future for governance. publications will explore how to address this inconsistency. The present edition stopped tracking questions where results Second, while simple averages naturally assign equal weight could not be objectively verified with reference to an official to all the variables involved, it is worth noting that the varying policy or regulation. Sample queries range from “Are standard number of questions across subindicators, and likewise, the PPAs bankable?” to “Is the compensation due because of cur- varying number of sub-indicators and indicators have different tailment actually given out?”. Likewise, utility performance in- impacts on the scores. Simply put, as the number of questions dicators, such as creditworthiness, are better tracked by the within a subindicator increases, each question will have a re- Utility Performance and Behavior Today (UPBEAT) dashboard duced impact on the score. Similarly, the more subindicators (World Bank n.d.) and are not, in fact, renewable energy poli- there are, the less impact one will have on the indicator’s score. cies or even regulations that policy makers can enact. They are Figure 1.1 shows how a single question in transport can pull instead outcome indicators in the electricity sector. That said, the score down for the pillar, compared with four questions this edition retains the indicators for utility transparency and spread across two subindicators in electricity. monitoring, both of which policy makers can act upon. The scoring also stops rewarding fiscal incentives (i.e., tax credits The RISE methodology has another limitation: it monitors the and subsidies) because the literature deems them ineffective. enactment and not the implementation of policies and regu- They are costly instruments for supporting large-scale renew- lations. It is not de jure policies and regulations but de facto able energy developments given they incur revenue losses, conditions on the ground that advance SDG 7 goals. which must be covered through distortionary taxes (i.e., labor Every RISE publication undertakes incremental changes to taxes) and most times, the projects would have taken place improve its methodology. These incremental methodolog- without the fiscal incentive in any case (Metcalf 2007; IMF 2015; ical improvements mean that the data for one edition is not Klemm 2009; Gouchoe, Everette, and Haynes 2002; OECD n.d.; comparable with data collected for previous editions. With Blanchard, Gollier, and Tirole 2023). Besides, low-income each new iteration or publication, a new database is shared, economies do not have the fiscal space to compete with richer in which the time series is adjusted to the new methodology. economies in a race to the bottom. Nor do tax incentives ad- More specifically, if a new question is added, the year in which dress the barriers to low-carbon investments, such as access that given policy or regulation was first enacted is verified, and to finance, market and infrastructure risks, trade restrictions, a new score for that year and the years that follow is calculated. and high up-front capital (UNCTAD 2023; Farole 2011). Similar- If questions, subindicators or indicators are streamlined, then ly, subsidies for green technology are not substitutes for taxes the scores are also back-calculated, so users can analyze prog- on pollution, which are more effective in any event (Rapson ress in RISE scores according to the new methodology. Our and Muehlegger 2023; Fabra and Reguant 2024). Lastly, both time series starts in 2010—pre-2010 policies are reflected in the tax credits and subsidies on green technologies are regressive, 2010 scores. which is to say they often benefit those at the top of the income distribution (Borenstein and Davis 2016). For this 2024 edition, the upgraded methodology sought to avoid duplication, to impose more consistency, and to ease In the end, the renewables pillar went from seven to five indi- data interpretation and analysis. cators. This is mostly due to subindicators being reorganized 6 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW and merged to fit the new indicator categories. Also, a few new subindicators (e.g., tradable renewables certificate systems Data Collection and fossil fuel subsidy removal) were added to complement RISE is published every even year (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, carbon pricing in the indicator for leveling the playing field (see 2024). Data collection takes place the year before and must be annex). Again, this sectoral approach aligns with the work of completed by December 31. In other words, for the RISE 2024 RISE partners, and, we argue, eases identification and interpre- scores published in December 2024, the data collection had to tation by classifying sectoral subindicators as price, quantity, be completed by December 31, 2023. or target instruments. We recognize that achieving a perfect balance among the number of questions, subindicators, and Two data collection methods were employed for this publi- indicators across and within pillars is a herculean, perhaps im- cation. Data on electricity access, clean cooking, and energy possible, task. That said, we have streamlined them in the past efficiency were collected following the precedent of previous and will continue to do so whenever we see fit. years—through a World Bank vendor, who, in turn, engaged local consultants in each country. These consultants conduct- As the renewables pillar went from seven to five indicators, ed desk research to respond to each question and provide the we also sought to streamline the other pillars. The electricity justification supporting the answer (i.e., a link to the published access pillar went from eight to five indicators, and each indi- policy or regulation). cator has now three subindicators (see annex). Likewise, the energy efficiency pillar went from eleven to nine indicators. In With the renewable energy pillar, we piloted a different ap- both pillars, as in the renewables pillar, we merged subindica- proach. The ESMAP team built on different databases that our tors and questions where we could. For example, the energy partners have made publicly available and conducted desk re- efficiency entities indicator was merged with the national plan- search to close any gaps (table 1.1) This data collection meth- ning indicator to make a more comprehensive indicator called od was not only more resource and cost efficient, but it also “energy efficiency governance” (see annex). But the number of allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the policy and indicators in both pillars was also reduced to avoid duplication regulatory reforms. As a result, this new data collection meth- across pillars. od eased both the analysis and the writing of the renewables chapter. RISE may explore replicating the approach for the oth- Previous RISE reports included utility performance indicators er pillars in upcoming publications. in the electricity access and renewable energy pillars. To avoid duplication, this edition removes them altogether from the ac- In both methods, once we had all the answers to our questions cess pillar. Similarly, carbon pricing was in the renewables and and had prepared the preliminary scores, we shared them in- energy efficiency pillars, and here it is kept only in renewables. ternally with World Bank local experts for their feedback. Once While we recognize that these indicators are cross-sectional, that feedback (if any) was addressed, we finalized and pub- they were being double-counted for the overall score. Future lished the data. Future publications will explore engaging ex- publications will explore how to link these cross-themed indi- ternal experts, such as regional and national regulatory bodies, cators without double-counting them. in this review process. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 7 TABLE 1.1 • Databases consulted for the renewables pillar Database Author Carbon Pricing Dashboard World Bank NDC Registry UNFCCC Long-Term Strategies Portal UNFCCC Climate and Clean Air Coalition UNEP UNEP—Law and Environment Assistance Platform UNEP Legal Resources on Renewable Energy RES-LEGAL GSR Policy Data Pack 2023 REN21 Climate Actions and Policies Measurement Framework OECD Energy Policy Review—IEA OECD Climate Action Tracker New Climate Institute and Climate Analytics Climate Policy Database New Climate Institute Industry Transition Tracker Leadership Group for Industry Transition—Leadit NDC RE Targets IRENA RE Power and End-use Targets National Policies IRENA Fossil Fuel Subsidies IMF Energy Policy Tracker IISD, IGES, OCI, ODI, SEI, and Columbia University Renewable Energy Policies and Measures Database IEA and IRENA Global Observatory on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions IEA GH2 Country Portal Green Hydrogen Organization (GH2) Climate Change Laws of the World Grantham Research Institute at LSE and Climate Policy Radar FAOLEX Database FAO EUR-LEX—Access to European Union Law European Union EU Countries’ 10-Year National Energy and Climate Plans for 2021– European Commission 2030 Eurobserv’er Online Database_RES Policy and Statistics Reports EurObserv’ER Asia Pacific Energy Portal ESCAP 1.5°C National Pathway Explorer ClimateAnalytics National Hydrogen Strategies and Roadmap Tracker Center on Global Energy Policy (Columbia SIPA) ASEAN Energy Database System ASEAN Centre for Energy Africa Energy Portal APUA, AFUR, AFREC Sustainable Energy for All—Africa Hub ADB, SEforALL, AU, NEPAD, UNDP Africa NDC Hub Africa NDC Hub Note: ADB = Asian Development Bank; AFREC = African Energy Commission; AFUR = African Forum for Utility Regulators; APUA = Association of Power Utilities of Africa; ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations; AU = African Union; ESCAP = United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific; EU = European Union; FAO = Food and Agriculture Organization; GSR = Global Status Report; IEA = International Energy Agency; IGES = Institute for Global Environmental Strategies; IISD = International Institute for Sustainable Development; IMF = International Monetary Fund; IRENA = International Renewable Energy Agency; LSE = London School of Economics; NDC = Nationally Determined Contribution; NEPAD = New Partnership for Africa's Development; OCI = Oil Change International; OECD = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; RE = renewable energy; REN21 = Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century; RES = renewable energy sources; SEforALL = Sustainable Energy for All; SEI = Stockholm Environment Institute; SIPA = School of International and Public Affairs; UNDP = United Nations Development Programme; UNEP = United Nations Environment Programme; UNFCCC = United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 8 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW ACCESS 2. ELECTRICITY Photo credit: ©Stephan Bachenheimer / World Bank 2. ELECTRICITY ACCESS RISE covers 56 countries, which together account for 96 surveyed countries is now in the green zone (RISE score of 67+), percent of the global population without electricity ac- climbing from 21 countries in 2021 to 26 in 2023 (figure 2.1).3 cess. Of these 56 countries, 35 are in Sub-Saharan Africa, 9 in Advances in governance and planning, along with strength- East Asia, 7 in South Asia, and 4 in Latin America. One country is ened grid and mini-grid frameworks, made this progress pos- in the Middle East and North Africa.2 The data set is, therefore, sible. However, the pace of progress has slowed—significantly highly representative of the global status of policy/regulation since 2019—and barriers remain. This suggests that while many on electricity access. Sub-Saharan Africa holds the vast majori- countries have strengthened their regulatory environments, ty—over 85 percent—of the global population without electric- further gains may require deeper structural reforms, more sus- ity access. East Asia and Pacific and South Asia each accounts tained policy efforts, and targeted investments. A concerning for about 5 percent of those without access. Not included are number of countries remain in the red zone (RISE score of 33 a few countries with significant electricity access gaps, such as or less), with barely any change since 2021, save one country, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Lesotho, and Namibia. which moved into the yellow zone. Stagnation in policy prog- ress points to structural barriers and instability in the most frag- Since the previous (2022) edition of the RISE report, prog- ile states, stalling reform. ress toward universal electrification reversed course for the first time in 20 years (World Bank 2024a). According Countries across all regions have made improvements to the latest SDG 7 analysis in 2022, population growth out- since 2010, but progress has slowed since 2019. South stripped advances in electrification, leaving 685 million people Asian countries, notably Pakistan, have seen their RISE elec- in energy poverty. If trends persist, 660 million people will still tricity access scores climb since 2021. Pakistan’s National Elec- lack access in 2030, 85 percent of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. tricity Plan 2023–27 (Ministry of Energy 2023), which laid out a 15-year strategic framework, has been a key force behind the Nevertheless, RISE electricity access scores for some country’s higher RISE score (box 2.1). countries rose between 2021 and 2023. The largest share of 2 See list of countries per region considered for RISE below: - Sub-Saharan Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe - South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka - East Asia & Pacific: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic , Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu - Latin America: Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua - Middle East & North Africa: Yemen 3 The yellow zone corresponds to a RISE score of 33 to 67, the red zone corresponds to a RISE score ≤ 33. 10 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW FIGURE 2.1 • Evolution of RISE zones for electricity access pillar in surveyed countries, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. BOX 2.1 • Pakistan: The best improver Between 2021 and 2023, Pakistan made noteworthy strides in the RISE electricity access pillar. Progress can be attribut- ed largely to better electrification governance and planning (figure 2.1.1), particularly through the introduction of the National Electricity Plan 2023–27 (Ministry of Energy 2023). Although it has a low score for mini-grid frameworks, it has focused on grid electrification and stand-alone off-grid solar. FIGURE 2.1.1 • Pakistan’s progress in RISE electricity access indicators, 2021–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 11 BOX 2.1 (Cont.) • Pakistan: The best improver Pakistan’s five-year plan for the power sector has a comprehensive roadmap, which takes a 15-year perspective to ensure long-term sustainability. The plan has five objectives: 1. Diversification. An expanded energy infrastructure and fuel sources derive from an integrated energy, sectoral expansion, distributed energy resources, and more regional interconnections. 2. Resilience and accessibility. Uninterrupted, reliable electricity depends on stronger network planning, more disciplined ser- vice providers, and continuous risk monitoring for timely corrective measures. 3. Self-sufficiency. Lowered reliance on imported energy is achieved by leveraging indigenous technology and fuel resources, while developing emerging technologies like hydrogen and electricity storage. 4. Affordability. More equitable electricity access is gained through lowering the cost of electricity for consumers through tran- sitioning to targeted subsidies. 5. Financial viability. The financial health of the sector is strengthened with cost recovery that (1) revisits consumer tariff struc- tures in view of consumer satisfaction and financial viability, (2) caps cross-subsidy contributions from productive consumer categories at 20 percent based on cost of service, and (3) imposes a level playing field for market participants through uni- form application of open-access charges. In East Asia and Pacific, electricity access scores have ris- the global population lacking electricity access—only a fraction en since 2021, primarily due to gains in Indonesia and the of the global electrification gap. Philippines. A stronger off-grid framework explains improve- In Sub-Saharan Africa—home to over 85 percent of the ments in the Philippines, which has also introduced consumer global population without electricity access—progress financing, public financing for companies, and environmen- has slowed significantly. The median score for the region tal regulations surrounding the disposal of solar devices and grew less than the scores for South Asia and East Asia and stand-alone system components. Indonesia, for its part, has Pacific (figure 2.2). Among the region’s strongest performers, strengthened both its mini-grid framework and governance Uganda recorded remarkable gains. Strong governance and and planning around electrification. It is important to note, improved grid and mini-grid frameworks appear to be products however, that East Asia and Pacific represents only 5 percent of FIGURE 2.2 • Evolution of RISE electricity access scores across surveyed countries, by region, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: These are not regional scores. They represent the RISE sample scores for countries within the region. The Middle East and North Africa region has been excluded from this figure, since only one country (Yemen) represents it. EA = electricity access. 12 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW FIGURE 2.3 • Evolution of RISE electricity access scores in surveyed countries, 2021–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. Map of unelectrified people adapted from World Bank (2024a). of the country’s 2023 Energy Policy update (Ministry of Energy challenges in policy development and implementation, financ- and Mineral Development 2023), which replaced its 2002 poli- ing, and private sector engagement. cy. The 2023 policy emphasizes off-grid solar in rural electrifica- In Latin America and the Caribbean, progress in RISE in- tion and outlines how off-grid solar is integrated into national dicators was driven by Guatemala and Haiti. Improving in- electrification plans. Zambia was another “most-improved” dicators were seen in the grid and off-grid solar frameworks. country, due to improved governance and planning. Its nation- Meanwhile, in the Middle East and North Africa, Yemen’s RISE al electrification plan now explicitly incorporates decentralized score remains the lowest—unchanged since the previous edi- energy solutions while boosting private sector participation tion—as the country deals with conflict and limited institution- and funding to expand access. Togo also demonstrated nota- al capacity. ble progress, having improved its mini-grid framework. Togo’s results-based funding for operators was supported by dedicat- Since 2021, surveyed countries have focused not only on ed debt-financing facilities for developers and capacity-build- governance and planning but also on mini-grid frame- ing programs for sector stakeholders. works, making these the two most-improved pillars across the five evaluated. The countries have better integrat- While several Sub-Saharan African countries have made ed strategies and clearer national targets for electrification gov- incremental progress in their RISE electricity access ernance and planning. Meanwhile, more countries have policy scores, 12 surveyed countries4 have shown no change. frameworks for their mini-grid sectors (box 2.2). Uganda and Among them, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo the Philippines have improved the most. Uganda’s progress stand out, given their large access-deficit populations (figure appears rooted in an improved solar hybrid mini-grid technolo- 2.3). Ethiopia is already in the green zone, meaning its policy gy, which in turn is supported by national programs for the pro- and regulatory frameworks are relatively strong. In contrast, ductive uses of electricity. Uganda also has improved its financ- the Democratic Republic of Congo lags in key policy and reg- ing framework with dedicated debt facilities and stakeholder ulatory areas; it has the world’s second-largest population training initiatives. The Philippines strengthened its financing without electricity access—78 million people (IEA et al., 2024). framework to support mini-grid developers with specific debt Given the country’s vast rural population and fragile institu- and risk mitigation facilities. tional capacity, the lack of progress suggests deep-rooted 4 Twelve countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have observed no change in RISE scores: Angola, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Malawi, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 13 BOX 2.2 • Enabling environment insights from the 2024 Mini-Grids Market Report The State of the Global Mini-Grids Market Report 2024, produced by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL 2024), reinforces the RISE findings on mini-grid policy frameworks and adds depth. Governments have continued to strengthen enabling environments for mini-grids. Since 2021, more countries—Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia—have adopted comprehensive regulatory frameworks. Nigeria revised its mini- grid regulation in 2023 and launched the Interconnected Mini-grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) to fast-track deployment in grid-connected areas that were underserved (NERC 2023). The scheme offers an “interconnected mini-grid explorer” tool to identify grid-connected sites that are limited to four to eight hours of electricity per day. In Ethiopia, the energy authority ap- proved a mini-grid directive to boost private sector investment and electrification. The directive created a transparent regula- tory framework for the country’s electrification goals and issued technical guides to assist implementation (USAID, NARUC, and Power Africa 2021). The report highlights the following trends: • Regulatory processes now account for system size, exempting small systems (<100 kilowatts) to reduce barriers, and allow community-based tariff setting, as seen in Nigeria and India. • Portfolio-based licensing and longer permitting durations (10–25 years) are improving bankability and lowering transac- tion costs. • Cost-reflective tariffs based on transparent formulas are now common across markets like Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanza- nia, and Zambia. Attention is more focused on inflation and currency adjustments as ways to maintain investor confidence and protect consumers. • Policies on investment protection and tariff methodologies are being standardized; harmonization of processes for due diligence remains a challenge. • Licensing and permitting processes are getting digitized and streamlined, with support from development partners. Nige- ria’s IMAS platform and one-stop shops are new tools for accelerating deployment. The gap between regulation and implementation remains critical. Although funders have incorporated technical assistance into mini-grid programs, many countries have little guidance on how to operationalize the formal regulations. Frameworks that expand planning for integrated energy access are available, and are supported by realistic financing strategies. Standardized approaches that allow for local adaptations will be key to accelerating mini-grid development (refer to box 2.4 for additional information). Since 2010, the off-grid framework indicator has shown now have tax exemptions to incentivize the adoption of solar remarkable progress as off-grid solar became a vital part products. However, since 2021, progress has slowed (figure of expanding electricity access. In fact, countries have inte- 2.4). Overall, these trends underscore the growth of the off-grid grated off-grid policies into their national electrification strat- solar sector and its prominence on national and international egies, closing access gaps with market-driven, decentralized agendas. The rise of off-grid solar is exemplified by Mission 300, energy solutions. Of those countries surveyed, more than 80 a new World Bank Group partnership with the African Develop- percent adopted national programs to develop markets for off- ment Bank that will connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan grid solar systems or to support their growth by working with Africa to electricity by 2030 (World Bank 2024b). the private sector (box 2.3). And about 65 percent of countries 14 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW FIGURE 2.4 • Progress on the RISE off-grid framework in surveyed countries, by number of countries per subindicator, 2021 and 2023 Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: India has been excluded from this figure to prevent skewing, since data for India cover five states rather than nationwide policy and regulatory frameworks. PAYGO = pay-as-you-go; MFI = microfinance institution. BOX 2.3 • Policy insights from the 2024 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report The 2024 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report (MTR), produced by the World Bank and GOGLA, corroborates RISE findings on off-grid solar policy frameworks and provides additional insights (World Bank 2024a). Since 2021, the off-grid solar sector has secured more funding as it gains international visibility. These advances pose an opportunity for governments to secure financing for market development programs through multilateral development banks. One such initiative is Mission 300, in which the World Bank Group has partnered with the African Development Bank and others to connect 300 million people to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 (World Bank 2024b). World Bank lending for off-grid solar reached an all-time high in FY 2024, at US$660 million—while a range of development partners are supporting technolo- gy, business model, and financial innovation, mainly for productive uses. Consistent with findings from the RISE indicators, governments have continued to strengthen their off-grid policies. For example, Uganda updated its energy policy in 2023, replacing the 2002 policy, to center off-grid solar in its rural electrification efforts (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development 2023). Rwanda’s 2023 National Electrification Plan aims to connect 52 percent of households to the national grid and link 48 percent to off-grid solutions and micro-grids (EDCL 2023). Off-grid solar is now central to Rwanda’s electrification plan, along with an enabling environment. Understanding both these elements has helped to advance solar adoption and investment. The MTR also highlights nuances in fiscal incentives as some countries introduce incentives for the sector while others are rolling them back. Nigeria and Sierra Leone, to name just two countries, already have value-added tax or duty exemptions in place. However, others have chosen to remove tax exemptions for the off-grid solar industry. Sierra Leone reintroduced a goods and services tax on solar equipment in 2023, while continuing to exempt these items from import duties (GOGLA 2023). RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 15 BOX 2.3 (Cont.) • Policy insights from the 2024 Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report In adopting quality standards, countries are facing implementation challenges, which are diminishing the proportion of quality-assured products in the market. According to the MTR and consistent with the findings from the RISE indicators, over 20 countries have engaged with VeraSol to adopt a harmonized standard, but inconsistent application and capacity constraints hinder the ability of authorities to fully utilize and enforce standards. Very few countries have introduced e-waste management policies and regulations to codify and address sustainable dis- posal. Kenya is developing a framework to operationalize the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation introduced in 2020. The industry has responded with the E-waste Producers’ Responsibility Organisation of Kenya (E-PROK) to comply with the regulation and collaborate on improving circularity and e-waste management. Meanwhile, the Zambian government is developing its own regulations and standards for e-waste management (ITU n.d.). India has recently expanded its e-waste management rules to include solar modules (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 2023). Affordability remains the biggest barrier to energy access. The slow progress in RISE subindicators on consumer financing options (e.g., pay-as-you-go [PAYG], microfinance) and support for low-income households (e.g., pro-poor subsidies) is con- cerning. Globally, only 22 percent of households without electricity can afford the monthly payment required for a basic solar energy kit with PAYG. To translate RISE scores into energy access, countries must continue improving access to consumer financing and scaling up pro-poor subsidies. In 2023, the number of people without electricity access in all score has risen 6 points. A strengthened grid electrification the red- or yellow-zone countries fell to 250 million. They framework appears responsible for the rise, along with dedi- account for less than 40 percent of the global access-deficit cated funding for expansion, consumer financing mechanisms, population (figure 2.5). For example, Nigeria has long had a and strengthened performance standards for supply reliability. large access deficit, but it continues to show progress; its over- FIGURE 2.5 • RISE electricity access scores in surveyed countries, weighted by populations without access, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. 16 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW Most of the countries with the largest access deficits fall strong policy frameworks. Since 2019, Ethiopia has reduced its within the green zone, yet this has not translated into ma- unelectrified population by 7 percent, Tanzania and Nigeria by jor gains in electrification (box 2.4). Four of the five countries just 5 percent, while the Democratic Republic of Congo’s un- with the largest unelectrified populations score well into the electrified population has grown 7 percent. green zone (figure 2.6), but progress remains limited, despite FIGURE 2.6 • Comparison of RISE score zones and progress in the five countries with the largest access deficits, 2023 2023 RISE score zone Number of people lacking % of unelectrified population electricity access (2023) gaining access (2019–23) Nigeria 86M 5% Congo, 78M -7% Dem. Rep. 55M 7% Ethiopia Tanzania 36M 5% Uganda 25M 1% Source: ESMAP 2024; IEA et al., 2024. Note: M = million; RISE = Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 17 BOX 2.4 • Relationship between RISE scores and electricity access rates A forthcoming World Bank study (Guadarrama et. al, forthcoming) finds no clear correlation between RISE scores for off-grid and mini-grid policies and rural electrification rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. Countries with strong policy frameworks do not necessarily achieve high access rates, indicating that policy and regulatory frameworks alone are insufficient to drive electri- fication (figure 2.4.1). FIGURE 2.4.1 • RISE mini-grid and off-grid scores versus rural electrification rates in Sub-Saharan Africa - Source: ESMAP 2024 and IEA et al. 2024. Note: RISE = Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy; SSA = Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings categorize Sub-Saharan African countries by policy strength (RISE score) and electrification rates, using case studies from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Sudan to identify key lessons. These countries have different access levels and RISE scores: • Kenya: High access, high RISE score • Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo: Lower access despite high RISE scores • South Sudan: Low access, low RISE score Kenya stands alone in the quadrant with high access and a high RISE score. It therefore offers key lessons in effective electrification. Strong government commitment, backed by clear policies and regulatory frameworks, has contributed to clos- ing the electricity access gap. Comprehensive planning, including based on geospatial data, and integrated strategies have optimized resource allocation and project execution. Capacity building and training have equipped local officials and energy sector personnel with the skills to sustain and manage electrification. Finally, consumer financing mechanisms, such as pay- as-you-go (PAYG) and microfinance, have made remote, stand-alone solar systems more accessible in ways that ensure broad- er off-grid adoption. 18 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW BOX 2.4 (Cont.) • Relationship between RISE scores and electricity access rates Implementation challenges persist, however, despite Kenya’s strong policy framework and the government’s commit- ment to achieving universal electricity access by 2030. Fiscal constraints, administrative delays, and difficult operating environments continue to slow progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7. Regulatory uncertainty also creates risks for off-grid and mini-grid companies, making underserved areas less attractive for investment. So, strong policies alone are not enough. Equally important are effective execution and a stable business environment. In Nigeria, policy frameworks are in place but face hurdles, including large financing gaps, a rapid population growth, and weak implementation capacity. The financing gap could be bridged with public budgeting that strategically directs funds on the one hand and on the other attracts private capital to areas with high needs to support privatized distribution companies and so forth. Clear-cut policies and strong incentives would encourage private sector participation in off-grid electrification—evidenced in coherent licensing procedures for mini-grids, and participation in regional trade, among other priorities. At the same time, affordability remains a significant barrier, indicating a need to expand consumer financing and pro-poor subsidies. Finally, building local technical expertise is critical. External technical assistance could provide short-term support, but the country needs to develop long-term domestic capacity. Project implementation needs to support the domes- tic manufacture of equipment for on-grid and off-grid systems. The Democratic Republic of Congo meets many RISE policy criteria and receives the support of international and de- velopment partners. To make policy more effective, the country must strengthen the technical expertise of its public in- stitutions. Expertise ensures that regulatory frameworks are not only well designed but also well implemented. In fact, the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the limitations of best practices without local adaptations. The PAYG models have succeeded in other countries, but they may not be the best fit for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Alternative business models tailored to local market conditions might improve affordability and adoption. South Sudan has the second-lowest RISE score among the countries surveyed. As a conflict-affected state, South Sudan exemplifies the difficulties of expanding access in fragile environments. Traditional grid infrastructure is often destroyed or rendered inoperable by violence, leaving large parts of the population without electricity. Overall, the research highlights that although sound policy and regulatory frameworks are necessary, they are not suf- ficient for attaining universal electricity access. Closing the electricity access gap requires several additional components: • Building implementation capacity. Weak implementation capabilities undermine policy effectiveness. It is therefore es- sential to develop local technical expertise so governments can formulate, implement, and enforce policies themselves, rather than relying on donor-driven frameworks. • Overcoming financing barriers. Public financing remains a major obstacle, limiting both grid and off-grid expansion. Energy access could be accelerated with greater recourse to concessional financing, results-based funding, and risk mit- igation mechanisms. • Improving the business environment. A weak investment environment deters private sector participation. Countries with clear, enforceable regulatory frameworks attract more private investment. Policy predictability is vital to the long- term engagement of the private sector. Expanding electricity access is challenging in fragile-, con- Market-based solutions are often infeasible when end users flict-, and violence-affected regions, where traditional struggle with payments, and operating costs and risks are high. grid infrastructure is often damaged. Public utilities operate While some fragile states may eventually achieve progress in at constrained capacities, private sector involvement remains policy development, instability and other structural deficits limited, and governments are deprived of resources and ca- continue to limit their ability to translate reforms into higher pacity that would otherwise drive meaningful improvements. rates of electricity access (World Bank 2024a). RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 19 To continue improving their RISE scores, countries need to nancial incentives, including subsidies, and public funding for sustain efforts across all indicators while prioritizing the companies to help leverage private co-investment. Also im- lowest-performing areas in the electricity access pillar. portant are quality standards (adopting and enforcing them) Priorities will vary by country, but the overall focus should be and developing regulations for e-waste management. on stronger frameworks for grid electrification, mini-grids, and With just five years remaining to reach SDG 7, the need for off-grid solutions—the lowest-performing indicators.5 For grid progress is more urgent than ever. Sound policy and regula- electrification, this means continued expansion of consumer tory frameworks are necessary but not sufficient to achieve uni- financing mechanisms (such as utility loans, on-bill financing, versal access. To move beyond a strong RISE score and deliver and microloans) and more direct subsidies so consumers can electricity access, countries must focus on policy implementa- afford connection fees. Countries should continue to set coher- tion. While each country will choose its own path to success, ent performance standards for reliability, such as guaranteed several key actions could translate a good RISE score into ac- hours of service per day, to ensure consistent and high-quality tual energy access. These include strengthening local capacity electricity supply. Mini-grid frameworks will require to contin- to drive policy execution; continuing to close financing gaps to ue supporting solar-hybrid mini-grid systems, strengthening expand grid, mini-grid, and off-grid solutions; and making elec- financial frameworks to attract investment (especially with the tricity more affordable for consumers. Additionally, improving availability of risk mitigation facilities), and enhancing regula- the business environment by ensuring policy predictability and tory structures to ensure long-term sustainability (including reducing investment risks will be key to unlocking private sec- through quality standards). Finally, for off-grid solar, the need tor participation. to keep products affordable remains crucial. This requires fi- 5 These areas are highlighted due to their relatively low average scores across surveyed countries—not as a “recipe for success” in accelerating energy access. Specific actions will necessarily vary by country, depending on context and challenges. 20 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 3. CLEAN COOKING Photo credit: ©Arne Hoel `/ World Bank 3 • CLEAN COOKING RISE covers clean cooking in 57 countries, and within that provides a highly representative assessment of global policy subset, 19 of the 20 countries with the largest access defi- and regulation for countries with the greatest access deficits in cits. The 57 countries are broken down as follows: 35 (Sub-Sa- clean cooking. The assessment covers 19 of the 20 countries haran Africa), 10 (East Asia and Pacific), 7 (South Asia), 4 (Latin with the largest access deficits—the Democratic People’s Re- America and the Caribbean), and 1 (Middle East and North Af- public of Korea the only exception. This comprehensive assess- rica). According to the latest Tracking SDG 7 report (IEA et al. ment of policy efforts worldwide is focused on countries facing 2024), about 74 percent of the global deficit for clean cooking major challenges in access to clean cooking. access occurs in just 20 countries. India and China hold the Progress in clean cooking regulatory frameworks between largest shares. In eight of these countries—namely, the Dem- 2021 and 2023 was modest; overall scores changed mini- ocratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mali, Mozam- mally for most countries, and improvements remained bique, Niger, Uganda, and Tanzania—less than 10 percent of under 10 points for the most part. As of the end of 2023, 56 the population has access to clean cooking fuels, while 14 of percent of the surveyed countries remained in the red zone, a the 20 countries have access rates below 50 percent. Sub-Sa- slight improvement from 58 percent in 2021, while 32 percent haran Africa has a severe deficit: between 1990 and 2022, the fell into the yellow zone, reflecting a shift from 37 percent in number of people without access in the region has more than 2021, as a few countries moved into the green zone. Notably, the doubled, reaching 923 million. By 2022, half the world’s popu- percentage of countries in the green zone increased to 12 per- lation without access to clean cooking lived in the region, a fig- cent, up from 5 percent in 2021, marking policy advancements ure projected to rise to 60 percent by 2030. Nigeria (86 million), (figure 3.1). Although progress has been observed, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (78 million), and Ethiopia with countries transitioning from the yellow to the green zone, (55 million) accounted for nearly a third of the global deficit. improvements remain slow and uneven. The persistent stagna- There is a clear and urgent need for targeted interven- tion in the red zone underscores the need for stronger regula- tions characterized by better data collection and analyt- tory frameworks and more effective policy implementation to ical tools able to support policy decisions. RISE therefore drive wider adoption of clean cooking solutions globally. 22 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW FIGURE 3.1 • Progress of RISE scores for clean cooking, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: The historical data for the clean cooking pillar are different from those in previous RISE reports. For more details, please refer to the Methodology section. In total, 7 of the 57 surveyed countries (Ghana, India, icy frameworks (figure 3.2). Senegal emerged as the most-im- Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, and Rwanda) are in proved country, making a remarkable leap from the red zone the green zone. Between 2021 and 2023, Ghana, Indonesia, to the yellow zone. Its overall score rose 35 points, the most Malawi, and Nepal transitioned from the yellow to the green noteworthy progress among all surveyed countries during this zone, demonstrating hefty progress in their clean cooking pol- period (box 3.1). FIGURE 3.2 • RISE clean cooking pillar scores, 2021–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 23 BOX 3.1 • Senegal: The top improver in the RISE clean cooking pillar, 2021–23 Between 2021 and 2023, Senegal made notable progress in the RISE clean cooking pillar, primarily through standards, label- ing, and national clean cooking planning. The Center for Studies and Research on Renewable Energies (CERER) and the Sen- egalese Standards Association (ASN) collaborated to develop the Senegalese Standard NS 14-002 (2009) for Jambar stoves, to ensure quality and performance. Stove quality and testing protocols will be improved further through cooperation with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and other partners. The Plan Sénégal Emergent (PSE), adopted in 2014, guides national development through 2035. The plan emphasizes energy access, renewable energy promotion, and infrastructure improvements. The Energy Sector Development Policy Letters (2019–23) further define Senegal’s approach to sustainable cooking energy, with objectives such as expanding nationwide access to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), promoting alternative fuels like biochar and biogas, and strengthening institutional capacity. A key component of this strategy is harmonizing LPG prices nationwide, supporting climate-sensitive cooking projects, and implementing an integrated forest resource management system (SIG-COD). Senegal’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of 2020 also sets ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- sions by up to 29 percent by 2030, focusing on key sectors like energy, forestry, and agriculture. The clean cooking sector aims to distribute 1.5 million improved cookstoves (ICSs) per year and to expand the diffusion of biodigesters. The Bioenergy National Action Plan (2020–30) is a complementary plan that aligns with ECOWAS’s Bioenergy Policy and seeks to boost the use of modern cooking fuel to 41 percent and the adoption of ICSs to 100 percent by 2030. The Renewable Energy Action Plan (PANER) 2015–30 seeks to expand modern fuel use (LPG, biogas, and solar) to 64 percent of the population while promoting efficient charcoal production and the adoption of improved cookstoves. At the regional level, Senegal follows the ECOW- AS Renewable Energy Policy (PERC 2013), which contributes to sustainable energy transitions through mandating efficient stoves for urban and rural areas. Senegal has implemented projects to support clean cooking and sustainable energy. The Natural Resources Management Project (2022) focuses on community-based forest management, sustainable fuelwood production, and ICS promotion, and seeks to reduce fuelwood consumption by 30 percent. The Climate-Sensitive Cooking Methods Promotion Project (2020–25), co-financed by the Green Climate Fund and Germany’s BMZ, supports stove manufacturing, market expansion, and financing access. It benefits 11.23 million people and reduces 984,915 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The World Bank–sup- ported PROGEDE II Project (2011 to present) focuses on sustainable household fuels and ICS promotion; it has led to the installation of 259 biodigesters and distribution of 836,235 ICSs. Earlier initiatives like PERACOD (2004–15) boosted rural energy access, reduced deforestation across 117,590 hectares, and created 1,370 jobs. The FASEN Project (2006–15) improved the ICS market, distributed 556,628 cookstoves, and established a nationwide distribution network. The National Biogas Programme of Senegal (PNB-SN) (2009 to the present) aims to install 10,000 biodigesters by 2025, replacing 48,000 tons of firewood annually and preserving 1,366 hectares of forest. Collectively, these projects reinforce Senegal’s commitment to clean cooking energy, forest conservation, and climate resilience, ensur- ing both environmental sustainability and economic benefits for local communities. Senegal’s progress in its RISE clean cooking score reflects a well-coordinated approach that prioritizes advancements in standards and labeling alongside national planning and implementation (figure 3.1.1). By strengthening regulatory frame- works through the development of quality standards for cookstoves, harmonizing fuel pricing, and aligning with regional and international policies, the country can now support the sustainable development of the clean cooking sector. The integration of clean cooking initiatives into broader national strategies has reinforced institutional capacity and expanded access to clean cooking solutions. Additionally, large-scale projects and targeted interventions demonstrate Senegal’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions, boosting energy security, and improving livelihoods. As the country continues to build on these achievements, its multifaceted approach to clean cooking underscores the importance of policy-driven innovation and col- laborative efforts in fostering long-term sustainability and resilience in the sector. 24 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW BOX 3.1 (Cont.)• Senegal: The top improver in the RISE clean cooking pillar, 2021–23 FIGURE 3.1.1 • SENEGAL’S PROGRESS IN THE RISE CLEAN COOKING INDICATORS, 2021–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa is witnessing a transformation in da is also making remarkable progress, leveraging its Energy clean cooking, with Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Rwan- Compact commitments and the World Bank’s Results-Based da having moved into the green zone. Ghana has a dedi- Financing (RBF) Facility on clean cooking. Rwanda is demon- cated national action plan fueling this transition. Its Country strating how government-led subsidies, tax exemptions on Action Plan for Clean Cooking is set to boost the adoption of LPG and clean cookstoves, and public-private partnerships can liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from 5.5 percent to 50 percent drive large-scale adoption. in peri-urban and rural households while distributing 2 million Besides Africa, other regions are also seeing progress, with efficient cookstoves by 2030. This progress is further reinforced challenges and breakthroughs unique to country context. by public and private investments, donor support, and a strong Indonesia has moved into the green zone over the past two push toward clean fuels and high-efficiency cookstoves com- years. Its transition from kerosene to LPG and the expansion of pliant with the standards of the International Organization for clean biomass stoves through the Indonesia Clean Stove Initia- Standardization (ISO). Kenya is also making significant strides tive and RBF mechanisms reflect its growing commitment, al- with its SDG 7 Energy Compact and its Kenya National Cooking though barriers remain in consumer financing, last-mile distri- Transition Strategy (2024–28), which commits to universal ac- bution, and alignment with global standards. The Philippines cess to modern energy cooking services by 2028. With robust is now gaining momentum, after years of stagnation. Newly tracking systems, mandatory labeling, and financial incentives established tracking systems, the integration of clean cooking like tax benefits and subsidies, Kenya is creating a strong foun- into its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the dation for a nationwide transition to clean cooking. In Malawi, introduction of emissions standards mark a new chapter, with the shift is driven by the SDG 7 Energy Compact and Integrated public awareness campaigns, policy planning, and internation- Energy Plan, with support from the Malawi Clean Cooking Fund al support from the Clean Cooking Alliance and Asian Devel- to expand access to alternative fuels and fuel-efficient stoves. opment Bank signaling a growing commitment to change. In Policies prioritizing household-level tracking, gender-inclu- South Asia, Nepal’s accelerated adoption of electric cooking sive consultations, and supplier incentives are speeding the and gender-responsive initiatives, together with tax exemp- adoption of clean cooking solutions across the country. Rwan- tions and subsidies, moved it from the yellow zone to the green RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 25 FIGURE 3.3 • Evolution of RISE clean cooking scores in surveyed countries, by region, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: The scores are not regional averages; rather, they represent the RISE sample scores for surveyed countries within each region. The Middle East and North Africa region has been excluded from this figure since only one country (Yemen) represents it. China has also been excluded. zone. Yet institutional funding, labeling schemes, and supplier within NDCs, fewer include specific time-bound targets. This incentives remain critical gaps. In contrast, Latin America and analysis highlights that while countries have stronger institu- the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa remain tional frameworks for clean cooking, there is a need to ensure at a standstill, with clean cooking scores unchanged between there are comprehensive tracking systems and sufficiently 2021 and 2023, underscoring the need for renewed urgency funded, well-integrated national plans to drive meaningful and investment in these regions (figure 3.3). progress. Across the surveyed countries from 2010 to 2023, national Standards and labeling remain the most overlooked in- planning for clean cooking consistently received the high- dicator in RISE clean cooking scores. They consistently est scores among the RISE clean cooking indicators. This receive the lowest ratings. This reflects significant gaps in the reflects governments’ prioritization of structured approaches development, enforcement, and transparency of clean cooking to expanding clean cooking access. Within this category, in- product standards. Within this category, labeling scores are the stitutional capacity emerges as the strongest-performing sub- lowest, indicating that few countries have implemented man- indicator, followed by tracking and existence of a plan. The datory or widely recognized labeling schemes for efficiency strength of institutional capacity suggests that many of the sur- and emissions. Monitoring and verification—the second-weak- veyed countries have designated agencies responsible for for- est subindicator under the category—highlights challenges mulating and implementing clean cooking strategies, setting in enforcement, accreditation of testing facilities, and field and enforcing standards, and tracking adoption. These agen- verification of standards. This in turn raises concerns about cies often have dedicated funding lines—via public funds, pri- the existing frameworks. While standards for efficiency, emis- vate investment, or donor support—which further strengthen sions, and safety perform slightly better, they often lack align- their ability to sustain long-term efforts. Tracking mechanisms, ment with ISO tiers of performance and remain inconsistently which assess household-level cooking data, including fuel use, applied across fuel types. Additionally, many countries either stove stacking, and indoor or outdoor cooking practices, show adopt standards from external sources without adaptation or slightly lower scores, suggesting that while data collection ex- fail to establish a domestic framework with clear enforcement ists, areas such as public data accessibility, sex-disaggregated mechanisms. The absence of certified testing facilities, man- reporting, and sustained stove usage monitoring still need datory compliance measures, and verification through field attention. Meanwhile, existence of a plan shows the lowest testing further weakens the impact of existing regulations. The scores, indicating that while many governments have drafted persistent weaknesses in standards, monitoring, and labeling or adopted clean cooking plans, gaps remain in resource al- suggest that clean cooking markets in many countries operate location, public consultation, and gender-inclusive planning. without sufficient quality assurance. This makes it difficult for Additionally, while some plans integrate clean cooking targets consumers, manufacturers, and policy makers to expand the 26 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW adoption of efficient and safe cooking solutions. Addressing need for stronger regulatory measures, robust tracking these gaps requires regulatory enforcement, transparency, and systems, and well-financed implementation strategies. testing and certification systems that strengthen global access Countries that have transitioned to the green zone demon- to clean cooking. strate that comprehensive national action plans, combined with institutional commitment, public and private collabora- Incentives and attributes, which received minimal atten- tion, and targeted incentives, can drive meaningful change. tion across the surveyed countries, remain among the But the stagnation of many countries in the red zone points most underdeveloped areas in RISE clean cooking scores. to persistent challenges, including weak enforcement of stan- This category includes three subindicators—consumer financ- dards, insufficient financing mechanisms, and limited consum- ing mechanisms, institutional incentives, and supplier incen- er awareness. To surmount these barriers, governments need tives—across which persistent gaps are seen. Institutional to strengthen institutional capacity, allocate dedicated funding incentives rank the lowest, highlighting a dearth of govern- for clean cooking initiatives, and implement gender-inclusive ment-led support for public institutions to adopt clean cook- policies that support both consumers and suppliers. By inte- ing solutions, such as funding for schools, hospitals, and so- grating clean cooking policies into broader climate and ener- cial programs. Consumer financing mechanisms (which assess gy goals, governments can provide a strategic roadmap that the availability of loans, subsidies, and safety net programs for speeds adoption and fosters long-term sector development. clean cooking purchases) also remain weak, suggesting that many households, particularly low-income ones, struggle to Scaling clean cooking solutions will require a multifacet- afford cleaner alternatives due to insufficient financial support. ed approach that fortifies policy enforcement, expands Supplier incentives, which include tax exemptions, subsidies, financial support for both consumers and suppliers, and and business development programs for clean cooking manu- fosters regional and global collaboration. Strengthening facturers and distributors, perform slightly better but still face standards and labeling frameworks, particularly by aligning barriers in accessibility, sustainability, and targeted funding with ISO tiers of performance, will improve product quality as- for gender-inclusive businesses. Additionally, the absence of surance and increase consumer trust, while enhancing mon- dedicated funding for research, development, and innovation itoring and verification systems will ensure sustained adop- further limits the sector’s expansion. The weaknesses in these tion and long-term impact. Additionally, targeted financial three subindicators suggest that without stronger financial interventions such as concessional loans, subsidies, and RBF mechanisms for consumers, targeted institutional support, can help bridge affordability gaps, particularly for low-income and well-structured incentives for suppliers, progress in clean households. As clean cooking gains momentum in global en- cooking adoption will lag, demonstrating the need for ade- ergy access discussions, integrating innovative technologies, quate policy frameworks and investment strategies to drive digital tracking systems, and decentralized energy solutions sustainable growth in the sector. will be key to fostering inclusive and sustainable transitions. By prioritizing these measures, countries can accelerate their shift While progress in the clean cooking pillar is evident, the to clean cooking, reduce reliance on polluting fuels, and build slow and uneven improvement underscores the urgent a more resilient and equitable energy future. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 27 4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Photo Credit: Yusuf Türker / World Bank 4 • ENERGY EFFICIENCY Since 2010, energy efficiency has soared in significance, Progress has slowed, however. Over the past two years, only as evidenced by marked shifts in regulatory indicators. six countries in the red zone beefed up their regulations. Two The trend (Figure 4.1) reveals a strong decline in the number of countries advanced from the yellow to the green zone with no- countries in the red zone and concurrent increase in the green tably improved regulations. Red and yellow zone countries are zone indicating a move to adequate energy efficiency policies marked by low and lower incomes, so in these instances, the and showing commitment to enhancing energy efficiency reg- regulatory focus tends to be on expanding access rather than ulation. This transformation underscores a global recognition integrating critical energy efficiency measures. An analysis by that effective regulatory frameworks are critical to sustainable region and income group provides a more comprehensive pic- energy practices. Countries are increasingly adopting robust ture of global regulatory trends. policies and regulations that support energy-saving technol- Regulatory scores for energy efficiency are trending high- ogies, incentivize investments in efficiency measures, and im- er across all regions, although progress and achievements plement stricter building and appliance standards. There is vary a great deal. Member countries of the Organisation for more: as national policies align with international agreements Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, for instance, on climate change and lower GHG emissions, stronger legal have made rapid advances in energy efficiency regulations (fig- frameworks bring benefits not only to the environment but to ure 4.2), measures backed by robust legislative commitments job creation in the green technology sector. The data reveal a like the European Green Deal and state-level mandates. Many shift toward a more sustainable energy future, driven by strong OECD countries are implementing aggressive energy efficiency regulatory commitments. FIGURE 4.1 • Energy efficiency: Progress of RISE scores, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 29 policies and investing in clean energy technologies. This proac- signals a need for tailored strategies that recognize a region’s tive approach has caused regulatory scores to leap, catapulting socioeconomic and technical landscapes. By addressing these some countries into leadership status. Over the past few years, regional challenges (box 4.1) and leveraging successful policy scores have barely budged, suggesting that the new regula- frameworks from more advanced regions, it is possible to foster tions met a high, ambitious legal standard. Conversely, while greater energy efficiency across the globe. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are showing improve- An analysis by income level indicates a clear disparity in ments, progress is slower. Challenges such as limited access to the adoption of robust regulatory frameworks across dif- funding, regulatory incapacity, and technological infrastructure ferent income level countries. Many high-income countries can hinder swift implementation of effective measures. Despite fall into the top zones for regulations (figure 4.3). Wealthier na- constraints, some initiatives are aimed at increased awareness tions are more likely to have developed comprehensive regu- and more capacity building. These can lay the groundwork latory frameworks. Conversely, low-income countries occupy for future regulatory advancements. In summary, while global the lower-scoring zones that lack regulatory measures on ener- trends point toward stronger regulatory frameworks for energy gy efficiency. Lacking adequate regulatory frameworks, these efficiency, disparities in the pace (and extent) of improvement FIGURE 4.2 • Energy efficiency: Evolution of RISE scores by region, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: OECD = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 30 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW BOX 4.1 • Energy efficiency regional analysis Comparing regions’ relative improvement to the worldwide average rate of improvement brings additional insights (figure 4.1.1): 1. Regional comparison. By evaluating the relative changes in RISE scores, we can identify which regions are not only improv- ing but are doing so at a rate that exceeds or lags the global average. This highlights regions showing lots of progress (South Asia), as well as those that may require additional support and resources. 2. Implications of trends. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policy makers and stakeholders. Regions that demon- strate faster improvements can serve as models for best practices, while those falling behind may benefit from targeted interventions. This nuanced perspective allows for a more tailored approach to enhancing energy efficiency. 3. Strategic focus. By focusing on both absolute and relative improvements in RISE scores, stakeholders can prioritize invest- ments and policies effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated to regions with the greatest potential for impact. FIGURE 4.1.1 • Energy Efficiency: Rise Score Improvement, 2021–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: OECD = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. countries will also lack ways to optimize energy use and reduce become energy efficient. International support and knowledge waste. Unequal capabilities have global implications, like all transfer may help them do so. Overall, the RISE data illustrates a global inequality. High-income countries have more resources clear correlation between a country's income level and its regu- to invest in strong regulatory frameworks and to establish dura- latory vigor vis-à-vis energy efficiency. Resolving the disparities ble policy implementation frameworks. The findings show that means the expansion of sustainable energy use globally. low-income countries need reliable regulatory frameworks to RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 31 FIGURE 4.3 • Energy efficiency: RISE scores per income group, 2023 Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: EE = energy efficiency; OECD = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The indicator on governance and planning consistently (figure 4.4). Yet buildings account for 30 percent of global ener- gets the highest scores, reflecting the essential role of gy consumption, according to the IEA. Countries could address these actions in the development of effective energy ef- the gap and in so doing lower their energy expenditures on both ficiency policies. Governance and strategic planning help to construction and operations while realizing substantial energy steer the direction and set the priorities for energy efficiency savings and contributing to global energy efficiency goals. initiatives. In contrast, advances in building codes have lagged FIGURE 4.4 • Elements of energy efficiency regulation Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: EE = energy efficiency. 32 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW The growing embrace of building codes is commendable, codes to address energy efficiency, while 35 percent were as nearly a third of surveyed countries have scores that classified as moderate, and 36 percent were in the red place them in the green zone. A notable gap exists, however, zone. Robust regulations that mandate energy efficiency in the between adopted policy on the one hand and systems for veri- buildings sector, along with effective compliance mechanisms, fication and compliance on the other. Figure 4.5 demonstrates are depicted in figure 4.6. The inner ring shows the adoption that, despite new, steadily improving building codes, compli- of the regulations, and the outer ring reflects the enforcement ance mechanisms are not keeping pace. This gap raises ques- of the adopted requirements. Compliance verification systems tions about the role of energy efficiency policies in lowering were notably weak, with only 26 percent appearing in the green overall energy consumption. zone, 14 percent in the yellow zone, and a concerning 60 per- cent in the red zone. Yes, more countries have adopted energy In 2023, 29 percent of countries reported strong building codes, but without enforcement the codes do little. FIGURE 4.5 • Enforcing building codes that consider energy efficiency, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. FIGURE 4.6 • Energy efficiency: Building codes and their enforcement, 2023 Source: ESMAP 2024. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 33 Without robust compliance mechanisms, policies remain prevalence of financing mechanisms across the surveyed coun- policies and buildings remain energy inefficient. Weak ver- tries. Specific instruments, and the proportion of countries of- ification systems lead to substandard implementation, under- fering them, are highlighted. Various institutions provide credit mining the potential for energy savings and emissions reduc- lines and energy efficiency revolving funds; these represent the tions. A similar scenario is evident in the regulations governing dominant financing options for advancing energy efficiency. the energy performance of equipment. Countries have gradu- These options are accessible, however, in less than a third of ally adopted Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) the surveyed countries. Discounted “EE green” mortgages are and energy labeling systems (figure 4.7). While the figures on next. They point to the critical need for greater access to these global uptake are encouraging, the delays in mandatory en- financial products. Energy service companies (ESCOs) that of- forcement reveals a downward trend for energy labeling. This fer pay-for-performance contracts appear in about one-fifth of gap is concerning, as energy labels play a crucial role in shaping the surveyed countries. Successful ESCO programs in India, Po- consumer behavior around the purchase of efficient applianc- land, and Ukraine, supported by the World Bank, demonstrate es. The centrality of this issue is amplified by the recent sharp the potential of this financing model. On-bill financing and re- rise in global energy prices. Energy-efficient appliances are now payment options, as well as green or EE bonds, are less com- more than an environmental imperative: they are an economic mon but offer innovative solutions for financing energy efficien- priority for households and businesses. cy initiatives. Vendor credit options, including cash-back offers and leasing for energy-efficient products, are available in only Many countries have financing facilities to boost energy ef- 15 percent of countries, signaling an opportunity for vendors to ficiency among residential consumers. Figure 4.8 shows the help reduce up-front costs for consumers. FIGURE 4.7 • Adoption of minimum energy performance standards and energy labeling systems, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. 34 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW FIGURE 4.8 • Residential energy efficiency financing instruments Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: EE = energy efficiency; ESCO = energy service company. BOX 4.2 • SENEGAL: BEST ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVER Senegal made notable strides in 2023, achieving the most improved RISE scores for energy efficiency worldwide, and ranking third after Kenya and South Africa in the Sub-Saharan Africa Region. Figure 4.2.1 illustrates its gains, fueled by national initiatives and international commitments that span multiple sectors, including public, transport, and buildings. FIGURE 4.2.1 • Senegal RISE energy efficiency scores, 2021 and 2023 Source: ESMAP 2024. • National strategic initiatives. Senegal’s improvements were driven by the Strategic Development Plan 2019–23 and the 2030 Energy Management Strategy, alongside commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) frameworks. • Public sector advancements. The establishment of a super energy service company (ESCO) and the ECOFRIDGES Sénégal initiative showcase Senegal’s commitment to more energy efficient public services, supported by international funding mechanisms. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 35 BOX 4.2 (Cont.) • SENEGAL: BEST ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVER • Transport sector innovation. The launch of Africa’s first fully electric public bus network— the Dakar bus rapid transit system—aims to make urban transport more efficient while reducing emissions and travel times. • Building energy efficiency measures. The implementation of energy efficiency construction codes and the awarding of the first Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE, a green building certification) highlight Senegal’s efforts in promoting sustainable building practices. Senegal’s remarkable progress in energy efficiency offers several key lessons for other nations with similar aims. First, the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach cannot be overstated. Senegal’s achievements were driven by a combination of national strategic plans, such as the Strategic Development Plan 2019–23 and the 2030 Energy Management Strategy, and international commitments, including those under the ECOWAS framework and the country’s NDC. Second, the establishment of dedicated institutions and partnerships, such as the National Energy Conservation Agency (AEME), the super ESCO, and the ECOFRIDGES Sénégal initiative, highlights the critical role of institutional frameworks and collaborative efforts in driving energy efficiency. Third, the integration of energy efficiency measures across various sectors—including public, transport, and buildings— demonstrates the need for a multisectoral approach. The launch of Africa’s first fully electric public bus network in Dakar and the implementation of energy efficiency construction codes are prime examples of successful sector-specific initiatives. Finally, the involvement of the private sector and the provision of financial mechanisms, such as zero-interest green credits, underscore how important innovative financing solutions are in promoting energy-efficient technologies. Senegal’s experience shows that with strong political will, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts, major strides in energy efficiency are achievable. As a summary of the chapter the comprehensive snapshot of the regulatory indicators for energy efficiency is presented in Figure 4.9. FIGURE 4.9 • Distribution of countries with EE scores. Snapshot for 2023. It shows distribution of countries categorized by region and income level, along with their respective scores. 36 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW ENERGY 5. RENEWABLE Photo credit: ©Pexel 5 • RENEWABLE ENERGY Little progress was made in renewable energy policies targets that aligning with their international climate commit- and regulations over the past two years. Several factors are ments. RISE tracks the adoption of new policies and regula- at work here, chief among them policy saturation in the elec- tions. Failing to capture the policy updates contributes to a tricity sector, geopolitical uncertainties, and fossil fuels policy picture of stagnation. priorities that compete with renewable initiatives. The war in Countries have different starting points and face different Ukraine, for instance, has amplified energy security concerns challenges. High-performing countries are generally high-in- and renewed the focus on securing fossil fuel supplies in some come as well (figure 5.2) and improvements in the margins are regions (Guenette, Kenworthy, and Wheeler 2022), slowing challenging. They must innovate to stay ahead, by exploring the fossil fuel phaseout progress. Many countries have even new technologies, developing better grid integration strate- increased subsidies on fossil fuels (OECD and IISD n.d.), and gies, and addressing the social and economic impacts of en- are stalling plans to phase them out. Ultimately, the number ergy transitions. In contrast, those countries trying to catch up of countries in the different RISE zones remained virtually un- struggle with structural issues—weak institutional capacity, changed between 2021 and 2023 (figure 5.1). lack of technical expertise, and limited financial resources. Instead of introducing new policies and regulations, many Policy design for renewable energy must consider country lim- countries updated existing ones, adopting more ambitious itations, rather than blindly copying best practices from other countries. FIGURE 5.1 • Renewable energy: Progress of RISE scores, 2010–23 Source: ESMAP 2024. 38 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW FIGURE 5.2 • RISE renewable energy score distribution, by region and country income level Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: As its income is unclassified (data unavailability) Venezuela is not depicted. The graph is a jitter plot that avoids overlap: the horizontal placement of the data- points is not related to the income. RE = renewable energy; OECD = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Most renewable energy policies and regulations are di- uneven policy distribution (and saturation), improvements in rected at the electricity sector; a speedier energy transi- other indicators have significant impacts on the RISE score. tion depends, however, on efforts across all sectors. Fig- Albania was the best improver thanks to improvements in its ure 5.3 shows that most policies and regulations tracked by leveling the playing field indicator (box 5.1). RISE are concentrated in the electricity sector. Because of this FIGURE 5.3 • Aggregated number of policies, by indicator, across the 140 countries Source: ESMAP 2024. Note: The graph depicts the total number of policies and regulations tracked across 140 countries (whether a given country had it or not, Yes/No), grouped by indi- cator. This is not the number of policies and regulations that each indicator has. India’s data were not considered in this exercise, as five states’ data were collected to calculate the national average. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 39 BOX 5.1 • Albania’s renewables trading system Albania introduced a renewables trading system known as guarantees of origin (GOs); the corresponding law governs com- pliance. This system certifies the origin of electricity generated from renewable sources; in doing so it promotes transparency and the use of green energy. Indeed, by providing additional income to renewable energy generators, trading systems level the playing field (5.1.1) by addressing financial distortions such as subsidies and tax exemptions that favor conventional energy sources. In addition, carbon pricing policies skew the market against renewable energy. FIGURE 5.1.1 • Albania’s progress in renewable energy scores, by indicator Source: ESMAP 2024. The establishment of the GO system in Albania is part of a broader effort initiated in May 2022 by the Energy Community Sec- retariat. It stresses the importance of guarantees of origin in the Western Balkans (Malinen 2023) and their role in fostering renewable energy development and market integration. The GO system aligns with European Union (EU) standards to ease integration into the regional energy market. The Energy Community—an international organization that builds an integrated energy market comprising the European Union and its neighbors—has played a vital role in the region’s use of GO. The system is expected to be vital in Albania’s energy transition, helping the country meet its renewable energy targets and reduce green- house gas emissions. The legal framework for the GO system in Albania is primarily governed by Law No. 24/2023 “On the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources” (Republic of Albania 2023). This law outlines the principles and procedures for the issuance, transfer, and cancellation of GO. It aims to ensure that the electricity produced from renewable sources is accurately tracked and certified. Key provisions of the law include: • Issuance of guarantees. The law mandates that GO be issued for each megawatt-hour of electricity generated from re- newable sources. • Transfer and cancellation. The guarantees can be transferred among market participants and must be canceled once the electricity is consumed or sold as renewable energy. • Transparency and reporting. The law requires detailed reporting and transparency in the issuance and transfer of guar- antees to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the system. 40 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW BOX 5.1 (Cont.) • Albania’s renewables trading system In addition, Grexel, which specializes in energy certification, has helped to establish and implement Albania’s electronic GO system (Simonova 2023). This electronic system is expected to streamline the process of issuing and managing guarantees, making it more efficient and reliable. The implications of the GO system in Albania are far reaching. By aligning with EU standards, Albania’s GO system facilitates the integration of its energy market, attracting foreign investment and strengthening the country’s energy security. There are, in addition, environmental benefits and economic growth for the country. As mentioned above, greater effort beyond the electricity mandate was implemented in 2021 under the Act on Reduction sector is needed to accelerate renewable energy deploy- of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Certain Fuels (FAO 2017). ment. Next, we share insights from our RISE policy and regula- This law requires fuel suppliers to reduce aviation fuel emis- tions database for these other sectors. sions through SAF blending. The initial target set by 2021 was for a 0.8 percent GHG reduction for aviation fuel, equivalent to Governance. Sound governance is crucial for renewable en- a 1 percent SAF blend by volume. At the EU level, the ReFuelEU ergy policy frameworks, as it promotes effective implementa- Aviation (Economic Commission n.d.a) and FuelEU Maritime tion, monitoring, and enforcement. Sound governance also (Economic Commission n.d.b) mandates will become effective promotes a transparent, accountable, and inclusive deci- in 2025, so they were not captured in this publication. sion-making process to foster stakeholder trust and participa- tion. Practically all countries (134) have established agencies Heating and cooling. As with the transport sector, only 51 for monitoring renewable deployment progress, but only about countries have renewable targets for heating and cooling. Ac- half of them (75) have mechanisms to adjust planning based cordingly, only a similar number of countries (53) require new on that progress. Regarding utility transparency and monitor- buildings to be equipped with solar thermal, geothermal, or ing, progress was scant over the past two years. The RISE 2022 other renewable energy systems. Even fewer countries (8) have publication had acknowledged improvements by 2021 but not- banned the use of fossil fuel appliances in buildings. France, for ed that most countries had not yet reached a sound framework example, banned the installation of new oil-fired boilers in 2022 under this indicator—RISE’s green zone. Further improvements for both new and existing buildings. This was part of France’s rely mainly on making the information publicly available and it efforts to reduce GHG emissions and meet climate goals. This being audited. policy is rooted in the Convention Citoyenne pour le Climat and seeks to encourage the use of cleaner heating alternatives like Transport. Only 55 countries have a renewable energy tar- heat pumps and biomass systems. get for transport, compared with 135 in the electricity sector. Accordingly, only 55 countries—most notably those in the Leveling the playing field. RISE incorporates carbon pricing European Union, but also others like Brazil and the United policies from the World Bank’s dashboard. That said, it is widely States—have established biofuels blending mandates in the acknowledged that carbon pricing can have regressive impacts road transport sector. In contrast, the regulatory frameworks that slow implementation. In that context and for this publica- for biofuels in aviation and maritime shipping are still young. tion, we began to complement the dashboard display to show International organizations such as the International Civil Avia- revenue recycling and redistribution policies. We found, how- tion Organization and the International Maritime Organization ever, that only a few countries (10) have them. In 2022, Den- are working on developing standards and policies to promote mark enacted a Green Tax Reform (Climate Change Laws of the use of sustainable fuels in these sectors. Nationally, notable the World 2022), which claimed to relax electricity taxes for all first movers in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), are Norway and Danes while targeting lower-income households. Other coun- Sweden. The former mandated a 0.5 percent advanced biofuel tries had already implemented similar policies. Australia, for blending requirement for aviation fuel in 2018, the first national example, imposed its Carbon Pricing Mechanism between 2012 mandate in the world (Skjelhaugen et al. 2021). Sweden’s SAF and 2014 with a household assistance package (ACOSS 2011) RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 41 to assist and compensate low-income households. Likewise, International Monetary Fund (IMF n.d.), we found that no coun- when Canada introduced its federal pollution pricing scheme, it try has phased them out entirely. launched the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) for Individuals pro- The time is now; more effort is needed. Most analyses—most gram (Government of Canada 2025) to help eligible individuals notably those written up by the Intergovernmental Panel on and families offset the cost of the federal pollution pricing. Ire- Climate Change, IEA, International Renewable Energy Agency, land’s carbon tax fund, established in 2020, uses revenues from and Climate Action Tracker—conclude that if governments im- the carbon tax to support initiatives, including more spending plement all their pledged renewable policies and regulations, on social welfare and measures to prevent fuel poverty. A bud- the world will fall well short of the 1.5°C target. More concern- get report on the carbon tax fund is published each year, for ing, the share of modern renewables in total final energy con- transparency (Government of Ireland 2024). By earmarking car- sumption—the SDG  7.2.1 indicator—had not budged in 2022, bon tax revenues for social welfare programs, Ireland prevents although the share showed healthy movement the previous the burden of carbon pricing from disproportionately affecting ten years, after 2012. The fossil fuel share remains practically vulnerable populations. This approach helps to maintain public unchanged (figure 5.4). Zero progress in RISE renewable scores support for climate policies and demonstrates a commitment over the past two years is yet another call for policy makers to to social equity. Overall, these examples illustrate the impor- scale up efforts, especially in designing new and innovative pol- tance of integrating social equity considerations into carbon icies, tailored to local contexts, that promote effective and rap- pricing policies to ensure that they are both effective and fair. id renewable deployment to bring the world closer to reaching Finally, the playing field for renewables will not be leveled until climate goals. fossil fuel subsidies are phased out. In line with the work of the FIGURE 5.4 • World’s total final energy consumption by source, 2012 and 2022 Source: Extracted from REN21 (2024). Note: TFEC = total final energy consumption. 42 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW REFERENCES ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service). 2011. “Pricing Carbon Pollution: Supporting and Engaging People on Low Incomes.” https://acoss.org.au/images/uploads/ACOSS_Carbon_Price_and_Low_Income_Households_Paper.pdf. Blanchard, O., C. Gollier, and J. Tirole. 2023. “The Portfolio of Economic Policies Needed to Fight Climate Change.” Annual Review of Economics 15: 689–722.2023 Borenstein, S., and L. W. Davis. 2016. “The Distributional Effects of US Clean Energy Tax Credits.” Tax Policy and the Economy 30 (1): 191–2342016. Climate Change Laws of the World. 2022. “Green Tax Reform.” https://climate-laws.org/document/green-tax-reform-c29c. Economic Commission. N.d.a. “ReFuelEU Aviation.” https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/air/environment/refueleu-avi- ation_en. Economic Commission. N.d.b. “Decarbonising Maritime Transport—FuelEU Maritime.” https://transport.ec.europa.eu/trans- port-modes/maritime/decarbonising-maritime-transport-fueleu-maritime_en. EDCL (Energy Development Corporation Limited). 2023. Rwanda National Electrification Plan 2023 Revision “A Concept Note on the Rwanda National Electrification Plan (NEP)—2023 Revision.” EDCL, Kigali, Rwanda. https://www.reg.rw/fileadmin/user_up- load/Concept_Note_NEP_Revision__July_2023.pdf. ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Program). 2024. “RISE database.” https://rise.esmap.org/ Fabra, N., and M. Reguant. 2024. “The Energy Transition: A Balancing Act.” Resource and Energy Economics 76 (February): 1014082024. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). 2017. “Act (2017:1201) on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Certain Fossil Fuels.” https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC229831/. Farole, T. 2011. Special Economic Zones in Africa: Comparing Performance and Learning from Global Experience. Washington, DC: World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/8fb20e3d-7672-5304-9517-2f4f9dbc2539.2011. GOGLA. 2023. “Policy and Regulations Repository.” https://gogla.org/guides-tools/policy-and-regulations-repository/. Gouchoe, S., V. Everette, and R. Haynes. 2002. Case Studies on the Effectiveness of State Financial Incentives for Renewable Ener- gy. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). https://ncsolarcen-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/up- loads/2015/01/2002-Gouchoe-Case-Studies....pdf. Government of Canada. 2025. “Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) for Individuals.” https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/ child-family-benefits/canada-carbon-rebate.html. Government of Ireland. 2024. “Budget 2024: The Use of Carbon Tax Funds.” https://assets.gov.ie/273321/07262fac-d631-4b1c-a3eb- 1e103bfec2ce.pdf. Guadarrama, C., Liu, Y., Movsisyan, A. Forthcoming. “Good students, corner cutters, mimics and laggards: Policy lessons for closing electricity access gaps in Africa”. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 43 Justin Damien Guenette, Justin Damien, Philip George Kenworthy, and Collette Mari Wheeler. 2022. “Implications of the War in Ukraine for the Global Economy .” EFI Policy Note 3, Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions Policy Notes, World Bank, Washington, DC. https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/5d903e848db1d1b83e0ec8f744e55570-0350012021/related/Implica- tions-of-the-War-in-Ukraine-for-the-Global-Economy.pdf. IEA (International Energy Agency), IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), UNSD (United Nations Statistics Division), World Bank, and WHO (World Health Organization). 2024. Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report. World Bank, Washington DC. https://www.iea.org/reports/tracking-sdg7-the-energy-progress-report-2024. IMF (International Monetary Fund). 2015. “Options for Low Income Countries’ Effective and Efficient Use of Tax Incentives for In- vestment : Tools for the Assessment of Tax Incentives.” A background paper to the report prepared for the G-20 Development Working Group by the IMF, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations, and World Bank Options for Low Income Countries’ Effective and Efficient Use of Tax Incentives for Investment. https://www.imf.org/external/ np/g20/pdf/101515a.pdf. IMF. N.d. “Climate Change: Fossil Fuel Subsidies.” https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/climate-change/energy-subsidies. ITU (International Telecommunication Union). N.d. “Zambia: Country Status.” https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Environment/Pages/ Priority-Areas/E-waste/CountryPages/Zambia.aspx#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20begun%20preparing%20a%20 specific%20regulation,11%20of%204%20proposed%20standards%20having%20been%20adopted. Klemm, A. 2009. “Causes, Benefits, and Risks of Business Tax Incentives.” IMF Working Paper WP/09/21, International Monetary Fund, Washington, DC. https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2009/wp0921.pdf. Malinen, Laura. 2023. “Guarantees of Origin and the Energy Community: Greening the Balkans.” Montel, November 28. https://mon- tel.energy/commentary/guarantees-of-origin-and-the-energy-community-a-green-solution-in-the-balkan-states. Metcalf, G. E. 2007. “Federal Tax Policy Towards Energy.” Tax Policy and the Economy 21: 145–84. https://www.jstor.org/ stable/20061917 Ministry of Energy (Power Division). 2023. National Electricity Plan 2023-2027National Electricity Plan 2023—2027. Islamabad: Minis- try of Energy (Power Division), Government of Pakistan. https://power.gov.pk/SiteImage/Policy/National Electricity Plan 2023- 27.pdf. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. 2023. Energy Policy for Uganda 2023. Kampala, Uganda: Ministry of Energy and Min- eral Development, Government of Uganda. https://nrep.ug/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Energy-Policy-for-Uganda-2023_ Final.pdf. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. 2023. “Solar Waste Treatment Under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.” Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, New Delhi. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1906920. NERC (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission). 2023. “Mini-Grid Regulations, 2023.” https://nerc.gov.ng/wp-content/up- loads/2024/01/MINIGRIDREGULATIONS.pdf. OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). N.d. “Principles to Enhance the Transparency and Governance of Tax Incentives for Investment in Developing Countries.” OECD and IISD (International Institute for Sustainable Development). N.d. “Fossil Fuel Subsidy Tracker.” https://fossilfuelsubsidy- tracker.org/. Rapson, D., and E. Muehlegger E. 2023. “Global Transportation Decarbonization.” Journal of Economic Perspectives 37 (3): 163–88. 44 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century). 2024. Renewables 2024: Global Status Report Collection: Global Overview. Paris: REN21 Secretariat. https://www.ren21.net/gsr-2024/modules/global_overview/. Republic of Albania. 2023. “Law No. 24/2023 on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources.” https://ere.gov.al/ media/files/2024/01/31/Law_no._24_2023_On_the_promotion_of_the_use_of_energy_from_renewable_sources.pdf. SEfor4ALL (Sustainable Energy for All). 2024. State of the Global Mini-Grids Market Report, 2024. https://www.seforall.org/system/ files/2024-08/SOTM Report 2024_EN_vFc.pdf. Simonova, Anna. 2023. “Establishing an Electronic Guarantees of Origin System in Albania.” Grexel, November 3, 2023. https://grexel. com/establishing-an-electronic-guarantees-of-origin-system-in-albania/. Skjelhaugen, Odd Jarle, Mats Nordum, Einar Svein, Jarle Horn, and Duncan Akporiaye. 2021. “Biofuels Policies and Market in Nor- way.” Advanced Biofuels USA, December 31. https://advancedbiofuelsusa.info/biofuels-policies-and-market-in-norway. UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development). 2023. “Investment Policies for the Energy Transition: Incentives and Disincentives.” Investment Policy Monitor, Issue 26, November 2023. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ diaepcbinf2023d8_en.pdf. USAID (United States Agency for International Development), NAERUC (National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners), and Power Africa. 2021. “Ethiopian Regulator Approves Groundbreaking Mini-Grid Directive, Improves Licensing Process, Pav- ing the Way for Increased Electrification.” https://pubs.naruc.org/pub/2E446300-9273-79EE-5076-F5A3432FC02F. World Bank. 2024a. Off Grid Solar Market Trends Report 2024. Washington, DC: World Bank. https://www.esmap.org/sites/default/ files/esmap-files/2024-Off-Grid-Solar-Market-Trends-Report.pdf. World Bank. 2024b. “Mission 300 Is Powering Africa.” https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/energizing-africa2024. World Bank. N.d. “UPBEAT: Utility Performance and Behavior Today.” https://utilityperformance.energydata.info/. RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 45 ANNEX. RISE PILLAR CHANGES BETWEEN 2022 AND 2024 FIGURE A.1 • Renewable energy pillar changes between 2022 and 2024 Legal framework for renewable energy • Legal framework for renewable energy Planning for renewable energy expansion • Electricity—targets and plans • Heating and cooling—targets and plans • Transport—targets and plans • Institutions and meeting targets • Renewable energy in generation and transmission planning • Resource data and siting Incentives and regulatory support for renewable energy • Financial and regulatory support for electricity • Electricity grid access and dispatch • Financial and regulatory support for transport • Financial and regulatory support for heating and cooling Attributes of financial and regulatory incentives • Auctions • Fixed tariffs for small producers Network connection and use • Connection and cost allocation • Network usage and pricing • Renewable grid integration Counterparty risk • Creditworthiness • Payment risk mitigation • Utility transparency and monitoring Carbon pricing and monitoring • Does any carbon pricing mechanism include GHG emission coverage? • Is there a greenhouse gas emission monitoring, reporting, and verification system in place? 46 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW Governance • Institutions, monitoring, and meeting targets • Utility transparency and monitoring Electricity • Electricity targets, laws, strategies, and programs • Electricity quotas, mandates, and certificates • Electricity pricing instruments • Market design (merged legal framework for renewable energy, electricity grid access and dispatch, network usage and pricing) • Renewable grid integration (merged with renewable energy in generation and transmission planning, resource data and siting, connection and cost allocation) • Risk mitigation Heating and cooling • Heating and cooling targets, laws, strategies, and programs • Heating and cooling quotas, mandates, and certificates • Heating and cooling pricing instruments Transport • Transport targets, laws, strategies, and programs • Transport quotas, mandates, and certificates • Transport pricing instruments Leveling the playing field for renewables • Does any carbon pricing mechanism include GHG emission coverage? • Are there mechanisms to compensate low-income households for the regressive effects of carbon pricing or protect them against those effects? • Is there a renewables certificate tradable system for new projects in any sector (e.g., the electricity, heating and cooling, and digital sectors)? • Has a fossil fuel subsidy removal reform been enacted? Or does the country NOT have a law or policy to subsidize fossil fuels? • Are there mechanisms to compensate low-income households for the regressive effects of fossil fuel subsidy phase- out/removal or protect them against those effects? RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 47 FIGURE A.2 • Electricity access pillar changes between 2022 and 2024 Electrification planning • Existence • Public availability of an electrification plan • Targets and implementation • Institutional setup Scope of the officially approved electrification plan • Service-level target • Inclusion of off-grid solutions • Inclusion of community and productive services • Inclusion and gender sensitivity • Financing of the plan Framework for grid electrification • Funding support for grid electrification • Funding support for consumer connections • Performance standards regarding quality of supply Mini-grid framework • Solar hybrid mini grid technology • Geospatial planning for mini grids • Productive uses and community engagement • Access to finance • Institutional capacity, and training and skill development • Workable regulations • Regulatory authority • Enabling business environment Framework for off-grid systems • Existence of programs leveraging private sector participation • Financial incentives • Payment methods • Standards and quality Electricity affordability for the consumer • Cost of subsistence consumption • Affordability of the connection fee • Policy to support low-volume consumers • Utility transparency and monitoring • Publicly available financial statements • Publicly available annual reports • Usage of an outage recording system • Publicly available reliability measurements • Utility creditworthiness 48 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW • Current ratio • EBITDA margin • Debt service coverage ratio • Days payable outstanding ratio Electrification governance and planning (merged with scope of the officially approved electrification plan) • Existence (merged with public availability of the electrification plan) • Targets and implementation (merged with institutional setup, service-level target) • Inclusion of decentralized energy solutions for specific groups (merged with inclusion of off-grid solutions, inclusion of community and productive services, inclusion and gender sensitivity, and financing of the plan) Framework for grid electrification • Funding support for grid electrification • Funding support for consumer connections • Performance standards regarding quality of supply Mini-grid framework • Solar hybrid mini grid technology strategy (merged with geospatial planning for mini grids, productive uses, and community engagement) • Financing framework (merged access to finance with institutional capacity, training and skill development) • Workable regulations (merged with regulatory authority, enabling business environment) Off-grid systems framework • Private sector participation • Financial incentives • Standards and quality Electricity affordability for the consumer • Cost of subsistence consumption • Affordability of the connection fee • Policy to support low-volume consumers RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 49 FIGURE A.3 • Energy efficiency pillar changes between 2022 and 2024 National energy efficiency planning • National energy efficiency legislation/action planning • Subsectoral targets • Scope of targets Energy efficiency entities • Human capital and institutions Incentives and mandates: industrial and commercial end users • Mandates for large consumers • Incentives for commercial and industrial consumers Incentives and mandates: public sector • Obligations for public infrastructure • Tracking and enforcement of obligations • Public procurement of energy efficiency products • Ability to retain energy savings Incentives and mandates: energy utility programs • Utility energy efficiency programs • Utility consumer pricing and information Financing mechanisms for energy efficiency • Financing mechanisms available in each sector Minimum energy efficiency performance standards • Have minimum energy efficiency performance standards been adopted? • Verification and penalties for noncompliance Energy labeling systems • Have energy efficiency labeling schemes been adopted? • Mandatory vs voluntary labeling system Building energy codes • New residential and commercial buildings • Compliance system • Renovated buildings • Green buildings Transport sector • Planning • Private transport • Commercial and/or industrial transport Carbon pricing and monitoring • GHG emissions regulations 50 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW Energy efficiency governance (merged with national energy efficiency planning and energy effciency entities) • National energy efficiency legislation/action planning (merged with sub-sectoral targets and scope of targets) • Human capital and institutions Industrial and commercial end users • Mandates for large consumers • Incentives for commercial and industrial consumers Public sector • Obligations for public infrastructure (merged with tracking and enforcement of obligations) • Public procurement of energy efficiency products (merged with ability to retain energy savings) Incentives and mandates: energy utility programs • Utility energy efficiency programs • Utility consumer pricing and information Financing mechanisms for energy efficiency • Financing mechanisms available in each sector Minimum energy efficiency performance standards • Have minimum energy efficiency performance standards been adopted? • Verification and penalties for noncompliance Energy labeling systems • Have energy efficiency labeling schemes been adopted? • Mandatory vs voluntary labeling system Building energy codes • New residential and commercial buildings • Energy efficiency incentives and mandates for existing buildings • Energy efficiency verification and compliance for buildings Transport sector • Private transport • Commercial and/or industrial transport RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW 51 FIGURE A.4 • Clean cooking pillar changes between 2022 and 2024 Clean cooking planning • Tracking • Existence of a plan • Institutional capacity Scope of planning • Aspects of the plan • Awareness strategy • Last-mile distribution Standards and labeling • Standards • Monitoring and verification • Labeling Financing incentives and attributes • Financing mechanisms • Supplier incentives Clean cooking national planning • Tracking • Existence of a plan • Institutional capacity Implementation of Scope • Targets and implementation aspects • Awareness strategy • Last-mile distribution Standards and labeling • Standards • Monitoring and verification • Labeling Financing incentives and attributes • Consumer financing mechanisms • Institutional incentives • Supplier incentives 52 RISE 2024 – THE TIME IS NOW RISE RISE RISE report, customized analyses, datasets, and library of legal and regulatory documents are available in: http://RISE.esmap.org