Energy services for the Millennium Development Goals.

Abstract

In line with the UN Millennium Project more broadly, this report on energy addresses three crucial components: firstly, a rigorous understanding of the energy services that drive and, when absent, impede progress towards achieving the MDGs in different parts of the world; secondly, a clear sense of the operational challenges faced by the world's poorest countries in providing these services; and thirdly, a systematic set of recommendations as to how these energy challenges can be met. The report shows linkages between all of the MDGs and energy and argues that much greater quality and quantity of energy services will be required to meet the MDGs. The report also illustrates the distinct roles of women and men in relation to the provision and use of energy services, the critical importance of associating women with the provision of modern energy services, as well as the distinct routes needed to scale up energy services in rural and urban areas.