THE CHARTIST: MOST OF THE WORLD’S ENERGY POOR ARE IN ASIA

Asia has the unfortunate distinction of harboring most of the world’s energy poor, according to Asian Development Bank. Nearly half of the world’s people without electricity live in Asia, as do the majority of people who rely on traditional fuels such as wood, charcoal, and dung. In 2010, 2.8 billion Asians, or 79% of the world population, relied on such traditional fuels, which provide low-quality energy while often destroying natural ecosystems.

ADB projections show every Asian sub region having to spend less of its income on electricity in 2035 than in 2012. Electricity expenditure as a fraction GDP per capita will be lower in 2035 than it was in 2012 for all sub regions because they all lie below the solid line that indicates equal shares of income spent on electricity in both years. “While this analysis does not directly indicate that all energy sources will be more affordable or accessible, it does show a key component of energy becoming more affordable for the poor.”