Infrastructure Development Studies » Energy

The global demand for energy is on a steep upward curve. Meeting the growing demand for energy in a safe and environmentally responsible manner is a great challenge. Sustainable Development Goal 7 aims at ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, and it is introduced in the OIC-2025 Programme of Action among energy goals for OIC member states (Goals 2.9.6, 2.9.7 and 2.9.8).

Most of the OIC member countries are rich in terms of energy and natural resources. However, these resources are not effectively contributing to the overall development of the countries. Today, the number of people without electricity in OIC area accounts for around 30% of world population without electricity access. Moreover, percentage of population with access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking is in dramatic low levels in the OIC member states from Sub-Saharan Africa. Achieving universal access to modern energy by 2030 will require an enormous increase in OIC member states’ total power generation. The scale of this challenge will demand enormous financial investments, considerable political will and consideration of all the available technological options.

Some OIC countries have benefited extensively from their natural resources in their course of development especially those endowed with rich fossil fuels and other minerals. Such natural resources offer great potential for fostering development. However, the underutilization of natural resources in OIC countries slows down the pace of development. In particular, if OIC countries can activate the potential of renewable energy, it may be helpful for improving energy security, diversifying energy sources, mitigating environmental effects, scaling up access to electricity, and achieving energy efficiency. Accordingly, the research at SESRIC explores alternative policies to improve the effective use of energy resources in OIC countries.