Although an adequate and environmentally sound supply of energy is one of the pillars necessary for economic and social development, approximately 1.6 billion people have no access to electricity – and 2.4 billion people still cover their energy needs using traditional biomass, such as firewood and charcoal. However, these sources of energy are threatened by overuse of forests in many areas. Establishing a sustainable basic energy supply to improve living conditions and alleviate poverty is therefore an important goal of the GTZ’s work.

Even according to conservative estimates, over the next 20 years, the demand for energy in developing countries will at least double. If this demand is primarily satisfied by fossil fuels, the result will be enormous environmental damage – particularly in the form of local air pollution and global climate change. Increased use of renewable energy and energy efficiency are effective ways of curbing these adverse effects. In many cases, the state in general, industry and private households are already benefiting from cost reductions resulting from more efficient schemes. Experience from a number of developing countries and Germany shows that improvements to the political framework and the introduction of targeted incentives are successful strategies.

Learn more about how we are meeting these challenges on the following pages: