Global efforts to expand energy access have recently faced setbacks. In 2022, the number of people without electricity rose to 685 million—10 million more than in 2021—for the first time in over a decade. Why Is Global Energy Access Trends ? Around 80 % of those affected live in sub‑Saharan Africa, where population growth is outpacing connections. Clean cooking access remains even further behind: approximately 2.1 – 2.3 billion people still rely on polluting fuels, contributing to ~3.2 million premature deaths annually.