Energy Access Explorer: Data and methods

About 840 million people lack access to electricity. To effectively expand energy access, government planners need to understand and have access to data and analytical tools that capture key attributes of the unserved and under-served populations they are trying to reach.

This paper introduces the methods and data used in Energy Access Explorer, an online, open-source, interactive platform that analyzes spatial data related to energy supply and demand and a population’s unique attributes. The Energy Access Explorer also incorporates demographic data and data on social and productive uses to visualize demand for energy services. Together, these supply and demand indicators enable more comprehensive energy planning.

The paper presents that use of data and analysis from the Energy Access Explorer enables the following:

• Strategic energy planning. Analysts and/or decision-makers within energy planning functions (e.g. a rural electrification agency, a planning unit of an energy ministry) can use the tool to better link electrification and socioeconomic development to meet people’s needs. The Energy Access Explorer complements the cost-optimization planning tools these agencies use and provides a bottom-up representation of aspects of affordability and demand. Further, it serves as a database that aggregates up-to-date information. This reduces high transaction costs for data aggregation and sharing.
• Expansion of energy access markets. Off-grid and mini-grid developers can use the tool to better assess the level of service needed. Understanding where their customers are likely to be located and where there is a concentration of demand will help clean energy entrepreneurs identify market opportunities.
• Investment for impact. Analysts and/or decisionmakers within development finance institutions and donors can understand better where to most effectively channel funds into electrification efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.