Image of solar panels

Access to Energy is the bedrock of inclusive economic growth

2bn people live without reliable electricity globally. More than 1.1bn, predominantly rural dwellers, live without power altogether. Innovative technology and business models can deliver the access to energy required to drive improvements in health, education, productivity and income.

VIP engineer inspecting the engine

Progress, but a need for more …

The off-grid household energy market has grown from less than 10 players operating 10 years ago to over 100 certified providers that serve 200m people today, having attracted over $1 billion in investment.

However, at the current level of financing and new connections, UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7  – access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all – will be missed by more than 100 million households in sub-Saharan Africa alone.

Image of electricity meter mounted on colourful building

Our approach

SF believes that several sector-level interventions are needed that enable businesses to deliver meaningful contributions to SDG7, and so we support a blend of pioneering product and service providers, as well as industry associations and non-profit market institutions to address barriers and enable deeper market penetration.

Shell Foundation has evolved from a funder to a partner; our partnership has undoubtedly advanced energy access and brought power to tens of millions of people around the world”

Ned Tozun
CEO, D.Light

Ferry on the water

Sustainable Mobility

From the very outset of Shell Foundation, we have also looked at the development challenge of moving people efficiently and transporting goods.

Why Mobility?