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| Paris Alignment | Reasoning |
| N/A | Energy access is not a key consideration across the EBRD’s present countries of operation. |
| Alignment and Reasoning | |
| Energy Access Target | N/A – clarification welcome. |
| Minimum Definition of Access | N/A – clarification welcome. |
| % of Energy Financing Dedicated to Energy Access | N/A – clarification welcome. |
| Is Progress Monitored | N/A – clarification welcome. |
| Progress Against Metrics | N/A – clarification welcome. |
Explanation
The EBRD currently does not have a strong focus on energy access as it works predominantly in Europe and Central Asia, where this is not a primary concern. For example, among the 43 countries in which the EBRD currently operates, the lowest access to electricity rate is 99.8%. The EBRD is therefore not given a rating for this metric. However, the expansion of EBRD operations to Sub-Saharan African countries from 2025 will require the EBRD to develop an energy access strategy. We may in the future revise the EBRD’s rating in this metric accordingly.
Energy access is briefly mentioned within the Energy Sector Strategy (ESS) 2024–2028 as an area of action for promoting equality of opportunity under the inclusive and just energy transition priority. Here, the EBRD commits to supporting access to clean energy services for all customers. However, the Bank provides no definition as to what this constitutes; this should be clarified. Within the ESS performance monitoring framework, the EBRD tracks the number of individuals provided with improved access to electricity.
Recommendation:
- Starting in 2025, the EBRD will expand its operations to some Sub-Saharan African countries, where energy access is a major challenge. The Bank therefore needs to publish a strategy for addressing energy access, which should include a minimum definition of energy, time-bound investment targets and a robust monitoring framework.
Last Update: April 2025