This report was prepared by the UNDP. The report highlights that access to affordable and sustainable sources of energy has strong linkages with the reduction of poverty/hardship, i.e. if poverty/hardship reduction is an objective, then the provision of energy is an essential prerequisite. In the PICs, where poverty/hardship is often viewed as the lack of access to basic services, opportunities and adequate resources, the case for energy provisioning and access is particularly strong. Provision of essential social services such as health and primary education require energy services. In addition, energy services have positive impacts on gender, the environment and provide an improved quality of life. Furthermore, in many cases the provision of modern energy sources increases the opportunities for income generation.

Keywords: UNDP, Energy and poverty, energy services, gender