Electricity access and clean energy equity models launched for development

IBM and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched two new interactive models focussed on energy access and development in developing countries.

The two models, for electricity access forecasting and clean energy equity, are being made available with free access through the UNDP’s GeoHub dashboards to enable users access the data and insights to assess clean energy challenges and opportunities.

The electricity access forecasting model uses the IBM watsonx AI and data platform, IBM Cloud and an open-source machine learning library to provide future forecasts at scale of electricity access through 2030, modelled on factors including population, infrastructure, urbanisation, elevation and satellite and land use.

This model is focussed on data from 102 countries across the global south, including in Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East.

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The clean energy equity index model, developed by IBM and UNDP together with Stony Brook University, combines geospatial analytics with environmental, economic and social factors – such as education, greenhouse gas emissions and relative wealth — to generate a clean energy equity score of 0-1.

This model provides data for 53 African countries, with the score reflecting both opportunities for clean energy development as well as urgency as users may individually view and customise each factor analysed in the model to determine which have the greatest impact on equitable access to clean energy.

“Bringing together UNDP’s knowledge and global leadership in sustainable development and IBM’s innovations in AI and hybrid cloud, we are proud to unveil solutions that demonstrate the power of technology to make a lasting, positive impact on our environment and in our communities,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM vice president and chief impact officer.

“By making innovative models freely accessible to the public, we aim to empower leaders, organisations and community members alike with the insights to make impactful energy decisions around the world.”

The UNDP’s GeoHub platform is designed for easy upload, visualisation and analysis of datasets combining time-oriented and geographic data with satellite imagery.

Laurel Patterson, Head of the UNDP SDG Integration Team, UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, added that net zero investment and people-centred development strategies are fundamental to accelerate the sustainable development goals.

“UNDP’s innovative collaboration with IBM helps countries leverage development data and technology innovation to improve lives and protect the planet. The solutions we’ve co-created provide a credible evidence base to help countries make meaningful and practical progress towards a just energy transition.”