Improving energy access is a major goal of energy policy in all SADC Member States. Everyone in SADC has some degree of access to energy, but this is often restricted and inadequate. People aspire to use more energy and to do so in a way that involves high quality fuels which are readily available, are affordable and attractive enough for people to be willing to pay for them. Increasing access to such „superior‟ forms of energy on a reliable basis is a basic requirement both for sustaining the national level of economic development, for reducing poverty and allowing people to improve their standard of living.

Members of AREA (African Renewable Energy Alliance) will meet at the World Future Council Strategy Workshop; Power Kick for Africa, 21-23 June, in Accra, Ghana, to define and elaborate solid energy policy frameworks for sustainable African development. Read more about the event.

With travel and conference budgets slashed (not to mention the energy saving from staying where you are!), I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear about the Virtual Energy Forum, 16-17 June, a free online event, where you can watch live video keynote presentations from renewable energy and sustainability thought leaders, get your questions answered by these experts in real-time and browse a virtual exhibit floor featuring product & service solutions from energy innovators, including Reegle, the search engine for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, which will be on display at one of the virtual booths. Read more about the event on the main REEEP website.