Assessing global energy poverty: An integrated approach

Abstract This study makes a comprehensive assessment of global energy poverty with an integrated approach. We generate an indicator system and assign weights by rough set and a large-scale survey. Absolute ideal solutions and virtual negative ideal solutions are used to improve the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). We further present a global assessment of energy poverty with 125 countries. The results reveal that global energy poverty improves over time. However, large spatiotemporal variations on energy poverty alleviation are found across countries. Energy availability and affordability are the major obstacles to alleviating energy poverty. Moreover, energy poverty is mostly consistent with economical levels. Developed countries have lower energy poverty than developing countries. Compared with existing methods, the proposed integrated approach can improve the accuracy of energy poverty assessment. The insights obtained from this study can help policymakers in crafting well-informed decisions and sound public policies.