Resources in Myth: Coal Alleviates Energy Poverty

Energy Poverty Then and Now

This paper, based on IEEFA’s ongoing quantitative analysis of the coal industry, outlines in a qualitative way the links between energy poverty, economic poverty and economic development that form the backdrop today to the debate over coal-fired power generation. We see limitations on coal as a development tool and we note its modern impact on poor people in a wide range of different countries with many different cultures, political histories and approaches to market development.

In Kenya, Proposed Coal-Fired Power Plant Threatens World Heritage Site

In 2015, only about 23 percent of Kenya's 45,500,000 people have access to electricity, and this problem is particularly pronounced in rural areas of the East African country, where electrification drops to a staggering 4 percent. It's clear that the question is not whether or not something needs to be done -- it is unconscionable to leave people living in energy poverty. Rather, the issue is how do we start delivering energy services as quickly and as broadly as possible?

The Bliss of Ignorance

Through first-hand testimony The Bliss of Ignorance investigates South Africa's complex relationship with one of the country's most abundant resources: coal. With experts predicting the creation of a "sick" generation in the Mpumalanga region (which is home to 12 of the world's largest power stations), this documentary looks at the impact of South Africa's energy policy - particularly the support for Eskom's coal-fired power stations - on public health. In February 2015 energy giants Eskom were granted five years grace from complying with atmospheric emission standards, making this film ever more timely and relevant.

Coal is not ‘good for humanity’: new report

Media Release: A new Oxfam report challenges mining industry spin about coal and poverty, showing clearly that coal is not the solution to improving energy access in developing countries. Powering Up Against Poverty also finds that the Australian Government’s love affair with coal risks putting the country out of step with the rest of the world and harming our economic future, given renewable energy is likely to be the world’s leading source of electricity before 2030.