Publications

Topics
Country
Region
PUBLISHEDNovember 18 2020
AUTHOR(S)ESMAP
Cooking with Electricity | A Cost Perspective: Report Summary

Cooking with electricity could make a significant contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal No.7 by simultaneously enabling cost-effective access to modern energy and clean cooking, and proposing the steps needed to realize this opportunity. Five case studies are presented, comparing the current and projected costs to the consumer of a range of electric cooking (eCooking) solutions with current expenditures on cooking fuels. The findings show that eCooking can be a cost-effective option for some consumers in both off-grid and grid-connected settings and is likely to become increasingly viable in the near future.

The use of energy efficient eCooking appliances can challenge the widespread perception that electricity is too expensive for cooking in developing country contexts. Innovative financing and delivery models are vital in making eCooking devices affordable. This will hinge upon private sector willingness—in particular solar companies, mini grid operators, and utilities—to adopt the technology as part of the services offered to customers. Unlocking these emerging opportunities could enable transformative impact for the 2.8 billion people still cooking with biomass. This will take concerted global effort to create an enabling environment that can facilitate the integration of electric cooking into electrification planning and renewable energy investments.

Full Report | Video

Citation

ESMAP.2020.  Cooking with Electricity: A Cost Perspective (Vol. 2) : Report Summary (English). Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/121371601050459132/Report-Summary

Users also downloaded
Regional power integration can unlock cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable electricity, and this report shows how fair, transparent transmission pricing and cost allocation are key to making cross-…
April 15 2026
A new ESMAP report introduces an innovative approach to off-grid solar electrification for schools and health centers, aiming to improve sustainability.
April 1 2026
Drawing on 29 surveys across 27 countries from 2016 to 2025, the report highlights persistent gaps between connectivity and service quality, with many households remaining underserved despite being…
March 31 2026
Hydrogen can unlock renewable potential in emerging markets and electrolyzers are key to scaling this capital-intensive transition. This report provides the first comprehensive global assessment of…
February 23 2026