Impact of Clean Energy Access on No Poverty (SDG1) in South Asian Countries

Abstract

Access to clean and affordable energy is widely recognized as a fundamental driver of sustainable development and poverty reduction, particularly in developing regions. In South Asia, where a significant proportion of the global poor reside, expanding clean energy access has become a policy priority to achieve sustainable development goals. However, despite growing attention to renewable energy and poverty alleviation, limited empirical evidence exists on the dynamic relationship between clean energy access and the achievement of the No Poverty goal (SDG 1) in South Asian countries. This study examines the impact of access to clean energy on the achievement of the No Poverty goal (SDG 1) in South Asian countries. Using the panel ARDL method and data from 2000 to 2024, the findings indicate that access to clean energy contributes significantly to poverty reduction in the long run; however, its effect is insignificant in the short run. The analysis further reveals that the impact of clean energy access is stronger in urban areas than in rural areas. These findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize long-term investments in clean energy infrastructure to achieve sustainable poverty reduction. Moreover, targeted policies are needed to expand clean energy access in rural areas to ensure more inclusive and equitable development outcomes.