The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is taking a central role at the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16) in Busan, South Korea, underscoring Washington’s commitment to advancing reliable, affordable, and healthy energy access worldwide. With nearly two billion people still relying on polluting fuels, the DOE is spotlighting clean cooking as both a development and energy priority, with U.S.–Africa cooperation identified as critical to closing the gap.
While more than one billion people have gained access to clean cooking in recent years, largely through the adoption of LPG, Africa remains disproportionately affected. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has stressed that access to clean cooking fuels is not just about energy—it is about health, economic opportunity, and dignity, especially for women and children. Scaling LPG deployment across the continent will require robust infrastructure, global investment, and strong international partnerships.
The CEM Clean Cooking Initiative aims to accelerate global deployment of clean fuels.
U.S.–Africa cooperation in scaling LPG access
At CEM16, the DOE will emphasize strategies for mobilizing financing, scaling infrastructure, and deploying proven clean cooking technologies. The U.S. is partnering with African nations to expand clean cooking fuels and build the infrastructure needed to reach households across the continent, with LPG highlighted as a reliable and scalable solution.
The Minister-CEO roundtable Fueling Life: Reliable Energy Access for All will bring together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss financing and deployment strategies. Key speakers include U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly, World Liquid Gas Association Deputy Managing Director Michael Kelly, and high-level officials from Saudi Arabia, South Korea, South Africa, and the European Commission.
Industry leaders driving clean energy access
Private sector leaders will also play a central role at the event. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, and Jonathan Fancher, CEO of Petredec Global, will join the discussion to highlight the role of industry in driving LPG investment and infrastructure.
Ayuk emphasized that expanding access requires strong partnerships: “The African Energy Chamber is committed to working with governments, the private sector and partners like the U.S. DOE to drive investment, scale LPG deployment and deliver the infrastructure needed to make clean cooking a reality for every household.”
The roundtable and broader discussions at CEM16 will help pave the way for the upcoming CEM Clean Cooking Initiative, Fueling Lives: Affordable, Reliable, Healthy Cooking for All, a program designed to catalyze global investment and fast-track clean cooking deployment in regions most in need, including Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Leave a Reply