The World Energy Council’s definition of energy sustainability is based on three core dimensions: energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability. The Energy Trilemma Index rates countries’ energy performance around the world and provides a framework to monitor progress.

The 2017 Energy Trilemma Index reveals signs of progress on all dimensions of the Energy Trilemma. Efforts to increase resource productivity and manage energy demand growth will be key in ensuring a balanced Energy Trilemma.

Among the countries included in the Index, access to electricity and clean cooking have both increased by 7% to 87% and 75%, respectively since 2000. Meanwhile, lower carbon forms of energy are being used to support energy access and economic growth, with renewables making up 19.3% of final global energy consumption worldwide in 2015. A more diversified and low-carbon energy mix will help to improve energy security and environmental sustainability but its positive effects may be stifled by rising final energy consumption, which is predicted to increase by up to 46% by 20601.

Eight of the 125 countries assessed achieved a triple-A score, down from 13 in last year’s index. This year Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland top the Index once more, with Denmark also achieving the highest score for energy security.

While not in the top 10 overall, Luxembourg maintains its position for most equitable (affordable and accessible) and the Philippines is leading the way on the environmental sustainability dimension. In Latin America, Uruguay ranks the highest, while in the Middle-East, Israel outperforms its regional peers. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Mauritius performs best, and in Asia, New Zealand remains at the top of the regional leader board.

Report by the World Energy Council