There is general acceptance in the development community that access to electricity is a driver of economic growth. However, while a relatively large body of evidence supports this, recent research has questioned the assumption.

EEG recently hosted a webinar to discuss the different findings and potential reasons behind them, with a specific focus on five studies. The session brought together a panel of five researchers who have all studied, or are studying, the link between energy and economic growth. Each provided an overview of their research and answered questions from the Chair and a live audience.

This paper is a summary of the key areas of discussion.