Equity frontrunners 2025 TABLE 8 Source: World Economic Forum. Looking ahead: balancing short- term relief with long-term equity Looking ahead, energy equity must shift from a moral imperative to a strategic priority – especially in regions with persistent poverty and weak infrastructure. As energy systems evolve, gaps in access and affordability could widen, particularly for rural and low-income communities. While lower fuel prices offer short-term relief, they may delay critical reforms like subsidy phase-outs and targeted electrification. Meanwhile, rising trade barriers are pushing up clean technology costs, threatening progress in price-sensitive markets. To make equity a driver of long-term inclusion and competitiveness, policies must focus on: –Expanding access in underserved and rural regions through grid and off-grid innovation –Aligning energy affordability with subsidy phase-out to protect the vulnerable without distorting long-term signals –Positioning affordable energy costs as an economic enabler for industry, jobs and national competitivenessCategory Country Performance Key takeaway Dimension top scorer Qatar85.4; +0.6% y-o-yQatar led in equity due to universal energy access and ultra-low prices enabled by vast domestic gas reserves. Projects like the 800 megawatts (MW) Al Kharsaah Solar Plant47 – or the doubling of solar power capacities with Ras Laffan and Mesaieed plants (875 MW) as part of the 2030 renewable strategy48 – helped sustain low-cost supply while diversifying energy mix.49 Most improved Romania72.3; +19.2% y-o-yRomania made major equity gains through rural electrification, lower prices and a new 2035 energy strategy focused on grid upgrades, renewables and consumer price caps.50 28 Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2025