Household energy

Around 2.4 billion people use biomass fuels - wood, charcoal and animal dung - for their domestic energy needs. These are typically burned in inefficient stoves or on open fires, with serious consequences for health and the environment. SEI identifies and designs actions to help households transition to cleaner technologies and energy sources.

A man renovating the roof of a house standing on scaffolding.

Local leadership is the key missing ingredient in the UK’s retrofit revolution

Perspective / The UK should shift from national, top-down retrofit schemes to locally led delivery, explains SEI’s Luke Gooding in an Inside Housing op-ed.

4 February 2026 / About Household energy and Wellbeing

Ukraine is the next test for global climate finance

Perspective / Ukraine is emerging as the first real test for global climate finance, and reforms are needed in the country to enable effective investment from the EU.

3 February 2026 / About Climate policy, Finance and Household energy

An aerial view of a Soviet-era high-rise apartment building in the Õismäe district of Tallinn, Estonia. The upper section of the building is highlighted, showcasing a series of bold red balconies against the backdrop of prefabricated concrete panels. The striking red accents contrast with the otherwise gray façade, adding a touch of vibrancy to the utilitarian design. Above, a clear blue sky stretches out, with only a few wisps of white clouds, enhancing the brightness and openness of the scene. This image captures the distinctive features of Soviet architecture, with its focus on function, but also subtle moments of color and life.

Decarbonisation of Estonia’s residential building stock

Journal article / This study analyses the climate implications of deep renovation and energy supply decarbonization in Estonia.

31 December 2025 / About Climate policy and Household energy

Street scene in North Yorkshire, with stone buildings, shops, benches and rainbow flags.

Unlocking retrofit uptake through community champions

Project / Exploring how local champions, trusted advice and accessible finance can support home retrofit uptake in York and North Yorkshire.

2026 / About Household energy and Participation

Heating, transport and participation in life

Project / This project explores how a lack of access to energy for mobility and transport interacts with energy access in the home impacts quality of life.

2026 - 2029 / About Energy access, Fossil fuels, Household energy, Transport and Wellbeing

Projection of a fire onto a white radiator, symbolizing past and present experiences of energy poverty.

Underconsumption in the Anthropocene? Past, present and future of energy poverty in Sweden

Project / This project traces how experiences of energy poverty in Sweden have changed since the 1950s to inform more critical, sufficiency-oriented energy policymaking.

2026 - 2029 / About Energy access, Household energy, Sustainable lifestyles and Wellbeing

Uganda's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development officials are shown signing the National Integrated Clean Cooking Strategy.

Clean cooking strategy positions Uganda for a just energy transition

Feature / Over 93% of Ugandan households rely on wood and charcoal for fuel. A new strategy sets a timeline through 2040 to support a clean energy transition.

12 December 2025 / About Energy access, Fossil fuels, Household energy, Pollution, Sustainable lifestyles and Wellbeing

SEI as an antenna organization for the EU Commission’s Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH)

Project / SEI serves as Sweden’s antenna to EPAH, linking local communities and national expertise to EU energy poverty policy.

2025 - 2028 / About Energy access, Household energy and Wellbeing

Hand in a knitted sleeve adjusting a radiator thermostat behind an orange curtain.

SEI partners with EU Energy Poverty Advisory Hub to tackle energy poverty in Sweden

Feature / SEI will serve as a national platform for energy poverty expertise, linking local and national efforts to the broader goals and resources of the EPAH.

26 November 2025 / About Energy access and Household energy