SDG 7

Icon for Affordable and clean energy

Affordable and clean energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Targets

Indicators

Target

7.1

By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services

Indicators

7.1.1

Proportion of population with access to electricity 

7.1.2

Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology 

Target

7.2

By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

Indicators

7.2.1

Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption 

Target

7.3

By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

Indicators

7.3.1

Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP 

Target

7.a

By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

Indicators

7.a.1

International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and renewable energy production, including in hybrid systems 

Target

7.b

By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support

Indicators

7.b.1

Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing countries (in watts per capita) 

  1. Why do governments continue to subsidize fossil fuels, undermining their own climate goals?

    EnergyGlobal

    Each year, trillions of dollars are poured into harmful fossil fuel subsidies or tax breaks that undermine our progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shifting these funds to fuel the clean energy transition would accelerate access to basic energy services, improve public health, and put the world on a safer climate trajectory

  2. Engineering challenges: technological missing links in climate action

    ClimateGlobal

    As the IEA warns, most of the reductions in emissions needed to achieve net zero rely on technology that is not yet commercially mature. While tech will provide no magic bullet, its rapid development to scale up decarbonization is essential. What are the technological gaps we must focus on filling now?

  3. Stimulating innovation for net zero

    ClimateGlobal

    New technologies will play a vital role in achieving net zero. Getting them on stream and in widespread use fast enough to prevent climate catastrophe calls for bold and urgent action to unblock essential investment

  4. Multipronged action on the SDGs

    EnergyMiddle East and Northern Africa

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is undertaking a combination of pioneering projects in the UAE’s Hatta region, which exemplify its holistic approach to the SDGs

  5. Solving energy poverty: power beyond the grid

    EnergyGlobal

    Off-grid and mini-grid electricity generation can bring immediate benefits across the SDGs. They offer a least-cost approach to electrification, yet investment in them remains limited. What needs to happen to ensure these technologies play their full part in tackling energy poverty?

  6. Renewables siting must take the path of least conflict

    EnergyGlobal

    In most developed countries, renewable energy siting has been plagued with delays, contract extensions, and “NIMBY” protests. Project developers and government planning agencies must be transparent and inclusive in their decision-making to gain public support and reduce the environmental and social negative spillover effects of energy expansion projects

  7. Developing the infrastructure to distribute low-carbon energy

    EnergyGlobal

    Conversations on energy transition tend to focus on renewable generation or the end-user. However, too often, the complex systems that are required to connect the two are neglected. Relying on ‘the market’ to develop solutions risks being too slow and inequitable. Governments need to get their heads round the radical changes that must be made to create resilient, sustainable energy networks – it is down to governments to drive the energy transition forward