SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy

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

Global Context

Approximately 675 million people still lack access to electricity, and 2.3 billion rely on harmful cooking fuels. Renewable energy accounted for 29% of global electricity generation in 2022, up from 20% in 2010. Energy-related CO2 emissions reached a record high in 2023. The energy transition requires an estimated US$4 trillion in annual clean energy investment by 2030.

Key Targets

Key targets include ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services (7.1), substantially increasing the share of renewable energy (7.2), doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency (7.3), and enhancing international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology (7.a).

Business Contribution

Businesses contribute through renewable energy procurement and generation (corporate PPAs, on-site generation), energy efficiency improvements across operations and value chains, clean technology development and deployment, electrification of transport and industrial processes, and supporting energy access in underserved communities. RE100 (commitment to 100% renewable electricity) has over 400 member companies.

Measurement & Reporting

GRI 302 (Energy), SASB energy-related metrics, CDP Climate Change questionnaire, RE100, SBTi targets, ISO 50001 (Energy Management).

Primary Sources

IEA, IRENA, SE4All

From ESG Library

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Related Topics

• GRI Standards
• UN Global Compact
• Environmental SDGs
• Social SDGs
• Governance SDGs