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SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

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

SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. While access to electricity has increased, many people still lack access to clean and sustainable energy sources, affecting their quality of life and economic opportunities.

How engineering can make it happen

Engineering has been essential for the generation and supply of electricity, which is vital for economic growth and better living standards. Yet nearly 1 billion people, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, still lack access to a reliable source of electricity, the provision of which is a key task for engineers. Electrical, mechanical, and environmental engineers have been central to the development of low-cost, zero carbon, renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar, wave, and geothermal energy, making energy accessible in remote regions, while mitigating the impacts of climate change.

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Film courtesy of the Royal Academy of Engineers

Global progress

  • The world has made considerable progress towards Goal 7. Global electricity access reached 92% in 2023 ‒ up from 84% in 2010. Meanwhile, access to clean cooking fuels and technologies rose from 64 to 74% between 2015 and 2023. Renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source today, and it is projected to surpass coal as the primary electricity source in 2025.
  • However, achieving Goal 7 targets demands substantially increasing clean-energy investments, particularly in developing economies. Without accelerated investments and action, 645 million people will still lack electricity access, and 1.8 billion will lack access to clean cooking in 2030.
  • Meeting global climate targets and net-zero emission warrants the rapid deployment of renewable energy across all sectors and more significant improvements in energy efficiency. Tailored and integrated policy interventions and actions remain essential to advancing just energy transitions and to meeting climate objectives.

Source: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2025/

Key Stats