Where We Are
Sustainable Development Goal 7 is about ensuring access to clean and affordable energy, which is key to so many aspects of life, including healthcare, education, transportation, communications, business and agriculture.
The world has made progress in expanding electricity access and renewable energy use, but significant challenges remain, especially in supporting developing nations. Meeting SDG 7 — access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all — requires increased investments in renewable energy such as wind and solar, innovative solutions, and policies that support clean energy access for all.
The Pact for the Future, adopted by UN Member States in September 2024, confirms the need to transition away from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas in energy systems to limit climate change and preserve a livable planet.
SDG 7 in Numbers
- The number of people lacking access to electricity dropped from 958 million in 2015 to 685 million people in 2022.
- International public financial flows supporting clean energy in developing countries rebounded to $15.4 billion in 2022, an increase of 25 per cent over 2021 yet still only around half the 2016 peak of $28.5 billion.
- Without accelerated progress towards clean cooking solutions such as electric stoves instead of burning wood, coal or kerosene, for instance, around 1.8 billion people will still be using polluting stoves and fuels to prepare meals by 2030.