Access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy is crucial to achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals – from poverty eradication via advancements in health, education, water supply and industrialization to mitigating climate change. Energy access, however, varies widely across countries and the current rate of progress falls short of what will be required to achieve the Goal. Redoubled efforts will be needed, particularly for countries with large energy access deficits and high energy consumption.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• One in five people still lacks access to modern electricity

• 3 billion people rely on wood, coal, charcoal or animal waste for cooking and heating

• Energy is the dominant contributor to climate change, accounting for around 60 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions

• Reducing the carbon intensity of energy is a key objective in long-term climate goals.

GOAL 7 TARGETS

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

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

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

• 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

• 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 land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support