Energy is a central component of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), explicitly reflected in SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. However, the theme of energy cuts across multiple SDGs, demonstrating the interconnectivity of these global goals.
SDG 7's objective is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Energy, in its various forms, is a vital driver of economic growth and is pivotal to nearly all aspects of development. Without a steady and reliable supply of energy, societies can hardly progress. However, millions of people around the world still lack access to modern and clean energy services. The emphasis on "affordable and clean" energy within this goal shows the need to transition from traditional energy sources, often characterized by high environmental costs, to more sustainable ones like wind, solar, and hydropower.
Energy's role is also significant in achieving other SDGs. For example, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, emphasizes the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean technologies. It is almost impossible to achieve this without a sustainable energy framework. Similarly, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, calls for making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, and one of its targets (11.6) directly refers to the environmental impact of cities, for which energy is a key factor.
Furthermore, energy is a crucial player in SDG 13: Climate Action. The energy sector represents the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to a sustainable energy future, therefore, is critical for tackling climate change. Efforts to reduce emissions and promote clean energy sources are crucial to mitigate climate change and its impacts.
This chapter supports UN SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action) by promoting the transition to renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, fostering technological innovation, and emphasizing collaboration and innovation to drive the development of cleaner and more efficient energy solutions for a sustainable future.
Michael Deighton, Chapter One - Introduction, Powering through the Transition, Elsevier, 2025, Pages 1-17.
This chapter supports UN SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting the transition to renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, fostering technological innovation, and emphasizing collaboration and innovation to drive the development of cleaner and more efficient energy solutions for a sustainable future.
This chapter aligns with SDGs 7, 11, and 13, by introducing solar chimney power plants as a clean energy solution, and their role in supporting sustainable communities and climate.
Fuel Cells Technology and Electrode Materials for a Sustainable Future, Chapter 9 - Emerging materials for hydrogen oxidation reaction, Pages 155-179, 2025
The chapter supports multiple SDGs, including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by emphasizing the development of cost-effective, efficient, and durable electrocatalysts to advance sustainable energy technologies. It also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through its focus on innovation and technological progress in materials science. Additionally, by promoting the use of non-noble metals, the chapter advocates for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging sustainable resource utilization. Furthermore, enhancing electrocatalysts for energy conversion processes can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action).
