Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”. Adopted by United Nations member states in 2015, it recognises that access to energy is essential for people’s health, education and livelihoods, as well as for economic development. At the same time, the way energy is produced and used has a major impact on climate change and the natural environment.
Why clean energy matters
Electricity powers homes, schools, hospitals and businesses. Clean cooking solutions can reduce exposure to harmful smoke, while reliable energy helps communities access communications, refrigeration and essential services. Yet access remains unequal: many people around the world still lack electricity or rely on polluting fuels and technologies for cooking.
Energy systems based heavily on fossil fuels also produce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Expanding renewable energy and improving energy efficiency can help reduce these impacts while supporting a more secure and sustainable energy supply.
What SDG 7 aims to achieve
SDG 7 sets out several connected priorities for 2030. These include ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services; increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix; and improving the rate of progress in energy efficiency. The goal also calls for stronger international cooperation and investment to support clean-energy research, technology and infrastructure, particularly in developing countries.
Progress and challenges
Renewable technologies such as solar and wind power have expanded considerably, and improvements in energy efficiency can help households and organisations get more from the energy they use. However, progress is uneven. Some communities face high costs, limited infrastructure or difficult geographical conditions. In other places, electricity may be available but unreliable, while clean cooking options remain out of reach.
Building a sustainable energy system involves more than installing renewable power. It requires investment in electricity networks, energy storage and reliable services, alongside policies that make energy affordable. It also means ensuring that the transition is fair: workers and communities affected by changes in the energy sector need opportunities and support.
How governments, businesses and communities can help
Governments can encourage clean-energy investment, strengthen electricity networks and support access to efficient appliances and clean cooking technologies. Businesses can reduce energy waste, use renewable electricity and develop solutions suited to local needs. Communities and individuals can also contribute by improving insulation, choosing efficient equipment and supporting responsible energy initiatives where these options are available.
Looking ahead
Affordable and clean energy is both a development need and a foundation for progress on other global goals, including better health, quality education, decent work and climate action. Achieving SDG 7 will require sustained investment, international cooperation and solutions that reach people who are currently underserved. A successful transition should deliver energy that is not only cleaner, but also dependable, accessible and affordable for everyone.
9 Practical Tips for Advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Switch off lights when you leave a room.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances.
- Use LED bulbs to save electricity.
- Insulate your home to reduce heat loss.
- Consider installing solar panels.
- Walk, cycle or use public transport when practical.
- Support clean energy projects in your community.
- Unplug chargers and devices when not in use.
- Choose a renewable electricity tariff if available.
Switch off lights when you leave a room.
Switching off lights when you leave a room is a simple way to reduce unnecessary electricity use and support Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. Making it a habit at home, school or work can help lower energy bills and reduce demand on power systems, particularly where electricity is generated using fossil fuels. For even greater savings, use energy-efficient LED bulbs and make the most of natural daylight whenever possible.
Choose energy-efficient appliances.
Choosing energy-efficient appliances is a simple way to support Sustainable Development Goal 7 and reduce your household’s energy use. When replacing an appliance, compare its energy rating and running costs, and choose a model that suits your needs without being unnecessarily large. Using less electricity can help lower energy bills and reduce emissions, particularly where electricity is generated from fossil fuels. For even greater savings, switch appliances off when they are not in use and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on efficient use.
Use LED bulbs to save electricity.
Switching to LED bulbs is a simple way to support Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. LEDs use considerably less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer, helping to reduce energy use and replacement costs. Choose a suitable brightness and colour temperature for each room, and remember to switch lights off when they are not needed.
Insulate your home to reduce heat loss.
Insulating your home helps keep warmth inside during colder months, reducing heat loss through the roof, walls and floors. This means you may need less energy to heat your home, which can lower energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Simple steps, such as draught-proofing doors and windows or adding loft insulation, can make a difference. By using energy more efficiently, you can support Sustainable Development Goal 7: affordable and clean energy.
Consider installing solar panels.
Consider installing solar panels to generate renewable electricity for your home or business. They can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and may lower energy bills over time, although savings depend on factors such as your location, roof, installation costs and energy use. Check whether your property is suitable, compare reputable installers and find out about any grants or schemes available in your area. By choosing solar power, you can support the shift towards affordable, clean energy—one of the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 7.
Walk, cycle or use public transport when practical.
When practical, choose walking, cycling or public transport instead of driving. These options can reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, while walking and cycling also support health and wellbeing. Making lower-energy journeys part of everyday life helps build demand for cleaner, more efficient transport and contributes to the wider shift towards affordable, sustainable energy for all.
Support clean energy projects in your community.
Support clean energy projects in your community by getting involved in local solar, wind or other renewable energy initiatives. You could attend community meetings, back neighbourhood energy schemes, or encourage schools, businesses and local councils to switch to renewable electricity. Working together helps make clean energy more accessible, reduces reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 7: affordable and clean energy for all.
Unplug chargers and devices when not in use.
Unplugging chargers and switching off devices when they are not in use is a simple way to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption. Some equipment continues to draw power in standby mode, so turning it off at the socket can help save energy and lower household bills. Small habits like this support Sustainable Development Goal 7 by encouraging more efficient energy use.
Choose a renewable electricity tariff if available.
Choosing a renewable electricity tariff, if one is available, is a simple way to support the transition to cleaner energy. Check your supplier’s information to understand how the tariff works and whether its renewable electricity is backed by recognised certificates or guarantees of origin. Comparing prices and contract terms can help you find an option that suits your household while contributing to progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 7: affordable and clean energy.