Renewable Energy : SDG 7, Progress, Challenges, and Solutions

Introduction

In a world powered by innovation and rapid -renewable energy and energy efficiency- technological advancements, it’s staggering to realize that even in 2023, millions remain in the shadows, untouched by the spark of electricity or the warmth of a clean cooking stove. While glittering cityscapes and digital revolutions paint a picture of universal progress, vast swathes of humanity still grapple with basic energy needs. As we delve into the intricate tapestry of global energy trends, we uncover stories of remarkable progress, stark disparities, and the urgent, unfinished journey towards Sustainable Development Goal 7: ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Join us as we illuminate the triumphs, challenges, and the road ahead

SDG 7.1.1: The Current State of Global Electricity Access in Renewable Energy

Global Trends in Sustainable Energy

In recent years, there’s been a positive shift in global electricity access, rising from 87% in 2015 to 91% in 2021 (Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special Edition)¹. Although the COVID-19 outbreak posed challenges, there was a noticeable resurgence in electrification rates between 2019 and 2021. Yet, the growth rate during this period, at 0.6 percentage points annually, was slightly slower than the 0.8 percentage points observed from 2015 to 2019. Consequently, as of 2021, 675 million individuals, predominantly in the least-developed regions, were without electricity. A significant portion of this population resides in Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounted for nearly 80% of those without access in 2021. If this trend persists, an estimated 660 million individuals will still be without electricity by 2030. To achieve universal electricity access by 2030, especially in Africa, the annual growth rate needs to increase to 1.0 percentage points from 2021 onwards (The UNSTATS Data Portal)².

Dissecting the Data: A Closer Look at Renewable Energy Access

From the turn of the millennium in 2000 to the recent 2021 data, global electricity access has seen notable improvements. As we delve into the data, a story of growth, disparities, and dedicated efforts unfolds (The SDG Report 2023-Statistical Annex)³.

There has been a consistent increase in overall electricity access worldwide, with the global percentage rising by approximately 16.58%. This upward trajectory indicates concerted efforts to enhance access across both urban and rural landscapes. Sub-Saharan Africa, starting with the lowest access in 2000, has registered significant growth with a rate of approximately 94.19%. Yet, by 2021, it still lags behind, underscoring the depth of the challenge in the region. Regions such as Northern Africa and Western Asia have exhibited steady growth trajectories, with Western Asia nearing the pinnacle of universal access. These patterns suggest a global push to iron out disparities and achieve universal access.

Central and Southern Asia together marked a growth of approximately 61.87%. Delving deeper, Southern Asia alone witnessed an impressive 65.49% rise. Least Developed Countries, often at the margins of global development narratives, have shown remarkable resilience and progress, recording a growth rate of about 178.71%. These numbers underline the global commitment to uplift the most underprivileged areas. Contrasting this growth, developed regions like Europe, Northern America, and Australia and New Zealand have seen only marginal increments, given their high baseline access in 2000.

Urban vs. Rural Disparities in Electricity Access

Electricity access, while a global challenge, manifests differently in urban and rural landscapes. Urban areas, typically the hubs of economic activity and infrastructure, have consistently maintained higher electricity access levels. From 2000 to 2021, urban zones globally witnessed an increase from 94.8% to 97.7%. However, the real story of progress unfurls in the rural expanses.

Starting at a lower base in 2000, rural areas have seen significant strides, with access jumping from 66.5% to 84.5% by 2021. This growth, especially pronounced in developing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, indicates a shift in developmental focus. Sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, began the century with just 12.3% of its rural population having electricity access. By 2021, this figure has grown to 29.5%. Meanwhile, urbanization’s rapid pace, particularly in developing regions, poses its challenges. As cities expand, the infrastructural strain intensifies, potentially slowing the growth of urban electricity access.

Regional Insights into Renewable Energy Progress

The tapestry of electricity access is rich and varied across regions, each with its unique challenges and achievements. Sub-Saharan Africa, as highlighted earlier, has journeyed from alarmingly low access rates in 2000 to significant progress two decades later. The region, despite its challenges, marked a growth rate of approximately 94.19%. Northern Africa and Western Asia, on the other hand, started the period with stronger access, at 76.1% in 2000 for rural areas, reaching 87.6% by 2021. Regions like Western Asia are now on the brink of achieving universal electricity access. In contrast, developed regions like Europe, Northern America, and Australia and New Zealand, having started near the universal access mark, recorded minimal growth.

Implications and Future Directions for Sustainable Energy

The journey towards universal electricity access weaves tales of achievements and aspirations. While milestones reached are a testament to global collaboration and commitment, regions and pockets still in the shadows of inaccessibility require renewed focus. As data and trends underline, the path ahead, while promising, necessitates continued investment, innovation, and inclusive strategies.

SDG 7.1.2: Clean Cooking Access – A Renewable Energy Perspective

Overall Growth in Clean Cooking Access (2005-2021)

By 2021, global access to clean cooking fuels and technologies had reached 71%, marking a 14 percentage point leap since 2000. However, this positive shift doesn’t overshadow the fact that 2.3 billion individuals still predominantly use environmentally harmful fuels and technologies for their cooking needs. Delving deeper, the top 20 countries with the most significant access gaps constituted 78% of the global populace without access to clean cooking solutions. Alarmingly, in seven of these countries, all situated in Sub-Saharan Africa, less than 10% of the population benefited from clean cooking fuels and technologies.

The Renewable Energy Drive Behind Clean Cooking

Projecting forward, if the world continues on its current trajectory, by 2030, only about 77% of the global population will have adopted clean cooking solutions. This would leave nearly 2 billion people still dependent on inefficient stoves combined with solid fuels like wood, charcoal, and kerosene.

From 2005 to 2021, the world witnessed diverse trajectories in the quest for clean cooking access. Sub-Saharan Africa, which began at a humble 10% access in 2005, made significant strides to reach 18% by 2021, marking an 80% growth in clean cooking. This progress underscores the dedicated efforts and investments made in the region, especially given its initial low base.

Similarly, Central and Southern Asia showcased a commendable journey. With access rates starting at 31% in 2005, the region more than doubled its access to clean cooking technologies, achieving a rate of 65% by 2021. This translates to a growth rate of 109.68%, reflecting the region’s commitment to sustainable development.

Not to be left behind, the Least Developed Countries exhibited remarkable progress. From a starting point of just 9% in 2005, these countries amplified their access to 19% in 2021, achieving a notable growth rate of 111.11%. These figures underline the impactful strides made in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.

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Urban vs. Rural Disparities in Clean Cooking Solutions

The urban-rural divide brings to light intricate patterns of growth in clean cooking. In urban landscapes, the Least Developed Countries emerged as leaders, showcasing a growth rate of 41.87% between 2000 and 2021. Following closely, Landlocked Developing Countries registered a 15.03% growth, while South-Eastern Asia observed a 5.30% uptick during the same period.

On the rural front, the clean cooking narrative is equally compelling. The Least Developed Countries, once again, led the charge with a staggering growth rate of 299.12% from 2000 to 2021. Landlocked Developing Countries and South-Eastern Asia also made significant progress with growth rates of 93.70% and 34.77%, respectively. Moreover, the rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean displayed a commendable growth rate of 35.53% in clean cooking.

Zooming in on Regional Disparities in Clean Cooking

While tales of clean cooking growth inspire, it’s crucial to spotlight areas needing renewed focus. In the rural domain, regions like Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) reported a mere 25.5% access rate in 2021. Similarly, despite its growth trajectory, Sub-Saharan Africa still lingers with an 18% access rate.

In urban terrains, the disparities are less pronounced, yet significant. Least Developed Countries, with an 80.3% access rate in 2021, indicate that there’s more work to be done.

Concluding Thoughts on Clean Cooking and Efficiency

The journey towards universal clean cooking access is interspersed with achievements and challenges. As the data elucidates, while many regions have made headway, the path ahead demands more nuanced strategies and efforts. To actualize SDG 7.1.2 in its entirety, the global community must rally together, ensuring that the flame of clean cooking access illuminates every corner of our world.

SDG 7.2.1: Renewable Energy’s Growing Footprint

Global Progress and Commitment to Renewable Energy

From 2000 to 2020, the global landscape of renewable energy underwent significant transformations. The world’s cumulative efforts resulted in a 13.14% increase in the share of renewable energy in the total final energy consumption. This growth is a testament to the worldwide commitment to transition towards more sustainable energy sources, balancing economic progress with ecological responsibility.

In 2020, renewable energy made up 19.1% of the global total energy consumption, marking an increase of 2.4 percentage points from 2015. This uptick was influenced, in part, by a reduced energy demand in 2020 due to the global disruptions caused by the pandemic. The electricity sector has been a significant contributor to this growth, boasting a renewable energy share of 28.2% in 2020. In contrast, the heating and transport sectors have made modest advances in integrating renewables over the past ten years. To align with SDG7 and climate goals, there’s a pressing need for more aggressive renewable energy goals, enhanced policy measures across all energy consumption sectors, and increased assistance to developing nations. This will enable them to harness their renewable energy potential and ensure a consistent and accelerated improvement in this domain.

Leaders in the Renewable Energy Revolution

Europe emerged as a beacon of sustainable transition, with its renewable energy share skyrocketing by approximately 113.94% over the two decades. The combined forces of Europe and Northern America further emphasized the West’s dedication to a green future, registering a commendable growth rate of 94.44%. Northern America, independently, also painted a promising picture, showcasing a growth rate of 73.91%. Down south, Australia and New Zealand made notable strides with a 21.47% growth. Latin America and the Caribbean, leveraging its natural resources, also marked its presence with a 20.42% rise.

Challenges on the Horizon for Sustainable Energy

However, not all regions navigated the renewable path with equal vigor. South-Eastern Asia witnessed a decline of 42.15% in its renewable energy share, reflecting the challenges in the region’s transition. Eastern and South-Eastern Asia’s dip further points to the balance between rapid development and sustainable energy adoption. Similarly, Eastern Asia and regions in Northern Africa, despite their potential, registered significant declines, indicating the urgent need for interventions.

Concluding Thoughts on Renewable Energy Trends

These contrasting trajectories provide valuable insights. As the world stands at the cusp of an energy revolution, the data underscores both successes and areas requiring renewed focus. The path to 2030, marked by the Sustainable Development Goals, beckons global unity and innovation to ensure that the winds of change are powered by renewable energy.

SDG 7.3.1: Navigating Energy Efficiency

A Global Stride Towards Renewable Energy Efficiency

Between 2000 and 2020, the world made commendable progress in energy efficiency. A reduction of 24.35% in energy intensity signifies the global shift towards producing more while consuming less energy. This trend was a beacon of hope, showing that economic growth can be decoupled from energy consumption through technological innovations and efficient practices.

Unfortunately, the enhancement in primary energy efficiency experienced a notable deceleration, with 2020 witnessing a mere 0.6% improvement rate. This stands as the most sluggish pace of energy efficiency growth since the global financial crisis. To align with the objectives of SDG 7.3, the annual enhancement rate must reach an average of 3.4% through 2030. Factors contributing to this downturn of energy efficiency include an economic shift during the pandemic towards industries with higher energy consumption and limited advancements in technical energy efficiency, all occurring within an environment characterized by subdued energy prices.

Champions of Energy Efficiency in Renewable Sectors

Central Asia stands as a testament to what dedicated efforts towards energy efficiency can achieve, boasting a remarkable 56.85% reduction in energy intensity. The landlocked developing countries, often faced with unique challenges, emerged as unsung heroes with a reduction rate of 44.81%. Northern America’s 34.73% reduction reflects its continuous drive towards sustainable industrial practices and energy efficiciency. Europe and Northern America, together, further emphasized the developed world’s commitment with a 31.53% reduction. Central and Southern Asia, with its diverse landscape and booming industries, also made significant energy efficiency strides by achieving a 29.59% reduction.

The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges in Efficiency

However, the journey towards global energy efficiency has its share of hurdles. Northern Africa, with its slight 0.26% increase in energy intensity, underscores the intricacies of balancing rapid development with energy efficiency practices. Regions like Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) and Western Asia, with their modest reductions, highlight areas ripe for interventions. Latin America and the Caribbean, despite its vast potential, achieved a 14.25% reduction, signaling the need for more focused energy efficiency strategies.

Concluding Reflections on Renewable Energy Efficiency

The contrasting paths of different regions offer valuable lessons. While the global reduction in energy intensity is laudable, it’s evident that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t viable. Tailored strategies, regional collaborations, and innovations will be pivotal in shaping a future where economic growth and energy efficiency go hand in hand.

SDG 7.a.1 : Implications of Financial Flows and the Renewable Energy Landscape

The Power of Investment in Renewable Energy

Financial flows are not just numbers; they represent global trust, commitment, and hope. The remarkable 633.56% growth (2000-2021) in international financial flows to developing countries signifies more than just monetary support. It embodies the global pledge to make clean energy accessible to all, regardless of geographical, technological, or economic barriers.

Unfortunately, the trend of international public financial support for clean energy initiatives in developing nations has been on the decline, a pattern that began even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and persisted into 2021. By 2021, such financial flows totaled USD 10.8 billion, marking an 11% decrease from the previous year. This amount is significantly lower—by 35%—compared to the average funding from 2010 to 2019 and is less than half of the 2017 peak, which reached USD 26.4 billion.”

Emerging Hubs of Clean Energy and Efficiency

Regions like Oceania and Sub-Saharan Africa, traditionally not at the forefront of the renewable energy narrative, are now receiving significant attention. The heightened financial support to these regions showcases their potential to be the new hubs of sustainable energy research and deployment. This shift is vital, not just for their local communities but for global lessons in diverse and adaptive renewable strategies.

Europe’s Renewable Energy Renaissance

Europe’s colossal growth in financial inflows reflects its transformation into a powerhouse of renewable energy research and integration. Europe’s journey offers invaluable insights for other regions, from harnessing wind energy in the North Sea to solar farms in sunnier parts. Their integrated grids, transnational energy collaborations, and focus on both large-scale and decentralized renewable projects serve as a template for sustainable energy transitions.

Addressing Disparities in Sustainable Energy

However, the narrative isn’t universally optimistic. The reduced financial support to Eastern Asia raises questions. Is the region self-sufficient in funding its renewable ventures, or are there areas overlooked in the international support framework? Similarly, Western Asia and combined regions of Northern Africa and Western Asia, despite their vast solar and wind potential, haven’t witnessed explosive growth in financial support. Tailored strategies, considering local socio-political and economic contexts, are essential to ensure these regions aren’t left behind.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Symphony of Renewable Energy

The global energy transition isn’t a solo but a symphony. It requires harmonized efforts, where regions learn from each other, adapt best practices, and jointly innovate. Financial flows are the symphony’s notes. They let every region add its melody to the global energy orchestra.

While the trends from 2000 to 2021 are promising, the crescendo should be in the decade leading to 2030. The world races to combat climate change. These financial flows shape our energy future.

Renewable Energy Infrastructure: A Tale of Growth and Potential (SDG 7.b.1)

A Global Surge in Renewable Energy Infrastructure

From 2000 to 2021, the energy landscape transformed. Global renewable infrastructure grew by 316.30%. This growth symbolizes global green ambitions.

In 2021, developing countries added 268 Watts per capita in renewable capacity. This is a 9.8% growth from last year. Yet, many might miss the SDG7 2030 targets. While global data is promising, some nations lag behind, showing disparities within the developing world.

Asian Dominance: Leading the Renewable Energy Revolution

Eastern Asia stands out as a beacon of renewable progress, with an astounding 1,019.71% growth. The story behind these numbers is a narrative of innovation, commitment, and strategic investments. Mega solar parks, expansive wind farms, and innovative hydro projects have transformed the region into a renewable powerhouse.

In the broader context, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia combined have showcased an 848.64% growth. This collaborative surge underscores shared regional goals, cross-border sustainable energy and energy efficiency projects, and a unified vision for a sustainable future.

The Global Picture: Collective Strides in Sustainable Energy

The world’s 316.30% growth in renewable infrastructure is a testament to shared dreams and global collaborations. From the icy landscapes of the Arctic harnessing wind energy to the sun-drenched deserts of Africa turning sunlight into power, every corner of the globe contributes to this shared narrative.

Southern Asia’s 286.32% growth and South-Eastern Asia’s 275.59% ascent spotlight these regions’ endeavors to tap into their rich renewable resources, aided by technology and global partnerships.

The Untapped Potential: Opportunities Amidst Modest Growth in Renewable Energy

While the figures from Central Asia and Oceania might seem modest in comparison, they represent regions brimming with untapped potential. Central Asia’s 23.43% growth and Oceania’s 26.68% rise hint at the opportunities and challenges unique to these regions.

Landlocked developing countries, despite their inherent challenges, have managed a growth of 31.34%. Their journey underscores the resilience and adaptability of nations striving for a brighter energy future against all odds.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s 43.40% growth, though commendable, is just the tip of the iceberg. The continent, blessed with abundant sun, wind, and water, offers boundless opportunities for renewable expansion.

Looking Ahead: The Renewable Energy Odyssey

As we stand at the crossroads of climate challenges and technological innovations, the growth in renewable energy and energy efficiency infrastructure offers hope. Each region, with its unique tale of growth, challenges, and aspirations, adds to the global mosaic of renewable energy. The journey ahead promises more innovations, collaborations, and a shared dream of a planet powered by clean, sustainable energy.

Conclusion: SDG 7 – The Balance of Progress and Renewable Energy Imperatives

The narrative of Sustainable Development Goal 7 – ensuring access to affordable, reliable, modern and sustainable energy for all – is a complex tapestry of achievement, ambition, challenges, and the dire need for acceleration.

Electricity for All: A Renewable Path Yet to be Paved

The world has illuminated lives, powering around 800 million more homes since 2015. Yet, as the global electricity rate inches from 87% in 2015 to 91% in 2021, a stark realization shadows our progress. At the current rate, 675 million souls, predominantly in least developed regions, will remain eclipsed from this electric revolution by 2030. The stagnation in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where the number without electricity hasn’t waned since 2010, underscores the urgency of our mission.

Cooking Solutions: Where Renewable Progress Simmers Slowly

The narrative around clean cooking solutions is tinged with both hope and concern. With around 2.3 billion people still enveloped in the smoke of inefficient cooking systems, the health, environmental, and socio-economic toll is palpable. The strides in South-Eastern Asia are commendable. Yet the challenge in sub-Saharan Africa looms large, with an ever-increasing population countering the gains in clean cooking access.

Harnessing Renewables: A Dual Tale of Growth and Gaps

While renewable energy paints a promising picture in the electricity sector, heating and transport lag, presenting a dichotomized view of progress. The world has made headway, with renewables accounting for 19.1% of total energy consumption by 2020. Yet, traditional biomass, an often less sustainable energy source, forms a significant chunk of this. The pressing need is for holistic integration of renewables across sectors, backed by policy, innovation, and investment.

Energy Efficiency: The Need for a Renewable Revival

Energy efficiency, a cornerstone for sustainable energy transition, witnessed a deceleration. The global primary energy intensity improvement rate slowed down, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. To align with the targets, a vigorous rebound is imperative. It necessitates a blend of policy prioritization and heightened investments in energy efficiency.

Financial Flows: The Ebbing Support for Renewable Energy

A disconcerting trend emerges in the realm of international public financing for clean energy. The decline, even before the pandemic’s onset, challenges the global commitment to fostering a green transition, especially in the most vulnerable regions. The shift in financial flows from hydropower to solar energy in 2021 further accentuates the evolving dynamics of renewable financing.

The Developing World’s Renewable Energy Renaissance: An Unfinished Symphony

Developing countries, in their pursuit of a greener future, have showcased record-breaking renewable energy installations. However, the symphony is yet to reach its crescendo, with small island developing States, least developed countries, and landlocked developing countries still catching up. Bridging these gaps is not just an economic imperative but a moral one.

The Road Ahead: Commitment, Collaboration, and Acceleration in Renewable Energy

The journey to 2030 is not just about numbers; it’s about lives, ecosystems, economies, and our collective future. While the strides made are commendable, the path ahead demands more: more commitment, more collaboration, more innovation, and accelerated actions. The goal is clear – a world where clean, sustainable energy is not a privilege but a right for all. The clock is ticking, and every decision, every policy, and every investment will shape the legacy of our generation.

Call To Action

Charting the Course with Multi-Level SDG and Climate Foresight Roadmaps

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In the face of mounting challenges and the pressing urgency of our times, the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Action benchmarks remains fraught with obstacles. Enter GOTIT (Global Open Territorial Innovation and Technology) – the SDG Achievement Platform designed to bridge this gap. Despite the recurring alarms and global consensus, our trajectory remains misaligned with our ambitions. The clarion call for urgency echoes louder than ever, yet tangible progress on SDGs and Climate Roadmaps lags.

The multiplying challenges and escalating stakes underscore the indispensable role of platforms like GOTIT in fostering SDG Collaboration and championing Climate Action. Our current trajectory isn’t just misaligned; it threatens to derail our collective aspirations for a sustainable and climate-resilient future. This is the juncture where Open Innovation for Sustainability converges with Territorial Innovation for Climate Targets. The global community’s plea for transformative action is deafening. But echoing the call isn’t enough; we must heed it. It’s time to transition from words to deeds, from dreams to realities, in our pursuit of SDGs and Climate Targets Solutions.

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Navigating Sustainability & Climate Change

In a world striving to achieve the SDGs and climate targets, the path is often unclear. This is where the Climate and SDGs Achievement Platform, GOTIT, serves as your compass, guiding you through the complexities of SDGs and Climate Roadmaps, at all governance levels.

Q&A on Renewable Energy and Its Facets

References

1. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special Edition ↩︎
2. The UNSTATS Data Portal ↩︎
3. The SDG Report 2023-Statistical Annex ↩︎