SDG 7: ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, SUSTAINABLE & MODERN ENERGY FOR ALL
Goal 7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to ensure access to clean, affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all.
- Energy is critical for the development of various sectors including agriculture, business, communications, education, healthcare, and transportation.
- However, despite advancements, progress remains slow, and significant challenges persist.
GOALS
- 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
- 7.2: By 2030, substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
- 7.A: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner fossil-fuel technology.
- 7.B: By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for modern and sustainable energy services, especially in developing countries, LDCs, small island developing states, and landlocked developing countries.
CURRENT SITUATION
- Global Progress: From 2015 to 2021, the proportion of the global population with access to electricity increased from 87% to 91%.
- Despite this, around 660 million people still lack access to electricity, and nearly 2 billion people rely on polluting fuels for cooking.
- Energy and Climate Change: Energy consumption is the largest contributor to climate change, responsible for approximately 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, transitioning to cleaner energy sources is crucial for mitigating climate impacts.
CHALLENGES & NEED
- Access to Electricity:
- Current Figures: 733 million people worldwide lack access to electricity.
- Access improved from 73% in 1998 to 90% in 2020, but still, 675 million people, primarily in least developed countries (LDCs) and sub-Saharan Africa, remain without electricity.
- Future Needs: To achieve universal electricity access by 2030, an estimated annual investment of US$35-40 billion is needed.
- Clean Cooking Solutions:
- Current Figures: Approximately 2.3 billion people use unsafe and polluting fuels for cooking.
- As of 2021, 71% of the global population had access to clean cooking technologies, up from 64% in 2015. Sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of 0.9 billion, faces the greatest challenges.
- Renewable Energy:
- Current Share: Renewable sources account for nearly 30% of energy consumption in the electricity
- However, challenges remain in the heating and transport sectors.
- Growth: Developing countries experience a 9.6% annual growth in renewable energy installations, but international financial flows for clean energy are declining.
- Energy Efficiency:
- Global Trends: Improving energy efficiency is essential for reducing overall energy consumption and emissions. Global efforts must double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030.
WHY THIS GOAL MATTERS?
- Economic and Social Impact: Reliable and affordable energy supports all sectors, including businesses, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Lack of access to electricity hampers economic growth, health services, and education.
- Environmental Impact: Fossil fuels contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Shifting to clean energy is vital for reducing environmental impacts and improving public health.
- Human Development: Access to electricity affects daily life and opportunities. For instance, women and girls often spend hours fetching water, clinics struggle to store vaccines, and students may lack proper study conditions. Without clean cooking solutions, household air pollution remains a severe health hazard.
SDG 7 IN INDIA
Overview:
- Goal: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and efficient energy services by 2030.
- Importance: Energy security is essential for socioeconomic development, including improved income, healthcare, water access, education, and overall well-being.
- Focus: Expanding infrastructure and upgrading technology for clean and efficient energy.
KEY INDICATORS
- Household Electrification: Achieved 100% electrification through the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna – Saubhagya scheme.
- Clean Cooking Fuel: LPG and PNG connections.
Goal 7 Index Score:
- Range: 50 to 100 for States; 52 to 100 for UTs.
- Categories:
- Achievers: 16 States and 6 UTs with a score of 100.
- Front Runners: 10 States and 1 UT with a score between 65 and 100 (excluding 100).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Household Electrification:
- Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna –
- Achievement: 100% electrification reported in 2021–2022.
- Global Target: Aligns with SDG 7.1 to ensure universal access to energy services.
- Clean Cooking Fuel:
- LPG Connections: 32.42 million.
- PNG Connections: 1.29 million.
- Achievement: 16 States and 6 UTs reached 100% target for clean cooking fuel connections.
INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN BY GoI FOR SDG 7
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). Here are some key initiatives:
Renewable Energy
- National Solar Mission: This mission aims to promote solar energy generation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- National Wind Energy Mission: Focuses on expanding wind energy capacity.
- National Biofuel Policy: Encourages the production and use of biofuels to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Rural Electrification
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY): This scheme aims to provide electricity to all rural households.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha and Samridhi Yojana (PM-KUSUM): Encourages farmers to install solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants.
- Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA): This scheme aims to provide electricity connections to all households in India, including those in rural areas.
- UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All): This program has replaced inefficient incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs in Indian households, leading to significant energy savings.
International Cooperation
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): India is a founding member of the ISA, which aims to promote solar energy cooperation among developing countries.
These initiatives demonstrate India’s commitment to achieving SDG 7 and ensuring that its population has access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
Note: Connect with Vajirao & Reddy Institute to keep yourself updated with latest UPSC Current Affairs in English.
Note: We upload Current Affairs Except Sunday.
