Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

The way we use energy is changing. While before the use of energy would be as easy as using fossil fuels, it is quite evident that the continued use of such energies is quite dangerous to our environment. Here at NLS, we are in the business of saving and conserving our environment. Goal 7 of the United Nations SDGs aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Sustainable energy refers to the use of any type of energy that can meet demands without putting the resources in danger of running out. We spoke about this in an earlier article, this energy never gets depleted and is replenishing in its nature. Such energies include hydroelectricity, wind, solar energy and many more. Sustainable energy is a critical enabler and dramatically improves the quality, accessibility and reliability of services that many of us rely on for our survival, development and well-being. Energy should generate a consistent stream of power to meet basic human needs, maintain and improve social functioning, and advance living standards. For energy to be sustainable and affordable, the power generated by energy use should be much greater than the resulting waste and pollution. 

The most common form of energy used especially in Africa would be charcoal. An average household in Uganda will spend about 70,000 Uganda Shillings on a bag of charcoal and its usage varies from household to household. One of the major indicators of goal 7 is the alarming number of people all over the world who still use inefficient polluting cooking systems. There have been various affordable innovations that have helped provide affordable energy options to homes or households. In regards to coal, the use of briquettes can easily be made by putting waste materials together. Briquettes are a cheap alternative to firewood and traditional charcoal. By using briquettes they have stopped cutting down trees and reduced smoke-related diseases in their families.

Below are the targets and their respective indicators to help us achieve this GOAL:

Target 1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

Indicator:

• A proportion of the population with access to electricity.
• A proportion of the population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology

Target 2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Indicator:

• Renewable energy shares in the total final energy consumption.

Target 3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Indicator:

• Energy intensity is to be measured in terms of primary energy and GDP.

Target 4a): 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.

Indicator:

International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and renewable energy production, including hybrid systems.

Target 4b): 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, following their respective programmes of support.

Indicator: Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing countries (in watts per capita)

“… It’s clear, given the current energy crisis, that we need to embrace new sources of renewable energy that are good for our planet. I believe very strongly in using technology to provide affordable options that all consumers can put into practice.”

– Yang Yang