Global Energy Progress 2024: Tracking Progress and Challenges in Achieving SDG 7 Report

The Energy Progress Report 2024, produced by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. This comprehensive report tracks progress in access to electricity, clean cooking solutions, renewable energy and energy efficiency, providing insight into international public finance flows that support clean energy development in developing countries.

The report shows significant progress in global access to electricity. In 2021, 91% of the world’s population had access to electricity, up from 83% in 2010. But that still leaves about 733 million people without access, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Efforts to close the gap have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has slowed infrastructure projects and diverted resources from immediate health and economic needs. Despite these challenges, some countries have made significant progress. India, for example, has achieved near-universal access to electricity, driven by government-led initiatives and significant investments in rural electrification.

When it comes to clean cooking solutions, progress has been slower. Some 2.4 billion people still rely on traditional cooking methods using biomass, coal or kerosene, which pose health risks and contribute to environmental degradation. The adoption of clean cooking technologies such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity and biogas has been limited by factors such as affordability, cultural preferences and supply chain issues. To accelerate progress, the report highlights the need for integrated policies that address both supply and demand, including subsidies, public awareness campaigns and support for local entrepreneurs.

Renewable energy has seen remarkable growth, driven by falling costs and supportive policies. The global share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption reached 19.3% in 2021, up from 16.3% in 2010. Solar and wind were the main contributors to this growth, with significant capacity expansion in both developed and developing countries. China remains the largest investor in renewable energy, followed by the United States and the European Union. However, the report highlights the need for greater investment in renewable energy in low-income countries, where the potential for impact is significant but financial and technical barriers remain high.

Improving energy efficiency was also key to reducing energy consumption and mitigating climate change. The report notes that global primary energy intensity, which measures an economy’s energy efficiency, improved by 1.9% per year between 2010 and 2021. This is slightly below the 2.6% per year target needed to achieve SDG 7. Efforts to improve energy efficiency included implementing energy efficiency standards for appliances, buildings and vehicles, as well as financial incentives and public awareness programmes. Countries such as Germany and Japan have set energy efficiency benchmarks, showing the benefits of sustained policy and investment commitments.

International public finance flows to developing countries for clean energy have been crucial for progress towards SDG 7. In 2021, these flows reached $23 billion, an increase of 10% compared to the previous year. Multilateral development banks and bilateral donors have played a significant role in financing clean energy projects, including renewable energy installations, energy efficiency programmes and technical assistance. However, the report calls for increased financial commitments to meet the growing energy needs of developing countries and support the transition to sustainable energy systems.

The outlook for achieving SDG 7 is mixed. While significant progress has been made in some areas, significant challenges remain. The report highlights the need for increased international cooperation, improved policy frameworks and greater financial investment to accelerate progress. It also highlights the importance of harnessing technological innovation, building local capacity and supporting inclusive approaches that ensure no one is left behind in the global energy transformation.

In summary, the 2024 Energy Progress Report provides a comprehensive overview of progress made towards achieving SDG 7, as well as the obstacles that still need to be overcome. The findings underscore the critical role of sustainable energy in driving economic development, improving health outcomes and combating climate change. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the energy transition, the insights and recommendations from this report will be essential to guide future action and ensure a more sustainable and equitable energy future for all.

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