Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report, 2021

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Overview The 2021 edition of Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report monitors and assesses achievements in the global quest for universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030. The latest available data and selected energy scenarios reveal that, while progress has been made, significant challenges remain.

Access to Electricity

• Current Status: As of 2021, approximately 90% of the world's population has access to electricity.
• Key Challenges: Despite progress, about 759 million people still lack access to electricity, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
• Geographical Disparities: Rural areas and low-income households continue to face significant barriers to access.

Access to Clean Fuels and Technologies for Cooking

• Current Status: About 3 billion people rely on solid fuels (such as wood, charcoal, and agricultural residues) for cooking.
• Health Impacts: Exposure to indoor air pollution from these fuels results in 4.3 million premature deaths annually.
• Progress: Significant strides have been made in promoting cleaner cooking solutions, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Renewable Energy

• Current Status: Renewable energy sources now account for about 27% of global power generation.
• Key Trends: Solar and wind energy have seen rapid growth, with solar capacity increasing by 24% and wind capacity by 11% in 2020.
• Challenges: Despite growth, renewable energy deployment remains uneven, with some regions lagging behind.

Energy Efficiency

• Current Status: Global energy intensity (energy used per unit of GDP) has decreased by 19% since 2010.
• Key Challenges: Improving energy efficiency remains crucial, especially in sectors like transportation and buildings.
• Opportunities: Increased adoption of energy-efficient technologies could significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions.

International Public Financial Flows to Developing Countries

• Current Status: Official Development Assistance (ODA) for energy projects has increased, but still falls short of meeting needs.
• Key Challenges: Financing gaps persist, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and small island developing states.
• Opportunities: Innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships can help bridge these gaps.

Outlook for SDG 7

• Current Status: While progress has been made, achieving universal access by 2030 remains challenging.
• Key Challenges: Addressing inequalities and ensuring sustainable energy systems require sustained efforts.
• Opportunities: Enhanced international cooperation and innovative financing can accelerate progress.

Conclusion Achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030 is a complex task that requires concerted global effort. Key challenges include addressing geographical disparities, promoting cleaner cooking solutions, expanding renewable energy deployment, improving energy efficiency, and bridging financing gaps. Enhanced international cooperation and innovative financing mechanisms are essential to overcome these challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7.