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A recent report, titled “Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2023,” was released through collaboration between the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Renewable Energy Agency, United Nations Statistics Division, World Bank, and the WHO.

• The report highlights various challenges that hinder progress towards achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7.
• Factors such as high inflation, uncertain macroeconomic outlook, debt distress, and limited 13 MATE financial flows have contributed to the world falling off-track in achieving SDG 7.

SDG 7

• Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” by 2030. It’s three core targets are the foundation for our work: By 2030:
• Target 7.1: ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services Target 7.2: increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 7.3: double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Target 7.a: enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
• Target 7.b: expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries.

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Efforts:-

• Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA)
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC)
• National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) and Smart Meter National Programme·
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME)
• International Solar Alliance (ISA)
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on its website also hosts Akshay Urja Portal and India Renewable Idea Exchange (IRIX) Portal.

Way forward

There can be no doubt about the fact that the renewable energy is the energy of the future. The current direction indicates the possibility of elimination of fossil fuels-based energy as early as 2050. This will lead to a cleaner planet, greener planet and make the earth a better place to live in. However, it is important that we have a clear policy guideline, wherein we explore the right mix of energy sources, integrated into the grid to achieve maximum efficiency.

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