Energy is a central component of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), explicitly reflected in SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. However, the theme of energy cuts across multiple SDGs, demonstrating the interconnectivity of these global goals.
SDG 7's objective is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Energy, in its various forms, is a vital driver of economic growth and is pivotal to nearly all aspects of development. Without a steady and reliable supply of energy, societies can hardly progress. However, millions of people around the world still lack access to modern and clean energy services. The emphasis on "affordable and clean" energy within this goal shows the need to transition from traditional energy sources, often characterized by high environmental costs, to more sustainable ones like wind, solar, and hydropower.
Energy's role is also significant in achieving other SDGs. For example, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, emphasizes the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean technologies. It is almost impossible to achieve this without a sustainable energy framework. Similarly, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, calls for making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, and one of its targets (11.6) directly refers to the environmental impact of cities, for which energy is a key factor.
Furthermore, energy is a crucial player in SDG 13: Climate Action. The energy sector represents the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to a sustainable energy future, therefore, is critical for tackling climate change. Efforts to reduce emissions and promote clean energy sources are crucial to mitigate climate change and its impacts.
The chapter on geothermal resources in Kenya supports UN SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by highlighting the country's rapid geothermal development driven by the utilization of its vast untapped geothermal resources, contributing towards sustainable energy production and addressing energy access challenges in the region.
The content of Chapter 1, which provides an overview of geothermal resources, drilling, engineering, power generation, costs, and sustainability, aligns with various UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by promoting the utilization of geothermal energy for sustainable power generation and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering innovation and advancements in geothermal technology and infrastructure.
The Climate Energy Nexus: Understanding the Relationship between Energy Production Systems and Climate Trends
2025, Pages 1-22
This chapter notably supports SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption), and 13 (Climate Action) by helping readers to understand the interactions between energy consumption, emissions, and climate, and by introducing modeling approaches.
Advances in Sustainable Humidification-Dehumidification Thermal Desalination Systems, Elsevier, 2025, Pages 1-15,
The content ties to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by discussing small-scale thermal desalination techniques using low-grade heat sources to ensure sustainable water management and supply, promote affordable and clean energy access, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient solutions. Greenhouse gas emissions are lowered through the utilization of low-grade heat sources.
Metallic Mineral Resources: The Critical Components for a Sustainable Earth, 2024, Pages 409-434
The energy transition will require new technology for clean energy. Many of those technologies require the use of critical metals which are nonrenewable and must be used responsibly and sustainably.
Technological Pathways for Africa' s Net-Zero Economy, Technology Solutions to Unlock Africa's Sustainable Future, 2025, Pages 217-235
This chapter advances Goal 13 by educating politicians, industry experts, and researchers on the significance of shifting toward sustainable energy solutions by offering a thorough examination of essential elements and discussing possible obstacles.
