Ensuring Access to Affordable Energy Solutions

Goal seven in the United Nations Sustainability Goals is ‘Ensuring access to Affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.’ Energy is something that the majority of us take for granted. We wake up and switch on lights or appliances, without a second thought. We are becoming more aware, however, of energy efficiency and the need to improve in the fight against climate change. To be seen as energy efficient, power created should be greater than the waste it produces. We should be able to perform the same tasks as we do now by using less energy.

Energy Efficiency

Our need to be more energy efficient may be vital in reducing the impact we have on the planet but for many, energy efficiency cannot yet be on the agenda at all. 20% of the world’s population lack electricity and have vastly underdeveloped infrastructure. Many cannot access electricity at all and those that can suffer constant power outages. The energy is not reliable and doesn’t cater for basic human needs.

Modern and Sustainable Energy

This goal has been created to ensure that all global population receive the same level of energy and that it is modern and sustainable. Up until now energy use around the world has been largely due to the different natural resources on offer, or the purchasing powers to hand. Naturally, for example, those with access to large quantities of coal have used it as their primary fossil fuel. This has resulted in coal still providing 40% of the world’s energy however, this is not feasible going forward. Coal not only has a low mass to energy ratio it also creates a huge amount of pollution. Those in undeveloped countries who do not have access to coal nor funds to import it, have opted for alternative energy sources, primarily, readily available biomass options. Whilst biomass can be more sustainable, the majority of biomass fuels available consist of options such as burning animal dung. This is a leading contributor to indoor pollution and it is estimated that approximately 1.5 million deaths a year are a result of indoor air pollution.

‘Modern’ energy sources ensure that the sources are reliable and do not add to pollution levels. By 2030 the goal will ensure a global increase of renewable energies and an improvement to energy efficiency. Developing countries will have expanded and upgraded infrastructure and there will be better access to research technologies in cleaner energy. This will ensure items such as biomass fuels are not pushed too readily before adequate research has been conducted to ensure there are not contributing to rising pollution levels.

The SOLID team will be honing in on affordable energy solutions later in the year. We will be researching the sustainable options on offer and how to create more energy efficient homes. Subscribe now to not miss out of any 1% Better news.