We are now in 2025, a significant milestone on the road to 2030, the year when the world aims to achieve the ambitious goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among them, SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy stands out as a strategic pillar to ensure a more sustainable future. It not only promotes universal access to energy but also drives the transition to renewable sources, strengthens economies, and reduces inequalities, connecting human development with environmental preservation. This article explores the goals of SDG 7, its social and economic impacts, and the importance of its applicability, especially in the context of companies seeking to align their operations with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria.
SDG 7 sets clear goals to ensure universal, reliable, and modern energy access by 2030. Its main objectives include:
- Ensuring universal access to affordable energy;
- Increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix;
- Doubling the global rate of energy efficiency;
- Expanding international cooperation to facilitate access to clean and sustainable technologies.
These goals not only drive environmental sustainability but also strengthen local and global economies, create job opportunities, and promote an inclusive energy transition.
Despite progress in recent years, about 675 million people worldwide still live without access to electricity, according to UN data. In Brazil, electrification rates have reached 99.6% of the population, but challenges remain in remote areas, especially in the Amazon. Investments in infrastructure and access programs, such as “Light for All,” continue to play a vital role in achieving universal electrification.
Increasing Renewable Energy Generation
Photovoltaic energy emerges as one of the main renewable solutions globally. Brazil has surpassed the mark of 50 gigawatts (GW) of operational installed capacity, establishing itself as the second-largest source in the Brazilian energy matrix, representing 20.7% of the total capacity, according to the Brazilian Solar Photovoltaic Energy Association (ABSOLAR). In 2023, the country ranked sixth worldwide in installed capacity, with 37.4 GW, according to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
This expansion is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically advantageous, reducing energy costs for businesses and promoting energy decentralization, especially in rural and peripheral communities.
The industry remains one of the largest energy consumers in Brazil, accounting for approximately 32% of national consumption, according to the Energy Research Company (EPE). In this context, increasing energy efficiency and integrating renewable sources into industrial processes are crucial steps to align the sector with SDG 7 goals and reduce carbon emissions.
Companies adopting clean technologies, such as photovoltaic systems and energy efficiency measures, not only lower their operational costs but also gain a competitive edge in globalized markets that increasingly demand compliance with ESG criteria.
Renewable Sources and ESG Criteria
Renewable energy sources play a central role in meeting ESG goals for companies. The adoption of clean energy contributes to:
- Reducing corporate carbon footprints, addressing investor and consumer demands for responsible practices;
- Promoting innovation and operational efficiency through automation and the use of advanced technologies;
- Strengthening brand reputation by associating it with sustainability and commitment to future generations.
Market-leading companies, especially in the energy sector, have pioneered the implementation of renewable projects that positively impact their communities and value chains. Examples include corporate solar parks and partnerships with local governments to expand electrical infrastructure in underserved regions.
SDG 7 offers a clear pathway to a more sustainable and inclusive future, where clean and affordable energy is a right, not a privilege. Companies and governments play fundamental roles in this process, whether by investing in renewable infrastructure, promoting efficient public policies, or adopting practices aligned with ESG criteria.
For companies like GNPW Group, commitment to the goals of SDG 7 is more than a responsibility; it is an opportunity to lead Brazil’s energy transformation, contributing to economic and social development. Let’s build a more sustainable future together!
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