Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Globally, 1.3 billion people have no access to electricity, 82% of whom live in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In these areas, dependence on solid fuels is costly, puts pressure on surrounding ecosystems, and releases carbon monoxide and black carbon particulates when burned. Our everyday lives depend on reliable and affordable energy services to function smoothly and to develop equitably. Lack of access to energy supplies and transformation systems is a constraint to human and economic development.
By supporting high quality carbon finance projects, businesses can deliver essential emission reductions and support low carbon sustainable development in areas most in need.
Example carbon finance project activities that aim to improve energy access:
- Distribute solar lamps to households to offer light for evening study and income generating activities, reducing the pressure on local forests for firewood (Target 7.1)
- Electrify primary health centres to enhance quality of medical care with reliable fans and refrigerators (Targets 7.1 and 7.3)
- Install solar generator systems across local community centres, enabling extended activities outside daylight hours, including programmes to raise awareness on the importance of forest protection (Targets 7.1 and 7.2)
- Support new renewable energy intallations including wind and solar farms, and geothermal and hydro power plants, to help displace electricity drawn from fossil fuel power stations (Targets 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3)
Projects that align with SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
A number of carbon finance projects support households and communities to develop and gain access to clean and reliable forms of energy, reducing expenditure and providing opportunities for income generation.
Below are a sample of such projects. If you'd like to find out more about a particular project, follow the link.