Definition of Affordable and Clean Energy
Affordable and clean energy refers to the goal of ensuring that every individual has reliable access to energy sources that are modern, environmentally sustainable, and financially within reach so they can fulfill their basic daily needs without resulting in harm to the environment or personal financial hardship. Clean energy emphasizes the use of sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal, which produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate climate change. Affordability, in this context, means that the cost of energy does not prevent anyone—including low-income and marginalized communities—from using sufficient energy to meet their essential daily requirements.
The Importance of Non-Harmful, Environmentally Sound Energy
The pillar of “clean” energy stipulates that its production, distribution, and use should minimize environmental damage, notably by avoiding the reliance on polluting fossil fuels that drive air pollution and global warming. Fossil fuel-based energy is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and has lasting negative effects such as poor air quality, ecosystem damage, and health hazards for exposed populations. Transitioning to renewable sources not only reduces carbon emissions but also preserves natural resources for future generations.
The Meaning of Affordability in Energy Access
Affordability means that energy is reasonably priced so all households—regardless of income—can pay for and use enough energy to cover their core needs without sacrificing other essentials or falling into poverty. Households should not be forced to make difficult choices between energy and food, healthcare, or education due to high costs or insufficient income. An affordable energy system ensures inclusivity and social equity, providing everyone the opportunity to improve their living standards.
Primary Needs for Which Energy Is Used
Energy is vital for several primary household needs, which include:
Space heating and cooling: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature for health and well-being.
Water heating: For bathing, cleaning, and other hygiene needs.
Cooking: Preparing safe and nutritious food, with clean cooking methods being critical for health.
Lighting: Enabling activities after sunset, improving safety, education, and productivity.
Refrigeration: Preserving perishables and medication.
Operation of electrical appliances: For communication (charging phones, computers), entertainment, and household management.
In developing economies, traditional energy sources like wood and coal are still used for cooking and heating, which are linked to significant health hazards.
Countries with the Worst Levels of Clean Energy Use
The worst levels of clean energy usage—meaning the most polluting and least environmentally-friendly energy systems—are found in countries where electricity is almost entirely produced from fossil fuels:
Turkmenistan: 100% fossil-based energy.
Kuwait: 99.4% fossil-based.
Libya: 99.1% fossil-based.
Trinidad and Tobago: 98.9% fossil-based.
In addition, many South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh struggle with very low shares of clean energy due to underdeveloped renewable infrastructure and rapid population growth. Several Middle Eastern and African countries similarly have energy grids dominated by fossil fuels with minimal renewable contributions.
Countries with the Worst Affordability of Energy
Energy affordability is especially problematic in regions where low household incomes coincide with high energy costs or unreliable supply:
In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia (e.g., Bangladesh, Pakistan), and some Eastern European countries, households either spend a very high proportion of their income on energy or cannot afford sufficient energy to meet even basic needs.
In Europe, countries such as Bulgaria (where over 30% of the population experiences energy poverty) and Latvia (with energy burdens as high as 10.9% of income) are among the most severely affected.
In Nigeria, Ghana, and several Asian nations, energy poverty is acute, with a large proportion of households lacking affordable access to modern energy and often resorting to unsafe fuels for cooking.
In South Asia, energy poverty rates are exceptionally high in rural Bangladesh (58%) and persist across most of Pakistan.
Worst Issues and Circumstances in Countries with Poor Clean Energy or Affordability
1. Worst Issues in Countries with the Least Clean Energy
Health Impacts: Heavy reliance on coal, oil, and biomass causes air pollution, both outdoors and indoors, contributing to respiratory diseases, asthma, and chronic lung conditions.
Environmental Degradation: Fossil fuel dependency accelerates climate change, causes land and water contamination, and destroys local ecosystems.
Economic Stagnation: Pollution-related health issues and a lack of modern energy inhibit productivity, education, and broader social development.
Social Inequality: Rural and marginalized populations are particularly affected, as they have the least access to clean alternatives and suffer the greatest negative effects.
2. Worst Issues in Countries with the Least Affordable Energy
High Energy Burden: Poor households may spend over 10% of their income on energy or, when unable, live in cold, poorly lit, or unsafe conditions.
Energy Insecurity: Many are forced to make trade-offs between buying fuel/electricity and other necessities (like food and medicine), sometimes resulting in debt or disconnection from energy supply.
Health and Safety Risks: Inability to afford clean fuels leads to continued reliance on harmful, inefficient options, causing indoor air pollution and associated premature deaths.
Stunted Opportunities: The lack of reliable energy access severely limits educational, employment, and healthcare opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Climate Vulnerability: Affordability issues often leave communities unable to invest in energy efficiency or climate-resilient technologies.
Living Conditions
People affected often live in dwellings with poor insulation, share limited community energy facilities, or rely on collecting firewood or burning waste for heat and cooking, exposing themselves to dirty air and long hours of labor. In urban slums and many rural areas, energy access is intermittent or altogether absent, with blackouts common and household devices unreliable. Conversely, countries with widespread clean, affordable energy enjoy improved public health, stronger local economies, robust education systems, and environmental stability.
United Nations Institutions Active on SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Multiple United Nations institutions are engaged in supporting countries with the worst clean energy use and affordability challenges, working to advance SDG 7. Key actors include:
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Leads efforts to close the energy access gap by supporting national renewable energy goals, empowering marginalized communities, and providing technical, financial, and policy support.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Advances the adoption of renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, policy frameworks, and international partnerships to reduce fossil fuel dependency and promote sustainable practices.
World Bank: Finances clean energy projects, supports large-scale electrification, collects data, and publishes guidance through global partnerships.
World Health Organization (WHO): Sets health standards, monitors household air pollution, and advocates for clean cooking solutions to prevent disease.
International Energy Agency (IEA) and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): Collect vital data and provide technical guidance to accelerate renewable deployment and track SDG 7 progress.
UN-Habitat: Works on urban energy infrastructure, particularly in informal settlements and among vulnerable populations.
UNICEF: Engages in clean energy projects benefiting children and schools in disadvantaged regions.
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA): Coordinates SDG policies, monitors global progress, and helps align national actions with sustainable development objectives.
Peacekeeping Missions and Humanitarian Agencies: In fragile and post-conflict states (e.g., Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan), UN peace operations and humanitarian missions are increasingly incorporating renewable energy goals and providing access in complex emergency settings.
These organizations collaborate on research, financing, capacity building, and direct project implementation, bearing a significant role in helping countries overcome barriers to clean and affordable energy and move toward a just and sustainable energy future.
Conclusion
Affordable and clean energy must be universally accessible, reliable, modern, and environmentally benign, ensuring every person can meet their daily primary needs without health or financial hardship. The failures to achieve clean and affordable energy in certain countries result in dire health consequences, environmental degradation, economic hardship, and persistent social inequality. The work of various UN institutions is crucial in driving forward global progress on SDG 7, supporting both the technical clean energy transition and advancing social equity so that no one is left behind in the quest for sustainable development.
