Everyone should have access to affordable, clean energy
Affordable, Clean Energy
Everyone should have access to affordable, clean energy
Affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, as set out in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), is central to achieving almost all global sustainability objectives – helping to improve health and living conditions, stimulate economies, accelerate social progress and improve equality.
Yet 1.1 billion people around the world still lack access to electricity (to light their homes or power appliances), while 2.9 billion people continue to cook their meals and heat their homes using open fires or simple stoves, fuelled by kerosene, biomass and coal – all of which are pollutants.
Access to affordable, clean energy needs to be scaled-up in order to accommodate a projected 48% growth in global energy consumption by 2040 – while simultaneously considering the impacts on climate change, focusing on renewable resources, diversifying power supplies and improving energy efficiency. Technological solutions, enabled by products from the mining and minerals sector, are key to making this change.
Access to energy
Access to energy is vital for the successful achievement of sustainable development goals and to help boost general living standards.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy technologies are key to addressing pressures on the energy system, climate change mitigation, and creating more resilient economies.
“Renewable energy solutions are becoming cheaper, more reliable and more efficient every day. Our current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and harmful to the planet, which is why we have to change the way we produce and consume energy.”