Although access to electricity and the use of clean fuels for cooking, heating and lighting is widespread in the UNECE region – and deployment of renewable energy had been increasing and energy efficiency had also been improving – the rate of progress has not been high enough to make the energy targets of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy) achievable. An acceleration of effort is therefore critical to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

This report highlights the gap between actual progress and what is required to achieve SDG7 targets. Closing the gap requires integrated thinking by energy system actors, coupled with enabling policy frameworks and good governance. It also requires increased cooperation and financing 

The report is part of a series of policy briefs compiled by the multi-stakeholder SDG7 Technical Advisory Group (SDG7 TAG) in support of the review of SDG7 at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2023.