SDG 7: Sustainable economic growth

Energy means effectiveness, motion, or force and is the basis of all human activities. It describes a system’s ability to perform work or release heat, to move or change something. It is the prerequisite for any transformation, any change, and any development. Without energy, there would be no production of food, clothing, and everyday goods; no construction of buildings, machines, and devices; no provision of light, heat, and cooling; no preparation of food and drinking water; no mobility, no transport, and no human activity at all.

Energy Sources

The most important energy sources – besides human muscle power – are fossil fuels (gas, coal, oil), biomass (wood, peat, dung, plant waste), nuclear power (based on uranium), and renewable energies (wind, water, sun, geothermal).

Fossil energy sources currently provide about 80 percent of the world’s energy, especially for industrialized nations. Around 2.5 billion people still depend on traditional biomass as an energy source. About 1.6 billion people worldwide do not have reliable access to electricity.

Each energy source has different advantages and disadvantages: Traditional biomass is renewable; however, its combustion produces pollutants that cause air pollution and health problems. Its use leads to environmental destruction (deforestation), increased workloads for women and children who have to collect fuel, and it has a low efficiency. The use of fossil fuels has enabled industrial development, advanced medicine and technology, and created substantial material wealth in parts of the world. At the same time, it has contributed to global warming—with globally threatening consequences for humanity—as well as ecological destruction and social inequalities. Renewable energies are not without problems either: the construction of gigantic dams, hydroelectric power plants, and wind farms, or the increasing use of modern biofuels, is in part environmentally and human-rights problematic. Renewable energy sources and biomass also require additional storage capacities. Nuclear power is neither CO₂-free nor the least CO₂-intensive form of energy production, since the energy-intensive production of fuel elements is harmful to the climate. Added to this are major environmental damage and social consequences from uranium mining, the risks of nuclear accidents, and above all the unresolved issue of disposing of nuclear waste.

“Clean energy,” on the other hand, refers to energy sources and technologies that cause little to no harmful emissions, environmental destruction, or social problems. These energy sources aim to minimize environmental impact and reduce the emission of climate-damaging gases. They are produced sustainably, are available in the long term, continuously renew themselves, and make it possible to meet the basic needs of all people and living beings. They also promote energy independence for states, regions, and local communities.

Rising Global Energy Consumption

By the end of the 21st century, the world population is expected to reach more than 10 billion people. With growing economies and improved living standards, increasing digitalization and technological development, global energy demand is rising rapidly. By 2050, a roughly 25% increase in global energy consumption is projected (World Energy Council).

Energy consumption from digital technologies alone (including AI applications and cryptocurrencies) could rise by 20–30% by 2030 compared to 2020. The sharp increase in emissions currently being recorded is primarily attributed to the drastically higher energy consumption of data centers driven by AI applications. A single request to ChatGPT, for example, uses around ten times as much energy as a Google search. At Google, greenhouse gas emissions rose by 48% between 2019 and 2024. To achieve its goal of climate neutrality by 2030 despite enormous energy consumption, Google has signed a contract to purchase small modular nuclear reactors. The first mini nuclear power plant is scheduled to go online in 2030, with more to follow.

Many countries rely on expanding their energy supply to combat hunger and poverty, improve education and health care, and enable adequate economic development. To meet energy needs, many therefore fall back on increasing fossil energy production: according to the Global Carbon Project, larger amounts of oil, gas, and coal were burned worldwide in 2024 than ever before. Yet CO₂ emissions would need to be reduced to zero by 2030 due to rising global temperatures and their dangerous consequences. Reconciling both challenges seems like a tremendous and nearly unsolvable task for the world’s future—one that can only be met with a rapid and sustainable global energy transition. The goal must be global energy justice.

Energy Justice

Energy justice means that all people worldwide have reliable and equal access to safe and sustainable energy sources and the necessary energy services, regardless of their social, cultural, or economic background. For a just global energy transition, the participation and inclusion of all social groups and population segments is therefore essential. Energy justice goes beyond mere provision; it includes social and environmental justice. Because disadvantaged groups and poorer regions are often more affected by the negative impacts of energy production, it is especially important that these communities are included in decision-making about energy supply. Global energy justice is thus not only a key to climate justice but also to an inclusive future in which everyone benefits from clean and secure energy.

This also means that sustainable technologies must be distributed fairly and supported financially so that the necessary energy infrastructures can be built and expanded in all regions. Questions of access and affordability can only be defined and addressed within the respective national context. Many countries in Africa, South America, and Asia possess more than enough solar, wind, and hydropower resources, geothermal potential, and the raw materials needed for producing clean and sustainable energy. Instead of treating them merely as suppliers of raw materials—or seeing them only as “victims” of climate injustice—they are, especially in the energy sector, potential superpowers and economic partners.

SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030

As sub-targets, SDG 7 states that by 2030 the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix should be significantly increased, the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency should be doubled, and international cooperation should be strengthened in order to facilitate access to research and technology in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, expand sustainable energy infrastructures, and provide modern and sustainable energy services for all worldwide.
Since energy plays an important role in combating poverty, hunger, and inequality, SDG 7 is closely linked to other Sustainable Development Goals.

Clear conflicts arise between the necessary provision of housing, health, education, employment, food, and infrastructure for populations – and the energy consumption this entails – on the one hand, and the need to reduce global energy consumption on the other. Wealthy industrialized countries must not seek to secure their increasing energy demand at the expense of poorer countries and people. It is unacceptable to declare a sustainable energy transition at home while simultaneously financing the expansion of climate-damaging fossil energy in countries of the Global South.

Status of SDG 7 Implementation: Global

Overall, the global status of SDG 7 implementation shows some progress, but there are significant challenges and obstacles. While many countries must first ensure a secure basic energy supply for their populations, people in industrialized countries such as Germany enjoy an almost universal access to energy. Here, the main challenges are the transition to sustainable energy sources and ensuring security of supply.

The share of renewable energy in the global energy mix is growing unevenly. Some countries are advancing the expansion of renewable energy sources, while others – primarily due to lacking infrastructure and financial resources – make little progress or none at all. There are also substantial differences between rural and urban regions. Improvements in energy efficiency are not progressing quickly enough globally to reach the goal of the energy transition – climate neutrality in the energy sector. Global investment in renewable energy is increasing, but often remains insufficient to meet the needs of the poorest countries. Although policymakers clearly recognize and articulate the link between expanding renewable energy to curb global warming and the need to increase climate-finance commitments, the outcomes of the most recent climate summit (COP 29) in Baku in 2024 were disappointing.

Global funds such as the Green Climate Fund support countries in implementing climate protection measures and transitioning to renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Policy Network (REN21) promotes the exchange of knowledge and best practices on renewable energy worldwide. The “Mission Innovation” partnership supports research and development of clean energy through international cooperation.

There remains an enormous need for action to implement the global energy transition, and current trends give little reason for hope that SDG 7 will be even remotely achieved by 2030.

SDG 7: Measures in Germany

In Germany, the energy supply system is being fundamentally restructured in order to become independent of fossil fuels and climate-neutral by 2045. The nuclear phase-out has been completed, and the federal government intends to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2038 at the latest—ideally by 2030.

In the first half of 2024, the share of renewable energies (RE) in the national electricity mix was 57% and is expected to continue rising. Wind power makes the largest contribution to electricity supply, followed by solar power. In the heating sector (heating systems, hot water, etc.), however, renewables account for less than 20%, and in the transport sector for only 7%. Overall, renewables therefore make up just over 21% of total German energy consumption.

To complete the phase-out of fossil energy within 20 years, Germany will need to triple the expansion rate of renewable energies. In addition, storage capacities are still lacking for a fully renewable energy supply. As a result, Germany ranks 5th worldwide in installed capacity for renewable energy generation—but only 63rd globally in terms of the share of renewables in national energy consumption: far behind numerous countries in Africa, Asia, and South America whose energy needs are covered 90–100% by renewables.

The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) promotes the expansion of these technologies through feed-in tariffs and market access for solar, wind, and bioenergy. Measures to improve building insulation and industrial processes aim to increase energy efficiency. Germany is also investing in a National Hydrogen Strategy to develop a green hydrogen economy and advance the decarbonization of industry. Many German cities are developing their own energy transition concepts tailored to local conditions and implementing corresponding projects.

Implementation in Hamburg

Hamburg is pursuing a climate protection strategy that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and to become climate-neutral by 2045. This includes investments in renewable energies and the expansion of energy-efficient technologies. However, Hamburg is lagging behind many other German states, some of which aim to achieve a climate-neutral energy policy as early as 2030.

The “Renewable Energies Hamburg (EEHH)” initiative promotes the expansion of renewable energies and supports companies in developing and implementing projects. In HafenCity, sustainable energy concepts are being implemented, including the use of geothermal energy and the promotion of local heating networks. The “Smart City Hamburg” project aims to integrate modern technologies to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in urban areas. The city also supports the expansion of photovoltaic systems on residential and commercial rooftops through various funding programs, as well as the expansion of district and local heating networks to efficiently utilize renewable heat sources. Hamburg cooperates with companies, research institutions, and other cities to exchange innovative solutions and best practices.

Get Involved

Anyone who wants to advocate politically and practically for the energy transition in Hamburg can get involved, for example, in the following initiatives:

  • KEBAP e.V.
    The association KEBAP e.V. (Climate Protection and Energy Consulting for Citizens and Businesses) works to expand renewable energies in Hamburg and offers comprehensive consulting services for citizens, companies, and institutions to increase energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy. KEBAP organizes workshops and information events to raise awareness of sustainable energy practices and supports projects aimed at reducing energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings and promoting climate-friendly technologies.
  • Energiebunker Wilhelmsburg
    The Energiebunker, a converted World War II bunker in Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg, contributes both to energy supply and to education and participation in sustainable urban development. It generates energy through photovoltaic systems on its roof, which cover its own needs and feed surplus electricity into the public grid. The bunker also houses a local heating system supplying surrounding buildings. In addition, it serves as an educational center offering events, workshops, and guided tours on renewable energies and sustainable urban development, and provides energy consulting for citizens and businesses.
  • BUND Hamburg
    The German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation advocates for environmentally friendly energy production and sustainable development.
  • Greenpeace Hamburg
    Greenpeace works for environmental protection and the energy transition, including the promotion of renewable energies and the phaseout of fossil fuels.
  • Zukunftsentscheid Hamburg
    This initiative aims to commit the city government to socially just, science-based, and economically balanced climate policies.
  • Fridays for Future Hamburg
    This youth-led movement advocates through demonstrations and actions for consistent climate protection and a rapid energy transition.
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