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 to accommodate a projected 48 per cent 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.

Focus Areas

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.