SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

Pioneers in electrifying the economy with over €175 billion invested since 2001

Renewable energy

At the Iberdrola Group, we are global leaders in the development of electricity grids and renewable energy, thanks to the more than €175 billion we have invested since 2001. As part of our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we focus primarily on SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, and we work to bring electricity to everyone and optimise energy use.

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy. Video voice transcription (Spanish version) [PDF]

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, what is it and why is it so important?

SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, secure, sustainable and modern energy for all. Currently, according to the Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025External link, opens in new window. , there are 666 million people living without electricity worldwide. This dossier has been prepared by the five custodians of this SDG: the International Energy Agency, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the United Nations Statistics Division, the World Bank (WB) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The study estimates that 18 of the 20 countries with the largest electricity access gaps are in sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast, the greatest growth in access recorded between 2020 and 2023 occurred in Central and South Asia, regions that made significant progress in reducing their basic access gap from 414 million in 2010 to just 27 million in 2023.

According to this report, despite some progress on the indicators, the current pace is not adequate to achieve any of the 2030 goals. Rates of progress vary significantly from region to region and while some regions are making substantial progress, others are slowing down or even regressing. In addition to the 675 million people still without electricity, 2.1 billion people do not have access to clean cookstoves. 

Renewable energy consumption has increased since 2010, but it is imperative to substantially increase the share of clean energy in total final energy consumption. Similarly, despite steady progress, energy efficiency must improve by an average of 4% per year globally in order to meet the original target.

To achieve SDG 7 by 2030, it is also necessary to invest in clean energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower and improve energy productivity. It is also imperative to expand infrastructure and improve technology for clean energy in all developing countries. 

Iberdrola aligned with the Objectives of Sustainable Development

Keys to understanding the world's electricity shortage

Affordable and clean energy
  • Icono Global impact 666 million people live without electricity worldwide.
  • Icono Other energies 2.1 billion people still use polluting fuels and technologies for cooking.
  • Icono Ideal scenario Renewable energies should account for one third of total energy consumption by 2030 to be on track.

Countries with the most people affected

  • Nigeria 86 M
  • D. R. Congo 79 M
  • Ethiopia 56 M
  • Tanzania 34 M
  • Uganda 23 M
  • Mozambique 21 M
  • Niger 21 M
  • Madagascar 18 M
  • Angola 17 M
  • Burkina Faso 18 M
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Main causes

The uncertain macroeconomic outlook, high levels of inflation, currency fluctuations, debt difficulties and lack of financing.

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Is there a solution?

In the 2050 net-zero emissions scenario, achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 requires an annual investment of USD 30 billion in grid generation and decentralised solutions through integrated, smart and efficient supply programmes.

Sources: World Bank and UN (Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025).

 SEE INFOGRAPHIC: Keys to understanding worldwide electricity shortages [PDF]

 External link, opens in new window.

SDG 7 targets: Affordable and clean energy

Although the proportion of people without access to electricity has more than halved since 2000, more needs to be done to end this situation. 

For this reason, the specific targets set for 2030 are:

  • Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

  • Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

  • Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.

  • Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all.

The SDGs and their impact on economy, society and environment

The SDGs as part of Iberdrola Group's business strategy

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Main focus

  • Affordable and clean energy
  • Climate action

Direct Contribution

  • Clean water and sanitation
  • Industry, innovation e infrastructure
  • Life on land
  • Partnerships for the goals

Indirect Contribution to all Other SDGs

  • No poverty
  • Zero hunger
  • Good health and well-being
  • Quality education
  • Gender equality
  • Decent work and economic growth
  • Reduced inequalities
  • Sustainable cities and communities
  • Responsible consumption and production
  • Life below water
  • Peace, justice and strong institutions

Our contribution to SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

At Iberdrola, we have established ourselves as pioneers in the electrification of the economy, having invested over €175 billion since 2001. In this way, we are driving the transition towards a sustainable energy model, in line with SDG 7. 

Our Strategic Plan reinforces this vision with a forecast of €58 billion in investment by 2028 for the development of electricity networks that ensure the transmission and distribution of clean energy. Thanks to this combination of investment, innovation and planning, at Iberdrola we are not only strengthening the electricity infrastructure, but also contributing to a more sustainable, resilient society that is committed to the future of the planet.

  • By 2028, 90% of the Group’s installed capacity will come from emission-free sources.  Furthermore, at Iberdrola, we generate 100% of its energy with zero emissions in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Portugal.
  • The East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm in British waters of the North Sea is the largest wind farm in Iberdrola's history and one of the largest of its kind in the world, with 714 MW. It is operated by ScottishPower, our subsidiary in the UK, which is currently the only 100% renewable electricity company in the country.
  • Energy efficiency: 22 million tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided in 2025. In addition, we are committed to the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 in areas 1 and 2 and reaching zero in all 3 areas by 2040.
  • Electricity for all: since the launch of the programme in January 2014, we have helped 15.99 million people benefit from access to electricity through projects across Latin America and Africa. By 2030, we aim to increase the number of beneficiaries to more than 16 million.
  • A pioneer in Socially Responsible Investment, the Group remains the world's largest private issuer of green bonds.