SDG 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
Powering People, Protecting Planet
Energy is more than electricity. It is the fuel for dignity, growth, and dreams. Clean, affordable energy is not just a target — it’s the spark for everything else.
Without Energy, Potential Stays in the Dark
Nearly 675 million people globally still lack access to electricity.
In India, electrification has expanded rapidly, yet millions still face unstable, unaffordable, or polluting energy sources.
Fossil fuels power growth — but at the cost of climate stability.
Clean energy is not just an environmental need. It is the gateway to health, education, and innovation.
💬 “When energy flows freely and cleanly, human potential shines brightest.”
A Nation at an Energy Crossroads
India is the world’s third-largest energy consumer.
Bold commitments: 450 GW renewable capacity by 2030, expansion of solar parks, electric mobility push.
Challenges: balancing energy affordability, coal dependence, and rising demand.
Opportunities: decentralized solar, green hydrogen, smart grids, and women-led clean cooking movements.
💬 “India can light up not just its villages, but the world, with renewable hope.”
From Awareness to Innovation
Awakening (14–18 years): Learn about solar, wind, and clean cooking fuels. Join school energy clubs, participate in “switch-off” campaigns.
Becoming (19–24 years): Study electrical engineering, renewable energy, or economics. Intern with solar companies, NGOs promoting clean stoves, or EV startups.
💬 “Every switch turned on with clean power is a silent revolution.”
Impacting (25–40 years): Lead renewable energy enterprises, influence clean energy policies, scale up green technologies in urban and rural India.
Stories That Spark Possibility
🧩 Journey 1: Aarav, 16 — “Awakening to Solar”
📍 Rajasthan | High School StudentCause: Frequent power cuts in his village
Action: Built a DIY solar lamp with his science teacher
Next Step: Sharing the design with 20 other students
💬 “I realized the sun can power not just my home, but my imagination.”
🧩 Journey 2: Tanisha, 23 — “Becoming a Renewable Engineer”
📍 Hyderabad | B. Tech. in Electrical EngineeringCause: Rising air pollution in her city
Action: Internship with a solar rooftop installation startup
Next Step: Launching a project on affordable solar kits for low-income households
💬 “Clean energy is not charity. It’s empowerment.”
🧩 Journey 3: Raghav, 35 — “Impacting Through Policy”
📍 Delhi | Energy EconomistCause: Dependence on coal
Action: Advises state governments on renewable energy pricing
Impact: Designed incentives that brought 2 GW of solar into the grid
💬 “When policy aligns with purpose, change accelerates.”
Energy Powers Every Other Goal
People: Access to clean energy means better health, education, and quality of life.
Planet: Renewables cut carbon emissions and pollution.
Prosperity: Affordable, reliable power drives business and innovation.
Peace: Equitable energy access reduces inequality and conflict.
Partnership: Energy transitions demand global collaboration — from finance to technology sharing.
💬 “Clean energy is not just a sector. It is the foundation of a just and thriving world.”
Beyond Careers —Everyday Actions, Lasting Impact
Switch to LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances.
Support rooftop solar, even at small scales.
Reduce fuel consumption — carpool, cycle, or use EVs.
Advocate for clean cooking stoves in rural communities.
💬“When you save energy, you create energy for someone else’s tomorrow.”
The Courage to Lead the Transition
Governments: Scale renewable subsidies, modernize grids, expand rural access.
Private Sector: Commit to net-zero, invest in green hydrogen, build the clean industries of tomorrow.
Both Together: Make India the world’s renewable energy lighthouse.
💬 “True leadership is not in burning coal faster, but in igniting the clean power of the future.”
