Affordable and Clean Energy

Affordable and clean energy is central to global strategies for a better future.

It provides a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, empower communities, and drive equitable economic growth.

What is affordable and clean energy?

Affordable and clean energy refers to power sources that are widely accessible while minimising environmental impact.

Affordability ensures that individuals and businesses—including those in underserved regions—can obtain energy without financial hardship.

Clean renewable energy, derived from sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, generates minimal emissions and does not rely on depleting fossil fuels.

These sources are vital components of the global energy mix, helping shift the world away from fossil fuel dependence.
 

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 seeks to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services by 2030.

Energy is the cornerstone of human progress—driving health, education, industry, and environmental stewardship.

SDG 7 Targets and Global Progress

SDG 7 establishes clear priorities to guide global action:

• Universal Access to Modern Energy: The aim is to provide all people with reliable electricity and clean cooking solutions. Today, 770 million remain without electricity, and 2.6 billion still rely on traditional, polluting fuels for cooking—challenges that directly impact quality of life.
• Increase Global Percentage of Renewable Energy: Scaling up renewables is crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Although renewables supply nearly 29% of global electricity, far more rapid growth is needed to fulfil climate commitments and ensure sustainable energy services for all.
• Double the Improvement in Energy Efficiency: Doubling the global rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030 stands as a critical target. Innovations in technology and management have made headway, yet greater momentum is required to curb demand and emissions.
• Promote Access to Research, Technology and Investments in Clean Energy: Partnerships and funding are indispensable for expanding clean energy in developing nations. Shared clean energy research, technology transfer, and global financing accelerate innovation and access to clean energy technology.
• Expand and Upgrade Energy Services for Developing Countries: Investment in energy infrastructure such as modern grids and storage unlocks the potential for continuous, renewable power—especially in remote regions. Approaches like smart grids and advanced battery systems exemplify forward-thinking infrastructure.

 

Affordable and Clean Energy Solutions

Malaysia presents a compelling case study in advancing SDG 7 through integrated technology, policy, and collaboration.

Technological Innovations

• Renewable Energy and Agrivoltaics: The Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) aims for renewables to comprise 31% of the electricity mix by 2025, with agrivoltaics maximising land use by coupling solar generation with agriculture. Zero-Energy Buildings, exemplified by the Malaysia Energy Centre headquarters, highlight the nation’s ambition for efficiency.
• Grid Modernisation and Storage: Investments exceeding 43 billion ringgit are modernising Malaysia’s grid to better incorporate renewables and deploy smart storage. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives by Petronas also demonstrate leadership in mitigating industrial emissions.

Policy Initiatives

• National Energy Policy 2022–2040: The long-term strategy emphasises green energy growth, demand-side management, and workforce development—setting the stage for a sustainable transition.
• Net Energy Metering (NEM) and Solar Leasing: Policies supporting NEM and accessible solar leasing empower consumers to generate, use, and sell renewable electricity, lowering barriers to adoption.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Commitments to commercial SAF production by 2027, with a target of a 47% blend by 2050, align with nationwide decarbonisation goals.

Collaborations and Investments

• International Partnerships: Regional initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid exemplify cross-border collaboration, strengthening energy security and renewable integration through shared infrastructure and helping to enhance international cooperation.
• Private Sector Investment: Major commitments from private entities, such as ACWA Power’s investment targeting up to 12.5 GW of new renewables by 2040, demonstrate the critical role of business in delivering clean energy at scale.

 

Real-World Example by Ajinomoto Malaysia

Ajinomoto Malaysia Berhad (AMB) exemplifies how industry can drive the adoption of affordable, clean energy solutions.

Through innovative approaches and sustainable practices, AMB is leading by example in integrating clean energy into its operations.

One key initiative is the installation of 7,700 solar panels at its Bandar Enstek factory.

This effort has successfully reduced fossil energy consumption by 25% and earned the factory Green Building Index certification.

This achievement highlights our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

Through these integrated efforts, AMB demonstrates how purposeful actions can advance the clean energy agenda.

It sets a model for others to follow, paving the way toward a more resilient and sustainable future.