3.1 Energy Security: Definition and background information

3.1 Energy Security: Definitions and background

What does “Energy Security” mean?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) provided a simple definition of Energy Security in 2014:

“The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price”


Energy security is crucial to ensure long and short-term economic development and social stability. According to the IEA, three components are essential when assessing energy security:

  1. Reliability
  2. Affordability
  3. Accessibility
  4. Supply

Key messages of SDG 7 (abridged)

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

SDG 7

SDG 7 (UN, 2020).

Target 7.1

“… ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services…”

Target 7.2

“… increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix…”

Target 7.3

“… by 2030 double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency”

Target 7.A

 “… enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology…”

Target 7.B

“… expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries…”

It is estimated that in 2015 approximately 2.8 billion people had no access to modern energy services. Of these, over 1.1 billion did not have access to electricity. Thus, the key development goal for many regions is to provide access to energy. Current estimates show that air pollution due to unclean energy sources are responsible for the death of 4.3 million people every year. In addition, energy production is the main source of greenhouse gases.

Therefore, the promotion of renewable energies and increased energy efficiencies is seen as crucial. The SDG 7 targets aim to work towards a sustainable, energy-secure world.



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References
3.1 Energy Security: Definitions and background

IEA. (2014). Energy security: Reliable, affordable access to all fuels and energy sources. https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-security

UN (2020), ‘Sustainable Development Goals’, https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg