Global Clean Energy Generation: A Report on Progress Towards Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: The Imperative for Clean Energy

The global transition to clean energy is a cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, directly addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This report analyzes the current state of clean energy generation, identifying leading nations and examining the factors that influence their performance. The shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power is critical for mitigating climate change and fostering sustainable industrial and economic growth, in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Leading Nations in Clean Energy Generation

Analysis of clean energy production reveals two distinct categories of leadership: total volume and proportional share. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of global efforts to achieve SDG 7.

Leadership by Volume: A Tale of Two Economies

The world’s largest economies, China and the United States, lead in the absolute volume of clean energy generated. This output is a function of their immense energy demands, driven by population size and industrial capacity, which relates to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

1. China: Generated approximately 951 terawatt-hours in the first quarter of 2025. Clean energy constitutes about 38% of its total energy production. The nation’s focus on the renewable energy industry is a key component of its economic and industrial strategy, aligning with SDG 9.
2. United States: Followed with approximately 907 terawatt-hours for the full year in 2023. Clean energy accounts for roughly 30% of its total energy production.

Despite their leadership in raw output, both nations’ clean energy shares remain below the global average of 41%, highlighting the significant challenge and opportunity for further transition.

Leadership by Proportion: Models of Sustainable Energy Systems

Several countries have successfully transitioned the majority of their energy systems to clean sources, serving as powerful examples of SDG 7 in action. Their success is often attributable to smaller energy demands and favorable geography.

• Iceland: Leads in proportional use, leveraging its vast geothermal resources.
• Norway: Relies heavily on hydroelectric power for the majority of its energy needs.
• Paraguay & Brazil: Also utilize significant hydroelectric capacity.
• Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, and Lesotho: These smaller nations have achieved nearly 100% renewable energy generation, primarily through hydroelectric power, demonstrating that complete energy transitions are feasible when demand aligns with available renewable resources.

Future Outlook and Strategic Implications

The current rankings for total clean energy production are not expected to shift significantly in the near future. The sheer scale of energy demand in China and the United States ensures their continued dominance in volume. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), China’s clean energy industry is now integral to its national development plan. This sustained investment is crucial for global progress on SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Recommendations for Advancing SDG 7 and SDG 11

Accelerating the global clean energy transition requires concerted efforts at all levels. To advance SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and build SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the following actions are recommended:

• Advocacy for robust local and national policies that support the development of clean energy infrastructure.
• Public and private support for the planning and construction of new renewable energy facilities.
• Promotion of individual and community-level transitions from traditional energy sources to cleaner alternatives.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The entire article is centered on the topic of “clean energy generation,” which is the core focus of SDG 7. It discusses various forms of clean energy such as solar, wind, biofuel, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. The text analyzes and compares the clean energy production of different countries, directly relating to the goal of increasing access to and the share of clean energy globally.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The article explicitly defines clean energy as “energy generation without the output of harmful greenhouse gases.” This directly connects the topic to climate change mitigation, a central theme of SDG 13. The push to transition from traditional energy sources to clean energy is presented as a response to the need for “eco-consciousness,” which aligns with taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The article discusses the infrastructure required for clean energy, mentioning “clean energy generation facilities” and the need to support their creation. It also highlights the industrial aspect, stating that the clean energy “industry is now a key part of China’s wider economic and industrial development.” This relates to SDG 9’s aim to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   • This target is directly addressed when the article compares the proportion of clean energy to total energy generation in various nations. It provides specific figures, stating that “China’s clean energy production makes up about 38 percent of its total energy production” and the U.S. is at “30 percent.” It also notes that countries like Iceland and Norway have “the majority of their total energy production come from clean energy sources,” highlighting progress towards this target.

2. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   • The article implies this target by discussing how certain countries have achieved a “complete or nearly total shift toward using solely clean energy.” This level of transition, seen in Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, and Lesotho, would require the integration of climate-friendly energy policies into their national planning. The call to action to “reach out to your local legislators and understand the rules surrounding local energy generation facilities” also points to the importance of policy and planning in driving the energy transition.

3. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… with greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

   • This target is reflected in the article’s discussion of the “creation of clean energy facilities” and the description of the clean energy sector as a “key part of China’s wider economic and industrial development.” This indicates a shift in industrial processes and an upgrade of energy infrastructure towards cleaner technologies, which is the essence of Target 9.4.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator for Target 7.2: Share of renewable energy in total energy production.

   • The article explicitly provides data that serves as this indicator. It states the share for China is “about 38 percent,” for the U.S. is “roughly 30 percent,” and notes that the global average is 41 percent. This percentage is a direct measure of progress towards increasing the share of renewables.

2. Indicator for Target 7.2 (Implied): Total clean energy generation.

   • The article provides absolute figures for clean energy production, such as “China leads the world in clean energy production, generating an astounding 951 terawatt-hours in the first quarter of 2025 alone” and the U.S. “following at about 907 terawatt-hours/year in 2023.” While not a measure of the *share*, this raw output is a key indicator of the scale and growth of the clean energy sector.

3. Indicator for Target 13.2 (Implied): National energy strategies focused on clean energy.

   • The article implies this indicator by highlighting countries like Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, and Lesotho that “utilize hydroelectric power without needing to use coal or natural gas.” The existence of such a national energy system that relies entirely on renewable sources serves as a qualitative indicator that climate change measures have been successfully integrated into national planning.

4. Indicator for Target 9.4 (Implied): Development of clean energy infrastructure and industry.

   • The article points to this indicator by mentioning the need to support “plans for the creation of clean energy facilities” and by describing the clean energy “industry” as a key driver of economic development in China. The growth and investment in this specific type of infrastructure and industry can be used as a measure of progress towards making industries more sustainable.

Summary of Findings

Source: kiowacountypress.net