Rapid rollout of clean technologies makes energy cheaper, not more costly – News – IEA

Key Task for Governments: Making Clean Energy Technologies Accessible

Speeding up the transition to clean energy technologies is crucial for improving the affordability of energy and reducing the cost of living. A new special report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasizes the importance of this transition in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Benefits of Clean Energy Transitions

1. Reduces operating costs of the global energy system by more than half over the next decade compared to current policies.
2. Clean energy technologies are often more cost-competitive than conventional fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil.
3. Renewables like solar PV and wind offer affordable options for new generation.

Challenges in Clean Energy Transitions

• Higher levels of upfront investment are needed, especially in emerging and developing economies.
• Fossil fuel subsidies distort the global energy system, making clean energy investments more challenging.

Role of Governments in Clean Energy Transitions

1. Implement policies to make clean technologies more accessible to all people.
2. Provide incentives and support, especially targeted at poorer households, to improve uptake of clean energy technologies.
3. Replace fossil fuel subsidies with targeted cash transfers for vulnerable populations.

Addressing Inequalities in Energy Access

• Nearly 750 million people in emerging economies lack access to electricity.
• Over 2 billion people do not have access to clean cooking technologies and fuels.
• Policies should focus on addressing disparities in energy access and affordability.

Ensuring Energy Security and Affordability

1. Governments must remain vigilant against price shocks and geopolitical tensions that could affect energy security.
2. Investments in resilience and digital security are crucial for a more electrified energy system.

The IEA report highlights the urgency of accelerating clean energy transitions to make energy more affordable and sustainable for all, aligning with the SDGs and global climate goals.

## Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

### SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article discusses the importance of clean energy technologies in improving the affordability of energy and reducing the operating costs of the global energy system.

### SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article highlights the disparities in access to clean energy technologies and the need to address inequalities in the current energy system.

## Specific Targets Identified Based on the Article

### SDG 7 Target 7.2:
Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030.

### SDG 10 Target 10.1:
By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.

## Indicators Mentioned in the Article

1. Investment in clean energy technologies.
2. Reduction in operating costs of the global energy system.
3. Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
4. Disparities in access to clean energy technologies.
5. Percentage of households spending a significant portion of their income on energy.

## Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|————————-|—————————————-|—————————————————-|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030 | Investment in clean energy technologies, Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average | Disparities in access to clean energy technologies, Percentage of households spending a significant portion of their income on energy |

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Fuente: iea.org

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