SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
SDG Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
SDG Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity
SDG Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology
SDG Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
SDG Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology
Progress against our related RBC Commitments:
Our Actions Related to SDG 7
On Net Zero:
- We invest in cross compression, pipeline coatings, vacuum purging, and advanced leak detection technologies to reduce emissions on our gas networks
- We connect low-carbon generation to our electricity networks
- We are working to add electric vehicles to our light duty fleet
- We are optimising heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting in our offices
On Green Investment:
- We build infrastructure to help enable the connection of low-carbon sources to our networks.
On Reliability and Efficiency:
- We are innovating to use AI and technology to improve grid resilience
- We undertake network projects to improve efficiency and optimise connections
Challenges we’re facing:
Achieving our emissions reductions targets relies on a combination of actions we take ourselves, as well as technological dependencies, policy and regulatory frameworks in the regions where we operate, and actions by others including businesses and consumers. Our ability to achieve our climate targets is driven by the policies put in place by the jurisdictions where we operate that support decarbonising their energy systems at a rapid pace. Political and economic headwinds have intensified. Governments face multiple pressures, including budget constraints and customer affordability concerns, which may impact the pace of decarbonisation. While the costs of some technologies continue to fall, the costs of other renewable technologies have risen, which is also impacting policy and the pace of the transition.
Instances and severity of extreme weather are increasing in the areas that we operate, in part due to climate change. These events make it more challenging to maintain the highest levels of reliability on our networks, despite our robust storm response procedures to minimise weather related interruptions.
Globally, there has been a rise in malicious cyber activity. We maintain strong cybersecurity protocols and take seriously the threat of cyberattacks impacting our operations.
