SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
SDG Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human wellbeing, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
SDG Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
SDG Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending
Progress against our related RBC Commitments:
Our Actions Related to SDG 9
On investing in the future of energy
- We invest in modernising and upgrading our energy networks to enhance resilience, reliability and long-term sustainability
- We support infrastructure development to enable secure and efficient energy delivery
- We upgrade our networks to enable the electrification of industries and support the transition to low-carbon operations
On affordability
- We maintain the Grid for Good Energy Affordability Fund to provide bill assistance, supporting equitable access to energy infrastructure
- We work with key charity partners to provide assistance with energy efficiency upgrades, emergency financial support, and provision of energy advice to low- and moderate-income customers
- We offer programmes to help income eligible families and customers manage their energy bills
On innovation and technology
- We invest in innovation to accelerate the energy transition, including digitalisation, smart grids, and advanced network technology
- We collaborate with industry partners, research institutions, and governments to develop and deploy emerging technologies
- We use advanced data analytics, automation, and digital tools to optimise network performance and improve resource efficiency
Challenges we’re facing
Delivering resilient and sustainable infrastructure at scale requires significant investment, long planning timelines, and supportive regulatory frameworks. The pace of technological change presents both opportunities and challenges. While the costs of some technologies continue to fall, the costs of other technologies have risen, which is impacting policy and the pace of the transition.
Affordability concerns remain at the forefront, particularly as costs rise for households and businesses. These pressures may affect the pace of decarbonisation as governments balance energy transition goals with customer affordability.
We anticipate an increase in climate hazards, including coastal flooding, in the areas where we operate. These hazards are unpredictable, and their impacts are dependent on the degree of warming that occurs.
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.
