Smart Energy for All

Advancing SDG 7 through Energy Intelligence and South-South Cooperation – The Case of India and Africa

Introduction to SDG 7

 Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a strategic pillar for achieving social, economic, and environmental justice. It explicitly states the goal to “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.” 

This objective reflects a growing global awareness that energy is not only a driver of economic growth but also a crucial element for human development, poverty reduction, food security, health, education, and gender equality

SDG 7 comprises three main targets

  -Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030

 -Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

-Double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency

The Right to Clean Energy as a Lever for Sustainable Development 

Recognizing energy—especially clean energy—as a human right marks a fundamental shift in development policy design. Access to modern energy is no longer a developmental option but a prerequisite for human dignity and spatial and social justice

Clean energy

Empowers women in rural communities by reducing the burden of time and labor associated with collecting firewood or using traditional fuels. Boosts entrepreneurship by enabling small enterprises to operate with modern tools. Reduces emissions and protects the environment, aligning with commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. Enhances political stability by addressing resource-related conflicts. Serves as a tool for climate justice, as the most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by lack of access to clean energy. Thus, the right to clean and renewable energy becomes an instrument of inclusive empowerment, not merely a technical target, but a sovereign right that reinforces countries’ control over their developmental choices, reduces technological dependency, and ensures fair energy transition policies

 Q:Global Status: Where Are We Today

 Despite significant progress over the past decade, the world remains off track to achieve SDG 7 by 2030: Around 660 million people still lack access to electricity (2023). 2.1 billion people rely on polluting fuels (wood, charcoal, kerosene) for cooking, endangering their health and the environment

 Renewable energy accounts for only about 30% of global electricity consumption, with most progress concentrated in developed countries. Sub-Saharan Africa and other fragile regions lag behind. Developing countries receive less than 15% of global clean energy transition investments

Geopolitical crises, fossil fuel price fluctuations, and technological and financial challenges further hamper the energy transition in low-income countries, despite their ambitions. However, promising initiatives are emerging: Programs like “Desert to Power” in Africa AI applications to enhance energy distribution efficiency Expansion of green hydrogen projects Growth in climate finance directed toward energy initiatives 

 India as a Leading Model in Energy Transition 

India has emerged as a key global actor in leading the energy transition, despite complex demographic, economic, and developmental challenges

 -Drivers of India’s Energy Transition Population and economic growth: As the world’s second most populous country, India seeks to align its economic growth with a secure and advanced energy sector. Heavy reliance on coal: Previously, coal made up over 70% of electricity production, raising health and environmental concerns. International commitments: India is a signatory to the Paris Agreement and aims for carbon neutrality by 2070

 -Key Policies and Strategies National Solar Mission: Launched in 2010 to generate 280 GW of solar energy by 2030. International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded by India and France in 2015, includes over 120 countries

Smart grid and energy storage programs: Aimed at strengthening electric networks and achieving equitable distribution

-Achievements Renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass) accounts for over 43% of installed electricity capacity as of 2024. Establishment of one of the world’s largest solar parks: Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan. Development of advanced domestic industries for battery storage and green hydrogen

-Challenges Energy poverty in rural areas: Many villages still lack reliable electricity. Financing: Strong need for international financial and technical support. Social and labor transition: Re-skilling workers from coal industries

-Lessons for Africa and the Arab World Importance of political will and long-term investment Involving private sector and local communities in energy planning Emphasizing local innovation and open technology India provides an inspiring model for developing countries, balancing environmental and social justice with smart energy policies. Its success presents an opportunity for deeper global cooperation, especially with African and Arab nations, in building an inclusive and sustainable energy future—leveraging digital tools like smart meters and energy apps

 Q:How Can Africa Benefit from India’s Experience 

India’s experience in inclusive development and energy transition offers valuable insights for Africa, as both regions share similar structural challenges: high poverty rates, spatial inequality, and dependence on agriculture and informal sectors.

 India’s forward-looking strategies have harnessed technology and renewables as development levers, emphasizing social inclusion and digital empowerment. Africa can replicate this by: Adopting decentralized energy production models tailored to remote geographies Localizing tech solutions through support for grassroots innovation and youth entrepreneurship, especially in AI for agriculture and green technologies Enhancing digital identity and e-finance mechanisms like India’s Aadhaar to deliver support efficiently and transparently to vulnerable groups Reforming education and research systems by integrating STEM disciplines to foster a competitive knowledge-based economy Developing data-driven policies and promoting good governance By contextualizing India’s model to suit African priorities, the continent can craft an independent development paradigm, rooted in its realities and propelled by fair and effective South-South partnerships.

 A Call to Action and Collective Thinking 

Amidst the accelerating global energy challenges, the need for more just, efficient, and sustainable energy systems is urgent. We call on governments, civil society, academics, and the private sector to engage in collective action and joint reflection to realize SDG 7: “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.” 

This goal demands a participatory vision integrating smart technologies, fair policies, and innovative financing—while respecting geographic and environmental particularities Achieving SDG 7 becomes a powerful avenue to reduce inequality, empower marginalized communities, and accelerate social and economic development, especially in Africa and other developing regions. Let us foster dialogue, build alliances, and support local initiatives—so that the right to energy becomes a tangible reality, not a deferred dream

Q:What is Systematic Energy Intelligence

 In a world facing successive energy crises, climate pressures, and technological asymmetries, Africa needs a unique global model of Energy Intelligence—not as a digital luxury but as a sovereign and systemic tool for achieving independent and inclusive development. Here emerges the concept I propose: Systematic Energy Intelligence—a new theoretical and practical framework integrating AI technologies with systems thinking to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable energy vision. I’ve redefined this within a civilizational, legal, and developmental project that empowers communities and places women and youth at the center of the smart energy transition. This framework combines: AI algorithms Data-driven analytics Systemic methodology …to design and manage energy ecosystems where technical, environmental, socio-economic, and governance dimensions interconnect

The aim is to achieve: Resilient energy security High energy efficiency Inclusive energy justice …through adaptive decision-making and long-term strategic planning

 Systemic thinking analyzes how actors, policies, and resources interact within a global smart energy system. By applying systemic analysis to international energy relations, we uncover the network of actors, policies, and technologies shaping global or regional energy ecosystems—powered by AI and digital transformation—to pursue efficiency, spatial justice, and sustainability

 A systemic-AI approach enables scenario planning and impact analysis before implementation, improving decision-making. Definition of Systematic Energy Intelligence Systematic Energy Intelligence is a state's or society’s capacity to produce, manage, and consume energy innovatively and sustainably—reinforcing sovereignty and spatial justice through digital legal tools that empower people to shape their energy destinies outside global economic dictates. Its systemic framework consists of four dimensions: 

-Sovereign 

-Legal 

-Empowerment 

-Environmental-Digital Though “Energy Intelligence” is not yet a widely used academic term, it's gaining momentum as a way to describe the strategic transformation of energy use from a passive activity to a conscious, knowledge-based practice. Historically, the term was used in military intelligence to assess foreign energy assets (location, capacity, policy, security, etc.). Since 2010, it has spread to corporate and research settings, especially with the rise of AI and IoT technologies, to describe smart energy management systems

 Recommendations to the United Nations and Partners

 -Integrate Systematic Energy Intelligence in SDG 7 and SDG 13 monitoring and reporting tools

-Create an open-data platform on global energy infrastructure to allow researchers to apply machine learning models. 

-Establish an innovation fund for projects using AI to improve energy justice in developing countries. 

-Promote South-South knowledge exchange through fellowship programs for African women researchers in energy and AI. Conclusion I conclude by calling upon all attendees, international institutions, and governments to join forces—not just to achieve SDG 7, but to develop a comprehensive global framework that enhances energy security, efficiency, and intelligence as integrated tools for a just and sustainable energy future

 This is a pivotal moment to affirm that clean energy is not a luxury, but a basic right and a foundation for global peace and development. As pioneers in this field, we must prioritize empowering nations and communities to manage their resources wisely and intelligently