UN
Who will be able to use the energy, on what terms and with what evidence of improvement? These are useful editorial questions when reading an energy proposal. The UN’s Goal 7 targets place affordable, reliable and modern energy access alongside renewable energy and efficiency.
Three ambitions to keep distinct
Target 7.1 calls for universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services by 2030. Target 7.2 seeks a substantial increase in renewable energy’s share of the global energy mix by 2030. Target 7.3 calls for doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. These are targets, not a statement that the outcomes have already been achieved.
Start with the service people need
Before endorsing a proposal, ask the people presenting it to describe the intended users and the service being provided. Which households, facilities or businesses are included? What does the plan assume about affordability, hours of availability and maintenance? Ask how the project will record whether those assumptions hold.
These questions are editorial guidance. They are not a substitute for an engineering assessment, a tariff analysis or consultation with the intended users.
Ask what each performance claim measures
- Access: Does the claim describe a new connection, an available service or actual use? Request a definition and the period covered.
- Renewables: What energy use is being counted, and what is the comparison? Ask for the measurement boundary before accepting a percentage.
- Efficiency: What output or service is being compared with energy use? Request the baseline and an explanation of changes in operating conditions.
Keep the promise separate from the evidence
A proposal can be assessed against these questions before a result exists. Label estimates and expectations clearly, then ask what evidence a later review would need. This explainer uses the UN target framework; it does not verify the performance of any particular energy project.
For a related perspective on project accountability, see our explanation of environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash
