Clean Energy: A Strategy to Support the 2030 Sustainability Aspirations

Energy demand continues to rise with population growth and increased economic activity. Meanwhile, environmental challenges like climate change and pollution are intensifying. In this context, understanding clean energy is increasingly important.

Many people do not fully recognize the importance of affordable, clean energy for sustainable development. If you are curious too, read this article all the way through.

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What Is Clean Energy?

In general, clean energy is energy produced from sources with minimal environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. It is designed to meet human needs without disrupting the balance of nature.

Unlike fossil-fuel-based energy, clean energy focuses on efficiency, sustainability, and reducing environmental impacts. For that reason, clean energy is often tied to efforts to mitigate climate change and to more responsible long-term development.

Affordable and Clean Energy as Part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Energy is a fundamental need that shapes economic growth and the well-being of society, which makes the strategy for supplying and distributing it so important.

As the population grows, energy demand increases, yet current energy sources are limited. Society must therefore seek and adopt more sustainable alternative energy solutions.

To reach the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy under SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy for all by 2030, there are five main targets, which are:

• 7.1 Ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
• 7.2 Substantially increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• 7.3 Doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
• 7.4 Strengthening international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy technology and research, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner fossil fuel technology, while promoting investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
• 7.5 Expanding infrastructure and upgrading technology to supply modern and sustainable energy services for all developing countries, especially the least developed countries, small island developing states, and landlocked developing nations.
  
  

Why Affordable, Clean Energy Matters for Society

Access to affordable, clean energy is essential for sustainable development. Energy supports industrial and economic activity and directly influences quality of life.

Affordable, clean energy is vital for society for several reasons:

• It reduces the environmental impact of emissions and pollution
• Supports inclusive economic growth
• Strengthens energy resilience at the national level
• Ensures broad access to energy across society

Clean energy that is not affordable will be difficult to adopt widely. Conversely, affordable but environmentally harmful energy can lead to future challenges.

Striking a balance between environmental sustainability and affordability is essential.

Types and Sources of Clean Energy

Clean energy is derived from various sources, including the following:

• Solar Energy: Harnessing sunlight to generate electricity or heat. This energy is abundant and can be tapped in many regions.
• Wind Energy: Using the power of wind to turn turbines and generate electricity with very low emissions.
• Hydropower: Harnessing the flow of water to generate electricity. When managed well, hydropower can be a reliable source of clean energy.
• Geothermal Energy: Using heat from within the Earth to generate energy, especially in regions with high geothermal potential, such as Indonesia.
• Biomass: Organic waste processed into clean energy, which also helps reduce waste in the process.
  
  

The Benefits of Clean Energy for Society

Clean energy offers several key benefits:

• Environmentally Friendly: Clean energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants, helping preserve the environment and reduce harmful effects on human health and the natural world.
• Less Dependence on Fossil Energy: Reliance on fossil energy can create political and economic risks and affect energy supply stability.
• Lower Energy Costs: Although initial investments can be high, clean energy reduces long-term operational costs because it relies on renewable resources.
• New Job Creation: Developing clean energy sources can create new jobs across a variety of industries.
  
  

The Challenges of Adopting Affordable, Clean Energy in Indonesia

Despite its benefits, implementing clean energy presents several challenges, including:

• Access and Infrastructure: Many remote areas still lack renewable energy infrastructure.
• High Upfront Costs: The initial investment in solar panels, wind turbines, or large-scale biodiesel production remains relatively high.
• Limited Technology and Human Resources: There is a shortage of local expertise and research in clean energy technology.
• Unintegrated Policies: National clean energy programs are not yet optimally implemented at the regional level.
  
  

ALSO READ: What Is Renewable Energy? Here Is the Meaning and Its Types

Clean Energy as an Investment in the Future for Generations to Come

Recognizing clean energy as a foundation for sustainable development enables a comprehensive view of energy issues. With the right approach, affordable, clean energy can drive economic growth and safeguard the environment for the future.

Astra demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by applying clean energy across its programs and initiatives, as detailed in the Astra Sustainability Report.