Table 1 Multi-perspective summary of renewable energy-SDGs nexus

1. No poverty

Renewable electricity generation becomes cost-effective in most regions. Decentralized renewable energy contributes to ending poverty by supporting local economic development, enabling savings on fuel spending and improving the poorest standard of living.

2. Zero hunger

Renewable-powered pumping technologies in remote areas can increase agricultural productivity and improve yields which help in achieving food security and improve nutrition by providing energy for food storage and preservation.

3. Good health and well-being

Depending on renewable sources reduce air pollution which contributes to health improvements and reduce diseases risk. Off-grid renewable systems can secure power supply for remote healthcare and hospitals.

4. Quality education

Renewable energy improves the learning environment by powering schools and homes, allowing study time after nightfall and freeing up time previously required for fuel collection.

5. Gender equality

Access to renewable energy sources allows women effective participation in the work community, as it gives them a source of income by saving fuel collection time. Renewable public outdoor lighting makes the street safer for women to continue activities after dark.

6. Clean water and sanitation

Renewable-based technologies consume up to 200 times less water than other traditional power plants. A shift toward renewable energy can increase clean water supply through desalination power plants grid-connected projects, or off-grid groundwater pumping.

7. Affordable and clean energy

Renewable energy sources support the expansion of electricity access especially in remote areas where it is expensive to connect to centralized grids. Renewables are planned to replace fossil fuels in the global energy mix to hold warming to 1.5 °C.

8. Decent work and economic growth

Deploying renewable technologies and higher energy prices can increase demand for a skilled workforce. The significant growth of renewable energy and potentially displacing fossil fuel employment could increase global GDP and create economic growth.

9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure

As the costs of renewable technologies continue to drop, the creation of renewables local markets will emerge new local businesses and industries. Supporting renewable-based shifting to make it more reliable and sustainable is a necessary process.

10. Reduced inequality

Relying on local energy sources can encourage socio-economic development and support reducing inequalities between countries. Availability of sources of local renewable energy help in reducing inequalities due to political pressures of fossil fuel market variations.

11. Sustainable cities and communities

Depending on renewable energy in buildings (heating, cooling, and cooking) as well as for transport, will be an essential part of the future’s cities. Globally, over 100 cities get more than 70% of their power needs from renewables.

12. Responsible consumption and production

Renewable resources improve resource efficiencies, reduce pollution and increase recycling making the energy supply cleaner and safer. The modularity and locality of renewable energy increase generation efficiency by locating it closer to consumption.

13. Climate action

Displacing fossil fuels in the global energy supply with renewables is linked to keeping the rise of temperatures within 2° above pre-industrial levels.

14. Life below water

Upscaling renewables reduce underwater pipelines, aquatic transport, and fossil fuel tanker traffic. By using renewable energy, CO2 emissions are reduced. Consequently, the reduction of future ocean harm is achieved.

15. Life on land

Providing the world’s poor with renewable energy sources will manage land responsibly and preserve ecosystems by decreasing halting deforestation as an energy source. The renewable energy projects can displace the use the charcoal fuel and decrease forest degradation also.

16. Peace and justice strong institutions

Within societies and between countries, it is possible to decrease social and economic inequalities and achieve peaceful and inclusive societies by ensuring renewable energy supply to those who are persistent in need.

17. Partnerships to achieve the goal

Enabling local and global frameworks of partnerships is required to connect renewable energy deployment with SDGs through collaboration with governments, utilities, and grid operators to displace fossil fuels.