Evaluation of the “Goal 7” of the SDGs

Abstract

  The 7th Goal of the SDGs is aiming at ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all. The difficulty to evaluate this goal is that use of energy is not an end objective of economic activities. Energy is being used to generate some outcomes, which must be targets of other goals though, the SDGs doesn’t show any program theory of input, output, outcome relationship across the targets which requires inputs of energy. This article tries to construct a program theory by (1) analysing the concept of the Energy Intensity which 7th Goal deems as a key indicator for improving energy efficiency and by (2) analysing effects of introduction of solar power system, as recommended by the 7th Goal, in rural villages in Myanmar and Tanzania. The study suggests that while there are huge welfare gains for people through introduction of solar power system, the 7th Goal is best evaluated together with other goals and on how efficiently and sustainably these goals are achieved. This article further argues that basic indicators such as GDP should be improved to capture welfare and sustainability. It must be one of new challenges for goals after SDGs.