A framework for 'right to energy' to meet UN SDG7: Policy implications to meet basic human energy needs, eradicate energy poverty, enhance energy justice, and uphold energy democracy

Access to electricity on the global scale has improved substantially in the past 30 years; yet, in 2018, an estimated 831 million people still have no access. The UN SDG7, 'Affordable and Clean Energy', aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all and outlines actions needed internationally and nationally. At present, however, many countries lack any legal basis to trigger or reinforce policy actions; in fact, in some cases, existing measures would hamper achievement of SDG7 by 2030. Access to energy as a fundamental human right that needs to be safeguarded by government actions and interventions has been advocated by some scholars. The study suggests that the concept of a 'right to energy' can serve as a good foundation and justification for governments and other actors to intervene or address issues such as lack of access to energy and energy services, energy poverty, energy injustice, and lack of energy democracy. Indeed, a rights-based concept establishes implications of the state's duties and obligations to tackle these issues. This study explores the possibility of a practical framework for developing or implementing policies that uphold a right to energy. Implications drawn from the policy framework include a suite of practical actions and prompt further debates that may strengthen, safeguard, fulfil, and protect individual rights to energy.

Automated summary

Access to electricity has improved globally in the past 30 years, but an estimated 831 million people still lack access. The UN SDG7 aims to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Some scholars advocate for energy access as a fundamental human right that should be safeguarded by government actions.