Annual Report Shows Continuing Growth in Investment and Impact
The fourth edition of the Energy Compacts Annual Progress Report was launched on 25 September 2025 at the EnergyNow SDG7 Action Forum in New York. The report shows that new commitments to boost renewable energy and increase access to electricity and clean cooking technologies by 2030 have brought the finance and investment pledged through the Energy Compacts to US$ 1.6 trillion. Since 2021, Energy Compact proponents have enhanced electricity access for 285 million people, a significant increase of 108 million people in the past year, and clean cooking access for 33 million people. Since 2021, US$284 billion in finance was mobilized or deployed for Energy Compact actions, a majority of which was private sector investment in renewable power generation.
Compacts Are High Impact Initiative
Energy Compacts were selected as one of twelve High Impact Initiatives around which the UN development system can mobilize in connection with the SDG Summit held in September 2023, with follow-up expected in coming years. The aim is to demonstrate that transformative progress is possible despite challenging circumstances, and to generate further leadership and investment to bring such progress to scale in the second half of the SDGs, by 2030. As a High Impact Initiative, the Energy Compacts can drive action on closing energy access gaps, phasing out coal-fired power, and decarbonizing our energy systems, while also growing the economy, creating jobs and ensuring sustainable development. The Energy Compacts were featured as a High Impact Initiative at a special event on SDG Acceleration Day, 17 September, at UN Headquarters.
Network Connects Partners
The Energy Compact Action Network, launched in May 2022 supported by UN-Energy, brings together governments, businesses and other civil society partners who have made voluntary commitments to over 200 Energy Compacts, in order to direct investment, know-how and resources to help achieve the commitments made in connection with the High-level Dialogue on Energy . At the launch, four coalitions of Energy Compacts were showcased to demonstrate how countries, cities, businesses, youth and other partners can join forces through the Action Network, to help governments fulfil their commitments to clean energy for all.
What are Energy Compacts?
Energy Compacts are voluntary, trackable commitments that unite governments, businesses, and organizations in a shared mission: to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) and advance the global clean energy transition. Launched by UN-Energy in 2021, these Compacts serve as actionable blueprints, detailing specific, time-bound steps to accelerate progress toward universal energy access and net-zero emissions.
You can read the latest edition of the Annual progress report here: Energy Compacts Annual Progress Report 2024.
Continued Momentum:
The Energy Compacts remain a cornerstone of UN‑Energy’s efforts to drive measurable progress toward SDG 7. To track and highlight this progress, the Energy Compacts team is leading the 2025 annual reporting process in collaboration with Compact signatories. This year’s report will spotlight major achievements, finance mobilization, and tangible outcomes from Compact commitments—laying the groundwork for deeper engagement and elevated ambition. Signatories are submitting updates through a streamlined survey, covering key indicators such as energy access, renewable capacity, energy efficiency, and clean cooking among others. The findings will be featured in the Energy Compacts Annual Progress Report 2025, to be launched at the EnergyNow SDG 7 Action Forum in September—marking a pivotal moment for accountability and momentum ahead of global climate milestones.
Why Energy Compacts Matter:
- Bridging Ambition and Implementation: Energy Compacts translate high-level climate and energy goals into concrete actions, aligning national priorities with global objectives.
- Catalyzing Investment: By providing clear, transparent targets, Energy Compacts attract significant public and private sector financing, essential for scaling clean energy solutions.
- Fostering Inclusive Development: Energy Compacts prioritize equity, ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition reach all communities, including the most vulnerable.
Throughout the current Decade of Action, UN-Energy will continue to mobilize more Energy Compacts, raising their ambition and tracking their progress. For detailed instructions on how to formally submit and register your Compact, please see ‘Submit your Energy Compact.’