At the 5-year mark, Energy Compacts deliver results
In the five years since the UN launched the Energy Compacts to mobilize voluntary commitments from all stakeholders, 308 million people have gained new or improved access to electricity through these actions, according to the 2026 Energy Compacts Annual Progress Report.
Still, 655 million live without electricity, and progress has slowed on this and other global energy targets under Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), underscoring the urgent need to accelerate. Since 2021, 36.2 million people have gained access to clean cooking through Energy Compact proponents, far from the goal of serving the 2 billion people still cooking with harmful polluting fuels.
Renewables growth continues to move forward, with 338 Gigawatts of renewable capacity installed since 2021 through Compact action, although growth was largely in developed countries. The cumulative amount of finance mobilized or deployed by Compact proponents, mostly private sector investment in renewables, has nearly doubled in the last two years, reaching US$389 billion in total, against US$1.6 trillion pledged by 2030.
However, over US$4 trillion in total annual investment is needed to achieve universal energy access and get on track towards net-zero emissions by 2050. The report was prepared by UN-Energy, with data compiled and analysed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
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 2026.
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.’