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26.01.2024

The interconnection between clean energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities globally. For those without access to clean energy, the absence of dependable power adversely affects all areas of living conditions. This implies for example education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Many of less developed regions still heavily rely on fossil fuels for their daily needs. For example, for the least developed areas it can be observed, if current trends persist, by 2030, one in four people will continue using unsafe, unhealthy, and inefficient cooking methods, such as burning wood or dung.

While there has been improvement in this situation, the world is behind the projection on achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.

The Utilization of Solar Power for Generating Sustainable Energy within CES Projects

CES actively participates in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing them as interconnected objectives for a sustainable future.

Taking a closer look on SDG 7 it becomes clear that energy is of central importance for nearly every major current challenge. Whether it’s about jobs, security, climate change, food production, or income growth, access to energy for all is essential. Working towards this goal is particularly crucial as it is interconnected with other sustainable development objectives. Placing emphasis on universal access to energy, increased energy efficiency, and the expanded use of renewable energy through new economic and employment opportunities is vital for creating more sustainable communities and promotes resilience to environmental issues such as climate change.

For example, currently about three billion people lack access to energy-efficient and clean cooking facilities, exposing them to hazardous air pollution. Additionally, slightly less than one billion people live without electricity, with 50% of them in Sub-Saharan Africa alone. Due to the fact that many of the projects we are involved in take place in this area, we are especially aware of the challenges with access to electricity and the shift in the energy sector.

At CES, we firmly prioritize the integration of energy-efficient technologies in all our projects. This spans from upgrading outdated pumping infrastructures with modern solar-powered alternatives, over the utilization of solar energy within our public infrastructure projects to the design and implementation of environmental sound small hydropower infrastructures. We follow the conviction that adopting clean energy is integral to fight against climate change!

Fortunately, progress has been made in the past decade in utilizing renewable electricity from hydro, solar, and wind power, and the proportion of energy used per unit of GDP is decreasing.

A significant amount of the greenhouse gases enveloping the earth and trapping the sun’s heat originates from energy production, specifically the combustion of fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas) for generating electricity and heat. The scientific consensus is unmistakable: to mitigate climate change, we must discontinue our dependence on fossil fuels and channel investments into alternative energy sources that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable. Renewable energy sources, readily available in abundance from the sun, wind, water, waste, and Earth’s heat, are naturally replenished and release minimal greenhouse gases or pollutants into the atmosphere.

Simultaneously, prioritizing energy efficiency is crucial. Reducing energy consumption for the same output, achieved through more efficient technologies in sectors such as transportation, construction, lighting, and appliances, not only saves money but also reduces carbon emissions. Additionally, it contributes to ensuring universal access to sustainable energy for everyone.

CES aims to improve living conditions around the globe, and we try to be as sustainable as possible within our projects.