Springer Nature SDG Programme

SDG 7 Hub: Affordable and Clean Energy

Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015. The official wording of SDG 7 is: “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” SDG 7 is essential for sustainable development. Access to clean and affordable energy is key to economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. By achieving SDG 7, the world can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Explore aSN SDG logo © Springer Nature 2019 wide-ranging selection of research articles sourced from Springer Nature's Energy journals, specially assembled in this hub as a comprehensive clearinghouse for SDG7. The curated collection includes special issues, books, book chapters on topics like clean energy, energy access, sustainable energy, climate change, and much more, providing valuable insights.

Science Storytelling for the SDGs at the UNGA Science Summit 2023

An evening of science storytelling from researchers brought together by Springer Nature, Story Collider and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

The event, which was led by Scientific American’s Laura Helmuth, involved a panel talking about their careers and experience working in research areas targeting SDGs 5, 7 and 10. The aim was to shine a light on the people behind the research who are working to find solutions to the challenges presented by the SDGs, but also to amplify the importance of effective science communication for accessibility, inclusion and driving forward progress.

Science for a Sustainable Future: Delivering Clean, Affordable Energy for All

The Science for a Sustainable Future event series on SDG 7 brought together policymakers, government representatives, UN officials and leading global scientists. 

Topics included energy and science communication, social justice, and the transition to net zero.

The event recordings are now available.

Discover the key policy recommendations by downloading the Policy Brief 'Delivering Clean, Affordable Energy for All'.

Read the blog 'Five key takeaways from our Science for a Sustainable Future webinar series'.

Springer Nature's SDG OA Book Collection

Why publish SDG research as an open access (OA) book? 

Because OA’s enhanced and equitable visibility means that research can reach the broader audience, and findings can be translated into actionable strategy. Explore OA books that support sustainable development and learn more about publishing your book OA - including funding options.

News & Insights

News, insights and advice from the Springer Nature team, and personal stories from the research community. A selection of posts from The Source - A blog providing insight and discussion on publishing in the academic world, and Springboard - Springer Nature's blog on all things open research.

Information for Authors

Contact a publishing editor © Mitarart, iStockphotoGetting started publishing your SDG 7 work at Springer Nature is easy. Springer Nature aspires to lead in publishing SDG research, and especially in open access (OA) SDG research.

You can add impact and power to your SDG-related research when you publish it at Springer Nature, and alongside leading research (like the examples above). Research published OA at Springer Nature gets more exposure. For example, research published in fully OA Springer Nature journals are downloaded over 7,000 times on average (up to 5x more than competitors) and cited 7.39 times on average.

Publishing with Springer Nature gives you:

  • A range of journals, from Nature, Springer, and BMC, both hybrid and OA. The journals with SDG content curated above are a small selection of journals you can publish in. Clicking through on them will give you the information — including journal metrics, submission guidelines and more — that you need to plan your next submission.
  • The world’s leading scholarly book program, including the option to publish your book OA. ᐅSDG 7 OA Books
  • Support in finding funding for OA. Many funders and institutions now cover open access (OA) journal article publishing costs for affiliated researchers, as part of an OA agreement with Springer Nature. Find out more about OA agreements and whether you may be entitled to publish OA journal articles with your fees covered. The OA funding support service can help you find and access other OA publishing funds — for journal articles and books — to which you may be entitled.  ᐅOA Agreements  ᐅFunding Support Service  ᐅThe impact of OA
  • Support in writing and publishing your work — both free, including tutorials and paid research solutions services, including editing, translation, and more.  ᐅAuthor Services  ᐅResearch Solutions
  • An easy way to get started on a book. Even if it is only a germ of an idea, by filling in this form, you will be put in touch with an editor who can help you grow it into a fully formed book.  ᐅSubmit your book idea

Springer Nature Community Blog Posts

SDG 7 and societal impact

Discover SDG 7 researchers' attitudes towards societal impact in this downloadable infographic, part of a larger project in partnership with the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU), exploring the role of open research in accelerating progress on global societal challenges. Learn more.