RECENT TRENDS AND PATHWAYS IN THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 7 IN THAILAND

Aumnad Phdungsilp, Natapat Areerakulkan, Renu Sukharomana

ABSTRACT: Sustainable energy is a global issue with significant sustainable development implications. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has specific goal to the energy sector so-called SDG 7. The SDG 7 focuses on accessing to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services. It has three main targets and involves international cooperative actions. This paper examines the trends and analyzes the profiles of the SDG 7 in Thailand. It estimates SDG 7 indicators in the future under different energy scenarios. This paper contributes to energy studies by analyzing recent trends in SDG 7 and pathways to achieving the goal. The paper presents energy policies and measures related to SDG 7 in Thailand and other South-East Asian nations. It is found that under the three targets of SDG 7, namely energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, Thailand has performed better than the global average. The paper calculates the indicators using findings from existing modeling studies to analyze the pathways for achieving SDG 7. The findings highlight an opportunity for Thailand to achieve SDG 7 by 2030.

Keywords: Energy, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development Goals, Thailand.