Universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030 (SDG 7.1) is a prerequisite and catalyst for improving the living and working conditions of all the world's people. The lack of access to modern energy is a barrier to achieving several other SDGs, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable populations. Receiving access to modern energy helps people lift themselves out of poverty and enhances their prosperity, health, safety, well-being, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities; it also advances gender equality and social, economic, and political equality goals. Universal use of modern energy also helps diminish environmental degradation and is critical to abating climatic pressures and achieving net-zero emissions in a just and inclusive way by 2050.