The target of inclusive and sustainable industrialization is a key aim of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9. It is also indispensable in achieving the SDG7 goal of affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. Indeed, a correlation analysis published in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Industrial Development Report 2024-indicated that among all the SDGs, SDG9 had the strongest correlation with SDG7, underscoring the strong interlinkage between industrial and energy goals.
In this context, ‘green industrialization’ is key. The term refers to an energy-centred transformation that both encompasses the decarbonization of industry and the growth of clean and green industries. Such an industrialization pathway offers enormous potential for emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) in particular, especially in enabling their delivery of climate and developmental goals. Green industrialization seeks to address global inequalities and empower countries and regions by leveraging their specific energy technology pathways, resources and strengths. Green industrialization also aims to empower local communities, create quality jobs and protect the environment within a just and inclusive energy transition.
At the same time, while industry was once mainly seen as part of the climate problem, it is now being increasingly recognized as a key part of the solution to climate change, economic development and the achievement of SDG7. This is because the industrial sector makes a direct contribution to sector-wide decarbonization by rolling out low-carbon technologies and energy efficient processes. This contribution is not only limited to decarbonization, either. Industry also carries the energy transition forward by manufacturing and distributing green technologies. It also advances the transition by supplying innovative digital and service-based solutions that can improve energy costs, energy efficiency and access to modern energy services.
