The first round of technical working group meetings is underway to help global experts and representatives prepare for the High-level Dialogue on Energy in September 2021. Five working groups are tasked with identifying concrete steps for a roadmap to achieving SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

The working group on Energy Transition met on 22 February 2021. The discussion stressed the urgency of a transition, and speakers said the principles of equity and leave no one behind should guide the phase-out of fossil fuels and transition to new energy sources. The group will meet again on 12 April to review the first draft of its thematic report and matrix of actions.

The working group on Energy Access met on 24 February. Discussion focused on how to accelerate both electrification and clean cooking. The group will meet again during the week of 18 April. 

The working group on Enabling the SDGs, convening on 25 February, explored how SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) can help advance the other SDGs, and speakers again stressed the need to focus on inclusion. They will review the first draft during the week of 12 April.

The working group on Finance and Investment gathered on 26 February to highlight both the potential and limitations of blended finance to rapidly increase support for clean energy, and identified ways to reach more than the “low-hanging fruit” of SDG 7 through energy investments for countries and communities that need it most. The group will reconvene in April. 

The working group on Innovation, Technology and Data will take place on 2 March 2021. 

In late April, the five working groups will hold cross-cutting discussions to ensure coherence. A final meeting for each group during the week of 17 May will address the final versions of each report and respective matrix of actions, for consideration by a set of ministerial thematic meetings in mid-2021. [Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage of TWG meetings] [SDG Knowledge Hub story on High-level Dialogue] [Overview of preparatory process for High-level Dialogue]