The role of renewable and cleaner energy in achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing nutritional outcomes: Addressing malnutrition, food security, and dietary quality

Abstract

This paper explores how renewable energy plays a role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving nutritional outcomes. Sources of energy like solar, wind and bioenergy can revolutionize food systems by enhancing aspects of food production, processing, storage and distribution to ensure a consistent and diverse food supply. The incorporation of energy in agriculture has demonstrated advantages, such as a 30% decrease in post-harvest losses through solar drying and a 15% boost in crop yields from solar powered irrigation in Bangladesh. These enhancements directly contribute to food availability and quality. Furthermore, the adoption of energy solutions has led to improved choices, exemplified by a 25% increase in milk consumption in rural Kenya thanks to solar refrigeration units. Renewable energy also promotes food security by supporting productivity in regions like sub–Saharan Africa and India while lowering malnutrition rates. The paper underscores the importance of policies, global partnerships and investments in research to enhance the efficiency and affordability of energy. Future studies should concentrate on assessments to gauge the lasting effects of energy on food security and nutrition while exploring emerging technologies such as advanced bioenergy and microgrid systems. The integration of energy into food systems presents a path, towards sustainable development and enhanced nutritional outcomes.