Harmonizing energy policies with sustainable development goals (SDGs): A multidisciplinary review

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for addressing interconnected challenges in energy access, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Energy policy is central to this agenda because it shapes access, affordability, decarbonization, and the broader social and economic conditions required for sustainable development. This paper presents a structured narrative and policy-oriented review of the alignment between energy policies and the SDGs. The particular emphasis of this study is on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) while also examining links with equity, economic growth, governance, and sustainable consumption. Drawing on selected peer-reviewed studies and policy-relevant literature published from 1992 through early 2026, the review identifies recurring policy gaps, cross-regional differences, and major trade-offs in policy design and implementation. The paper moves beyond descriptive cataloguing by 1) comparing contradictory findings, 2) tracing the evolution of energy–SDG policy thinking, and 3) outlining future pathways for more coherent and inclusive governance. This review highlights the need for integrated policy frameworks, stronger institutional coordination, and context-sensitive strategies that can better align national energy planning with broader sustainability objectives.