Top universities advancing global energy solutions in 2024

University Impact Rankings for UN SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Times Higher Education has assessed and ranked 987 universities from 96 countries/regions for their exceptional efforts towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7: affordable and clean energy. These institutions stand out for their commitment to developing and promoting sustainable energy services, enhancing energy efficiency and fostering investments in energy infrastructure. Through innovative research and practical applications, they contribute significantly to diversifying the energy mix and improving universal access to clean energy resources.

These universities are not only leaders in researching clean energy technologies but in implementing campus-wide initiatives to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy sources. Their work extends beyond academia, influencing global policies and practices through international cooperation, thus playing a vital role in shaping a sustainable energy future.

Summary of findings

The ranking for SDG 7: affordable and clean energy is led by Afe Babalola University in Nigeria. The National Autonomous University of Mexico and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in India take the second and third spots respectively.

Turkey has the highest number of institutions in the table with 58, followed by India (56) and Japan (43).

Methodology

Our methodology for SDG 7: affordable and clean energy includes detailed indicators that measure universities' contributions to promoting sustainable energy:

Research on clean energy (27%)

• Number of studies focusing on the development of clean energy technology and its integration into the energy mix, and on other energy-related issues
• Field-weighted citation impact of publications on energy
• Proportion of energy-related papers in top journals

University measures towards affordable and clean energy (23%)

• Initiatives to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy on campus
• Investments in sustainable campus infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency

Energy use density (27%)

• Measurement of energy use relative to size of campus buildings

Energy and the community (23%)

• Programmes that extend sustainable energy practices to the surrounding community
• Partnerships with local and international organisations to promote access to affordable and clean energy

The Impact Rankings are inherently dynamic: they are growing rapidly each year as many more universities seek to demonstrate their commitment to delivering the SDGs by joining our database; and they allow institutions to demonstrate rapid improvement year-on-year, by introducing clear new policies, for example, or by providing clearer and more open evidence of their progress. Therefore, we expect and welcome regular change in the ranked order of institutions (and we discourage year-on-year comparisons) as universities continue to drive this urgent agenda.

View the overall Impact Rankings 2024

Read our analysis of the Impact Rankings 2024 results

Download a free copy of the Impact Rankings 2024 digital report

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To raise your university’s global profile with Times Higher Education, contact branding@timeshighereducation.com

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