Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Affordable and Clean Energy: Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 7

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents significant opportunities to accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This paper reviews major AI techniques, including machine learning, deep learning, hybrid models, optimization and control, and explainable AI, and their applications across energy system domains such as renewable energy forecasting, grid stability, energy efficiency, demand-side management, energy access, and transport electrification. We discuss enabling factors like data, infrastructure, markets, policies, and human factors and highlight the importance of multidisciplinary research. AI's potential for advancing clean energy access, synergistic SDG impacts, and energy justice is investigated. The paper emphasizes overarching principles of sustainability, resilience, and responsible AI development. With strategic collaboration between the AI and energy research communities, policymakers, and broader stakeholders, AI can help realize a clean energy future for all.