Maritime energy optimization for SDG 7: an integrated quantitative framework

Objective To develop and validate a quantitative framework for optimizing maritime renewable energy integration, advancing SDG 7 targets through improved deployment efficiency and socioeconomic impact assessment. Theoretical Framework This research integrates resource optimization theory with sustainable development paradigms, addressing the gap between technical efficiency metrics and SDG 7 implementation. The study establishes explicit connections between maritime energy infrastructure deployment and specific SDG 7 renewable energy expansion targets. Method Statistical analysis of 47 maritime installations (2019–2024) employing a hierarchical optimization modeling approach (η = 0.76), with high-frequency temporal sampling (Δt = 15 min) and fine-resolution spatial analysis (2.5 km 2 grid cells). Technical performance metrics were synthesized with stakeholder assessment data (n = 156) to construct a comprehensive evaluation framework. Results Implementation of the Maritime Energy Integration Index (MEII) demonstrated 27.4% enhanced economic returns (95% CI: 24.2%–30.6%) compared to conventional deployment approaches. Stakeholder analysis revealed strong correlation between optimization implementation and community acceptance (τ = 0.72, p < 0.001). Scale-dependent analysis identified differential performance patterns, with large-scale (>50 MW) and small-scale (<10 MW) installations achieving 28.1% and 28.8% improvements respectively through distinct optimization mechanisms. Implications Findings support integrated optimization approaches in maritime energy deployment, contributing directly to SDG 7 targets through measurable improvements in renewable energy integration efficiency, advancing both theoretical understanding and practical implementation strategies. Originality This study introduces a quantitative framework synthesizing 12 key parameters into a unified optimization metric, bridging technical optimization with sustainable development objectives to advance SDG 7 implementation through enhanced deployment strategies.