Abstract Many countries around the world are planning to reach 100% renewable energy (RE) use by 2050. In this context and due to the recent sharp increase in RE utilization in the global energy mix along with its progressive impact on the world energy sector, the evaluation and investigation of its effect on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) are not covered sufficiently. Here, we present an assessment of the emerging role of RE utilization and artificial intelligence (AI) toward achieving SDGs. A total of 17 SDGs were divided into three groups, namely, environment, society, and economy, as per the three key pillars of sustainable development. The RE has a positive impact toward achieving 75 targets across all SDGs by using an expert elicitation method-based consensus. However, it may negatively affect the accomplishment of the 27 targets. In addition, the AI can help the RE to enable the attainment of 42 out of 169 targets. With the current exponential growth of RE share and AI development together with addressing certain present limitations, this impact may cover additional targets in the future. Nevertheless, the present research foci neglect significant facets. The exponential growth of RE share and rapid evolution of AI need to be accompanied through the requisite regulatory insight and technology regulation to cover additional targets in the future.