About

The Clean Energy for Development research initiative will work directly with the implementers, investors and funders of low-carbon energy projects and investments, to promote inclusive practices and to address persistent gender barriers. We aim to support the knowledge ecosystems that can lead to more inclusive outcomes and efficient investments.

Investments in sustainable energy transitions in low-income countries are large, with international organisations as well as private (impact) investors growing their portfolios, but still need to be taken to scale. Countries and international agencies are prioritising energy poverty, and simultaneously meeting the Paris commitments. Sustainable energy is key to many Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

These investments create opportunities for learning lessons for scaling of innovations and financing instruments in inclusive low-carbon transitions, and for evidence to inform the business models of institutions and private investors. While there is growing interest to explore the intersection of climate action and gender equality, most of these investments still need to integrate gender considerations. Moreover, as a recent SIE commissioned study reveals, there are important opportunities to link the low carbon energy transition to structural barriers for gender equality such as the care economy.

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) supports IDRC and the research partners to maximise the learning generated across the research portfolio and deepen engagement with governments, civil society and the scientific community.