Energy access should open opportunities at both ends of the energy equation for it to fulfil its transformative potential
This article was written by Erin Tansey and Flaubert Mbiekop from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). It draws on insights from IDRC’s funded Clean Energy for Development: A Call to Action (CEDCA) initiative. The initiative aims to inform policy reforms and business strategies leading to transformative change across societies through applied research for inclusive and people-centred energy transitions.
On 12-13 March 2025, Sustainable Energy for All and the Government of Barbados co-hosted the 2025 SEforALL Global Forum in Bridgetown under the theme “Sustainable Energy for Equity, Security and Prosperity.” This year’s Forum focused on catalysing the actions and investment needed for countries to achieve their energy access, climate and development goals. Lots of major, sizable investment announcements were made, indeed. And new incomers into this impressive gathering of key stakeholders in the (clean) energy space will for sure be impressed by the line up of speakers from top governments’ officials, private sector heavyweights, donor agencies’ senior managers, civil society organizations’ rising stars, award-wining innovators and Ivy league schools’ students.
Bridgetown was certainly testimony of the huge potential that the energy sector represents from a developmental perspective but also from an investment and business standpoint: Insightful discussions on the energy challenge still facing hundreds of millions of people across the globe and especially in Africa with over 600 million out of the estimated 800 million people globally without access to energy living in Africa (World Bank, 2024), discussions on political will and national strategies, investment commitments worth hundreds of millions of dollars, partnership and collaboration negotiations and agreements, job and internship hunting, and more. Harnessing all the magic and energy of the conference venue in Bridgetown would very likely translate into tangible and visible realisations on the ground, from new power plants to new solar energy farms and what else.
It was strikingly refreshing to see the level of collaboration and interdependency in the (clean) energy space with follow up to conversations that started at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania, IRENA holding a session on their joint work with SE4ALL on energy planning in support to national governments in developing countries, Brazil designated COP president reflecting on the future of climate action in an era of protectionism and geo-political tensions at a fireside chat with a just as knowledgeable journalist from Bloomberg, Sierra Leonne’s sitting President and Nigeria’s former vice president reflecting on Africa’s expectations and ambitions with regards to energy access for their people before flying to Addis Abeba for an important African Union Summit.
Ensuring that healthcare centres in Freetown operate on affordable, reliable energy cannot only be life-saving but also fulfilling for the medical staff. Ensuring that street vending women in Nigeria’s Enugu can safely store their fresh goods without fearing a power outage is for sure empowering. Lighting houses in Nairobi’s slums or in remote areas of Tanzania undoubtedly improves school-goers’ learning outcomes and prospects.
However, with only five years left to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, time is of the essence, and focusing only on the access end of the (clean) energy equation may not be transformative enough. Far too many people may still be living in extreme poverty by 2030. Far too many people may still lack decent jobs by 2030.
The notion of people-centered energy transitions championed by Canada’s International development research centre and the International energy agency amongst others is an invitation to think beyond energy for all and to embrace a holistic approach to inclusion where energy is by all and for all. As the world transitions to a low-carbon path, the energy transition is reshaping labour markets and economies in ways that are generating opportunities for some but threatening the livelihood of others. This structural economic shift involves not only changes in human and capital resource allocation and mobilisation, but also drives new patterns of economic development, job creation, and unemployment. Past economic structural transformations have demonstrated that reallocating the workforce from declining to emerging industries or sectors can be disruptive and lead to socioeconomic unrest if not properly managed. This, in turn, can derail the entire process as capital seeks a haven elsewhere.
At stake, therefore, is not just energy access, but also the mechanics of it. For many developing countries, the global energy transition presents an opportunity to increase generation, access, and productive use, while also delivering job-intensive green industrialisation, thereby supporting climate action. There are compelling reasons to be interested in the industrial and labour implications of the transition, particularly in light of calls for a just energy transition as part of a broader just transition of the global economy (Institute of Economic Justice, forthcoming). The just transition has provided a critical lens through which to consider and interrogate the goals, mechanisms, processes, and outcomes of the global ‘sustainable’ energy transition in the Global South. Understanding the complex set of actors and relationships involved in production processes, which are vertically disaggregated and geographically dispersed, can help unpack the potential for social upgrading through the localisation of various productive processes in the clean energy economy. The actions of firms, states, workers, and civil society can hence be connected.
With these considerations in mind, visionary investors sharing the stage with policy makers, labour unions and MSMEs promoters in the (clean) energy value chain stand significant chances of triggering transformative dialogues that can eventually set the world on the path to meeting more of the SDGs in a timely manner.
This article was reposted from andeglobal.org. Improving Outcomes for Women-led Clean Energy Enterprises Through Applied Research is one of 12 research projects which make up The Clean Energy for Development: A Call to Action (CEDCA) initiative.
Despite making up 39 percent of the global workforce, female participation in the energy sector remains dismal, with less than 20 percent of the energy industry workforce being women in 2023. While the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports higher female participation in the renewable energy sector at around 32 percent, female voices often do not make it to the decision making process as a majority of women occupy administrative roles.
With support from the International Development Research Center (IDRC), the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) and 2X Global launched a project to enhance outcomes for women working in the clean energy sector in Latin America and Africa through applied research. ANDE has offered financial support of up to US$ 60,000 to six promising research teams to conduct applied research with the goal of better understanding the current dynamics and means to increase female engagement in the clean energy sector in Latin America and Africa. ANDE’s collaboration is one of 12 research projects in the renewable energy sector that the IDRC has implemented through its Clean Energy for Development: A Call to Action (CEDCA).
These six research studies take diverse approaches to building actionable evidence regarding women serving as entrepreneurs, employees, and consumers in the transition to clean energy. Importantly, each team is made up of a research partner and practitioner partner to ensure that evidence is rooted in real-world solutions that can be replicable.
Three studies will delve into the resources that are geared at aiding women entrepreneurs in the clean energy sector. Researchers will explore modalities for entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) that could help female entrepreneurs secure the necessary skills, financing, and network to excel in their respective regions.
Mujeres Empresarias & Universidad de Concepción will establish a Community of Practice (CoP) to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation among women in the cleantech sector in Chile and examine its effectiveness. The program aims to impact around 350 women in cleantech and build the CoP around 200 professionals at the national level. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis, the team will analyze the CoP’s impact on participants’ entrepreneurial skills, business performance, and network strength. The research will also provide a blueprint of best practices that influenced the CoP in Chile, which could be tailored to fit the needs of entrepreneurial ecosystems elsewhere.
Indalo Inclusive South Africa NPC & The Broker’s primary research question explores how gender responsive practices implemented by entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) impact participation and outcomes for female entrepreneurs in the clean energy sector in South Africa. The research is set to focus specifically on entrepreneurs involved in photovoltaic (solar) energy.
Primarily using a qualitative research approach through case studies, interviews, surveys and an in-depth review of existing literature, the study aims to produce an actionable toolkit for ESOs in Africa and beyond to integrate a gender-lens in their support model.
The Caribshare Company Limited & Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología aim to address the issue of limited financing and networking opportunities for female clean energy entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. Focusing specifically on Jamaica, the study will explore the feasibility of a cooperative to support female renewable energy entrepreneurs. Renewable energy cooperatives (RECs) allow people to participate in local-scale energy generation instead of being ‘end-of-wire’ recipients of a centralized energy system. While this bottom-up approach has been applied in more industrialized economies, such programs are rare in developing economies, let alone in a gender-inclusive manner. Through its qualitative methodology, the study stands out by filling the stark lack of research surrounding renewable energy entrepreneurship in the Caribbean, offering important insights to practitioners and entrepreneurs alike.
A single study that ANDE funded aims to increase female participation in the clean energy workforce.
National Association for Women’s Action in Development (NAWAD) & Makerere University aim to increase women’s employment in Uganda’s briquette industry which currently remains a highly male-dominated sector. Researchers will examine the impact of providing more efficient and gender inclusive briquette machines to increase female participation in this industry while also exploring more sustainable inputs in production. With a higher energy conversion rate than charcoal, briquets could be a staple source of cooking fuel in Uganda. This study will explore how the implementation of more efficient technology and infrastructure may impact female participation in the clean-energy workforce.
Two studies examine the impact of disseminating sustainable energy sources, specifically solar in rural and semi-urban communities, on women. Researchers will attempt to fill evidence gaps in how energy independence in rural communities contributes to better socio-economic outcomes for women.
Unreasonable Institute Mexico & Bitacora Social will segue from the typical economic and sociological research methods and investigate women’s decision making processes in Mexico’s energy transition through an anthropological lens. Using qualitative methods, the study will analyze in what ways women’s social roles could alter as a result of energy transition and how they navigate the changes in their responsibilities and expectations. This research will help policy makers better understand the social implications of energy transition in the socio-economic and cultural standing of women in the society.
Solar Sister & 60 Decibels will explore the spillover effects of sustainable solar energy adaptation on women in rural Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya. The study will also explore how Solar Sister’s social network and training model impact the livelihood of women entrepreneurs in terms of their decision-making, and finances, and how the training equips women with transferable skills that could be applied to make a meaningful impact on other areas of their life. Contingent on their findings regarding the program’s effectiveness, the researchers aim to scale their model in order to serve more communities while the insights from this study can help other programs replicate this model in other localities.
Women’s empowerment and the clean energy transition have a symbiotic relationship. Sustainable energy reduces household responsibilities, making them safer and more efficient, which, in turn, enables women to pursue employment, entrepreneurship, or educational opportunities. At the same time, women are key to expanding clean energy access, particularly in remote areas, where community knowledge, relatability, and approachability to other women makes them effective salespeople, technicians and entrepreneurs. Yet women remain underrepresented in the sector, facing significant barriers. Boosting female participation can help break these barriers and position women as leaders in an industry that has profound impacts on gender equality.
To keep up with the latest updates on this initiative, please visit the project page.
As a key partner in this project, 2X Global’s research initiative focuses on addressing key challenges related to access to finance and the innovative solutions advanced by local gender-smart fund managers. These fund managers, based in emerging economies, are leading the way in creating innovative financing solutions for gender- and climate-smart entrepreneurs tailored to local contexts. 2X Global will conduct action research in the form of deep-dive case studies of local fund managers across Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America & the Caribbean. This research will contribute to the development of a gender- and climate-smart impact management and measurement (IMM) system, generating new insights that will help shape and advance the field of gender lens investing. The impact will be further amplified through shared learning and knowledge exchange events that involve a diverse range of stakeholders.
To support this initiative, 2X Global has partnered with three regional research leads: MSC Consulting for the Asia-Pacific region, Bodmando Consulting for Sub-Saharan Africa, and SAEDI Consulting for Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, we are in the process of selecting fund managers, who will be engaged in the creation of deep-dive case studies and the ongoing development and refinement of IMM practices.
Additionally, as part of this project, 2X Global will collect both quantitative and qualitative data on fund managers from the broader ecosystem to better understand the landscape of emerging gender- and climate-smart fund managers across emerging market regions. The Market Mapping Survey is currently live and aims to inform the broader landscape of fund managers investing at the intersection of climate and gender.
The Clean Energy for Development: A Call to Action (CEDCA) – initiative is dedicated to generating evidence that informs policy reforms and innovations supporting a transformative clean energy transition. A key focus is enabling women and youth to lead in greening energy through micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Across low- and middle-income countries, MSMEs are not only major sources of jobs and income but also a critical pathway to gender-inclusive economic development. However, a lack of access to clean energy remains one of the greatest barriers to their success.
This article, written by CEDCA advisor and IDS research fellow Seife Ayele, presents two contrasting case studies that illustrate how electricity access—or the lack of it—can shape the role of MSMEs in a just energy transition. These examples highlight real-world challenges and opportunities in the shift towards inclusive and sustainable energy solutions.
Several cross-country studies show that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are greater sources of jobs and income in low-and middle-income countries than in high income countries, and the micro ones in particular are more likely to be led by women. However, lack of access to clean energy is one of the greatest barriers to these businesses.
In this piece I narrate two contrasting cases where access to electricity hampers or fosters the fight against poverty and climate change and reflect on how the challenges may be addressed.
Two years back I was on a research mission in Arerti town, central Ethiopia, and visited an MSME that was set up in 2022 with the help of a Netherlands-funded 2 Scale Programme. The underlying thinking in 2 Scale programming is co-designing and implementing projects to create new businesses run by those marginalised in their communities, often women and youth. The programme improves access to markets and facilitates the provision of essential services like credit.
The MSME I visited was set up by four unemployed women, and was supported by the 2 Scale Programme, a local farmers union (called Kessem Union), and local and regional government actors. The business bakes and sells injera (a staple bread in the area and in many parts of Ethiopia) and has no official name or logo. The women were assisted to use a shed built with support from the town administration, Kessem Union and 2 Scale Programme as their workplace
Teff Injera baking shed constructed with support from Kessem Union and 2 Scale Programme. credit: Seife Ayele
This Amharic sign translates to; “We provide fresh injera to: Hotels and restaurants, Events, Households”
Kessem Union supplied teff, the main ingredient of injera, to be paid for once the injera was sold. The entrepreneurs started well, were generating income and felt economically independent.
Besides their own jobs, the MSME has an induced employment effect downstream of the food value chain. Restaurateurs buying the injera in turn employed additional staff to work in their busy restaurants. While still in town, I held conversations with a couple of these restaurateurs who, while commenting positively on the performance of the entrepreneurs, pointed out some major areas for improvement, particularly regarding the consistency of the injera, its thickness, depth of cooking and the need for guaranteed timely deliveries.
I went back to the MSME owners with this feedback. They were fully aware of the limitations but were severely hampered by lack of access to a grid connection, and they were not able to pay for motorised delivery to the restaurants. They had to use firewood to bake injera, which directly contributed to tree damage and adversely affected the environment. Their workplace had no ventilation system either, so the smoke was impacting on their vision and general health. Moreover, one of the women had her toddler with her in the shed, so the child too was exposed to the unhealthy workplace.
The women at the MSME knew about the Ethiopian government’s electrification programme and industrial parks in nearby cities with grid connections for would-be investors. Their continuous plight for access to electricity, however, remained unaddressed.
Recently, I listened to the BBC World Service Programme “People Fixing the World” and subsequently read more about an uplifting story about women prosumers (renewable electricity producers and consumers) from Ambakivao, Madagascar. These entrepreneurial women are varyingly referred to as women solar engineers, solar mamas or solar grandmothers.
The initiative to generate and use renewable energy started back in 2012 by the World Wildlife Fund, in collaboration with India-based Barefoot College International (BCI). These women solar engineers generate electricity using solar panels and service their own households and their communities. The unique features of the initiative are that it is, first, led by poor women with limited literacy and no knowledge of solar technology. These are women less likely to migrate to cities, but they generate income from installing and sustainably maintaining solar panels in their communities. Second, it targeted those who live in rural areas with less access to the grid system (some of these engineers were 70 kilometres south of the Capital Antananarivo). Finally, the entrepreneurs received training and technical support from relevant actors such as BFI, WWF and local government. As a result, they were empowered to function independently and sustainably. They overcame dependence on firewood and fossil fuel for lighting, and batteries for lighting and phone charging. The BBC report notes that, by end of the decade, 700 women engineers would provide 500 000 families access to renewable electricity. Using similar practical solutions, it is doubly encouraging that communities using renewable energy for business, cooking, heating and lighting is growing in many parts of the developing world.
The two cases demonstrate that, while the challenge is huge, access to electricity is key for women-led MSMEs to thrive. Concerted collaborative initiatives such as that which enabled women solar engineers can be instrumental in producing and consuming electricity from mini to large solar panels, even in less accessible rural areas. MSMEs in low- and middle-income countries can be prosumers and fight against poverty and climate change. Creating opportunities for women as well as men is important for increasing the number of renewably powered businesses and speeding up the transition to clean energy.
Two important lessons for clean energy policy and practice in CEDCA’s focal nations are demonstrated by these case studies:
CEDCA aims to support policies and initiatives that increase access to renewable energy, generate economic possibilities, and empower women and young people to spearhead the shift to a more environmentally friendly future by learning from these experiences. These illustrations provide motivation and useful models for what can be accomplished in each of CEDCA’s priority areas.
As the world races to combat climate change, one of the most powerful solutions lies in unlocking the potential of women and youth. On the sidelines of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 69th session, a groundbreaking event titled “Powering Change: Women, Youth, and the Clean Energy Revolution” will shed light on how these groups are pivotal in driving the global clean energy transition.
The event is set to be a powerful platform for showcasing the integral role of these often underrepresented groups in reshaping the energy landscape.
Women and youth have long been at the forefront of innovative solutions to global challenges, and their contributions to clean energy are no exception. Women bring unique leadership and perspectives to the table, offering fresh solutions and insights that can transform the energy sector. Youth, on the other hand, are often driving the demand for new technologies, sustainable practices, and ambitious policies.
Both groups face significant barriers to participation in the energy sector, but they also possess immense potential to reshape the future of energy systems. Empowering women and youth not only creates more equitable opportunities but also strengthens the overall resilience of energy systems. As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, it is essential that the voices of women and youth are heard, their talents recognized, and their leadership supported.
Photo by Axel Fassio/CIFOR
The Powering Change event comes at a pivotal moment for the global energy transition. As nations work toward meeting climate goals, women and youth are too often left out of decision-making processes. However, the inclusion of these groups in the energy sector is vital for achieving both social justice and environmental sustainability. By empowering women and youth, we can create a more inclusive and diverse energy workforce that drives lasting change.
The clean energy transition is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s also about economic growth, job creation, and social justice. However, to fully unlock its potential, the transition must be gender-sensitive and inclusive.
Without proper training, financial support, and employment pathways, many women and young people will miss out on opportunities in the sector. This could slow economic development and make it harder for countries to meet global goals like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Bipasha Baruah, Professor & Canada Research Chair in Global Women’s Issues.
This is event is in-person only and for anyone who is attending The Commission on the Status for Women 2025 (UNCSW).
Location: CCUN, 10th floor
Time: 4:30 to 6:00 pm EST
Today, on the International Day of Clean Energy, we highlight the urgent need for an inclusive and equitable energy transition, aligned the 7th sustainable development goal; Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
The Clean Energy for Development Call to Action (CEDCA), supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), is a step towards ensuring that clean energy solutions benefit all, particularly marginalised groups who are often left out of global climate initiatives.
The transition to clean energy is not just about reducing carbon emissions—it’s about rethinking who benefits from the transition. For too long, marginalized communities have faced energy poverty while wealthier nations and corporations shape the agenda. Without proactive interventions, the shift to low-carbon economies could deepen existing inequalities.
“We see clean energy as the golden thread between economic development, social inclusion, and environmental protection,” says Erin Tansey, Director of Sustainable Inclusive Economies at IDRC. This means that investing in clean energy must also mean investing in communities, jobs, and justice.
CEDCA takes a systems-level approach to clean energy development by integrating research, policy engagement, and financial innovation. With 12 research projects spanning 27 countries, the initiative seeks to ensure that clean energy solutions advance sustainable energy access, promote green jobs, and enhance gender equality in the energy transition.
One of the key pillars of CEDCA’s work is generating evidence to inform policies and investments. This includes:
Access to clean energy is not just about sustainability; it is about economic empowerment. Millions of people in low-income communities still rely on expensive and polluting energy sources, limiting their economic opportunities. Clean energy solutions, such as solar microgrids, energy-efficient cookstoves, and wind power, can transform livelihoods, improve health, and create new job markets.
A major focus of CEDCA is the promotion of clean energy enterprises led by women and youth. By fostering financial inclusion, capacity-building, and entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector, CEDCA ensures that these groups are not just passive beneficiaries but active contributors to the green economy.
One of the significant barriers to clean energy adoption in developing regions is financing. Many small businesses and households struggle to access credit for renewable energy solutions due to high upfront costs. CEDCA is working to address this by developing innovative financing models, such as microfinance, pay-as-you-go solar models, and blended finance mechanisms that reduce investment risks.
Moreover, policy coherence is essential to scaling up clean energy access. Many countries still lack regulatory frameworks that incentivize clean energy adoption. CEDCA collaborates with policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to create evidence-based policies that encourage investment in sustainable energy solutions.;
“By ensuring better-aligned policies and investments, we can accelerate the transition to low-carbon economies that work for everyone,” says Duggan.
One of CEDCA’s key contributions is fostering South-South collaboration. Many successful clean energy initiatives have emerged in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and sharing knowledge across these regions is crucial for scaling up solutions. Through research networks, policy dialogues, and cross-country learning exchanges, CEDCA ensures that best practices are widely shared and implemented.
One of the critical gaps in climate research has been the disconnect between policymakers, investors, and communities on the ground. CEDCA seeks to bridge this gap by fostering dialogue between these stakeholders;
“Often, research provides recommendations for national policymakers or investors, but we rarely see them in conversation with each other,” Duggan explains. By creating spaces for these discussions, CEDCA helps translate research into actionable policies and investments that drive a just energy transition.
A major focus is on developing financing mechanisms that de-risk investments in clean energy initiatives. By working with policymakers, CEDCA is advocating for regulatory frameworks that incentivize sustainable energy investments and ensure they benefit local economies.
As we mark the International Day of Clean Energy, the message is clear: clean energy must be accessible, inclusive, and just. Initiatives like CEDCA demonstrate that meaningful change is possible when research, policy, and community voices come together. Watch this video to learn more about IDRC’s aspirations for the CEDCA initiative.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF) 2024, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, featured a pivotal session on “Women Entrepreneurs in the Clean Energy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities.” This session provided an invaluable platform to discuss gender inclusivity in energy transitions, highlight innovative projects, and drive momentum for policies fostering gender equity.
The ECOWAS region faces pressing energy challenges, with only 57% of its 420 million people having access to electricity and 20% to clean cooking fuels according to the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines (DEM). Against this backdrop, ESEF 2024 focused on advancing sustainable energy policies, with gender equity being central to achieving these goals.
The ECOWAS Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access (2017) and directives such as the Gender Impact Assessment in Energy Projects have laid a foundation for integrating women into the energy transition (ESEF-2024-Concept-Note). However, systemic challenges persist, necessitating platforms like ESEF to spotlight transformative solutions.
The Women and Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA) project, initiated in February 2024, was highlighted during ESEF as a vital initiative under the Centre for Energy for Development: A Call for Action Initiative(CEDCA). Aligned with the ECOWAS Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access, WOCEWA collaborates with energy-sector small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to empower women and address gender-specific challenges within their operations.
Key Components of WOCEWA:
WOCEWA’s mission embodies the transformative potential of gender-inclusive energy strategies, equipping women with the tools, skills, and opportunities needed to excel in renewable energy
Their contributions exemplified the breadth of female expertise in West Africa’s energy landscape.
Bipasha Barua, CEDCA’s Gender Equality and Inclusion Adviser, provides essential insights into systemic barriers women face in clean energy transitions:
Bipasha’s assertion that “energy is power” reinforces the urgency to dismantle gender hierarchies and integrate gender-sensitive approaches in energy policies and projects. Her work with CEDCA aligns perfectly with WOCEWA’s mission, emphasising targeted education, inclusive policies, and proactive measures to ensure equitable access.
Despite challenges, the clean energy sector offers immense potential for women entrepreneurs:
ESEF 2024 illuminated the indispensable role of women in achieving ECOWAS’s sustainable energy targets. Initiatives like WOCEWA and insights from experts like Bipasha Barua underscore the transformative potential of a gender-inclusive approach to energy transitions.
CEDCA remains committed to championing these efforts, ensuring that women across West Africa not only participate in but lead the region’s clean energy revolution.
As COP29 concludes in Baku, Azerbaijan, global leaders and stakeholders reflect on the progress made in addressing the climate crisis. With its focus on sustainable energy transitions, equitable climate finance, and inclusive policymaking, this year’s conference highlighted the critical role of clean energy in achieving climate resilience. These themes resonate strongly with the priorities of CEDCA (Clean Energy for Development: Call to Action), which emphasizes knowledge translation, community-led solutions, and gender-inclusive strategies for clean energy development.
COP29 reinforced the urgency of transitioning to clean energy to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The energy sector remains the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for 75% of global emissions according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Discussions at the conference stressed the need for rapid decarbonization and increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
CEDCA’s initiatives align with these goals, advocating for knowledge-driven, scalable energy solutions tailored to local contexts. Its projects focus on bridging research and practice to ensure energy transitions are sustainable and inclusive.
One of COP29’s key takeaways is the importance of localized, context-specific approaches to clean energy. Global solutions must be adaptable to the unique needs of communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CEDCA’s projects emphasize this principle, advocating for community-driven initiatives such as solar microgrids and clean cooking technologies.
For example, decentralized renewable energy systems have been transformative in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, providing reliable and affordable energy to communities previously reliant on fossil fuels. These systems align with COP29’s push for technologies that not only reduce emissions but also empower local populations.
COP29 also underscored the critical role of climate finance in accelerating energy transitions. A renewed pledge to mobilize $100 billion annually for climate action highlighted the urgency of channelling funds toward clean energy projects. However, equitable allocation remains a challenge.
CEDCA advocates for innovative financing models, such as blended finance and community contributions, to ensure resources reach underserved areas. These models are essential for scaling renewable energy projects while fostering local ownership and sustainability.
Gender equity was a major focus at COP29, particularly in discussions on climate adaptation and resilience. Women, especially in LMICs, face systemic barriers to accessing clean energy and participating in decision-making processes. Yet, they play a critical role in driving community-based solutions.
CEDCA’s projects align with this emphasis, advocating for gender-responsive approaches to clean energy. For instance, initiatives promoting women’s leadership in renewable energy sectors have demonstrated significant benefits, from increased adoption rates to enhanced social trust. These findings echo COP29’s call for inclusive policies that prioritize the voices and needs of marginalized groups.
A central theme at COP29 was the need to turn research into actionable solutions. CEDCA’s projects address this gap by providing tools and strategies for effectively bridging the divide between academic findings and real-world applications.
Key priorities include:
These approaches are essential for ensuring that clean energy transitions are not only scientifically robust but also practical and impactful.
As COP29 draws to a close, the message is clear: clean energy is not just a technological challenge but a social and economic imperative. By integrating insights from COP29 and CEDCA’s initiatives, we can advance sustainable, equitable energy transitions that benefit all.
Explore our latest findings and insights in the publication Clean Energy for Development: A Call to Action on IDS OpenDocs.
Powering Bolivia: Decentralised Renewables for Economic Growth and a Just Transition
The GENERIS-Bolivia project aims to develop policy guidelines to promote an energy transition that will strengthen Bolivia’s productive structure, with special emphasis on the role of decentralised renewable energies in the economic performance of micro- ,small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and in job creation.
South American countries have made international commitments to energy transition within the framework of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), posing multiple challenges. These challenges require coordinated actions among national actors to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate their impacts without compromising development. In Bolivia, as in other countries in the region, these challenges arise not only at the macroeconomic level but also at the sectoral level, placing pressure on the energy sector’s ability to meet the conditions necessary for inclusive development.
Currently, Bolivia’s energy mix is predominantly composed of fossil fuels: 80% natural gas and 12.9% oil. Yet the country has access to a diverse range of renewable energy sources, particularly solar, in a large part of the national territory. This would allow it to transition to cleaner sources of energy. Thus, the NDCs proposed by the country propose to increase the production of energy from renewable sources in the primary mix. However, natural gas and electricity generated mostly with fossil resources are an essential source of foreign exchange for the country. Between 2019 and 2023, fossil fuels accounted for a quarter of the value of exports. As a result, Bolivia’s macroeconomic stability rests in the short and medium term, at least partially, on an export basket in which fossil fuel commodities are essential.
The energy transition can create opportunities in the domestic market by increasing household and corporate access to high-quality energy while reducing dependence on exportable primary fossil fuels and certain imported fossil derivatives. Currently, 99.2% of urban households and 81.5% of rural households in Bolivia are connected to the power grid. However, in the Beni and Pando districts, rural access drops to 70%, leaving approximately 200,000 families nationwide without reliable electricity service. Among urban micro and small production units in the industrial sector, 98% are connected to the power grid, but only 6% have access to natural gas, with LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) usage (22%) largely offsetting this limitation. In rural areas, while electricity is widely available, access to natural gas and even LPG is even more limited among households and agricultural and forestry production units.
However, energy access numbers obscure other energy, economic, and cultural factors that influence the level and way productive units consume energy and, consequently, their economic performance and ability to create quality employment. These factors include power outages, voltage drops, high energy costs, and lack of access to natural gas, among others. These challenges impede the performance of productive units, primarily rural and family-based enterprises, which are crucial for meeting domestic food market demands and preserving Bolivia’s food sovereignty. These enterprises also have the potential to integrate into global agrifood value chains, where environmental sustainability—through green certifications required by developed countries—is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, providing these productive units with access to renewable energy sources and incorporating distributed energy systems could enhance the quality and reliability of energy access, resulting in numerous benefits:
Fish farming is a great example of how adopting Distributed Renewable Energy Access (DREA) systems can support an energy transition aligned with sustainable development goals. These systems can be used by agricultural and forestry productive units, as well as MSMEs that process these resources. River fish farming involves more than 1,500 productive units in Bolivia. Although these units have access to electricity, it is typically provided under a residential tariff structure, as productive activities are integrated into the home. However, this electricity supply comes with high periodic bills when usage is intensive, creating challenges for producer families due to their inconsistent cash flow.
Because of these conditions, gasoline is the primary fuel used by production units to oxygenate the pools, clear weeds from the edges, transport feed, and empty the pools for annual cleaning. However, accessing this can be difficult: its relative price is high and there are monthly quotas limiting the amount that can be purchased. This forces households to endure long lines to obtain it, and even then, the quota often falls short of meeting their productive needs.
In this context, DREA offer a viable solution to generate the electricity required for the various activities involved in fish farming. These systems not only improve the economic performance of production units but also affect the organisation of time for the families managing them by reshaping how time is allocated.
This replicable model highlights the positive impact DREA systems can have on the economic performance of rural MSMEs, the well-being of their members, and their contribution to Bolivia’s energy transition.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural communities face a myriad of challenges that hinder productivity and sustainability. Dr. Ferdinand Tornyie, a Research Fellow at the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa, sheds light on a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionising agricultural practices through clean energy-powered technologies. The “Innovate for Clean Agricultural Technologies” (INFoCAT) project seeks to eliminate drudgery in agricultural value chains and empower women, who are often the backbone of rural economies.
Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is labour-intensive and time-consuming. Harvesting and processing crops such as peanuts (groundnuts) require extensive manual labour. Farmers, particularly women, spend countless hours on these activities, often involving their children and diverting them from education. Dr. Tornyie highlights a specific example where women spend up to five hours plucking peanut pods—a task that could be completed in just ten minutes with appropriate machinery. This inefficiency not only hampers productivity but also affects the quality of life and economic prospects of these communities.
The INFoCAT project aims to introduce clean agricultural machinery designed to reduce the physical labour involved in such tasks. By doing so, it not only boosts the productivity and incomes of smallholder rural farmers but also ensures that children can stay in school, contributing to the long-term socio-economic development of the region.
A core component of the project is the integration of clean energy sources. The global agenda on energy transition underscores the importance of moving away from fossil fuels and biomass burning, which are prevalent in rural farming communities. These traditional energy sources are hazardous to health and contribute to environmental degradation. For example, using firewood for food processing exposes women to harmful smoke and pollutants, while collecting firewood depletes forests and consumes valuable time.
By adopting clean energy solutions like solar power, the project aims to create a sustainable and healthy environment for farmers. Solar-powered machinery not only reduces the health risks associated with traditional practices but also offers a cost-effective and long-term solution for energy needs in agriculture. This shift is crucial for maintaining environmental integrity and ensuring the health and well-being of rural populations.
The “Innovate for Clean Agricultural Technologies” project employs a holistic approach that involves all stakeholders from the outset. Policymakers, green entrepreneurs, women’s groups, and experts collaborate to design and implement these technologies. This inclusive methodology ensures that the technologies developed are tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by the communities.
Smallholder farmers and agro-processors, who are the primary users of these technologies, actively participate in the co-design process. Their input is invaluable in creating solutions that are practical and effective in reducing labour-intensive tasks. By involving policymakers from the beginning, the project ensures that the technologies developed are aligned with national development goals and policies, facilitating smoother adoption and scaling.
One of the significant aims of the project is to generate evidence that can influence policy and drive broader adoption of clean agricultural technologies. Demonstrating the benefits of these technologies from both an economic and environmental perspective is crucial. By showing how clean energy solutions can enhance productivity, improve health outcomes, and contribute to environmental sustainability, the project aims to create a compelling case for policymakers.
This evidence-based approach not only facilitates the adoption of these technologies at a local level but also informs national policies on energy and agriculture. By showcasing successful implementations, the project hopes to inspire similar initiatives across the region, driving a widespread transition towards clean energy in agriculture.
The project’s success is made possible through the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Their sponsorship and commitment to funding innovative solutions in food, agriculture, and energy are instrumental in bringing these ideas to fruition. The backing from IDRC not only facilitates the development and implementation of clean agricultural technologies but also supports efforts to scale these innovations, ensuring they reach more communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The “Innovate for Clean Agricultural Technologies” (INFoCAT) project represents a significant step towards transforming agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing the drudgery in agricultural practices, integrating clean energy solutions, and fostering inclusive development, the project aims to create sustainable livelihoods and empower women in rural communities. As the project progresses, it holds the promise of not only improving agricultural productivity but also contributing to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and socio-economic development in the region.
The research project titled “A Just Energy Transition: Localisation, Decent Work, SMMEs, and Sustainable Livelihoods” is a vital part of the broader Clean Energy for Development Research Initiative. This ongoing project in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, aims to ensure that the transition to renewable energy is equitable and beneficial for all, especially workers, women, local communities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).
Our project is based on the understanding that a just transition must deliver structural transformation and localisation. Put simply this means increasing the participation of local people in the manufacturing aspects of the sector, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and skills, and involving them in the energy production network. The goal is to maximise the benefits of renewable energy for the local people so that they not monopolised, especially by global, often foreign companies.
A just transition also includes the creation of decent work opportunities. Decent work is characterised by fair wages, job security, and the protection of workers’ rights. Additionally, gender equality is a crucial aspect, focusing on increased participation of women and ensuring their fair treatment in the energy sector. Sustainable livelihoods are another key element, ensuring that decent jobs enable workers to support their families and improve their quality of life.
Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have promising renewable energy sectors. However, the heavy reliance on imported components and technologies undermines this potential, as most of the wealth and profits generated from this sector find their way in the global north, while localizing the costs of production, including pollution and waste. This unequal and unfair economic relationship, rooted in colonialism, perpetuates Africa’s underdevelopment and limits the localization of benefits from renewable energy projects. Our project aims to redress these enduring and new inequalities by advancing the localisation of renewable energy component production and creating job opportunities within these countries.
By localising the production of renewable energy components, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and gearboxes, we can create jobs for local manufacturers and generate economic growth. This will ensure that the financial benefits of renewable energy projects stay within the local economy, promoting further development. Empirical evidence shows that small-scale entrepreneurs can be powerful drivers of economic growth. Our project encourages local entrepreneurs to participate in the renewable energy value chain, boosting cash flow and economic development at the local level.
Historically, many sectors, including energy, have marginalized women. In many African societies, women are often denied both education and employment opportunities. The accepted role for women is that of a subservient homemaker limited to the domestic domain. Her role in the labour market is limited to reproducing future labour (childbirth) and daily reproduction of the existing male labour (her husband). Most societies adhere to gender stereotyping and condemn any deviation from this status quo, particularly when it involves women. Although women’s marginalization remains deeply rooted in most African societies, women frequently play a critical role in supporting their families, especially during economic downturns. This is especially important in the current context characterised by widespread retrenchments, declining employment opportunities, low pay, insecure, and informal work for the lucky few who can get a job. Still, women face significant barriers to participation in the renewable energy sector. Our project seeks to challenge these inequalities and empower women with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to participate in and benefit from the renewable energy economy as workers and entrepreneurs. This is critical for ensuring gender equality and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of local economies. Both at the household and workplace level, women bring valuable perspectives and skills to the energy sector, and their involvement is crucial for the success of a just energy transition.
Africa has great potential to localise the RE global production network in ways that generate enough power to offset existing deficits across the continent and to develop a renewable manufacturing energy industry to help resolve the continent’s pressing challenges such as unemployment and poverty. Its existing regional integration provides a ready market for the development of the RE manufacturing industry to potentially reduce the overdependence on imports. It also provides opportunities for beneficiation of its abundant mineral resources often exported in raw form and localisation opportunities. However, Africa faces many challenges: poor transmission and distribution infrastructure; lack of finance; the dominance of foreign firms which undermine localisation; differing priorities which hamper a unified push for a just transition; lack of an established market to support the RE manufacturing and the widespread corruption and mismanagement. In addition, there is potential resistance from various stakeholders, including the state and labour groups who benefit from existing economic arrangements, workers, and communities if they are not convinced of the benefits of the transition. For instance, the shift from coal to renewable energy in South Africa involves significant changes in the energy mix, including potential job losses in the coal industry, and failure to generate enough energy to meet the demand which already far outstrips supply. A push towards a just transition should therefore address these risks.
Our initiative incorporates stakeholders from the start to identify risks and minimise them while highlighting the importance of the transition in protecting our planet. This is crucial for Africa. Africa suffers the worst climate change effects despite contributing less than 3% to global emissions as of 2022. Recent floods, droughts, wildfires, and high temperatures in various nations demonstrate this. The project will engage labour unions, civil society, and government leaders to produce and exchange knowledge and build transition consensus. We will analyse the value chain to determine which sectors can create the most decent jobs. We also analyse climate change and energy justice in their larger context, highlighting their connection.
The renewable energy sector offers many opportunities to address existing inequalities and promote sustainable development. While the transition presents risks, such as job losses and precarious employment, it also holds the potential to create a more equitable and sustainable energy economy. Our project is focused on ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are shared widely, particularly with local communities and vulnerable populations.
By promoting localisation, decent work, and the involvement of SMMEs, we aim to create a just energy transition that supports sustainable livelihoods and economic growth. Our research and evidence-based approach will inform policy and investment decisions, ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is both inclusive and transformative. Through this project, we hope to build a resilient and equitable future for all.