
The Issue
Poor countries need a lot more energy to develop. But global climate policies too often ignore this reality or resort to unrealistic goals set up to fail. We need a more balanced, nuanced approach tailored to local priorities and realities.
Relevance
While 750 million people lack any electricity, more than 3 billion suffer from unreliable power. This strangles job creation and economic growth. Because energy is needed for cooling, desalination, and production of cement and steel, energy poverty undermines climate resilience too. In energy-poor countries, ‘climate justice’ is less about reducing local emissions than delivering adequate affordable energy to everyone.
Our Approach
To advance global energy abundance, the Hub proposes pragmatic, evidence-based solutions that prioritize local objectives.
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Principles for a Just Transition
The Hub shares perspectives and analysis from around the world on what ‘justice’ in the energy transition means — and how we can ensure that emerging and frontier economies have the agency, flexibility, and tools they need. See more work on just transitions here.
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Energy for Resilience & Adaptation
Adapting to a warmer world will be energy-intensive. Massive investments will be needed in resilient infrastructure, cooling systems, and new agriculture technologies. The Hub builds the evidence base for why energy is critical to climate adaptation. We advance technology, finance, and policy solutions to ensure energy funding and resources get to the countries that need it most. See our insights on resilience here.
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Localizing Energy Data & Transition Planning
Too much modeling and energy planning is done by external consultants, which undermines its credibility and relevance. The Hub supports modelers and decision-makers from Africa and other regions to ensure that energy systems planning and transition analysis are led by locals, incorporate the best data available, and address more than emissions reductions. We helped design the African Energy Futures Initiative, launched by the African Climate Foundation in 2024. See our work on localizing energy data & transition planning here.