Clean Energy
Supporting partners that address energy poverty through access to affordable renewable and reliable electricity.
Why it matters
About 10% of the global population lives in energy poverty. The majority - roughly 750 million people - do not have access to electricity to light their homes, refrigerate their food, or charge their phones.
What we do
We work with our partners to bring reliable, affordable, and renewable electricity to communities most in need. We aim to:
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Tackle energy poverty: We work with partners who prioritise better access to energy for underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and India, primarily in rural areas.
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Promote environmental sustainability: With decentralised renewable energy rather than fossil fuels, people will gain affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity. Our focus is on small solar systems that power individual households and businesses.
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Strengthen local economies and communities: With evidence that locally owned and women-led businesses better serve their customers, we emphasise local and gender-diverse leadership of businesses providing solutions that strengthen economic well-being and resilience.
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By 2030 we envision a world where vulnerable populations have access to affordable, renewable, and resilient electricity. This goal informs our four key priorities:
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Vulnerability: We focus on communities with little to no electricity access.
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Affordability: To develop cost-effective energy systems through innovative financing models.
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Resilience: To ensure systems can withstand economic and technical challenges.
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Renewability: We promote sustainable electricity, particularly solar.
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Where we work
India: We look to benefit underserved communities in India, aligning with and complementing government initiatives and helping partners collaborate more closely.
Sub-Saharan Africa: We focus on first-time energy access, specifically in Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria, and promote collaboration between countries and peer learning between stakeholders.
