Global renewable energy transition may hinge on the world’s poorest nations

A recent report by the Rockefeller Foundation found that the success of the renewable energy transition may depend heavily on the world’s poorest nations. According to the report, the 72 most energy-poor countries will need to generate twice the current energy output of the United States from renewable sources by 2050.

If those countries fail to meet their goal, they could be responsible for approximately 75% of global emissions, a problem the report refers to as the “Green Power Gap.”

“Closing the Green Power Gap is in every country’s interest,” said Dr. Joseph Curtin, managing director of The Rockefeller Foundation’s power and climate team and co-author of the report. “Also, these 72 countries have superior renewable resources when compared to countries that are already deploying renewables at scale. So rather than follow the path taken by many advanced economies, they have a green window of opportunity to leapfrog to cleaner, nimbler, and more flexible power systems.”

Within its findings, the Rockefeller Foundation called for intervention from wealthier nations to support these energy-poor countries in closing this gap. However, the report also notes that a one-size-fits-all approach will not suffice. Each of the 72 countries will require tailored assistance based on their unique resources, population density and energy needs.

To address this issue, the Rockefeller Foundation has outlined several potential pathways for these countries to modernize their energy infrastructure. These pathways consider various logistical factors to identify the most effective strategies for each nation.

Rajiv Shah, the president of the Rockefeller Foundation, underscored the importance of resolving this challenge, stating that the fate of 3.8 billion people living in these countries and the planet itself is at stake.

“History makes clear that people and countries will pursue opportunity regardless of the climate consequences,” Shah said. “The only way to achieve the world’s climate goals is scaling solutions and mobilizing the capital needed to ensure 3.8 billion people have enough clean electricity to lift up their lives and livelihoods.”