With global investment in clean energy experiencing rapid growth since 2004, developing countries are increasingly putting renewable energy (RE) and other low carbon energy sources center stage in their efforts to support economic growth and poverty reduction. Clean energy sources are attractive for many reasons, including supply diversification, increased energy independence, fostering new industries, reducing air and water pollution, and contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This has led to a surge in World Bank lending to low carbon energy projects, which was US$5.9 billion in 2011, and a corresponding increase in demand for the analytical work and technical assistance that ESMAP helps provide to support policy development and investment preparation in our client countries.

ESMAP is helping client countries to scale up clean energy investment by building consensus on priorities, supporting the development of a conducive policy environment, and facilitating the consideration of technical, financial and cross-sectoral options that go well beyond "business as usual."
 

ESMAP's support for clean energy focuses on six key areas:

1. Low Carbon Development
    
2. Global Geothermal Development Plan
    
3. Renewable Energy Resource Mapping
    
4. Energy and Climate Adaptation
    
5. Renewable Energy Training Program
    
6. Smart Grids and Grid Integration
    

For further information on ESMAP's clean energy work please contact Pierre Audinet at esmap@worldbank.org.

Related Links:

• Clean Energy Ministerial: multilateral initiative in support of clean energy.

• Clean Energy Solutions Center: clearinghouse for policy best practices, data, reports and analysis tools aimed - plus an 'ask the expert' facility.

• REEGLE: database of country profiles, data, reports and stakeholders focused on clean energy development.

• Sustainable Energy for All: UN-convened global partnership in support of universal access, renewable energy and improved energy efficiency.

• World Bank: comprehensive information on the World Bank's energy portfolio.