This semester, I am excited to join the Sustainable Investing Research Institute, working on solutions to address the intersection of energy poverty, conflict risk, and environmental vulnerability in fragile countries.
I’m particularly enthusiastic about this project because it aligns with a sector I focus on: energy access. While the global conversation around the energy transition often emphasizes decarbonization and large-scale renewable investment, many communities remain excluded from basic access to electricity. Especially in fragile countries, energy poverty exacerbates other challenges such as humanitarian crises, security risks, and the provision of basic services needed during conflict times. In this context, this project focuses on the concept that energy is not only a development need but also a peacebuilding tool, with the potential to strengthen resilience and reduce risks of conflict.
Our work this semester builds on this intersection, aiming to better understand how innovative financing models and partnerships can unlock investment in renewable energy for fragile and conflict-affected settings. This means grappling with the question: how to attract more investment and strategic partnerships and ensure that new projects deliver social and environmental benefits for communities on the ground. The sector is characterized by a gap between the urgent need for reliable, clean power and the limited flow of capital into these markets. Bridging that gap will require new approaches that combine climate finance, international cooperation, and strategic communication. Skills that I’m looking forward to applying from class to practice.
Our work will explore how to scale participation in the Renewable Energy Credits market by identifying opportunities for new partnerships, clarifying the value proposition for corporate buyers, and developing strategies that make them a more widely adopted tool.