Overview
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet is a multi-stakeholder international alliance focused on accelerating clean energy transition in developing and emerging economies.
It was launched in 2021 during the United Nations Climate Change Conference with the objective of expanding access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy while advancing climate goals.
Founding Partners
The alliance was initiated by major philanthropic foundations along with development finance institutions and private sector actors. It operates as a collaborative platform rather than a treaty-based organisation.
Core Objectives
- Accelerate renewable energy deployment in low- and middle-income countries
- Reduce global greenhouse gas emissions
- Expand energy access to underserved populations
- Mobilise blended finance to de-risk clean energy investments
- Support green economic growth and job creation
Strategic Focus Areas
Energy Access
- Electrification of rural and underserved communities
- Expansion of distributed renewable systems such as mini-grids
Energy Transition
- Phasing out fossil fuel dependence
- Supporting coal transition in developing economies
Financial Mobilisation
- Leveraging public and philanthropic capital to crowd in private investment
- Structuring risk-mitigation instruments for clean energy projects
Policy Support
- Technical assistance to governments
- Strengthening regulatory and institutional frameworks
Target Outcomes
The alliance aims to
- Enable access to clean electricity for hundreds of millions of people
- Avoid significant carbon emissions through renewable deployment
- Mobilise tens of billions of dollars in clean energy investments
Significance
Climate Justice
It links climate mitigation with development priorities, ensuring that energy transition does not compromise growth in developing countries.
Sustainable Development
Supports Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy.
Blended Finance Model
Demonstrates how philanthropic capital can be used strategically to unlock larger private and public investments.
Challenges
- High financing costs in developing economies
- Policy and regulatory uncertainties
- Infrastructure constraints
- Geopolitical risks affecting global energy markets
Conclusion
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet represents a collaborative model for aligning climate ambition with development needs. By combining philanthropy, public finance and private investment, it seeks to accelerate equitable clean energy transition while promoting inclusive economic growth.
