Green and Inclusive Energy

We want to meet energy needs of women and men for their daily activities and livelihoods by switching to renewable energy systems. This will also create economic opportunities (especially for women) and reduce the effects of climate change.

Why we need to switch to renewable energy

Energy lies at the heart of human progress. Yet, more than a billion people do not have access to affordable, reliable and clean energy. This seriously limits their prospects. For decent health, education, livelihoods, employment – and sustainable food supplies. So decentralized renewable energy is essential for those who cannot access the central grid.

How our program uses lobby and advocacy

Green and Inclusive Energy works to influence energy policies and practices so investments in decentralized renewable energy will increase. The program does this mainly through advocacy. It creates coalitions with governments and private sector partners and improves the effectiveness of local energy and non-energy partners. Because this focus on lobby engages citizens and sparks public debate, it helps tip the public policy balance towards more decentralized people-centered energy systems.

Where

Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nepal, Myanmar, Central America, and at international level

Results so far

GIE has seen great policy wins in many regions recently thanks to the efforts of partners. Malawi launched its National Energy Policy in November 2019, and Zimbabwe launched its Renewable Energy Policy in March 2020. GIE partners Action24 and RENAMA helped rural communities participate in developing these policies, and their suggestions were broadly incorporated.

In Indonesia, the Ministry of Finance took interest in developing a coordination mechanism with CSOs after GIE cooperated on the Green Climate Fund. In Kenya, partners are cooperating with several county governments to establish renewable energy policies at county level. And GIE partner TANGSEN In Tanzania has played a key role in developing a Gender Action Plan with the Ministry of Energy and other relevant stakeholders. In Central America, GIE partners managed to get gender and renewable energy access for all included in the Central America Energy Strategy 2030.

GIE is part of a unique five-year-long strategic partnership between Article 19, Hivos, IIED and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under the ministry’s Dialogue and Dissent program, Hivos has aimed to strengthen the influencing power of civil society around the world. Read more about the results of the partnership in Raising voices around the world.