Building an Energy Future that Is Clean, Affordable & Reliable
WRI works with large energy buyers, utilities, policymakers, development institutions and urban leaders worldwide to accelerate the transition to clean, affordable energy.
Our Challenge
Energy is more than electricity. Access to clean, affordable and reliable power is essential for human health, education and economic prosperity, in addition to reducing emissions.
Yet the world’s energy systems are in desperate need of modernization. More than 750 million people — 10% of the global population — still lack access to electricity. Those who do have power often get it through polluting fossil fuels. Energy is already responsible for 73% of global emissions, while energy demand is slated to rise nearly 10% by 2030. And market barriers often prevent businesses, cities and others from securing the renewable power they want.
people worldwide lack access to electricity
of global CO2 emissions come from buildings
of global emissions comes from energy consumption
of world's energy supply must be powered by clean energy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050
Our Approach
WRI’s Energy Program collaborates with policymakers, cities, companies, utilities, regulators and development institutions to secure a clean energy future for everyone.
We facilitate partnerships to help cities and corporations purchase renewable power at scale to unlock economic opportunities. Our tools and analysis track communities most in need of electricity and identify places where clean energy is the most affordable and reliable solution. And we help city leaders around the world improve the efficiency of their buildings, a major source of emissions.
Energy Access Explorer provides the data and tools necessary to create a future where all people have access to affordable, reliable and modern energy.
WRI's Energy Program focuses on a number of specific initiatives including projects on Buildings, Energy Access, and Clean Energy. Explore all projects in depth.
City Renewables Accelerator
Helping U.S. cities advance ambitious renewable energy goals.
Part of Clean Energy
Buildings Initiative
Better buildings, cleaner air and more efficient urban development
Part of Cities
Clean Energy Investment Accelerator
Unlocking clean energy investment in the commercial and industrial sectors and helping companies meet their clean energy goals across the globe.
Part of Clean Energy
Equitable Clean Energy for Communities
Working to expand clean energy access to all communities, especially those who are climate-vulnerable and have historically had the least access to the benefits of clean energy due to systemic inequities.
Part of Energy
Featured Energy Resources
3 Hurdles to Racial Justice in Clean Energy – and 3 Ways U.S. Cities Can Overcome Them
Insights September 2, 2020
Accelerating Building Decarbonization: Eight Attainable Policy Pathways to Net Zero Carbon Buildings For All
Working Paper September 17, 2019
