Policy brief by Planetary Security Initiative, Energy Peace Partners and Stanley Center for Peace and Security, November 2024
Many fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) face significant challenges related to energy access, which exacerbates instability and hinders development. Reliance on fossil fuel supply chains – frequently controlled by conflict parties – can also undermine the peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts of UN missions often operating in these contexts. Renewable energy, particularly decentralized systems like solar microgrids, presents an opportunity to address these issues by fostering greater energy security, supporting socio-economic development, and enhancing both conflict and environmental resilience of local communities.
This policy brief explores the potential of renewable energy to contribute to promoting peace and stability in FCAS. Despite the many opportunities it offers, several barriers such as political instability, security risks, and financing challenges can impede the deployment of renewable energy in these settings.
The brief discusses three potential entry points for policy action:
- Integrating the Climate, Energy and Peacebuilding Fields
- Awareness-Raising and Enhancing Dialogue on the Local Benefits of Renewables
- Scaling Up Investments through Public Procurement and De-Risking
Integrating renewable energy into peacebuilding efforts and facilitating financing of community-led off-grid projects are crucial for harnessing its full potential. It is time to translate this potential into action.
This is an executive summary of the publication. To read the full policy brief written by Hannah Lentschig, David Mozersky, Giovanni D'Amico, Louise van Schaik and Rei Tang, follow this link.