Global Observatory on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions

The Global Observatory on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions is an online repository of best practice case studies from around the world on people-centred and inclusive clean energy programmes and policies.

The Global Observatory’s case studies are divided into four themes and twelve topics, reflecting the Recommendations of the Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions. Click on the tables below to access these best practice examples on each topic, including associated links to relevant websites.

The Global Observatory is updated on a regular basis with new case studies and information collected as part of the IEA’s ongoing programme of research and analysis.

Decent jobs and worker protection are a crucial element of a people-centred clean energy transition. Governments, policy makers, the labour community and other stakeholders need to work in tandem to develop supportive measures and facilitate investments in training for workers and communities affected by the shift towards clean energy. The use of social dialogue, robust stakeholder engagement and policy coordination are essential to deliver sustainable transitions.  

The clean energy transition is an opportunity to promote economic development, a healthier environment and a better quality of life for all. Policies must ensure promote social and economic development by capitalizing on the advantages of the clean energy transition. Aligning clean energy and accessibility policies, building and reinforcing local clean energy industries, and improving energy efficiency can reduce energy poverty and enhance energy security, affordability and resilience. 

The integration of gender, equality and social inclusion into clean energy policies is essential to mitigate the risk of disproportionate impacts on certain groups while creating opportunities for all to contribute to the clean energy transition. This includes identifying and addressing the needs and priorities of historically marginalised groups, designing policies to ensure a fair distribution of benefits, and integrating younger generations into decision-making processes.

Community engagement and public participation, including by younger demographics, are key to ensuring successful people-centred clean energy transitions. Such engagement helps build public support, incorporate local perspectives, welcome innovative ideas from a variety of stakeholders, and create energy transition plans that are sustainable, locally appropriate and feasible. In addition, insights from behavioural science can be used to promote engagement by informing behavioural change policies, international collaboration and the exchange of best practices.