UNDP Energy Priority Areas
UNDP’s activities focus on the upstream enabling environment and
policies needed to support energy options for sustainable development
addressing economic, social and environmental goals simultaneously. Downstream
activities concentrate on integrated energy solutions addressing social,
economic and environmental objectives to address poverty and promote sustainable
development. Actions taken at the local level to promote sustainable energy
options also support global sustainable development goals, generating
win-win outcomes in environment and development.
UNDP focuses on four priority areas (or so-called service lines), which
are briefly described below. For more details, please see the Thematic
Trust Fund on Energy for Sustainable Development.
• Energy Priority 1: Strengthening national policy frameworks
UNDP efforts in this priority area focus on incorporating sustainable
energy considerations into three types of policy dialogue: macro-economic
reform, energy sector reform and sustainable development planning. All
three must address energy in ways that support growth and equity if the
Millennium Summit goals for poverty reduction are to be achieved. Within
processes of national economic, environmental and energy policy setting
and re-regulation, UNDP’s energy activities will advance the interests
of poor and marginalized groups to have increased access to energy services.
• Energy Priority 2: Promoting rural energy services
UNDP efforts in this priority area focus on heating, cooking and electricity
needs in rural areas to support household and productive activities. UNDP
assistance will focus on energy efficient options through both conventional
and renewable energy. In this focus area, special attention must be given
to the distinct energy needs of women related to household and economic
activities, and the essential role of energy services in supporting value-added
activities in rural areas. UNDP efforts in this service line will focus
on LDCs where needs are most acute.
• Energy Priority 3: Promoting clean energy technology
Modern energy technologies are available that can support win-win development
options, addressing both global environmental protection and local development
needs. These include modernised biomass, solar photovoltaics, wind, hydrogen
and other renewable energy options. High-efficiency, super-clean carbon-based
energy systems are part of win-win solutions.
UNDP efforts in this priority area will support the introduction and
adaptation of low emissions technologies that can support economic growth,
social development and environmental sustainability. UNDP-GEF
continues to play a major role in this area. The Thematic
Trust Fund on Energy for Sustainable Development will complement UNDP-GEF
energy programmes through the provision of funding for activities not
eligible for GEF support, but essential for addressing local sustainable
development needs.
• Energy Priority 4: Increasing access to financing for energy
As the majority of all new investments in energy will come from non-ODA
sources, this service line will focus on support to enhance developing
countries’ ability to attract investment financing for sustainable
energy options. In addition, with increasing international attention on
climate change issues, and the pending entry
into force of the Kyoto Protocol and associated mechanisms, new energy
financing opportunities from both the public and private sectors are emerging.
For developing countries to take maximum advantage of all these opportunities,
information sharing and capacity building mechanisms are needed. UNDP
will support developing countries’ efforts to shape, learn about
and participate in new energy financing mechanisms including the Clean
Development Mechanism (CDM).
Cross-cutting Issues:
In addition to the four priority areas, UNDP conducts advocacy and analysis
on energy trends and its linkages with development and promote south-south
and north-south knowledge exchanges to maintain UNDP’s cutting edge
presence on sustainable energy and development issues and expand energy
and development dialogue in the international community. Emphasis will
be on innovative policy and programme approaches linking energy and poverty
reduction efforts to achieve sustainable development.
