Leveraging AI and Digital Innovation for Governance in the Just Energy Transition

This policy paper sets out a practical, integrity-by-design agenda for energy transitions. Developed by UNDP’s Sustainable Energy Hub and the Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding Hub, the paper reframes corruption risks through a digital lens—showing how they migrate from physical transactions to data governance as systems digitalize. It presents a theory of change and concrete entry points that embed accountability across the value chain: AI-driven forecasting to reduce discretion in contracting and dispatch; real-time anomaly detection to surface irregularities in grid operations and payments; open energy and fiscal data to trace public resource flows and lower the cost of capital; blockchain-based registries to secure RECs, PPAs, and procurement trails; and e-participation platforms to extend oversight to communities. 

Recognizing AI capacity gaps between regulators and private actors, it prioritizes regulatory sandboxes, algorithm audits, and skills development so public institutions can govern automated decision-making. The paper also addresses critical minerals governance with digital traceability from mine to market. Overall, it positions clean governance as a digital capability combining technology, law, and institutions to accelerate a just, people-centred energy transition with measurable gains in transparency, trust, and investment readiness.