Following a longstanding conflict over a World Bank-funded power line in Nepal, communities call for a fair dispute resolution process and meaningful consultation.
Energy
Environment
Analysis
Clean Technology Fund (CTF)
An impending shortfall in available resources for the Clean Technology Fund continues to concern, leading to cancellation of projects. Questions were raised about development impacts and reliance on geothermal energy in India and Indonesia's revised investment plans, and on debt sustainability in a Caribbean project.
Infrastructure
News
Report calls on the World Bank not to invest in Kosovo power plant
A report has cast further doubts on the viability and efficiency of the proposed lignite coal power plant in Kosovo which the World Bank is considering supporting.
IFI governance
Background
What are the trends in the energy sector?
Notes from a meeting on energy during the World Bank spring meetings.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Concerns have been raised about the slow progress with the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP). Ghana, Haiti and Nicaragua's investment plans were approved, with questions asked about the loan/grant ratio, promotion of PPPs, and reliance on funding from the Green Climate Fund.
Environment
Analysis
Climate of controversy
Despite efforts to boost its influence within climate finance circles and a call to “decarbonise development”, the World Bank continues to support fossil fuels.
Infrastructure
Background
Issue overview: World Bank and energy
What’s the issue? Energy is a crucial economic sector which has a disproportionate influence on…
Environment
Analysis
Clean Technology Fund (CTF)
Concerns have been raised about a projected shortfall of resources for the Clean Technology Fund, with an early warning mechanism due to be discussed. Questions were raised about development benefits of a Colombia project and on safeguards for a Vietnam project.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Indicative funding allocations have been agreed for 14 new Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries pilot countries, however, cautions remained about “unrealistic expectations” about funding availability. Questions were raised about incentives for diesel in a Kenya project.
Infrastructure
Analysis
World Bank pitches mining to drive energy investment in Africa
A World Bank report calling for closer collaboration between mining and energy companies in Africa is criticised for underplaying risks and neglecting more efficient energy options for the poor.
Featured briefings
14 December 2020
Gambling with our lives: Global emergencies expose consequences of decades of IMF and World Bank policies
Market-led policy approaches increasingly used to deal with both climate and health emergencies are failing to protect those most vulnerable.
10 December 2020
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2020
12 October 2020