Energy

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.

25 September 2015

Infrastructure

Background

Issue overview: World Bank and energy

What’s the issue? Energy is a crucial economic sector which has a disproportionate influence on…

26 August 2015 | Issue overview

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.

6 May 2015

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.

6 May 2015

IFI governance

Background

What are the trends in the energy sector?

Notes from a meeting on energy during the World Bank spring meetings.

17 April 2015 | Minutes

Rights

News

Bank implicated in Kenya Maasai eviction

The World Bank's Inspection Panel has found the Bank breached its own standards through its involvement in a Kenyan electricity project which has displaced Maasai communities.

31 March 2015

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.

31 March 2015 | Guest analysis

Conditionality

Commentary

The Arab world’s subsidy nightmare: pondering alternatives

For decades, the Arab region has embarked on a series of IMF-prescribed energy subsidy reforms, which have contributed to increased poverty levels.

2 February 2015 | Guest comment

Infrastructure

News

World Bank Global Infrastructure Facility launched despite “reputational risks”

The World Bank-hosted Global Infrastructure Facility has been launched despite concerns over risks, including duplication with other initiatives, such as the new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

12 November 2014

Infrastructure

News

New report highlights lack of MDB spending on energy access for the poor

A new report by Sierra Club and Oil Change International highlights the need for MDBs to establish criteria for energy access for the poor within their energy portfolios in order to achieve the goal of universal energy access by 2030.

12 November 2014