Energy and Economic Growth
Motivation and Approach
While there are many promising approaches to addressing rising fossil fuel use, deforestation, and human displacement, little evidence exists to guide policymakers in the design and implementation of cost-effective solutions. Moving forward, it is critical that energy investment, policy and regulatory decisions are made with a nuanced understanding of the complex barriers and tradeoffs involved in sustainably meeting future demand for food and energy—while minimizing environmental costs.
Major Activities
The Energy and Economic Growth (EEG) applied research program funded by the UK government, through UK Aid, and in partnership with Oxford Policy Management, commissions rigorous research exploring how investments in large-scale energy systems—including energy supply, regulation, efficiency, and clean energy technology—contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth in low-income countries. In Phase 1 of the EEG program, CEGA faculty and leading academics from across the world, produced 18 State of Knowledge papers that speak directly to the key energy related challenges and questions faced by decision-makers. Phase 2 will fund a series of rigorous impact evaluations addressing policy-relevant energy topics that support sustainable, inclusive growth in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
