Grounding Green Power

This working paper identifies components of smart renewable energy policy for developing countries, which are expected to provide 80% of new global electric generation capacity over the next two decades. It argues that to meet the IEA's '450 scenario', non-OECD nations must increase renewable electricity generation to 46% by 2035. The authors advocate for international donors to move from project-based support to systemic environment-building and define 'smart' policy as cost-effective, transparent, and investment-friendly.

• Developing countries are expected to contribute approximately 80 percent of all new global electric generation capacity over the next twenty years to address the climate challenge.
• According to International Energy Agency (IEA) statistics, non-OECD nations generated 21 percent of their electricity from renewable sources (including large-scale hydroelectric power) in 2008, which was higher than the 17 percent generated by OECD countries.
• To align with the IEA's "450 scenario" for a climate-friendly pathway to meet global energy demands, the share of electricity from renewable sources in non-OECD nations must increase to 46 percent by 2035.
• The authors recommend that international donors shift from a project-by-project financial support model to one that establishes an environment conducive to scaled-up, nationwide investment.
• The paper defines 'smart renewable energy policy' as government actions, regulations, and rules that increase the share of renewables in electricity consumption according to development objectives, while promoting cost-effectiveness, private investment, innovation, and transparent, participatory processes.

APA

Weischer, L. (n.d.). Grounding Green Power. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/research/grounding-green-power

Chicago

Weischer, Lutz. Grounding Green Power. World Resources Institute, n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/grounding-green-power.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Weischer |first1=Lutz |title=Grounding Green Power |publisher=World Resources Institute |url=https://www.wri.org/research/grounding-green-power |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{weischerndgrounding, author = {Weischer, Lutz}, title = {{Grounding Green Power}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/grounding-green-power}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }