Minister gives evidence on UK’s role in expanding community-led energy access
On Tuesday, the International Development Committee will question the Minister for International Development as it concludes its inquiry into community-led energy.
According to the International Energy Agency, around 750 million people lack access to electricity, and more than 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking fuels. Evidence heard during the inquiry suggests that community leadership can increase the chance of energy projects succeeding by aligning business models to local realities.
Meeting details
The session will be an opportunity to hear the views of Minister for Development Baroness Chapman on community-led energy, having advocated moving development partnerships away from “paternalism” and towards localisation.
The Committee is likely to examine the UK’s current approach to supporting community-led energy projects, including the role of aid and partnerships. MPs may also ask how the FCDO engages with local communities, what more the department could be doing, and how official development assistance cuts will impact global energy access initiatives.