A case-study approach to understanding the political economy of successful low-carbon development strategies
Energy Transitions: Low-Carbon Pathways for Growth and Sustainability examined how developing countries are balancing their development priorities, particularly an ever-growing demand for energy, with the mounting need for carbon mitigation. Through case studies of the Indian state of Gujarat, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, the project explored the complementarities between development and low-carbon transitions within the sectors of electricity generation and access, transportation, and industry.
The project highlighted where and how government, industry, and society can create positive feedback loops for stronger climate action and improved development outcomes. Our work culminated in three case studies and a final report, released in December 2020, that synthesizes the findings of the Energy Transitions project.
The CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program organized three workshops for the Energy Transitions project, one each for Vietnam, Gujarat, and Ethiopia. For each workshop, we invited experts to document success and look for future opportunities in the power sector, industry, transportation, and energy access. Their insights, alongside our research, fed into four CSIS reports:
December 2020 – This report synthesizes the studies of this project, drawing connections between them and providing six high-level recommendations for policymakers. Some lessons will be familiar to academics and practitioners: we find, in various settings, corroboration for long-established ideas and propositions. Others are more surprising and may challenge assumptions around successful energy transitions in emerging economies.
Read the report
August 2020 – Vietnam’s economic growth has been remarkable over the past two decades. With this growth has come the need to balance an ever-growing demand for energy with the mounting need for carbon mitigation. This report examines the extent to which economic growth and decarbonization could co- exist by examining policy success stories and identifying the political economy forces driving change.
Read the report // Listen to the podcast
September 2020 – India is engaging in a bold experiment to meet its climate goals. Gujarat has often led the way among Indian states, showing that progress is possible and depends on political leadership, strong public institutions, and an ability to attract capital. This report assesses Gujarat’s efforts to balance an ever- growing demand for energy with the mounting need for carbon mitigation.
Read the report // Listen to the podcast
October 2020 – This report analyzes the extent to which economic growth and decarbonization (or avoiding carbon) could co-exist by examining policy success stories and identifying the political economy forces driving change in Ethiopia.
Read the report // Listen to the podcast
September 2019 – CSIS launched this project with former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, former Group Chief Executive of bp, Bob Dudley, and panelists from the World Bank, Climate Investment Funds, and bp. They discuss how the global community has organized around two goals for the energy sector: (1) eradicate energy poverty and (2) combat the effects of global climate change. This event highlights how these goals need not be in conflict. Click to watch.
Commentary by Ben Cahill — April 8, 2021
Report by Nikos Tsafos and Lachlan Carey — December 8, 2020
Report by Nikos Tsafos and Lachlan Carey — October 30, 2020
Report by Nikos Tsafos and Lachlan Carey — September 9, 2020
Report by Nikos Tsafos and Lachlan Carey — July 31, 2020
Event — September 18, 2019
