Access to sustainable energy — namely clean, reliable and affordable energy — and related services is critical to supporting sustainable development. Yet worldwide, 2.4 billion people rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating. Another 1.6 billion lack access to electricity. The United Nations has stated that this energy gap "entrenches poverty, constrains the delivery of social services, limits opportunities for women, and erodes environmental sustainability at the local, national and global levels."

The Pembina Institute's experience demonstrates that sustainable energy programs can contribute to meeting development objectives, including responding to specific needs identified by local communities and broader development mandates such as the Millennium Development Goals. Increased use of sustainable energy sources, namely renewables, is also critical to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Our international team works with partners in Canada and alongside community members, non-governmental organizations and governments in developing countries to promote the use of sustainable practices and technologies, and encourage the implementation of supportive energy policies.

Our Services

We provide expertise and experience in the following areas:

• sustainable energy and development

• climate change, development and the CDM

Our work is aimed at helping to achieve development objectives through increased access to sustainable energy and energy services.

Renewable Energy: A Sustainable Development Option

Pembina recognizes that renewable sources of energy are often the most cost effective and practical option for off-grid communities. Our experience demonstrates that renewable energy is effective in delivering services and benefits such as

• lighting for schools and homes

• mechanical power to operate equipment used in income generating activities such as carpentry, food preparation, agriculture and other tasks

• clean fuels for use in improved cookstoves that reduce indoor air pollution and related health impacts.

Using renewable, off-grid energy systems in rural areas avoids the high cost of extending electricity grids. Also, by increasing the use of local, renewable sources of energy, developing countries can reduce the financial burden of importing expensive fossil fuels and provide energy services that will help them meet their development objectives.

Many organizations already offer micro-credit and other programs in support of income generation, health, education and other social development activities, but could benefit from access to reliable, affordable and clean energy and improved energy services. Partnering with the Pembina Institute helps them to increase the effectiveness of their ongoing development initiatives by improving access to necessary energy services.

Supporting Clean Development in Response to Climate Change

The Pembina Institute recognizes that accelerating the growth of renewable energy in developing countries provides "double dividends". First, access to reliable energy supplies is critical to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Second, meeting the growing energy needs of developing countries with renewable energy avoids greenhouse gas emissions generated through the use of conventional energy sources such as oil, gas and coal.

The Pembina Institute is helping to expand access to clean, reliable energy in developing countries by improving access to innovative financing for renewable energy projects, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), through our Small Project Facilities. [MORE]

Our Approach

The Pembina Institute applies an integrated approach to address energy and development needs. We understand that the benefits of modern energy technologies and sources result from the services they provide to communities. Reliable electricity, mechanical power and clean fuels can help communities by providing or improving access to lighting, heat, refrigeration, mechanical power, improved communications and other energy services. In turn, these services can help to reduce poverty and improve quality of life by

• expanding opportunities to generate income
• increasing access to education
• improving health conditions and services
• meeting other development needs.

We also care about helping communities gain lasting benefits from energy development. Therefore, our team works closely with communities and supportive organizations to implement practical energy solutions that allow communities to meet their unique development objectives in a way that is environmentally and financially sustainable.

For more information about our services, contact

Paul Cobb

• Technical and Policy Advisor
• Email: paulc(at)pembina.org
  Tel: 819-483-6288 Ext. 23