Recommendation 32

HM Government Accepted in Part

Government Response: Partially Agree 73. The FCDO works closely with DESNZ as well as UK industry to incorporate and share lessons learnt from the UK’s transition story. For example, our Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme (GCIEP) works with UK energy regulator Ofgem to deploy Technical Assistance in developing countries. 74. The FCDO has also been contributing to DESNZ-led energy access through our evaluation and learning. FCDO ODA MEL evidence suggests that longer term and more effective energy access outcomes require support to locally-led action and equitable north-south partnerships. We will continue to embed lessons learnt in policy and programme delivery, including on how to better work with local partnerships. 75. We recognise, however, that there is scope to strengthen two-way learning and collaboration within our clean energy interventions. The FCDO will deepen its collaboration with DESNZ on energy through enhanced governance, joint-delivery arrangements, tracking and co-ordination–building on the success of the Ayrton Fund approach on RD&D in the last ICF period. While at this stage we are unable to commit to implementing a formalised mechanism, we commit to bearing the recommendation of the Committee in mind in allocations. 76. Through the Ayrton Fund for clean energy innovation, the FCDO has also commissioned a study on UK secondary benefits, to be completed by March 2026. The study will gather best practice on reporting and communicating the wider economic, social, and environmental benefits of UK-supported clean energy programmes, including opportunities for UK businesses to expand internationally through community energy investments. Findings will inform future programme design and strengthen mechanisms for systematic two-way learning between domestic and international energy initiatives.