Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
8th Report - Empowering Development: Energy Access for Communities
International Development Committee
HC 849
Published 14 November 2025
Recommendations
7
Accepted
Allocate dedicated resources for community-led energy initiatives and improve project tracking system.
Recommendation
The Government should be more transparent about how it enables local empowerment in energy projects and devise a better system of tracking projects that are community-led. It should allocate dedicated resources to support community-led energy initiatives as key vehicles for …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it already promotes gender equality and inclusion (GEDSI) in all its ODA interventions and new UK climate programmes, in line with existing legislation and guidance. It will look to enhance communications around tools and resources that inform FCDO’s approach to inclusive energy programming beyond FY25/26. It does not commit to new tracking systems or dedicated resources.
10
Accepted in Part
Require inclusive community participation, recognising marginalised groups, as a condition for UK energy funding
Recommendation
The Government should make inclusive community participation across all stages of design, governance, and implementation a condition of UK funding for energy access. This should involve recognising and resourcing communities, particularly marginalised groups, as decision-makers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 45)
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Government Response Summary
The FCDO agrees, stating that current guidance already requires partners to demonstrate engagement with local stakeholders and they actively promote inclusive community participation. A 2025 study on locally-led action will inform future programming to ensure community voices are central to project design and delivery, indicating a commitment to strengthen these requirements further.
11
Rejected
Review FCDO accountability frameworks to support local implementers in meeting funding requirements
Recommendation
We recognise that there is sometimes a gap between the accountability expectations of donors and the capacity of local implementers. We recommend that in the next six months the FCDO reviews its accountability frameworks ensuring they are fit for purpose …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, acknowledging the difficulty for local implementers to meet FCDO's accountability frameworks. However, it does not commit to reviewing its frameworks or directly resourcing local implementers, instead proposing to leverage its downstream delivery chain by using larger partners to channel funds and provide guidance.
14
Accepted in Part
Support women's leadership and central role in community energy projects
Recommendation
The FCDO should ensure women are central to community energy projects by supporting their leadership, and designing interventions around their needs, so they act as agents of change rather than just beneficiaries. It should report on the extent to which …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it already promotes gender equality and women's leadership through existing policies and programmes. However, it cannot commit to reporting on the implementation of GEDSI guidance note recommendations by June 2026, citing a lack of established mechanism and future resourcing needs.
17
Deferred
Adopt a multi-dimensional evaluation framework for community energy projects, accounting for equity and accessibility
Recommendation
The FCDO should adopt a multi-dimensional evaluation framework for community-led energy projects, that accounts for long-term equity, accessibility, and system legitimacy, by June 2026. To do so, it should support the collection of broader impact metrics through appropriate incentives. This …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, noting it already uses disaggregated data and will improve climate finance reporting via an upcoming MEL contract. However, it is unable to commit to adopting a multi-dimensional evaluation framework for community-led energy projects by June 2026, pending future resourcing decisions.
18
Deferred
Trade-offs between poverty alleviation and climate objectives are not openly acknowledged
Recommendation
The Government should not hide behind the complexities of the global clean energy transition. Aid must advance poverty alleviation while also contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation. While these objectives can sometimes pull in different directions, trade-offs should be openly …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, but its response does not address the recommendation to openly acknowledge and debate trade-offs in aid policy. Instead, it focuses on deepening collaboration with DESNZ, embedding lessons learnt, and commissioning a study on UK secondary benefits to inform two-way learning between domestic and international energy initiatives by March 2026.
19
Accepted
Provide a clear definition of 'clean energy' for ODA, stating sources and environmental impacts
Recommendation
In its response to this report, the Government should provide a clear definition of “clean energy” for ODA purposes, explicitly stating the energy sources supported, and their climate and other environmental impacts. This should also be published on the FCDO’s …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees and provides its definition of “clean energy” for ODA purposes, including specific technologies supported and those not included. It states this guidance, published in the UK International Climate Finance Results, is already publicly available on GOV.UK.
20
Accepted in Part
Require energy access projects to assess trade-offs and risks in funding bids
Recommendation
The Government should require all energy access projects to include a clear assessment of trade-offs in funding bids, alongside a plan for monitoring impacts and communicating risks to stakeholders. (Recommendation, Paragraph 67)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it will embed a concise "trade-offs and choices" section into existing energy access bids and require a proportionate risk-communication plan within existing guidance, rather than introducing a separate requirement. This aims to make current assessments more explicit while avoiding undue burdens.
22
Accepted in Part
Explore synergies between global energy access and climate adaptation through collaborative research networks
Recommendation
The Government must explore the synergies between global energy access and climate adaptation more fully. This could be done by facilitating collaborative research networks internationally to strengthen the knowledge base. Relevant Government programmes should also collaborate to identify options for …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, recognizing the interconnectedness and supporting collaborative research, and it agrees objectives could be better integrated. It commits to exploring upgrading governance and coordination across the climate finance portfolio, but notes resourcing decisions beyond FY25/26 are not yet taken.
24
Accepted in Part
Increase investment in operationalising existing energy solutions and bridge R&D funding gaps
Recommendation
The Government should maintain its commitment to research and innovation while increasing investment in the operationalisation of existing, effective energy solutions. Funding mechanisms must bridge the gap between early- 35 stage R&D and market-ready technologies, providing opportunities for commercialisation and …
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Government Response Summary
The FCDO partially agrees, noting its successful R&D portfolio and committing to mitigate risks of overreliance on innovation by balancing approaches and embedding local ownership. However, it states it cannot make firm commitments to increasing investment in operationalisation of existing solutions beyond FY25/26, only to bear it in mind for future allocations.
25
Accepted
Work with ODA-recipient governments to develop policy for community energy projects
Recommendation
The Government should, where appropriate, work with ODA-recipient governments to develop policy, regulatory frameworks and viable, scalable models that enable community energy projects, drawing on UK expertise. (Recommendation, Paragraph 78)
Government Response Summary
The FCDO agrees and states it already offers this through its ICF Technical Assistance work, citing examples like the Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme and Climate Compatible Growth research. It also notes it is exploring ways to enhance its expertise and advice to countries in developing policy and regulatory frameworks.
27
Accepted
Foster grassroots innovation by creating platforms for communities to co-design energy solutions
Recommendation
The Government should use its convening power to foster grassroots innovation by creating platforms for young people and local communities to co-design energy solutions. This could involve facilitating partnerships, research exchanges, and mentorship programmes between UK institutions and counterparts in …
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Government Response Summary
The FCDO agrees and states it remains committed to using its convening power to co-design energy solutions and will focus on local leadership. The response details existing initiatives like the TEA programme, Chevening Scholarships, and training courses that already foster innovation, capacity, and partnerships, demonstrating alignment with the recommendation.
29
Accepted in Part
Commit to multi-year funding for energy projects, supporting their full life cycle
Recommendation
The Government should commit to multi-year funding structures that support projects across their full life cycle. This should include not only initial deployment but also ongoing maintenance, technical assistance, and governance support. The aim is to ensure that local communities …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it aims to prioritise multi-year planning and greater programming predictability, subject to future budget allocations, to ensure stable delivery and long-term impact, including supporting projects through their full life cycle. However, they acknowledge that projects cannot always be supported through their full life cycle.
30
Accepted
Ensure multilateral funding scales community energy projects, empowering beneficiaries through global leadership and best practices
Recommendation
The Government should ensure that funding through multilaterals offers opportunities to scale community energy projects. It should take a global leadership role to guarantee that communities benefit from energy access projects in ways that empower them. This could include facilitating …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts this recommendation, stating it already leads by example through domestic commitments and engagement with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to scale energy access and ensure community benefits. It commits to continue influencing and driving innovations from significant multilateral investments.
31
Accepted in Part
Embrace financial and strategic value of development work for market growth and domestic energy policy
Recommendation
The Government should embrace the financial and strategic value of its development work, both in generating viable market opportunities and in providing insights that can strengthen domestic energy policy and practice. (Conclusion, Paragraph 95)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it already collaborates with DESNZ and shares lessons. It commits to deepening collaboration through enhanced governance, joint-delivery arrangements, tracking, and coordination, and has commissioned a study on UK secondary benefits to be completed by March 2026. However, it cannot commit to a formalised mechanism.
32
Accepted in Part
Formalise a two-way learning mechanism between domestic and international energy initiatives by June 2026
Recommendation
The Government should formalise a mechanism for systematic two-way learning between domestic and international energy initiatives and formally identify ways UK businesses could grow their international footprint through community energy investments. It should be in place by June 2026 (Recommendation, …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, committing to deepen collaboration and commissioning a study (due March 2026) to inform future programme design and strengthen mechanisms for two-way learning and UK business growth, but states it cannot commit to a *formalised mechanism* at this stage.
Conclusions (16)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Despite notable global progress in expanding energy access, Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy will not be met without renewed international commitment and targeted interventions. The UK is well placed to convene and coordinate with other donors, multilateral institutions, and private sector partners to drive progress at …
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, highlighting its existing International Climate Finance (ICF) commitment and intent to continue energy access work, but noting ODA budget constraints. It commits to publishing HMG’s response in January 2026 to an independent review that proposed a comprehensive strategy and improved coordination for energy transition, and it will strive for full internal FCDO join-up.
2
Conclusion
Accepted
We welcome the leadership shown by past governments in elevating underexplored aspects of global energy access, such as clean cooking and low-energy appliances, on the global agenda. This support has delivered tangible impact. As ODA resources tighten, the UK’s impact will depend on sustaining effective energy access programmes and using …
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating that existing programmes like the TEA platform, Ayrton Fund, and British International Investment (BII) are already building linkages, improving coordination, and strategically using public finance, with an ICAI review finding good impacts from UK activities.
3
Conclusion
Accepted
The FCDO should ensure that resources directed towards championing sustainable energy access are protected amid competing budgetary demands. A steady commitment to blended finance, working with the private sector and locally responsive initiatives, should seek to help overcome financing barriers and ensure progress reaches those furthest behind. (Recommendation, Paragraph 24)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating that current programmes (TEA, MECS, Ayrton Fund, BII) already foster local partnerships, inclusion, and investment in clean energy. It notes a 2025 study on locally-led action will inform future clean energy innovation programming to ensure community voices are central.
4
Conclusion
Accepted
Energy access is a foundational enabler of sustainable development. This should be acknowledged by embedding energy access more centrally in strategic planning and resource allocation. Evidence received by the Committee indicates that this is not currently happening, representing a missed opportunity to maximise the impact of limited funds. (Conclusion, Paragraph …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating it recognises the importance of community engagement and promotes it through inclusive models and by placing Gender, Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles at the centre of its approach. It highlights that its Centre of Expertise has developed a GEDSI toolkit now being piloted in Zambia's energy sector.
5
Conclusion
Deferred
The FCDO must embed energy access across development, climate and humanitarian policies. A departmental working group should be set up by the end of 2026 to coordinate delivery. The FCDO should also create 32 targeted funding and measurable incentives for programmes that integrate energy access with other sectors, including health, …
Government Response Summary
The government's response appears to be misaligned with the recommendation provided. It refers to reviewing accountability frameworks within the next six months (a specific action, but for another recommendation), and mentions past activities such as a webinar and a report on localisation published in November 2025. It does not address embedding energy access across policies, setting up a working group, or creating targeted funding as requested by the original recommendation.
6
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
The emphasis put by the FCDO and British International Investment (BII) on community-led energy is often implicit. The key concern is not the absence of the label, but whether localised energy systems are truly considered as a viable option and whether communities are genuinely placed at the centre of planning …
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, highlighting existing programs (TEA, MECS) and a completed study that embed localisation and inclusion principles, and detailing BII's community engagement, but states an inability to make firm commitments beyond confirmed FY25/26 budgets while committing to bear the recommendation in mind for future allocations.
8
Conclusion
Accepted
Energy access projects and programmes are more likely to succeed when they are genuinely co-designed with local stakeholders, inclusive of marginalised groups, and supported by long-term capacity-strengthening. (Conclusion, Paragraph 43)
Government Response Summary
The FCDO agrees and recognizes the importance of the conclusion, stating it already promotes community engagement through inclusive models and places GEDSI principles at the centre of its approach, including through existing programs like TEA and MECS and a new GEDSI toolkit. A study commissioned for 2025 will further inform future programming to ensure community voices are central.
9
Conclusion
Accepted
Energy projects are often technology-driven, which heightens the risks associated with limited local ownership and maintenance capacity. Emphasis should not be placed on rapid deployment or narrow output targets, but rather on meaningful community involvement. When engagement is top-down or superficial, legitimacy, sustainability, and long- term impact are compromised. (Conclusion, …
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, acknowledging the importance of disaggregated data and committing to making targeted improvements to climate finance KPIs and reporting systems, specifically strengthening disaggregated data reporting on gender and disability, through an upcoming Portfolio Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) contract. It also agrees in principle that projects should consider and communicate key trade-offs.
12
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The FCDO should systematically document and analyse successes and failures of community-led energy projects, including technical, social, and financial aspects, through annual learning reviews and case studies. Findings should be shared internally and with external partners to inform the design, governance, and scaling of future programmes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 47)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it supports research networks and tracks progress through joint monitoring frameworks. It is developing tools, including a CRM system, to join up assessments and decisions and has convened a Venture Facility Steering Group to improve coordination and information flow, but does not commit to systematic annual learning reviews or case studies.
13
Conclusion
Accepted
Inclusion is central to the effectiveness, sustainability, and legitimacy of community energy initiatives. Projects designed and governed with the active participation of women, people with disabilities, and other under- represented groups are more likely to deliver meaningful, lasting benefits and to reflect the priorities of the communities they serve. The …
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees with the conclusion, highlighting its existing support for practical, scalable innovations through programmes like TEA and MECS, and detailing successes of companies supported. It describes how it is already promoting gender equality and social inclusion within its energy access programmes and supporting local stakeholders in national energy planning.
15
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The FCDO should require community energy projects to actively involve people with disabilities in project design and governance, provide accessible technical and capacity-building support, and report on disability-disaggregated outcomes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 54)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation and is committed to co-designing solutions and fostering local leadership through existing programmes like TEA. However, it does not detail how it will specifically require community energy projects to involve people with disabilities, provide accessible support, or report on disability-disaggregated outcomes.
16
Conclusion
Deferred
Conventional value-for-money frameworks overlook long-term social benefits, which undervalues inclusive, community-led approaches. The Government’s efforts to advance inclusivity are further constrained by the limited availability of disaggregated data on how energy systems affect women, people with disabilities, or other marginalised groups. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, but its response primarily discusses ODA budget predictability, stability, and risk management, as well as insights from ICAI reviews, without directly addressing how conventional value-for-money frameworks overlook social benefits or the limited availability of disaggregated data.
21
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Government has not always fully recognised the synergies between energy access and climate adaptation, leading to siloed programming, despite the central role of resilient energy systems in supporting adaptation efforts. (Conclusion, Paragraph 69)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees with the observation, stating it understands the interconnectedness and already supports related research and coordination. It agrees better integration is possible and will explore upgrading governance and coordination across its climate finance portfolio, committing to bear the recommendation in mind for future resourcing decisions.
23
Conclusion
Accepted
The Government’s aid strategy rightly emphasises research and innovation, leveraging FCDO’s distinctive ability to connect global expertise with local knowledge and fostering strong partnerships with the UK research community. However, overreliance on innovation carries risks that need to be acknowledged and mitigated. (Conclusion, Paragraph 75)
Government Response Summary
The FCDO partially agrees, acknowledging the concerns about overreliance on innovation and committing to mitigate risks by balancing innovation with proven approaches, embedding local ownership, strengthening risk management, and investing in capacity-building. It outlines its existing R&D portfolio, but defers firm commitments on increasing investment beyond FY25/26.
26
Conclusion
Accepted
Sustained progress in community energy depends on fostering local innovation and building robust capacity at multiple levels, from grassroots technical skills to manufacturing ecosystems. (Conclusion, Paragraph 81)
Government Response Summary
The FCDO agrees with the conclusion and highlights existing programmes like TEA, Chevening Scholarships, and open-source training that already foster innovation and build capacity in energy access. They commit to continuing to embed lessons learned from evaluations into policy and programme delivery.
28
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Without predictable support, both the quality and effectiveness of UK- funded energy access initiatives, as well as the expertise built up through years of engagement, are at risk. We recognise the importance of the new arrangements for ODA allocations in improving predictability at the departmental level. However, we would like …
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it aims to prioritise multi-year planning and greater programming predictability, subject to future budget allocations, to ensure stable delivery and long-term impact, including supporting projects through their full life cycle. However, they also recognise that full life cycle support isn't always possible due to various reasons.