Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
8th Report - Empowering Development: Energy Access for Communities
International Development Committee
HC 849
Published 14 November 2025
Conclusions (4)
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.
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.
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.
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.