Energy Transition Leadership and Governance

The Energy Transition Leadership and Governance Program (ETLGP) empowers local leaders and stakeholders to drive a just and equitable energy transition in their communities. Initiated by the Bridging Leadership Institute, the ETLGP recognizes the critical role of effective leadership and governance in achieving sustainable energy goals and draws inspiration from the Health Leadership and Governance Program (HLGP) implemented by the Zuellig Family Foundation.

APPROACH:

Building Bridging Leadership Capacities. Train local chief executives, energy officers, and other key stakeholders on essential leadership competencies relevant to energy transition.

Strengthening Local Energy Governance. Enhance the capacity of local governments to: Develop and implement comprehensive energy plans, Mobilize resources and attract investments for renewable energy projects, Ensure equitable access to clean and affordable energy for all, Promote energy efficiency and conservation.

Impact First Investing. Design and implement impact-first funds that will advance the triple bottom lines of people, planet, and profit through energy transition investments. 

Fostering Community Engagement. Empower communities to: Participate actively in energy planning and decision-making processes, Adopt sustainable energy practices, Advocate for policies that support a just and equitable energy transition

COMPONENTS

Provincial Energy Leadership and Governance Program: This program will focus on building the leadership capacities of Provincial Governors and their Provincial Energy Officers to develop and implement comprehensive provincial energy plans. It will emphasize strategies to:

• • Transition to renewable energy sources: Explore and develop renewable energy resources within the province, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.

  • Improve energy efficiency: Promote energy conservation measures and implement energy efficiency programs in government buildings and public infrastructure.

  • Strengthen grid modernization: Enhance the reliability and resilience of the provincial electricity grid through grid modernization and integration of renewable energy sources.

  • Foster regional energy cooperation: Facilitate collaboration among provinces to share best practices, leverage resources, and develop regional energy plans.

  • Promote sustainable transportation: Encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), develop public transportation systems, and improve road infrastructure to support sustainable transportation options.

City Energy Leadership and Governance Program: This program is designed to help City Mayors and City Energy Officers address the unique energy challenges of urban areas, such as:

• • Managing energy demand: Implement demand-side management programs to reduce peak demand and improve energy efficiency in urban settings.

  • Promoting sustainable transportation: Encourage the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking, and support the development of electric vehicle infrastructure.

  • Integrating renewable energy in urban environments: Explore opportunities for rooftop solar, community solar gardens, and other urban-scale renewable energy projects.

  • Addressing energy poverty in urban areas: Ensure equitable access to affordable and reliable energy for all urban residents, including low-income households.

Municipal Energy Leadership and Governance Program: This program will equip Mayors and Municipal Energy Officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to:

• • Develop and implement municipal energy plans: Set ambitious and achievable targets for renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and energy access.

  • Mobilize local resources: Leverage local resources and attract investments for energy projects, such as community-based renewable energy systems and EV charging stations.

  • Engage local stakeholders: Facilitate community participation in energy planning and decision-making processes.

  • Monitor and evaluate energy progress: Track progress towards energy goals and adjust strategies as needed.

  • Promote sustainable transportation: Support the development of local public transportation systems, encourage the use of bicycles and other non-motorized modes of transport, and implement measures to improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Energy Leaders for Underserved Communities: This program will be implemented in underserved communities, focusing on building the capacity of local leaders and community members to:

• • Access and utilize off-grid renewable energy solutions: Promote the adoption of solar home systems, biogas digesters, and other off-grid technologies.

  • Develop and manage community-based renewable energy projects: Empower communities to develop and manage their own renewable energy systems, such as mini-grids and microgrids.

  • Build local energy resilience: Enhance community resilience to energy disruptions and promote energy self-sufficiency.

  • Advocate for policies that support equitable energy access: Advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to clean and affordable energy for all, particularly in underserved communities.

  • Promote sustainable transportation options: Explore the use of solar-powered boats and other sustainable transportation options in island and coastal communities and promote bicycles and walking as modes of transportation in rural areas.

Social Finance for Energy Transition (in collaboration with the Social Finance Lab):

• • Academic Partnerships: Partner with academic institutions to conduct research, develop impact measurement frameworks, and train future leaders in social finance for energy.

  • Research Fellowships: Support research fellowships to investigate the feasibility and impact of different social finance approaches for energy transition.

  • Impact Fund Design and Implementation: Design and implement impact-first funds that invest in high-impact and equitable energy transition projects, such as renewable energy projects, energy efficiency initiatives, and sustainable transportation solutions.

Expected Outcomes:

1. 1. Improved energy access and affordability: Increased access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for all, particularly in underserved communities.

   2. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels: Accelerated the transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.

   3. Enhanced energy security: Strengthened local energy resilience and reduced vulnerability to energy crises.

   4. Environmental sustainability: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and mitigated the environmental impacts of energy production and consumption.

   5. Economic development: Created new economic opportunities through the development of renewable energy industries and energy efficiency services.