Clean Energy in the Hardest-to-reach Communities: Emerging Finance Solutions, Transformative Benefits

Presented by: Climate Policy Initiative, Energy Peace Partners, Honnold Foundation, and Skyline Foundation

In an uncertain geopolitical landscape where collective political will and financial resources for climate action are shrinking, the hardest-to-reach communities risk losing the most. Yet it is these communities where accelerating climate action can have outsized impacts.

​This gathering will highlight the impact of distributed renewable energy systems in communities that are remote and difficult to serve, and explore the range of financing solutions that enable them to succeed and scale. This panel will also explore the transformative power of community-scale renewable energy, including accelerating social and economic development, addressing historic marginalization, reducing conflict dynamics, and supporting long-term peace and prosperity.

Agenda

Keynote by Rachel Kyte (9:00–9:10 AM)Rachel Kyte was appointed UK Special Representative for Climate on 21 October 2024. Ms Kyte is Professor of Practice in Climate Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford and dean emerita of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. She has extensive international climate experience with previous roles including Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, World Bank Group Vice President and Special Envoy for Climate Change as well as Vice President for Sustainable Development at the World Bank and for Business Advisory Services at the International Finance Corporation.

​Panel Discussion 1 (9:10–9:50 AM)A conversation on the transformative benefits of distributed renewable energy projects in hard-to-reach or remote communities.

​Washima Mede, Prado PowerMica Miro, Green EmpowermentDavid Nicholson, Mercy CorpsEmily Teitsworth, Honnold Foundation (Moderator)

Panel Discussion 2 (9:55–10:35 AM)

A conversation on emerging climate finance solutions that are helping to close the investment gap in hard-to-reach and other challenging markets, particularly given the urgency of the current moment.

Ben Broché, Climate Policy InitiativeRachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate​Katie Retz, Energy Peace PartnersShereen D’Souza, Skyline Foundation (Moderator)

​Networking (10:35–11AM)

About the Organizers

​Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) is an analysis and advisory organization with deep expertise in finance and policy. CPI's mission is to help governments, businesses, and financial institutions drive economic growth while addressing climate change. Their team of analysts and advisors help decision-makers design and implement policies that reduce emissions, promote economic development, and improve lives.

​Energy Peace Partners (EPP) leverages renewable energy and finance solutions to promote peace in places affected by violent conflict. EPP's innovative Peace Renewable Energy Credit (P-REC) helps build renewable energy infrastructure in fragile regions. EPP's programs support renewable energy projects that enhance economic development, increase stability, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in conflict-vulnerable communities.

The Honnold Foundation advances energy independence, economic development, and climate resilience by funding catalytic solar energy projects with the potential to scale in historically marginalized communities worldwide. HF funds catalytic, early-stage renewable energy solutions, builds capacity, and amplifies local solutions because those experiencing the greatest impacts from climate change, economic instability, and social injustice stand to benefit the most from the renewable energy transition - and their knowledge and innovation can lead the way.

Skyline Foundation is a Bay Area-based national philanthropy founded by Angela and David Filo in 2000. The foundation awards grants on an invitation-only basis in four program areas: Climate Solutions, Just Democracy, Equity in Education, and Birth Justice. In 2025, the foundation awarded $101 million in total grantmaking.