How to build infrastructure that empowers people

💡Energy infrastructure is critical to a productive, modern life. In developed countries, this is mostly taken for granted (unless there is a spike in electricity prices). In emerging economies, energy infrastructure is often just being built. There, building it in such a way that it best supports economic activities and income generation is critical. However, if there is no electricity, there are typically no appliances and machines yet that run on electricity (so called “productive uses of energy” or PUE). So it’s a chicken-and-egg problem.

Solving it is important for economic growth as well as for climate resilience in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. The World Bank is giving this a lot of thought. Their answer is: bring stakeholders together.

For example: companies that sell solar power equipment or build grid infrastructure, with makers of agricultural machinery and financing providers.

➡️ As a geospatial data tool, VIDA can help support the right, people-centric infrastructure. In Nigeria, for example, VIDA brought together mini-grid developers, financiers, agricultural appliance providers and development partners to jointly assess and develop PUE investment opportunities.

This kind of collaboration is crucial for fostering climate-sensitive economic growth in places that need it most. Get in touch with us to find out more.

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