Energy Access Explorer – World's First Digital Public Good for Climate-Compliant Energy Transitions

This 90-minute session will spotlight the Energy Access Explorer (EAE) as an open-source digital public good supporting more inclusive, data-informed, and climate-compliant energy transitions. As governments, investors, and practitioners work to align energy planning with climate and development goals, the session will explore how open geospatial intelligence can help identify priority areas, strengthen coordination across institutions, improve transparency, and build stronger investment pipelines. It will highlight the value of locally led and people-centric approaches to energy transitions, and the role digital public goods can play in reducing information barriers and enabling more effective public and private action. 

The session will also feature practical examples of EAE’s planning applications, from rural electrification and public-service electrification to productive use, clean cooking, and renewable energy siting, alongside a live demonstration of the platform’s core features. 

Speakers: 

• Harsha Meenawat, Global Lead, Energy Access & Equitable Development, WRI Polsky Energy Center 
• Dimitris Mentis, Global Lead, Energy Access Explorer, WRI Polsky Energy Center 
• Kane Alexander, Lead, Energy Modelling Community, Climate Compatible Growth
• Hannah Mottram, Senior Research Analyst, Energy Saving Trust (co-secretariat of Efficiency for Access)
• Steve Nicholls, Director, African Energy Futures