Transitions to low carbon energy systems: which pathways to energy access for all?

The Low Carbon Energy for Development Network is holding a second international workshop, to identify and discuss priority questions that need to be answered to meet the UN goal of 'Sustainable energy for all'.  

Reflecting on the outcomes and implications of Rio+20, the workshop will have a particular focus on the extent to which low carbon development can simultaneously address concerns around energy access, poverty reduction, human development and economic growth.

This workshop will be hosted by SPRU and the STEPS Centre at the University of Sussex, supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The event will involve participants drawn from across a wide array of academic communities, government departments, private sector organisations and NGOs, as well as a range of countries.

Goals

Intended outcomes include the forging of new south-north partnerships for addressing the research priorities emerging from the conference and will be designed to address a series of questions:

1. In addition to the technical issues of low carbon energy technologies, what are the challenges to achieving energy access for all?
2. What are the links between energy technologies, energy services, development and poverty reduction?
3. What are the implications for energy access of rapid urbanisation and what can we do as researchers, policy makers and practitioners to ensure the provision of sustainable energy for the urban poor?
4. What financing mechanisms work, and what else needs to be done to make finance work for the poor?

For specific enquiries and for further conference, transport and accommodation details, please contact Dr Rob Byrne, Research Fellow, SPRU (Science & Technology Policy Research) and STEPS Centre, or by telephone on +44 (0)1273 873 217.