Abstract
Energy demand is surging in the developing world, and international organizations play an important role in the funding of energy projects. However, there is virtually no empirical analysis of how different organizations choose their project portfolios. This article examines the energy funding of different international organizations, with a particular focus on the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) and International Finance Corporation (IFC). We use data on 888 projects in 128 recipient countries funded by nine major international organizations during the years 2008-2011. Relative to other organizations, the IDA is found to invest less in fossil fuels and more in projects that improve energy access for the poorest people. The IFC emphasizes fossil fuels while downplaying the importance of energy access. Overall, fossil fuels now receive only a minority of energy funding. However, energy access is only emphasized in a tiny minority of projects.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 411-423 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 Nov |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Clean energy
- Development assistance
- Energy policy
- Fossil fuels
- International organizations
- World Bank
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Economics and Econometrics
- Political Science and International Relations
- Law