The Challenge
As the cornerstone of power systems, utilities are at the center of the energy transition and access agenda. Technical advancements in grid digitalization, distributed generation, and battery storage are creating fresh opportunities to actively embrace the shift to affordable, clean, and reliable energy. However, utilities face increasing climate impacts and changing energy supply-demand patterns. These challenges are compounded by the global push towards universal energy access, including the expansion of networks to lower-income and isolated communities, while navigating often complex political and regulatory environments.
The Solution: Future Grids
The IFC Future Grids Alliance is an IFC-led initiative designed to support emerging market utilities in implementing a just energy transition, achieving universal access to energy, and managing climate risk.
Exclusive Global Network
Members of the IFC Future Grids Alliance will be invited to participate in IFC-organized events, featuring technical experts and influential business leaders. These events include discussions on key sectoral challenges such as grid digitalization, social priorities for utilities, emerging renewable energy technologies, sustainable finance, and corporate decarbonization and adaptation strategies. Programs are designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among major power utilities in emerging markets.
Select Partners
Advisory and Project Co-Development Services
For existing Future Grids partners, IFC offers a wide range of advisory and project co-development solutions. These include advisory services covering technical, climate, social, and sustainable finance aspects.
Finance
Through Future Grids, IFC can provide a variety of innovative financial products, including sustainable debt — green, blue, and sustainability-linked — equity, mezzanine, local currency, and risk mitigation instruments. These products support investments in renewable energy, storage, network digitalization, and grid expansion, among other future-focused priorities for utilities.
Learn more about IFC’s sustainable finance products for infrastructure companies.