Energy and Water Advisory
WHAT WE DO
IFC helps companies use energy and water more efficiently to enhance performance and environmental sustainability. We also accelerate the development of renewable-energy markets and improve people’s access to modern energy services.
More specifically, we offer advisory solutions around three areas: resource efficiency, power, and access. We also develop studies and reports that help the private sector enter or thrive in new markets.
Resource Efficiency
Cutting costs and conserving resources are a top priority for every company, big or small. IFC’s resource efficiency experts can help make this goal a reality. Our customized solutions help companies reduce energy and water use, minimize waste, and deploy climate-smart technologies, all while strengthening their bottom line. Most importantly, we are there for the long-term—our commitment can extend through the full cycle of development, financing, and implementation.
Our approach goes beyond individual projects. We also work at the sector and market level to achieve greater impact, support industries to develop low-carbon roadmaps, and help key global brands to green their supply chains. Our global reach, independent assessments, and deep technical and market expertise provide unique insight and innovative solutions. By partnering with industry associations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders, we are fueling private sector growth, reducing risks for pioneering firms, and creating new opportunities to scale-up climate friendly investment.
More about IFC's work on Resource Efficiency
Power
IFC is a leading market and technical expert in the power sector. We work with companies, developers, governments, and industry associations to create new markets, identify investment opportunities, and improve the bankability of projects. We place an emphasis on renewable options, particularly solar and hydro, as well as improving power grids and regulatory frameworks.
We are scaling-up activities in these core areas, and supporting the deployment of new and innovative technologies, such as energy storage, floating PV, and smart grids. We focus on pre-investment activities, market entry support, and project preparation to manage market risks and complete due diligence. We are also building long-term sustainability in the sector, by improving the investment climate in the most challenging markets, assisting in the corporatization of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), facilitating project financing, and boosting infrastructure investments.
More about IFC's work on Power
Access
IFC seeks to provide millions of people who are "under-electrified" with access to modern energy services. We do this by supporting market development for companies that take advantage of competitive prices for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, efficient appliances, and battery storage. Our work helps clients scale their business.
- We helped create an international quality standard for affordable solar-powered devices and solar home systems to ensure "truth in advertising" and build consumer confidence.
- We advise manufacturers on how to meet those standards.
- We provide market intelligence that enables first movers to work in frontier markets.
- We facilitate access to finance for distributors, retailers, and consumers.
- We raise consumer awareness about emerging solar products available to them.
Lighting Global is the World Bank Group’s platform to support sustainable growth of the international off-grid solar market as a means of rapidly increasing energy access to the 1.2 billion people without grid electricity. Through Lighting Global, IFC and the World Bank work with the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), manufacturers, distributors, and other development partners to develop the modern off-grid energy market. The Lighting Global program supports market development by working with private companies to lower first-mover risk and mobilize private sector investment through market intelligence, quality assurance, business support services, and consumer education.
Find out more about Lighting Global here.
CONTACT
Alexios Pantelias | APantelias@ifc.org
