Pledges to Plans: Principles & Components of Durable Energy Transitions
To proactively de-risk infrastructure, there is an immediate need to rethink the “target-plan-incentivize” approach, which is currently used to address the climate challenge. This report argues that the current lack of adequate planning processes presents a policy “valley of death,” potentially inhibiting the effectiveness of incentives in achieving global climate targets.
Considering that energy planning approaches will differ by region and infrastructure type; this report outlines several key components of effective energy planning principles. If executed effectively, these components can lead to a durable and impactful policy cycle. They can guide the creation of planning processes at any level to transform simple pledges and targets into reality by being:
- Proactive and risk-aware: engage in structured system-risk-management approaches to mitigate risks and develop robust options-based strategies, ensuring multiple pathways to success.
- Multi-jurisdictional, cross-sectorial, and has systems-perspective: identify opportunities to scale solutions across regions, benefiting from economies of scale and lower costs.
- Co-created with all stakeholders: directly tackle planning challenges and potential conflicts, fostering a sense of shared ownership and accountability among all parties.
- Based on comprehensive, transparent, scenario-based analysis: ensure efficacy and relevance.
- Actionable roadmaps, accountable progress tracking, adaptive learning: provide opportunities for continuous review, refinement, and adaptation, grounded in legal frameworks to compel action.
