Reflections from COP29: Driving clean energy access and climate action

COP29 was dubbed the ‘finance COP’ given the expectation that delegates would agree to increase their funding commitments to developing nations. This year, developed countries committed to increase annual climate finance for developing nations from $100 billion to $300 billion by 2035. 

Encouragingly, several initiatives emerged to boost clean energy access for underserved communities. Notable efforts included the Acumen Hardest to Reach initiative, which secured $25 million from the International Finance Corporation to expand household solar access, reducing reliance on kerosene and diesel.  

Also, the African Energy Efficiency Programme aims to save $175 billion for African consumers by 2030 while improving access to electricity and reducing emissions.  

Sustainable cooling was a significant focus at COP29. It was also the first anniversary of the Global Cooling Pledge, marking progress toward reducing cooling-related emissions by 68% by 2050. 

However, this is still an urgent challenge. As temperatures rise around the world, over 1.2 billion people lack proper access to cooling. Solar-powered cooling technologies remain in the early stages of deployment due to the high upfront costs of scale-up financing.  

Speaking at the UK Pavilion on making cooling solutions more accessible and affordable,  Jakub underscored the importance of:

• innovative business models
• increased funding
• policy support 

Agriculture, responsible for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, was another focus area at COP29. Solar-powered appliances like cold storage systems can help reduce food loss, which is responsible for 8–10% of global emissions, while also boosting farmer incomes. 

For example, solar-powered cold rooms can keep produce such as fruits and vegetables fresh for longer, reducing food loss and associated emissions. However, these systems often remain prohibitively expensive.

To overcome these cost barriers, entrepreneurs are exploring creative approaches such as Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS). This would let customers pay only for the cooling they use, eliminating the need for upfront investment. The Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund is supporting pilot projects in Kenya and Nigeria to test these innovative business models.  

Strengthening collaboration between agriculture and energy sectors is essential to unlock these solutions’ full potential. 

Clean cooking was a prominent topic at COP29, with new commitments reinforcing its importance in achieving climate and energy goals. Among these included a pledge from the UK government to invest £74 million to expand clean cooking access to 10 million people. This builds on the success of the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme. 

High-level discussions, such as those hosted by the International Energy Agency, highlighted the pivotal role of clean cooking in achieving global energy and climate goals.  

Just and inclusive access to energy emerged as a key enabler for adapting to the effects of climate change. Increasing access to solar-powered appliances can help improve quality of life and livelihoods, and can enhance resilience to climate impacts. However, achieving these outcomes needs sustained investment and cross-sector collaboration. This is where we can add value as Co-secretariat of Efficiency for Access, a global coalition working to promote energy access through energy efficient appliances.