Our 2025 Humanitarian Energy Update report documents how the sector responded to this reality. Across 10+ countries, a shift from temporary fixes to laying the foundations for durable energy systems was evident. From solarising UN operations, connecting refugees to national grids, and channelling capital through facilities like Humenergi in Uganda.
The takeaway? Financial pressure accelerated what grants alone couldn't: structured partnerships with development financiers, introduction of carbon finance in Cox's Bazar, and refugee-led enterprises scaling clean cooking across East Africa. This isn't a story of scarcity. It's a story of a strategic move.
Contributions to this report were made by GPA partners IOM, UNHCR, Mercy Corps, Ashden, SNV, UNEP-CCC, Last Mile Climate, Practical Action, and MECS. The GPA is deeply grateful to its partners and donors for their collective support and delivery of SDG 7 Sustainable Access to Energy for All, in displacement and conflict-affected contexts.
This Briefing Note was developed by the GPA Secretariat as part of the Transforming Humanitarian Energy Access (THEA) programme, which aims to build evidence on how to increase energy access in displacement settings. THEA is funded with UK Aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform and is delivered in partnership with Mercy Corps, Ashden, and Global Platform for Action (GPA).
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Last updated: 27/03/2026