What has the GEAPP public-private partnership, created at COP26 to drive the global energy transition, achieved in four years?
In a context marked by economic and political tensions that threaten the global climate agenda, the Global Energy Partnership for People and Planet (GEAPP) demonstrated how collaboration between governments, philanthropies, and the private sector can accelerate the energy transition, create jobs, and reduce emissions on a massive scale.
Latin America is a key player in the energy transition driven by the Global Energy Alliance. Photo: Enel Colombia
According to its 2025 Impact Report, presented this Monday, the alliance has mobilized US$7.8 billion in total funding since its creation at COP26 (2021). Thanks to an innovative public-private-philanthropic partnership (PPPP) model, the initiative has promoted 137 projects in more than 30 countries, with tangible results:
- Improve energy access for 91 million people.
- Support or create 3.1 million jobs and livelihoods.
- Avoid the emission of 296 million tons of CO₂.
“The value of these partnerships is undeniable. A just energy transition is not only possible, but also a powerful engine of employment and economic growth,” said Woochong Um, CEO of GEAPP, who emphasized that “when governments, investors, and innovators come together, systemic changes are achieved that work locally and scale globally.”
Latin America and the Caribbean: regional impact In the region, the alliance has successfully channeled US$599 million in financing for 22 projects in various stages of deployment. According to the report's projections, these initiatives will benefit 7 million people with access to clean energy, boost 111,000 jobs and livelihoods, and prevent the emission of 24 million tons of carbon.
The GEAPP was created during COP26. Photo: EFE/EPA/ROBERT PERRY
Notable projects include:
- Haiti: Rooftop solar grids supply isolated communities and serve as a model for hard-to-reach areas.
- Bolivia: Programs that combine financing, regulation, and technical assistance, expanding electricity coverage to 56,000 vulnerable households.
- Barbados: Development of battery storage systems (BESS), where 60 MW of capacity was put out to tender in 2024, strengthening the resilience of its grid.
- Brazil: Community electrification projects and productive uses are already being incorporated into national policy frameworks, with special emphasis on remote communities in the Amazon.
Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, emphasized that "access to electricity, combined with financing and training, can accelerate development at scale." Meanwhile, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, emphasized that with the support of the alliance, "the country is moving toward the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030."
The document emphasizes that financing alone is not enough: it is essential to combine capital with technical assistance, adapt to local contexts, and maintain flexible models to overcome barriers. It also insists that projects must be aligned with national priorities, with integrated data systems that measure results and generate lessons for the energy sector.
With 22 projects, the region will improve access to electricity for 7 million people. Photo: Istock
GEAPP maintains that its PPPP model will continue to be key to accelerating a just and sustainable transition in emerging economies. With a growing project portfolio and a stream of catalytic investments, the alliance seeks to consolidate its position as a central player in the fight against climate change and universal access to energy.
"The planet's energy future will depend on the ability to build strong and flexible coalitions where climate action and development go hand in hand," the report concludes.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), noted that “GEAPP's progress demonstrates that with the right partnerships, clean solutions reach those most in need, strengthening global stability.”
Environment and Health Journalist
eltiempo
