E143: Renewable Energy as a Tool for Peace
Summary
Host Molly Wood interviews Sherwin Das of Energy Peace Partners about using renewable energy to foster peace in conflict-prone African regions. Das explains how their Peace Renewable Energy Credit (P-REC) instrument unlocks investment for off-grid solar and hydro projects, creating jobs and improving safety. The episode details how clean power reduces reliance on illicit fuel trade and offers economic alternatives to joining armed groups, with new data collection efforts measuring these social impacts.
Topics discussed
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Introduction: Renewable energy as a tool for peace
Sherwin Das and Energy Peace Partners overview
Origin story: Connecting climate, conflict, and energy
How renewable energy promotes peace and security
The Peace Renewable Energy Credit (P-REC) mechanism
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Why P-RECs were needed for off-grid African markets
Measuring peace impact and social outcomes
Funding, advocacy, and the future of energy peace
Conclusion and listener engagement
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