Energy Transitions & Investment in Emerging Markets
The landscape of development finance is undergoing dramatic shifts, with important ramifications for energy transitions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Supporting equitable and investable approaches requires strategies and evidence that respond to these shifting dynamics.
Hosted by the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project (EAP), this event will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, Duke alumni, and students to explore how impact-driven businesses, private sector capital, and concessional finance can adapt and thrive in this evolving environment.
The discussions about this rapidly developing sector will help attendees refine research agendas, advance policy work, and gain insights into challenges in energy access, development, and investment. The conversations will contribute to shaping EAP’s strategic direction for the next decade.
The event will include opportunities to network with development and finance professionals (including Duke alumni) as well as students working on energy transitions in LMICs. A post-event reception will recognize and celebrate M.A. Rogers for her recent generous gift to EAP to enable the program to expand its impact in the coming years.
Event partners include the Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment (EDGE) at the Fuqua School of Business; Global Energy Access Network (GLEAN); Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability; and Sanford School of Public Policy.
Draft Agenda
12:00 p.m. | Check-in & Lunch
Networking and food as participants assemble.
12:15-12:30 p.m. | Welcome & Context-Setting Over Lunch (Jonathan Phillips and Marc Jeuland)
Includes introduction to the afternoon’s discussions, a recap of EAP’s work to date, and framing and overview of the current challenges in energy transitions and investment in LMICs.
12:30-1:00 p.m. | Panel 1. “The Elephant in the Room: What the Shift in US Foreign Assistance Means for Low- and Middle-Income Countries… and for People Who Want to Work in This Space.”
Hot takes from four professionals, followed by Q&A.
1:00 – 1:20 p.m. | Keynote. Speaker and Title TBD.
A talk that grounds the audience in the current energy challenge, establishes a vision for the future, and lays out the pathways and challenges/opportunities to get there. Potential themes: Global energy poverty in 2025; prospects, policy, and partnerships for green industrialization; technological application and scale; delivering on the equity promise.
1:20 – 2:00 p.m. | Panel 2: “The Road Ahead for Impact-driven Energy Enterprises”
Themes: Implications for profitability and scale; rapid technological development and market traction; critical policy gaps; where does US foreign assistance and concessional capital land?
2:00-2:15 p.m. | Coffee Break
2:15 – 2:50 p.m. | “Through the Eyes of Students: Research & Action on Energy Transitions”
~5-7 lightning talks from students on projects they’re involved in (5 min each)
2:50 – 3:05 p.m. | Coffee Break
3:05 – 3:45 p.m. | Panel 3: “Powering Resilience, Growth, and Justice: An Energy Transition Re-frame”
Potential themes: re-centering of growth; measuring and investing in resilience; green industrialization policy and planning; balancing cost, speed, demand, and sustainability in electrification goals; where does climate fits into the energy development agenda now?
3:45 – 4:50 p.m. | Interactive Strategy Session. “Jim Rogers’ Cocktail Napkin, 10 Years Later: What’s Next for EAP?”
A small group of people familiar with EAP—including some who were thought partners with Jim Rogers in designing EAP a decade ago—offer insights on where a U.S. university-based program can add value on energy poverty in the global south. How can EAP evolve to meet emerging challenges and opportunities in its next phase of work?
4:50 – 5:00 p.m. | Wrap-up
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Reception & Networking
- Toasting M.A. Rogers’ gift to EAP
- Informal networking and continued discussions over drinks
Confirmed Speakers
- Kate Steel, co-founder and CEO of Nithio
- Luol Deng, former Blue Devil & NBA star, philanthropist
- Stacy Swann, founder of Resilient Earth Capital, and former CEO of Climate Finance Advisors
- Sarah Bieber, Director, Climate Strategy at Acumen
- Jean Lee, Senior Economist, The World Bank
- Katie Auth, Policy Director, The Energy for Growth Hub
- Indraneel Dharwadkar, Program Officer, ClimateWorks Foundation
- Harry Masters, Founder & Director, Advancing Green
- Marie McNamara, Manager, RMI
- Jide Olutoke, Structured Finance Analyst, Climate Policy Initiative
- Dalia Patino-Echeverri, Gendell Family Associate Professor, Duke University
- Conor Savoy, Non-Resident Fellow, Center for Global Development & Former Team Lead, Foreign Policy Engagement, USAID
- Matthew Tiedeman, Director, Energy for Development, RTI International
- Tanja Vucic, Principal, Novi Strategies