Welcome to the inaugural edition of Earth's Energy Future!

"As we look ahead, the future of energy will be defined by how we leverage both earth-based technologies and digital innovations to decarbonise our global energy systems. At the Bezos Earth Fund, our goal is to accelerate this transformation in a way that not only reduces emissions but also drives efficiency and builds resilient, circular economies. By embracing cutting-edge tools and co-designing innovative business models, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more sustainable future that benefits both people and the planet." – Nicole Iseppi, Director of Global Energy Innovation

We hope you find this newsletter informative and inspiring as we continue to work together towards a more sustainable and equitable global energy future.

The Bezos Earth Fund and Sustainable Energy

The Bezos Earth Fund was established with the largest philanthropic commitment ever to fight climate change and protect nature. The $10 billion grant commitment will be disbursed by 2030, the date by which the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals must be achieved. We aim to harness the best of human ingenuity, adaptability, and collective action to create a future in which everyone can thrive.

We believe that this is the decisive decade and we are at the forefront of addressing critical environmental issues through sustainable energy initiatives, including:

Empowering energy equity with AI

Nicole Iseppi's recent opinion piece highlights the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bridging the global energy access gap. While traditional power grid models struggle to deliver electricity to underserved communities, AI offers a powerful tool to democratise energy access. By analysing socioeconomic data and energy consumption patterns, AI can pinpoint areas most in need of intervention, enabling targeted and effective investments. This approach is already making a difference in regions like rural India and sub-Saharan Africa, where AI-powered tools help identify off-grid communities and suitable energy solutions.

AI-enabled platforms are fostering energy democratisation through peer-to-peer trading, empowering communities to take control of their energy future. However, we need responsible AI development, robust cybersecurity measures, and inclusive decision-making to ensure AI benefits are shared equitably. By working together, governments, utilities, and communities can harness AI’s potential to create a more sustainable and just energy future.

Read the article in Devex : “AI is a catalyst for energy equity and democratisation."

Leveraging AI For Power Grid Optimisation

“Can modern AI help counter climate change and nature loss, and, if so, how? That’s the question we hope to answer,” says Jeff Bezos, Executive Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund.

Artificial Intelligence holds the key to unlocking faster, more efficient access to clean energy. At the Bezos Earth Fund, we're exploring cutting-edge AI technologies that can optimise energy distribution, enhance renewable energy integration, and ultimately fast-track global access to sustainable energy.

Recently, we launched our AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge – under which up to $100 million in grants will be awarded. As the energy system becomes more data-driven, AI offers tantalizing prospects for the energy grid. AI has the potential to automate manual grid operations, smoothly integrate intermittent clean energy sources into the energy mix, and balance energy supply across increasing and volatile demand. Through the Grand Challenge, the Earth Fund looks to identify high-impact grid applications for AI to ensure the energy system realises catalytic benefits from this burgeoning technology.

Learn more about the AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge and power grid optimisation.

We make big bets!

Incremental steps and half-measures will not bring about the transformational change the world so desperately needs. If we are to quicken the pace and scale of change, we must pursue new strategies and invest in bold concepts. To do this, we take a multi-sectoral approach and invest in initiatives that are significantly moving the needle.

Founded by the The Rockefeller Foundation , the IKEA Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is an alliance of entrepreneurs, governments, technology, policy, and financing partners working together to support developing countries shift to a clean energy model that ensures universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.

The Bezos Earth Fund actively supports GEAPP’s mandate by providing targeted funding for several key initiatives. In South Africa, the Bezos Earth Fund backs the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which focuses on re-skilling fossil-fuel workers to facilitate the country’s shift to renewable energy. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Earth Fund supports the design and construction of metro grids and mini grids, aimed at improving energy access. As 85% of 90 million people in DRC are currently unelectrified – among the lowest in the world.

Additionally, the Fund plays a crucial role in supporting the DART (Demand Aggregation for Renewable Technology) Program, which is designed to lower the cost of distributed renewable energy solutions in developing countries, via aggregating equipment orders. A pilot project in Nigeria, has to date via this DART program successfully reduced the cost of batteries by 20% and solar panels (PV) by 10%. There are now plans to scale this project within Nigeria and expand it to other countries.

This comprehensive approach underscores the Bezos Earth Fund’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy and creating impactful change through GEAPP’s initiatives.

In Conversation with Nicole Iseppi

Pioneering Energy Innovation at the Bezos Earth Fund

In a recent interview with BloombergNEF , Nicole Iseppi, Director of Global Energy Innovation at the Bezos Earth Fund, shared insights into the strategic initiatives and bold ambitions to the global energy transition guiding the Fund's $10 billion commitment.

The Bezos Earth Fund strategically focuses on initiatives that can significantly accelerate the global energy transition during this decisive decade, addressing key tipping points and contributing to system-wide change. Nicole discusses the Fund’s strategic investments in high-impact projects, such as the electrification of the entire U.S. fleet of 480,000 school buses and the aggregated procurement of solar panels and batteries in Africa. She highlights how the price of lithium-ion batteries has fallen by 90% over the last decade, while PV prices have dropped by 85% in the same period. Despite these advancements, the benefits of this disruption have been largely confined to high-income countries, leaving distributed renewable energy systems in lower-income regions behind.

Nicole also emphasises the Bezos Earth Fund’s focus on driving systemic change, particularly in phasing out fossil fuels in electricity generation, expanding the use of renewables, energy storage, and grids, as well as digitalising the energy system to improve efficiency and resilience. The Fund aims to ensure a just and equitable transition in the process.

Additionally, the innovative AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge exemplifies the Earth Fund’s approach to catalysing change across sectors such as sustainable proteins, biodiversity conservation, and power grid optimisation.

Looking ahead to the 2030s, Nicole outlines the Bezos Earth Fund’s vision for rethinking energy systems and driving the transition to a green economy that is inclusive and equitable.

Access the interview with Nicole!

Advancing the Just Energy Transition in South Africa

In August 2024, Sir Andrew Steer , President and CEO of BEF, and Nicole Iseppi visited South Africa for an up-close perspective into the progress, challenges and trajectory of South Africa’s energy transition, which highlights the complexities of navigating this journey in emerging markets.

With 90% of its energy sourced from fossil fuels, severe energy security issues, and significant employment tied to the fossil-fuel value chain in a high-unemployment environment (~32%), South Africa faces substantial challenges in moving toward a low-carbon economy. However, as one of the early adopters of climate commitments, setting a 2050 net-zero target and engaging in the landmark JET-P deal, South Africa also serves as a crucial proof point for energy transitions in emerging markets worldwide. The country also made an early commitment to approach the energy transition with "just" at its core.

Contrary to some international perceptions, under-recognised progress is evident in South Africa. The Earth Fund team observed broad stakeholder commitment across various groups, including government, private sector, and civil society. Despite socioeconomic concerns, there is strong support for South Africa’s climate targets and sustainable decarbonisation.

South Africa has made remarkable strides in its energy transition, adding 5 GW of renewable energy in the past year, with over 30 GW planned. Legislative reforms and innovative strategies, such as repurposing materials for green manufacturing, have been key milestones. The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) 's foundational role has been instrumental in setting the groundwork for the Just Energy Transition (JET). It has enhanced regulatory frameworks and strengthened institutional capacities, earning recognition from global financiers and local stakeholders alike.

While the slow disbursement from the JET-P deal has raised concerns, independent advancements continue to drive the transition. In 2023, South Africa secured $6 billion from local banks to invest in renewables, showing that the country’s progress is not solely dependent on JET-P.

Support for challenging transitions remains crucial, particularly in sectors struggling with commercial non-viability. Continued efforts are needed to ensure a just transition for affected workers, improve network infrastructure, and increase renewable energy access for lower-income households as South Africa advances in renewable installations and battery storage.

The insights gained from our trip to South Africa are invaluable as we continue to support and drive initiatives that not only address climate change but also ensure a just transition to a low-carbon future.

At the Bezos Earth Fund, we are proud to support GEAPP and South Africa in its just energy transition, and we look forward to continuing the journey towards net zero together. The dedication and innovative spirit of all stakeholders involved inspire our ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact through sustainable energy solutions.

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By preserving the Earth and harnessing its rich and renewable resources focused on earth-based technologies to decarbonize the energy system, while driving digital transformation to reach tipping points through futuristic innovations. We envision new ways of thinking about the evolving the energy system that improve lives and provide energy security. Envisioning a future energy system that is circular in demand, resourceful, efficient, affordable, and innovative.- Nicole Iseppi

The Bezos Earth Fund is actively working to be a collaborator on transformative energy initiatives that span both in the US and the globe, and we are excited to share these developments with you as we continue our journey towards a sustainable future. We invite you to stay connected and engaged with us. In our next edition of Earth's Energy Future, we will bring you more updates on our projects, insights from industry and community experts, and stories of impact that demonstrate driving systemic change in the energy sector. Stay tuned!