WRI Polsky Center
for the Global Energy Transition

Energy powers every aspect of modern life—homes, hospitals, schools and industries—creating opportunities for healthier, more prosperous communities. Access to clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy is a cornerstone of economic growth and human well-being.

Meeting this challenge requires bold, pragmatic action to modernize energy systems, scale new technologies and expand access. Transitioning to a sustainable energy economy is an opportunity to create jobs, boost economic growth and enhance global security while ensuring an inclusive and reliable energy future.

Yet, the global energy system is falling short. The energy sector is responsible for 75.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and over 666 million people still lack access to electricity. Meanwhile, surging energy demand outpaces the deployment of clean energy solutions, threatening energy security and economic stability.

The WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition delivers pragmatic, scalable and urgently needed solutions to achieve a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future.

Harnessing WRI’s renowned analytical power, convening ability and global expertise, the WRI Polsky Energy Center works with governments, utilities, companies, financial institutions and civil society to find bold solutions to the barriers that stand in the way of the energy transition, including modernizing grids, unlocking financing, sourcing critical minerals responsibly and building a future-ready workforce. 

We support the global commitment to accelerate renewable energy, deliver energy storage solutions and increase energy efficiency, while continuing to transition from fossil fuels.  

The WRI Polsky Energy Center takes a unique, three-part approach that combines WRI’s renowned experts, a world-class Advisory Group and collaboration with partners to: 

• Generate evidence-based analyses on barriers and solutions through rigorous research from around the world.
• Orchestrate the change by engaging influential actors—banks, companies, utilities, governments and civil society—to co-create and implement solutions.
• Leverage WRI’s reach—including the Institute’s presence in a dozen of the world’s most influential economies—and global expertise on topics that are important to the energy transition such as land use, oceans, urban development, climate, economics, finance and governance.