IBM to accelerate clean energy transition for vulnerable populations

IBM has expanded its membership for its global pro bono social impact programme, known as IBM Sustainability Accelerator.

The programme applies IBM technologies, such as hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence and an ecosystem of experts to enhance and scale projects focused on populations vulnerable to environmental threats, including climate change.

All new members will focus on accelerating clean energy projects. IBM announced its plans to select five organisations for this programme each year at COP27 and provide $30 million worth of services by the end of 2023.

According to the International Energy Agency(IEA), the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to global supply chains and diversion of fiscal resources to keep food and fuel prices affordable, have affected the pace of progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030.

“With the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, we are convening experts and using innovative technologies to help tackle the toughest environmental challenges our planet faces; and transitioning to clean energy is a critical step right now,” said the Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG at IBM, Justina Nixon-Saintil.

“With this new cohort, helping marginalised communities get just and equitable access to sustainable energy resources not only helps the world achieve the goal of UN SDG7, but can help in the larger global energy transition.”

After evaluating more than 100 submissions from around the world, IBM selected five organisations to become the clean energy cohort of the programme, namely the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Sustainable Energy for All, Net Zero Atlantic, Miyakojima City government and Environment Without Borders Foundation.

For instance, UNDP is working with IBM to increase access to sustainable, affordable and reliable energy in African countries, focusing on those furthest left behind. The goal is to forecast electricity access to better guide policy and investment decisions, using UNDP’s technical knowledge and IBM’s artificial intelligence and geospatial analytics.