Expanding EMDE participation in global clean energy supply chains
2026
Context and Opportunity
Global clean energy deployment is constrained by fragile, concentrated supply chains. Achieving net zero requires a significant scale-up in clean energy technology production. However, supply chains remain exposed to geopolitical risks, bottlenecks, and infrastructure gaps, limiting the availability and affordability of critical components.
EMDE participation is limited by structural constraints in financing, coordination, and capability. Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) have strong potential to contribute through resources, labour, and growing demand. However, financing gaps, regulatory fragmentation, infrastructure deficits, and weak coordination continue to restrict their integration into global supply chains.
A coordinated, multi-partner approach is needed to translate opportunities into implementable solutions. Through the Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA), the UK is bringing together public and private partners to develop and advance proof-of-concept (PoC) opportunities. Growth Gateway supports the identification of delivery pathways, partner coalitions, and financing approaches to move selected opportunities towards implementation.
Key Highlights
Multilateral Solutions
20+
Opportunities identified, four PoCs developed to demonstrate finance–offtake solutions
Potential Value
< £100B
Potential value from expanded EMDE participation in clean energy supply chains
External Engagements
30+
Industry and country engagements to test feasibility and build implementation interest
Support Provided
Defined Proof-of-concept (POC) Opportunities And Delivery Pathways
Translated solutions into implementable PoCs with clear scale potential across resourcing scenarios
- Defined priority PoCs: Zambia & Philippines copper refining, South Africa manganese processing, Brazil nacelle assembly
- Identified delivery stakeholders: EMDE and developed market partners, DFIs and commercial funders, suppliers, traders, buyers
- Identified participation barriers: unclear value propositions, insufficient demand scale, and limited risk-sharing to crowd in finance
- Established stakeholder sequencing: engage EMDE and developed market partners, then funders and suppliers
Defined Delivery Scenarios For GCPA To Sustain Momentum
Outlined pathways to progress PoCs under different resource and commitment scenarios
- Option 1: build a coalition of EMDE and developed market partners to develop the pipeline, align roles, and mobilise counterparts
- Option 2: unlock DFI/IFI participation by addressing mandate constraints and structuring bankable risk-sharing mechanisms
- Option 3: launch a fully funded, end-to-end PoC to demonstrate viability and progress to implementation
Deepened Alignment And Commitment From Private And Public Stakeholders
Tested commercial viability of finance-offtake solutions and assessed conditions for investment
- Convened a private-sector roundtable at Singapore International Energy Week with 10+ industry leaders
- Conducted 1:1 engagements with buyers, investors, traders, and DFIs to assess participation conditions
- Facilitated country discussions with partner governments on opportunities and next steps
Impact Achieved
Up to £100B
Potential size of the prize
Country resources and interest determine implementation scale; clear value can be unlocked with short-listed opportunities on the short- to mid-term
50+
Private and development finance partners identified for PoC implementation
“We would be happy to engage further on these proofs of concepts, it’s an extension to some deals we are already working on.” Development funder
30+
stakeholders engaged
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