Energy and development

Access to clean and reliable energy sources is a key pillar of sustainable development. Our researchers are working to overcome barriers to energy access around the world.

Globally, millions of people lack access to safe, affordable and consistent energy sources. Improving access to clean and affordable energy has the power to transform public health, environmental safety and social equity. When marginalised groups can access affordable clean energy, their wellbeing is bolstered and they can break the cycle of poverty. Our aim is to inform policy, development funding and education programs that can catalyse a sustainable energy future for all.

Dr Bishal Bharadwaj, Professor Peta Ashworth, Dr Pramesh Dhungana, Professor Hari Vuthaluru

Burning plastic as a household fuel

Led by Energy and Development Theme Lead, Dr Bishal Bharadwaj, a team of 41 researchers from over 30 countries is investigating the global issue of plastic waste and energy poverty in the Global South. Many urban slum households cannot access fuels like wood, charcoal, gas or electricity, forcing them to use discarded plastic waste to heat their homes, boil water and cook food. Burning plastic releases a range of harmful chemicals, so this practice has significant implications for public health and environmental sustainability.
This project aims to gather information about the scale of this global issue to help inform policy and other practical interventions that support clean cooking for urban slum households.

Research overview

Dr Bishal Bharadwaj

Global training program

To upskill students and researchers in the Global South, Dr Bishal Bharawaj coordinated a program of training opportunities. These courses focused on providing an opportunity to learn how to use data from students’ home countries to map critical energy-related information, such as night-light pollution and climate-change-induced heat stress.
Students joined these courses online from over 15 countries in Asia and Africa and were encouraged to share their knowledge and findings with others in their networks to allow for broader skill sharing outside of the formal learning environment.

Training resources