A major but excruciatingly slow transition is underway around the world, as countries build the infrastructure – in energy, transport, etc. – that will provide the basic connective tissue for economic activity, human development and growth for the decades ahead. Carbon-heavy, resource wasting, inflexible 19th and 20th century style infrastructure needs to give way to 21st century carbon-light, resource conserving, adaptable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concerted efforts are afoot to try to speed up that transition and improve the technology choices being made. But there are lacunae in that process – opportunities are being missed, resources are being used less than optimally, and key issues aren’t getting the attention they should. R4D has been approached to consider getting involved in this space, and is looking into the possibilities.