What if renewable energy could power peace?

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Renewable energy can do more than deliver electricity.

Innovative renewable energy projects are demonstrating ways to build peace and resilience in the most fragile and conflict-affected settings in sub-Saharan Africa.

The least electrified countries in the world are often the most conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable.

Renewable energy, the world’s principal climate solution, can empower and unite communities to transform conflict dynamics.

Communities in sub-Saharan Africa with renewable energy infrastructure experience growth in economic opportunities and reductions in violent crime, gender-based violence, militia recruitment, and tribal conflicts.

These success stories are scalable, but it takes commitment, cooperation, and finance.

People living in places affected by climate change and conflict witness firsthand how interconnected climate and energy are to peace and security.

When renewable solutions are paired with peacebuilding efforts, sustainable development and peace can grow.

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Renewable Energy and Peace

The transition to renewable energy is one of the defining transformations of the twenty-first century. In many parts of the world, expanding access to reliable, affordable, renewable energy is shaping the conditions for peace and security.

The initiative brings together stories, ideas, and people working across sectors to highlight practical examples, deepen understanding, and foster collaborations where renewable energy contributes to a more peaceful and sustainable future.

Watch the Stories

Africa has taken the lead in deploying renewable energy infrastructure to build peace in conflict-affected areas. Learn more about these transformations.

Sosai in Northern NigeriaWatch Now
01

Shared Power, Shared Peace in Northern Nigeria

Communities in the most conflict-affected regions of Nigeria come together to maintain a renewable mini-grid and replace diesel dependency.
Nuru in Goma, DRCWatch Now
02

The Light That Stayed in Goma

The city of Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has experienced armed conflict and humanitarian crises for decades. Solar energy is uniting neighbors and bringing safety.
SunGate Solar in South SudanWatch Now
03

South Sudan at First Light

South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation, and least electrified. A member of the Lost Boys of Sudan returns to his country to develop electricity and empower a new generation.
Aerial view of the surrounding area of Virunga National Park in DRC.Watch Now
04

Rivers of Opportunity from Virunga National Park

Innovative uses of hydroelectric and solar power are protecting one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, and bringing opportunity and choice to its neighboring communities.

About Renewable Peace

Renewable Peace is an initiative of the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and builds upon years of research and advocacy by collaborators Energy Peace Partners, the Stimson Center, and the Dickey Center for International Understanding at Dartmouth. Through films, research, convenings, and partnerships, the initiative brings together diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise to explore the relationship between renewable energy, energy access, and peacebuilding in a rapidly changing world.