2022 OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum

Fighting corruption and promoting integrity in the renewable energy sector | Joint OECD GACIF & G20 Indonesian Presidency session

Mar 31, 2022 | 11:15 AM CEST - 12:45 PM CEST

Description

With more than 260 gigawatts (GW) of renewables capacity added in 2020 and the significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy coupled with the growth of clean tech markets and ESG targets, investment in renewable energy is forecasted to grow significantly as countries seek to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), to reach net zero emissions by 2050, annual clean energy investment worldwide will need to more than triple by 2030 to around USD 4 trillion. However, the scale and speed of this significant capital investment into renewable energy projects, coupled with the “gate-keeping” function performed by governments and the existence of discretionary decision-making powers, can create opportunities for corruption. These corruption risks may be further exacerbated by the involvement of new players, alongside the involvement of the corporate sector. Evidence as to the nature and scope of corruption in the renewables sector is not yet empirically established. An important step in managing corruption in renewables will rely on quantitatively and qualitatively assessing corruption risks in the sector across different renewable energy technologies (i.e. solar, wind and hydropower, green hydrogen) at different stages of their value chain. It is also important to understand the degree to which corruption can move across the non-renewable and renewable sectors, also driven by the growing demand for critical minerals, given the central role played by leading national agencies in the energy sector and the vested interests that arise in the net-zero transition. This session will be an opportunity to discuss corruption risks, their management and mitigation in the renewable energy sector and to explore where lessons can be learned from other sectors, including the extractive industry. Closing remarks will be provided by Esther Bogaart, co-Chair G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG), Assistant Secretary of the Fraud Prevention and Anti-Corruption Branch, Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department, and Nejla Saula, Head of the Sherpa Office and Global Governance Unit, OECD.