Key Impact Points:
- UNDP and IBM release two AI models to forecast electricity access and assess clean energy equity.
- Freely accessible tools available on UNDP’s GeoHub platform empower data-driven decisions for a just energy transition.
- Collaboration leverages advanced technologies like IBM watsonx to support Sustainable Development Goals.
UNDP and IBM have unveiled two innovative AI models on UNDP’s GeoHub platform to analyze complex energy issues and support a just energy transition. Leveraging technologies like the IBM watsonx AI platform, these tools are designed for policymakers, governments, and the general public.
IBM and UNDP Collaboration
Over a two-year partnership through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator program, UNDP and IBM enhanced GeoHub with:
- Electricity Access Forecasting AI Model: Utilizes IBM watsonx AI, IBM Cloud, and open-source machine learning to forecast electricity access through 2030 by evaluating factors such as population, infrastructure, urbanization, elevation, and satellite data. It includes data from 102 countries across Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East.
- Clean Energy Equity Index: Developed with Stony Brook University, this statistical geospatial model combines environmental, economic, and social factors—like education, greenhouse gas emissions, and relative wealth—to generate a Clean Energy Equity score ranging from 0 to 1. It provides data from 53 African countries.
Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, said, “Bringing together UNDP’s knowledge and global leadership in sustainable development and IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI and hybrid cloud, we are proud to unveil solutions that demonstrate the power of technology to make a lasting, positive impact on our environment and in our communities. By making innovative models freely accessible to the public, we aim to empower leaders, organizations, and community members alike with the insights to make impactful energy decisions around the world.”
Empowering Data-Driven Decisions
By integrating these models into GeoHub—a centralized ecosystem of geospatial data and services—UNDP and IBM aim to strengthen public access to complex clean energy information. This initiative supports a granular and evidence-based approach to development challenges, aiding policymakers and decision-makers in making informed choices.
Laurel Patterson, Head of the UNDP SDG Integration Team, UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, stated, “UNDP’s innovative collaboration with IBM helps countries leverage development data and technology innovation to improve lives and protect the planet. The solutions we’ve co-created provide a credible evidence base to help countries make meaningful and practical progress towards a just energy transition. Net-zero investment and people-centered development strategies are fundamental to accelerate the SDGs.”
Related Article: UNDP, GRI, IFRS, ISO Partner to Establish Sustainability Disclosure and Management Hubs Across Developing Economies
About GeoHub
Part of UNDP’s Data Futures Exchange (DFx), GeoHub allows users to upload, visualize, and analyze datasets by combining time-oriented and geographic data with satellite imagery. It supports localized and evidence-based policymaking, from determining subnational electricity access to assessing community vulnerability to climate change.
