EEG has recently begun its second of two phases. Part 1 of EEG focused on engaging with policymakers to create a demand-led research agenda for Part 2.

Research priorities of EEG Part 2 were defined through a systematic and highly inclusive process, which served to identify two factors:

• Current state-of-knowledge: In Part 1, EEG produced 18 state-of-knowledge papers, written by leading researchers spanning economics, political science and engineering. The papers identified key research questions and knowledge gaps on a variety of topics related to energy systems in low-income countries. All 18 of the state-of-knowledge papers can be found here.

• Demand for research from energy stakeholders. In Part 1, EEG held regional workshops in Tanzania and Nepal and a Research and Matchmaking (R&M) Conference in Washington, DC. We also co-hosted a workshop with the UK Energy Research Partnership (ERP) in London to garner input from UK industry stakeholders. These events fostered a collaborative discussion between policy makers and energy stakeholders regarding the most pressing knowledge gaps and policy questions. Reports on the main outcomes of each of these meetings can be found below.

Our understanding of the current state-of-knowledge regarding energy systems in low-income countries will help us ensure that future research commissioned by EEG is novel and ground-breaking. Our strong understanding of the research demanded by energy stakeholders in low-income countries, including policymakers, donors and industry practitioners, will help us ensure that future EEG research is demand-led and applied.

During part 1 of EEG, OPM worked closely with the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) and the Energy Institute at Haas at the University of California, Berkeley. Professors Catherine Wolfram and Paul Gertler provided strategic intellectual leadership, and Carson Christiano and Dr Ken Lee helped lay the foundation for years 2-5 of the programme.

A wide range of research organisations contributed to EEG Part 1, including the Asian Institute of Technology, International Energy Agency, Stellenbosch University, Center for Global Development, Australian National University, Council on Energy, Environment and Water, Stanford University, Fraunhofer ISI, University of Exeter, Heriot Watt University, Vivid Economics and Castalia.

The following individuals provided particularly valuable inputs in Part 1:

David Stern, Australian National University

Joyashree Roy, Jadavpur University

Anton Eberhard and Catrina Godinho, University of Cape Town

Shobhakar Dhakal, Asian Institute of Technology

Catherine Mitchell and Bridget Woodman, Exeter University

Michael Ross, University of California, Los Angeles

Vijay Modi, Columbia University