[Publication] Fast, Fair, Forever – How Public Finance Can Supercharge the Just Energy Transition

11 July 2025

Unlocking a truly just energy transition begins with public finance. Our new discussion paper authored by PICANs International Policy Lead Dr Sindra Sharma and published in partnership with Stamp Out Poverty and key allies shows why redirecting and scaling up public investment is the linchpin for rapidly cutting emissions while ensuring no community is left behind.

Download Paper

What You Will Learn

• How government grants, concessional lending, and guarantees have underpinned today’s renewable energy boom

• Case studies from India, Brazil, and Vanuatu that demonstrate equity-centered funding models in action

• Practical recommendations for shifting USD 7 trillion in annual fossil fuel subsidies into clean energy and introducing innovative tools such as a Climate Damages Tax

• The urgent need for systemic reforms including debt relief, development bank overhaul, and a binding UN tax convention to create a resilient people-powered future

Why it Matters

For Small Island Developing States, an energy transition without public finance is not only extremely difficult, it could be impossible. This paper lays out a clear pathway for governments, donors, and civil society to work together and transform ambition into tangible outcomes.

Our findings point a way forward highlighting that by scaling up targeted public finance, we can close the ambition gap, embed equity at every step of the energy transition, and empower communities across the Pacific and beyond to lead the shift to renewables.

---

About PICAN

PICAN is a regional alliance of 190+ non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, social movements and not-for-profit organisations from the Pacific Islands region working on various aspects of climate change, disaster risk and response and sustainable development.

Media Contact:

Dylan Kava, Strategic Engagement and Communications Lead, PICAN

dylan.kava@pican.org | +679 9061989 (Fiji / GMT+12)