Catalyst Energy Advisors is a specialized consulting firm that focuses exclusively on the energy access deficit in emerging markets
We help transform markets that power lives and livelihoods.
Our vision is a world where every community is powered by clean, reliable, and sustainable energy.
Catalyst /ˈkæt̬.əl.ɪst/ — someone or something that causes a big change
Through its work, our firm seeks to manifest its name. Our values underpin our expertise:
Our Values
Grounded in Reality
We lead from our experience. Our work is informed by what happens on the ground - and by the data that helps us understand it. We test, learn, and adapt to deliver solutions that last.
Driven to Transform
We think in systems, not silos. We challenge the limits of the possible, innovating to reshape markets and drive sustainable change.
Powered by Partnership
We build change together - across sectors, geographies, and perspectives. We listen, learn, and openly share both success and failure.
Centering Equity
We power the future for everyone. We prioritize inclusion and ensure the energy transition leaves no one behind.
Our Expertise
Research and Analysis
We've undertaken some of the industry's most groundbreaking research and analysis related to energy access strategy and finance, including climate change considerations.
Enterprise Development
Our seasoned team of industry practitioners brings their wealth of experience to bear in advising, mentoring, and partnering with local entrepreneurs that are tackling the energy access challenge.
Due Diligence
Our deep industry experience enables us to bring a rigorous and pragmatic lens to the due diligence work we undertake on behalf of investors.
Credit risk management
Extending credit to unbanked customers has unlocked a revolution in the energy access sector, known as Pay-as-you go (PAYGo). Our team leverages its experience in building asset financing businesses to help clients move beyond traditional PAYGo toward specialized micro asset finance models.
Program design and implementation
We design and deliver energy access programs that are grounded in local market realities and unlock scaled impact.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
We help clients develop rigorous and pragmatic approaches to measuring impacts, including developing tools and methodologies that are designed to be mainstreamed in core client activities.
Climate change and a just energy transition
To support the global transition away from fossil-fuel-based energy, we conduct a range of modeling for clients, including on GHG emissions trajectories, lifecycle emissions analysis, and carbon finance opportunities.
Innovations
We're entrepreneurs, and have a natural itch to identify solutions to market failures and opportunities that we see in the energy access space. This includes conceptualizing and rolling out VentureBuilder, Access Insights Platform and the MAF Lab (formerly PAYGo Lab).
Where We've Worked
Catalyst’s team comes from the energy access industry, having assembled best-in-class experts based around the world, many of whom have spent considerable time in emerging markets working on engagements with, for, and on behalf of private-sector, multilateral, non-profit, and government entities. The team’s experience extends to over 50 countries and covers a range of energy technologies from pico-PV products to utility-scale hydro and solar facilities.
Some of Our Partners And Clients
