Catalyst Energy Advisors is a specialized consulting firm that focuses exclusively on the energy access deficit in emerging markets

We work to transform markets to power lives and livelihoods.

Our vision is a world where every community is powered by clean, reliable, and sustainable energy.

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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, the Access Insights Platform, and the MAF Lab (formerly PAYGo Lab).

Where We Work

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