This paper traces the inception and progression of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) during the course of five years of its operation. The authors provide a detailed account of the operational functionalities of developing and executing the programmatic framework through the call for proposals, and highlight key lessons from the REEEP- implemented projects. These include:

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) benefits poor households through carbon credits, voluntary carbon markets, and voluntary emission reductions
a lack of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology finance, risk-reduction instruments and retail-level institutions in several developing countries

The lessons and experiences shared through this paper are targeted towards policy makers and managers working at the interface of climate change and development issues in developing countries. These lessons are primarily centred on aspects of programme management and policy development for a low-carbon economy, also covering aspects of finance, regulation, and engagement of the private sector.The authors conclude that providing clean energy solutions to the poor can be sustained as a profitable business if supported by the right policies and practices. In doing so, the paper builds a case for investing resources to scale up successful initiatives such as REEEP.