Our work so far has focused on energy planning, electrification—both on-grid and off-grid through mini-grids and solar home systems, cooking fuels and technologies, and e-mobility. This research spans various energy sources and technologies. Our approach goes beyond technical and financial aspects, addressing the socio-cultural and political dimensions of energy access, while prioritising themes such as frugality, justice and inclusion, resilience, innovation and sustainability. We explore how targeted policy and private-sector interventions can transform energy access, contributing to the ongoing discourse on development and climate change.