I contend that a decentralized energy system could offer a reliable and sustainable way to increase investment in clean energy in these difficult economic times (see A. Goldthau and L. Hughes Nature 585, 28–30; 2020).

Such a framework would favour small-scale, low-carbon projects. It would insist on strict regulations for transferring energy from small, off-grid networks (mini grids) to the main electricity grid (Accelerating SDG7 Achievement in the Time of COVID-19 71–73; United Nations, 2020). It would also require the duplication of electrification by off-grid and on-grid sectors (see go.nature.com/3nmefxt).

Several different agencies analyse and report on the impact of investment decisions (see go.nature.com/3kymddz; K. Schumacher et al. J. Sustain. Finance Invest. 10, 213–246; 2020), without indicating the accuracy of the perceived risk or how it relates to the real risks of energy markets. This results in inadequate quality assessment, undermining incentives to curtail the use of fossil fuels.

Investment strategies and data are crucial for evaluating how the energy system interacts with a broader economy to scale up decentralized renewables and achieve universal energy access. Decision-makers and researchers must work together towards a benchmark for decentralized energy investment that will accelerate the transition to renewables.