On 4 August 2020, a massive explosion at Beirut’s port killed at least 200 people and caused up to $15bn in damage to buildings and infrastructure – including the destruction of the public electricity company building. It was the latest blow for a country battling a 30-year energy crisis and facing chronic shortages as a result of an ageing infrastructure based around fossil fuels. 

Now, against a backdrop of popular demands for economic and political reforms, Professor Henrietta Moore (Director, Institute for Global Prosperity) and Dr Ala’a Shehabi (Deputy Director, Institute for Global Prosperity) have been granted £20,000 from the UK Research and Innovation department to run a pilot research and engagement initiative: a citizens’ assembly focusing on energy transition.