Energy, in its various forms, has been a core element of historical economic growth.

Energy, in its various forms, has been a core element of historical economic growth. The Industrial Revolution enabled firms and workers to flourish, ushering in an age of innovation and prosperity. While we know energy and infrastructure is fundamental to growth, we know little about the dynamics and wider impacts electricity has in developing settings. Understanding these dynamics, including obtaining a strong causal understanding of how energy use transforms the structure of economies, is a core focus of my research.

The consumption of energy, however, is not without consequences. Externalities from its use - be it local air pollution or global greenhouse gas emissions - can have direct consequences for development. Pollution harms health and productivity, sapping away at the economic potential of countries. Climate change, a function of the extensive burning of fossil fuels for energy consumption, will have long-term impacts on the economic activities individuals pursue. Understanding how the negative externalities associated with the consumption of energy can be reduced and quantifying their impacts is a second strand of my research.