Clean Energy Transition Readiness Checklist

About This Checklist

Assessment Details

Organization / institution

Energy system, jurisdiction, or program being assessed

Country / location

Name / role

Date

Purpose

Use the checklist to assess the current readiness of an energy system, institution, or programme for planning and advancing a clean energy transition. It targets governments, municipalities, utilities, regulators, and development partners. It provides a structured basis for discussion and is not a formal technical audit, investment appraisal, or substitute for in-depth analysis.

How to Complete

For each question, choose the response that best describes the current situation, record its score (1 to 4), and include a brief example or comment if appropriate. When assessing, consider the relevant energy system and geographic area, not just a single project. If a topic is outside your organization's scope, indicate N/A, name the responsible organization, and omit it from the average score calculation.

Readiness Questions

Rating Scale

1: Early
2: Developing
3: Progressing
4: Established

1. Strategy, Vision & Targets

Is the transition to clean energy being directed by a formulated vision, specific objectives, and a practical course of action?

1 · EarlyThere is no shared transition vision or agreed direction.2 · DevelopingClean energy goals or intentions have been discussed, but are not formally adopted or linked to a delivery pathway.3 · ProgressingA strategy or targets have been adopted, but milestones, sector coverage, responsibilities, or alignment with other plans need strengthening.4 · EstablishedAn adopted strategy sets measurable targets, milestones, responsibilities, and a credible pathway aligned with broader development priorities.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

2. Energy Data & Baseline

To what extent is the present energy system understood, covering such aspects as supply, demand, costs, access, reliability, and emissions?

1 · EarlyKey energy-system information is unavailable, outdated, or highly fragmented.2 · DevelopingSome data is available, but important gaps limit a reliable understanding of the baseline.3 · ProgressingA usable baseline exists for major indicators, though updates, coverage, disaggregation, or data sharing are inconsistent.4 · EstablishedRelevant energy and emissions data is regularly updated, quality-checked, appropriately disaggregated, and used in planning and decisions.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

3. Renewable Energy Resource & Site Potential

Has it been looked into whether the renewable energy resources are suitable for the locations in order to find out feasible development opportunities?

1 · EarlyRenewable resource potential and suitable locations have not been systematically assessed.2 · DevelopingBroad opportunities are known, but resource data, site suitability, or technical and economic screening is limited.3 · ProgressingResource and site assessments exist for some technologies or locations, but important gaps remain in feasibility or prioritization.4 · EstablishedResource and site potential is assessed across relevant technologies, with technical, economic, grid, land-use, and environmental considerations informing priorities.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

4. Energy Efficiency, Flexible Demand & Electrification

Are efficiency, demand management, and the right sort of electrification being taken into account together with the new energy supply?

1 · EarlyEnergy efficiency, demand flexibility, and electrification opportunities are not systematically considered.2 · DevelopingOpportunities are recognized, but there are few assessments, programs, incentives, or implementation plans.3 · ProgressingPrograms or plans exist in some sectors, but coverage, funding, measurement, or coordination needs improvement.4 · EstablishedEfficiency, demand response, and suitable electrification are integrated into energy planning, supported by delivery programs and progress tracking.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

5. Grid, Storage & Power-System Flexibility

Can the grid and wider power system integrate clean energy while maintaining reliable service?

1 · EarlyMajor infrastructure constraints are not well understood, and planning does not address clean energy integration.2 · DevelopingSome constraints are recognized, but grid capacity, interconnection, storage, flexibility, or reliability analysis is limited.3 · ProgressingSystem studies identify some upgrade needs, but investment, operations, or integration plans have gaps.4 · EstablishedIntegrated planning addresses transmission and distribution, interconnection, storage, flexibility, system operations, and reliability needs.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

6. Energy Access, Affordability & Service Reliability

Are clean energy plans designed to improve or protect access to affordable, dependable energy?

1 · EarlyAccess, affordability, and reliability gaps are not well understood or reflected in transition planning.2 · DevelopingSome needs are recognized, but affected groups, costs, or service gaps are not consistently assessed.3 · ProgressingAccess and affordability are included in planning, but targeted measures, funding, or monitoring are incomplete.4 · EstablishedPlans identify underserved or energy-vulnerable groups and include practical, monitored measures to support affordable and reliable service.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

7. Policy, Regulation & Market Enabling Environment

Do policies, regulations, and market rules provide clear and predictable support for clean energy implementation?

1 · EarlyKey enabling rules are absent or unclear, and policy or regulatory barriers are not well understood.2 · DevelopingSome supportive policies exist, but uncertainty remains around approvals, tariffs, procurement, grid access, or standards.3 · ProgressingCore policies and processes are in place, but coordination, consistency, enforcement, or implementation needs improvement.4 · EstablishedClear, coordinated, and predictable policies and market arrangements support investment, fair access, efficient approvals, and delivery.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

8. Institutional Coordination & Delivery Capacity

Are responsibilities, coordination arrangements, and staff capabilities in place to plan and deliver the transition?

1 · EarlyRoles are unclear, coordination is limited, and there is little dedicated capacity.2 · DevelopingRelevant institutions or expertise exist, but responsibilities overlap or capacity and coordination are insufficient.3 · ProgressingLead institutions and coordination mechanisms are identified, though staffing, skills, resources, or cross-sector collaboration gaps remain.4 · EstablishedRoles and accountability are clear, institutions coordinate effectively, and teams have the skills and resources needed for delivery.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

9. Project Pipeline & Development Readiness

Is there a prioritized pipeline of clean energy projects with sufficient preparation to move toward implementation?

1 · EarlyPriority projects have not been identified, or there is no clear path from concept to implementation.2 · DevelopingPotential projects are known, but feasibility, cost estimates, site information, or ownership is limited.3 · ProgressingA project pipeline and some preparation work exist, but permitting, procurement, technical studies, or risk allocation remain incomplete.4 · EstablishedPrioritized projects have appropriate feasibility work, clear owners, realistic schedules, required approvals, and defined next steps toward procurement and delivery.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

10. Financing & Investment Mobilization

Are financing sources and investment approaches identified for priority transition plans and projects?

1 · EarlyFinancing needs and potential sources have not been assessed.2 · DevelopingPotential funding sources are known, but there is no clear financing strategy or project-specific plan.3 · ProgressingFinancing strategies or commitments exist for some priorities, but affordability, bankability, risk, or funding gaps remain.4 · EstablishedA realistic financing approach matches priority projects with suitable public, private, or blended sources and addresses affordability, risk, and long-term costs.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

11. Just Transition, Workforce & Stakeholder Participation

Are workers, communities, businesses, and other affected stakeholders meaningfully included, with transition impacts considered?

1 · EarlyStakeholder engagement and potential impacts on workers or communities are not systematically addressed.2 · DevelopingEngagement or workforce considerations occur on an ad hoc basis, with limited analysis of who may benefit or be affected.3 · ProgressingKey stakeholders and some transition impacts are identified, but participation, workforce planning, or support measures need strengthening.4 · EstablishedOngoing, inclusive engagement informs decisions; distributional impacts are assessed; and workforce, reskilling, and community measures have clear owners and resources.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

13. Implementation, Monitoring & Adaptive Management

Are transition actions assigned, tracked, reviewed, and adjusted when conditions or evidence change?

1 · EarlyThere is no clear implementation plan, accountable owner, or regular progress review.2 · DevelopingSome actions have owners, but timelines, indicators, reporting, or corrective processes are limited.3 · ProgressingAn implementation plan and indicators exist, but reporting, cross-agency accountability, or plan updates are inconsistent.4 · EstablishedActions have accountable owners, milestones, resources, and measurable indicators; progress is regularly reported and plans adapt based on results and changing conditions.N/A (not applicable)

Notes / example (optional)

Scoring and Next Steps

Scoring Your Results

Add the scores for all questions answered, then divide by the number of questions scored. Exclude N/A answers from both calculations.

Interpreting your results

The average is a discussion aid, not a certification or pass/fail result. A high average does not offset a critical weakness in a particular area. Review individual answers and N/A items, especially those relating to system reliability, enabling policy, project finance, institutional ownership, and impacts on people and the environment. Readiness may vary by region, institution, energy source, or project.

Reflection & Next Steps

Our top three strengthsOur top three gaps or questions to investigateOne priority action for the next 12 monthsLead institution / partnerTarget date

Readiness Self-Assessment Summary Results

–out of 4

Score the questions above to see your readiness level.

0 of 13 questions scored. N/A answers are left out of the average.

Average	Readiness level
1.00–1.74	Early Stage — Important foundations are missing or not yet well understood. Establish a shared baseline, clarify institutional roles, and identify the most urgent enabling gaps.
1.75–2.49	Building — Some useful foundations are in place, but readiness is uneven. Focus on closing critical data, policy, capacity, infrastructure, and project-preparation gaps.
2.50–3.24	Progressing — Several important capabilities are present. Strengthen coordination and implementation plans, validate priority investments, and address remaining system and inclusion risks.
3.25–4.00	More Established — The system appears comparatively well prepared to advance priority actions. Maintain delivery momentum, monitor outcomes, and adapt plans as conditions and evidence change.

About The Readiness Checklist

This checklist provides a self-reported snapshot of your current readiness. It is not a verified diagnosis, engineering opinion, investment recommendation, or substitute for specialist advice. A comprehensive assessment requires validating the underlying data, conducting analysis, confirming priorities, and developing a tailored readiness roadmap.

Interested in an in-depth Clean Energy Transition Readiness Assessment?

Epsilon Innovation Group can help you develop a comprehensive assessment of your energy system and its readiness for the clean energy transition. The study can examine your energy-system baseline; renewable energy and energy-efficiency potential; grid readiness; policies and institutions; priority projects; financing options; social and environmental considerations; and potential transition pathways.

Contact us to discuss the scope, timeline, and cost.

See the full assessment Contact us

Download Your Checklist

Save the completed checklist, with your results and all your answers, as a PDF.

Clean Energy Transition Readiness Checklist

About This Checklist

Assessment Details

Purpose

How to Complete

Readiness Questions

Rating Scale

1. Strategy, Vision & Targets

2. Energy Data & Baseline

3. Renewable Energy Resource & Site Potential

4. Energy Efficiency, Flexible Demand & Electrification

5. Grid, Storage & Power-System Flexibility

6. Energy Access, Affordability & Service Reliability

7. Policy, Regulation & Market Enabling Environment

8. Institutional Coordination & Delivery Capacity

9. Project Pipeline & Development Readiness

10. Financing & Investment Mobilization

11. Just Transition, Workforce & Stakeholder Participation

12. Environmental & Social Safeguards, Land & Siting

13. Implementation, Monitoring & Adaptive Management

Scoring and Next Steps

Scoring Your Results

Interpreting your results

Reflection & Next Steps

Readiness Self-Assessment Summary Results

About The Readiness Checklist

Interested in an in-depth Clean Energy Transition Readiness Assessment?

Discuss Your Results With Us

Download Your Checklist