#TSEP 235 AI Needs Energy Justice: Who Gets Left Behind in the Race for Power?

“Every solar panel is also a gateway to digital justice,” says Payel Farasat. But what does AI have to do with renewable energy? More than we think. AI is not neutral—it reflects our networks, our data, and our values.

By 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. Yet nearly 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still live without electricity.

The next wave of AI inclusion will not be driven by new models in Silicon Valley – it will be driven by access to renewable energy in schools, clinics, and communities around the world.

In our latest episode of The smarter E podcast, Payel Farasat explains why energy justice is the foundation for digital justice – and why Europe's leadership in renewable energy can become a global bridge.

About Payel Farasat

Payel Farasat began her career in Silicon Valley, managing billions of dollars – and then made a conscious decision to pursue a different path: impact investing. She is an impact capital strategist and U.S. market expansion advisor. A former Silicon Valley asset manager, she has overseen $18B in global portfolios. Chief Growth Advisor, FINCA International & FINCA Ventures, she now focuses on aligning catalytic investment with social impact, energy access, and gender equity. FINCA has upheld an unwavering commitment to ending global poverty through sustainable solutions that change lives. At FINCA International and FINCA Ventures, she advises on deploying capital into early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa, building resilience where energy and digital access are scarce.