Bill Gates’ Old Climate Lobbyists Launch a New Firm Focused on Clean Energy
Bill Gates’ old climate lobbyists launch a new firm — and it’s already making waves in the clean energy space. A few months after Gates’ Breakthrough Energy organization disbanded its policy division, several former team members have regrouped to create a new nonprofit called the Clean Economy Project, also known as CleanEcon.
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Their mission echoes the one that started at Breakthrough Energy: proving that clean energy can outcompete fossil fuels on cost, speed, and innovation. But this time, they’re building something designed to move faster and operate independently from Gates’ oversight.
From Breakthrough Energy to CleanEcon: A Fresh Start
Back in March, Gates’ Breakthrough Energy organization cut dozens of staffers from its energy policy division after deciding its lobbying efforts wouldn’t progress under the Trump administration. That move marked the end of an era — but also set the stage for a new beginning.
Now, those same experts have channeled their experience into the Clean Economy Project, a nonprofit that aims to accelerate clean energy deployment and innovation without the constraints of large-scale corporate oversight.
Who’s Behind the New Clean Economy Project
The CleanEcon team includes 10 founding members backed by a group of more than 10 funders, ranging from philanthropists to venture capitalists. While the backers remain undisclosed, insiders say the project has strong financial support and a clear, results-driven strategy.
Leading the charge is Aliya Haq, who served nearly six years as vice president of U.S. policy and advocacy at Breakthrough Energy. As CleanEcon’s president, Haq brings a wealth of experience in climate policy, clean energy investment, and cross-sector collaboration.
CleanEcon’s Core Mission and Goals
CleanEcon’s vision centers around three strategic goals outlined in its launch statement:
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Building energy projects faster – Streamlining permitting and construction to scale renewable projects more efficiently.
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Accelerating innovation to lower costs – Supporting research and deployment to make clean energy cheaper than fossil fuels.
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Derisking private investment – Attracting more private capital into clean technologies through smart policy and partnerships.
By addressing these three pillars, CleanEcon hopes to close the gap between technology readiness and real-world adoption.
Why Gates’ Former Lobbyists Are Doubling Down on Climate
When Gates decided to dissolve Breakthrough Energy’s lobbying group, some saw it as a sign of retreat from U.S. energy policy influence. But for these former staffers, it became a catalyst to continue the mission through a more nimble, independent structure.
The Clean Economy Project isn’t just lobbying — it’s building coalitions, shaping regulatory frameworks, and working directly with innovators and investors to bring clean technologies to market faster.
A New Era of Climate Advocacy
CleanEcon represents a broader shift among climate professionals: a move away from traditional lobbying toward coalition-driven, data-backed advocacy. The organization’s model combines public policy with private investment — reflecting how climate solutions increasingly rely on both sectors working in sync.
Its founders believe that by removing bureaucratic hurdles and promoting cross-industry collaboration, the clean energy transition can be accelerated on a national and global scale.
How CleanEcon Differs from Breakthrough Energy
While Breakthrough Energy remains focused on funding and investing in new technologies, CleanEcon aims to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. Its smaller team allows for quicker decision-making, more targeted advocacy, and closer coordination with industry partners.
The nonprofit’s structure also gives it more flexibility to test experimental projects and pilot clean energy initiatives without the slower processes typical of large foundations.
Industry Reactions and What’s Next
Early responses to CleanEcon’s formation have been largely positive, with climate leaders calling it a timely evolution of Gates’ original vision. Experts say it could fill a critical gap by driving private investment into public-benefit projects that are often too risky for conventional markets.
The organization plans to release more details about its upcoming initiatives later this year, including potential partnerships with renewable developers, tech startups, and government agencies.
Why This Matters for the Clean Energy Future
As the world races to meet ambitious net-zero targets, organizations like CleanEcon are becoming vital catalysts for real progress. Their focus on speed, innovation, and financial derisking could help unlock billions in investment for the next generation of clean technologies.
Whether they succeed will depend on their ability to balance policy influence with tangible results — but their emergence marks an exciting moment for climate advocacy’s next chapter.
Bill Gates’ old climate lobbyists launch a new firm not to compete, but to continue what they started: making clean energy the most practical, affordable, and scalable choice for the planet’s future. With a clear mission and experienced leadership, CleanEcon could become one of the most influential nonprofits shaping the next phase of global climate progress.
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