Doing Integrity: Fast: How to Reconcile the Measured Pace of Accountability With the Speed Imperative of the Energy Transition. An Exploratory Literature Scan and Discussion Note

The race to transition to renewable energy is on. But speeding ahead without safeguarding transparency, integrity, and justice risks leaving communities and governance systems behind. Can these two imperatives—urgency and accountability—work together, or are they destined to clash?

This think piece explores the tension between moving fast to meet climate goals and ensuring robust governance practices. Through expert interviews and cross-disciplinary research, it challenges the assumption that accountability always slows progress. In fact, strategic transparency, digital tools, and smarter processes can often clear the path for faster, more equitable outcomes.

Yet, some trade-offs can’t be avoided. This paper provokes a deeper conversation about balancing these priorities, offering lessons from fields like crisis procurement and administrative reform to guide both governance and energy transition communities.