Use Solar Arrays for power; near Earth they are efficient, but you may need to transition to Fission Piles as you move further from the sun. 2. Transition to Advanced Research

Allocate Economic points in your controlled nations to build MC. Generally, every 25 points invested adds 1 to your global MC.

Terra Invicta: Early Game Walkthrough - XCOM Commander's Journal

Use the Unity priority in your major nations to keep public opinion high and prevent other factions from seizing your Control Points .