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Sustainable energy for whom? Governing pro-poor, low-carbon pathways to development: lessons from solar PV in Kenya

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posted on 2023-06-08, 20:06 authored by Robert ByrneRobert Byrne, David OckwellDavid Ockwell, Kevin Urama, Nicholas Ozor, Edith Kirumba, Adrian ElyAdrian Ely, Sarah Becker, Lorenz Gollwitzer
Using a combination of insights from innovation studies, sociotechnical transitions theory and the STEPS pathways approach, this paper analyses the evolution of the Kenyan photovoltaics (PV) market. Considered by many to be an exemplar of private sector led development, the Kenyan PV market has witnessed the adoption of more than 300,000 solar home systems and over 100,000 solar portable lights. The notion of an entrepreneurially driven unsubsidised solar market has proved to be a powerful narrative amongst development actors who, paradoxically, have provided millions of dollars of funding to encourage the market’s development. We argue that this donor support has been critical to the success of the market, but not simply by helping to create an enabling environment in which entrepreneurs can flourish. Donor assistance has been critical in supporting a range of actors to build the elements of a PV innovation system by providing active protection for experimentation, network-building, and the construction of shared visions amongst actors throughout supply chains and amongst users.This analysis gives important clues for designing climate and development policies, with implications for the governance of energy access pathways that are inclusive of poor and marginalised groups in low income countries.

Funding

STEPS; R7S5; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; RES 588 28 5001

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Publisher

The STEPS Centre

Pages

97.0

Place of publication

Brighton

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Institution

University of Sussex

Full text available

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2015-02-20

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-03-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-03-22

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