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Transforming Access to Clean Energy Technologies in the Global South: Learning from Lighting Africa in Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • David Ockwell

    (Department of Geography, School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9SJ, UK)

  • Robert Byrne

    (SPRU (Science Policy Research Unit), Sussex Business School, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9SL, UK)

  • Joanes Atela

    (African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), ICIPE Duduville Campus, Kasarani, P.O. Box 45917-00100 Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Victoria Chengo

    (African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), ICIPE Duduville Campus, Kasarani, P.O. Box 45917-00100 Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Elsie Onsongo

    (Centre for Innovation Research, Centenary House, Block B, 1st Floor, Ring Road Westlands Lane, P.O. Box 2781-00606 Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Jacob Fodio Todd

    (SPRU (Science Policy Research Unit), Sussex Business School, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9SL, UK)

  • Victoria Kasprowicz

    (SPRU (Science Policy Research Unit), Sussex Business School, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9SL, UK)

  • Adrian Ely

    (SPRU (Science Policy Research Unit), Sussex Business School, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9SL, UK)

Abstract
As SDG7-related interventions seek to transform access to clean energy, this paper presents an analysis of both a previous transformative intervention (Lighting Africa) and a theoretical approach to understanding how such transformations can be achieved in the Global South (socio-technical innovation system, STIS, building). The paper makes four contributions. First, it tests the extent to which the STIS-building concept is useful in understanding and conceptualising how Lighting Africa transformed the market for solar lanterns in Kenya from an estimated market size of 29,000 lamps in 2009 to one where 680,000 Lighting Africa certified lamps were sold in Kenya by the end of the Programme in 2013. Second, it presents the most in-depth analysis of Lighting Africa that we are aware of to date. Third, it presents a conceptual framework that illustrates the Lighting Africa approach, providing a framework for future policy interventions aiming to transform access to clean energy technologies in the Global South. Fourth, it reflects on weaknesses in the STIS approach. In particular, these include a need to better attend to: the gendered implications of interventions (and social justice more broadly); implications of different scales of technologies; value accumulation and the extent to which interventions benefit indigenous actors and local economies; and the political and economic implications of any intervention and its distribution of benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • David Ockwell & Robert Byrne & Joanes Atela & Victoria Chengo & Elsie Onsongo & Jacob Fodio Todd & Victoria Kasprowicz & Adrian Ely, 2021. "Transforming Access to Clean Energy Technologies in the Global South: Learning from Lighting Africa in Kenya," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:14:p:4362-:d:597330
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Neve Fields & David Ryves & Rudolf Yeganyan & Carla Cannone & Naomi Tan & Mark Howells, 2023. "Evidence-Based Policymaking: Insights and Recommendations for the Implementation of Clean Energy Transition Pathways for Kenya’s Power Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-20, December.
    3. Simon Batchelor & Ed Brown & Nigel Scott & Matthew Leach & Anna Clements & Jon Leary, 2022. "Mutual Support—Modern Energy Planning Inclusive of Cooking—A Review of Research into Action in Africa and Asia since 2018," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-29, August.
    4. Simon Batchelor & Ed Brown, 2021. "Editorial for Special Issue: “Clean Energy Innovations: Challenges and Strategies for Low and Middle Income Countries”," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-7, December.

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