Energy justice and social acceptance of renewable energy projects in the Global South

Dan van der Horst*, Rebecca Grant, Adolfo Mejia-Montero, Aiste Garneviciene

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

This chapter assesses the utility of the energy justice framework to study and understand social acceptance of renewable energy in case studies in the Global South (wind, hydropower, solar PV). Findings indicate a set of procedural, recognition and distributive (in)justices that shape acceptance. These include (lack of) inclusion of all affected stakeholders in decision making and consultation; (lack of) recognition of energy needs and expectations prior, during and after project completion (with social acceptance being dynamic) and the (un)equal distribution of risks and ‘elite’ capture of benefit. Given the complex ways in which energy (in)justices emerge, our analysis suggests that social acceptance must be contextually rooted and especially sensitive to the evolving expectations of people living in non-electrified or newly electrified locations.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationA critical approach to the social acceptance of renewable energy infrastructures
Subtitle of host publicationGoing beyond green growth and sustainability
EditorsSusana Batel, David Rudolph
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Chapter12
Pages217-234
Number of pages18
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9783030736996
ISBN (Print) 9783030736989
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Aug 2021

Keywords

  • energy access
  • rural communities
  • electrification
  • Malawi
  • Mexico

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