Abstract
In this paper, we seek to understand how the rapid expansion of off-grid solar energy across the global South since the turn of the century is influencing local and national processes of economic development. We do so through a systematic review of 125 papers published between 2001 and 2020 that provide much evidence and understanding on the topic. Ninety-six of the reviewed papers claim off-grid solar expansion has positively influenced economic development. However, among other issues, much of this positivity is based upon a narrow conceptualisation of economic development as increased income, often achieved by individuals and firms working longer. To what extent these income gains are likely to be sustained and strengthened over time remains unclear. Based on the findings, we call for future research in this area to adopt a more transformative conceptualisation of economic development, as well as a broader analytical framework that: pays greater attention to the role of the state; adopts a more critical position in relation to the foreign firm; and more fully embraces the contested, contingent, and uneven nature of the process of economic development under observation. We close the paper by identifying several fruitful avenues for future research. It is hoped that these suggested paths might help build on the rich insights generated to date, to further deepen and develop our understanding of to what extent, how, and where off-grid solar expansion is promoting (or undermining) transformative and emancipatory processes of economic development in the global South.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 102673 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-15 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Energy Research and Social Science |
Volume | 89 |
Early online date | 6 Jun 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Jul 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank the three anonymous peer reviewers as well as ER&SS Editor-in-Chief Benjamin Sovacool for their helpful comments and additions to this manuscript. Research for this article was funded by the Research Infrastructure and Investment Funds (RIIF) of the London School of Economics and Political Science, Department of International Development (LSE ID). The authors gratefully acknowledge LSE ID's support. An earlier version of the paper was presented at the Sussex Energy Group seminar series, in March 2021. Thank you to everyone who attended the seminar and provided thoughtful comments.
Funding Information:
Research for this article was funded by the Research Infrastructure and Investment Funds (RIIF) of the London School of Economics and Political Science, Department of International Development (LSE ID).
Keywords
- Development
- Energy
- Global South
- Poverty
- Solar
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering
- Fuel Technology
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)