A recent study by David et al. (2025) titled “Evaluating the use of blockchain technology and identifying critical success factors for the successful implementation of renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa,” published in the International Journal of Sustainable Energy, reveals that social sustainability factors play the most crucial role in the success of renewable energy projects.
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Social sustainability is the most crucial success factor for renewable energy projects, with blockchain enhancing project efficiency and transparency.– David et al. 2025
The study explores how blockchain technology can enhance renewable energy systems (RES) to ensure energy security in the region. Using a mixed-methods approach—including bibliometric analysis, mean response ranking, and structural equation modeling—the research examines both the potential and real-world applications of blockchain in renewable energy and electric power transmission. Key findings indicate that social sustainability factors play the most crucial role in the success of renewable energy projects. Additionally, blockchain technology acts as a moderator, positively influencing the relationship between critical success factors and project success criteria. Grounded in sociotechnical system theory, the study underscores the need for a balanced integration of social and technical systems to optimize blockchain-driven renewable energy solutions. By shedding light on these dynamics, this research advances the understanding of how blockchain technology can facilitate renewable energy projects, bolster energy security, and support sustainable development goals in sub-Saharan Africa.
How the Study was Conducted
The study employed a mixed-methods research approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to comprehensively analyze the application of blockchain technology in renewable energy systems (RES).
The qualitative aspect involved a bibliometric analysis, which examined existing literature to identify key trends, research gaps, and areas of focus related to blockchain and RES. This provided a foundational understanding of current knowledge and potential applications.
The quantitative analysis utilized two primary techniques: Mean Response Ranking and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Mean Response Ranking was applied to evaluate and prioritize critical success factors (CSF) based on expert and stakeholder input, highlighting the most significant determinants of renewable energy project success. SEM, conducted using SPSS and SMATPLS software, explored the complex interrelationships between CSFs, project success criteria, and the moderating role of blockchain technology, ensuring statistically robust findings.
A strong emphasis was placed on social sustainability, which emerged as the most influential CSF for the success of renewable energy initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. Through a combination of literature review, expert insights, and advanced statistical analysis, the study provided a comprehensive understanding of how blockchain technology can enhance the efficiency and success of RES projects by optimizing key success factors and their interdependencies.
What the Authors Found
The study found that social sustainability factors are the most influential critical success factors (CSFs) for the successful implementation of renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa, and blockchain technology enhances their effectiveness by moderating the relationship between CSFs and project success criteria.
Why is this important?
Energy Security: Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant energy challenges, including frequent power outages, limited access to electricity, and reliance on fossil fuels. By exploring how blockchain technology can enhance renewable energy projects, this study offers solutions to improve energy security, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply.
Sustainable Development: Renewable energy projects contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The study’s findings support the adoption of clean energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Technological Innovation: Blockchain technology is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to transform various industries. This study highlights its application in the energy sector, showcasing innovative ways to improve transparency, efficiency, and reliability in renewable energy projects.
Social Impact: The study identifies social sustainability as a critical success factor for renewable energy projects. This emphasizes the importance of considering social dimensions, such as community acceptance and participation, in the successful implementation of these projects.
Policy and decision-making: The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and project managers in sub-Saharan Africa. By understanding the critical success factors and the role of blockchain technology, decision-makers can develop strategies and policies to support successful renewable energy projects.
Addressing Research Gaps: There has been limited research on the critical success factors for renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa. This study fills that gap by providing region-specific insights and recommendations, contributing to the body of knowledge in this field.
What the Authors Recommended
- The authors recommend the integration of blockchain technology into renewable energy projects to enhance transparency, efficiency, and reliability. Blockchain can facilitate the management of renewable energy resources and ensure secure transactions.
- The authors highlight the importance of prioritizing social sustainability factors in renewable energy projects. Engaging local communities, ensuring equitable access, and addressing social concerns are crucial for project success.
- The study advocates for a balanced approach that considers both social and technical systems. Optimizing renewable energy with blockchain technology requires understanding and managing the interplay between these systems.
- The authors suggest that policymakers should develop supportive policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage the adoption of blockchain technology in renewable energy projects. This includes providing incentives, removing barriers, and fostering innovation.
- Investing in capacity-building and training programs for stakeholders involved in renewable energy projects is recommended. This will ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement and manage blockchain-enabled projects.
- The study calls for further research to explore the potential applications of blockchain technology in different aspects of renewable energy systems. This includes investigating new use cases, assessing scalability, and understanding long-term impacts.
In conclusion, the study by David et al. (2025) highlights the transformative potential of blockchain technology in enhancing renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa. By identifying social sustainability as the most critical success factor, the research underscores the need for community engagement, equitable access, and inclusive policies to drive sustainable energy solutions. The findings emphasize blockchain’s role in improving transparency, efficiency, and reliability, offering a pathway to greater energy security and alignment with global sustainability goals. As technological innovation continues to shape the renewable energy landscape, integrating blockchain-driven solutions presents a promising opportunity for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers to optimize energy systems and foster long-term development in the region.
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