A recent article by Hermanus, L., & Rose Cirolia, L. (2024) titled “Distributed energy technologies, decentralizing systems, and the future of African cities” published in Environment & Urbanization shows local governments often lack the capacity to significantly shape emerging infrastructure configurations, with foreign and national actors driving many projects.
The article delves into the critical role that decentralization of renewable electricity plays in advancing decarbonization, improving energy access, and facilitating equitable transitions in African cities. It focuses on four pioneering electricity projects in Uganda, shedding light on the various stakeholders engaged in these initiatives and how they interact with the established national grid. The discussion highlights the intricate dynamics between these decentralized energy solutions and existing urban infrastructure, underscoring both the potential opportunities and the inherent challenges they present.
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Decentralized energy projects in African cities often bypass local governments, limiting their role in energy transitions.
– Hermanus, L., and Rose Cirolia, L. 2024
Decentralized energy systems, such as solar mini-grids, rooftop solar installations, and battery storage solutions, offer significant advantages over traditional, centralized electricity networks. They can be quicker to deploy, more resilient to outages, and better suited to remote or underserved areas. In African urban contexts, where access to reliable electricity remains a persistent challenge, such systems represent a transformative opportunity to address energy poverty while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, decentralized systems align well with climate goals, as they encourage the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are abundant in many parts of Africa.
The article also emphasizes the importance of governance in ensuring that decentralized systems contribute to just transitions—shifts in energy that prioritize social equity, economic inclusion, and environmental sustainability. In Uganda, for example, the projects under study involve a range of actors, including local governments, private sector innovators, non-governmental organizations, and communities themselves. These actors often collaborate with or operate independently of the incumbent grid, leading to new governance challenges and opportunities. While decentralization can empower communities and promote local ownership of energy resources, it also poses risks, such as regulatory gaps, potential conflicts with national utilities, and uneven access to the benefits of renewable technologies.
How the Study was Conducted
The research employs a multi-case study approach, concentrating on four distinct examples of technological innovation in energy provision in Uganda. Conducted in January 2022, the study involved 15 interviews and two focus group discussions with experts and practitioners in the electricity sector. In addition, field visits to the project sites were carried out. The collected data—interview transcripts, photos, field notes, and supplementary materials—were carefully analyzed within the study’s conceptual framework and guided by key research questions specific to the paper. The insights gained from the Ugandan case studies were further enriched by triangulating the findings with the authors’ prior experience in the energy sector and a targeted review of policy and institutional developments related to energy and urban governance over the past decade. This combined analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of how these innovative energy projects fit within broader trends in African energy transitions and governance.
What the Authors Found
The study reveals that local governments often lack the capacity to significantly shape emerging infrastructure configurations, with foreign and national actors driving many projects. In addition, there is a tendency for distributed technology projects to bypass local governments, reducing their ability to contribute effectively to the energy transition
Why is this Important
Understanding Decentralization: By highlighting the complexity and risks associated with decentralized electricity technologies, the study provides valuable insights into how these systems can be effectively implemented in African contexts, particularly in Uganda.
Policy and Governance: The revelation that local governments often lack the capacity to shape infrastructure projects underscores the need for stronger local governance and capacity-building initiatives. This is crucial for ensuring that energy transitions are inclusive and sustainable.
Institutional Dynamics: The tendency for projects to bypass local governments points to a significant gap in the institutional framework. Addressing this gap can help ensure that local authorities are better integrated into the planning and execution of energy projects, leading to more cohesive and effective energy policies.
Practical Implications: The case studies of innovative projects provide practical examples of what works and what doesn’t, offering lessons that can be applied to similar contexts across Africa and other developing regions.
What the Authors Recommend
- The authors emphasize the need to build the capacity of local governments to engage more effectively in the planning and implementation of decentralized energy projects. This includes providing training and resources to local authorities.
- The authors suggest developing policy frameworks that ensure local governments are integral to the decision-making process. This can help prevent the bypassing of local institutions and promote more inclusive governance.
- Encouraging collaboration between local, national, and international stakeholders is recommended to leverage diverse expertise and resources. This can enhance the sustainability and impact of energy projects.
- Implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the progress and outcomes of decentralized energy projects is advised. This can help identify best practices and areas for improvement.
- The authors highlight the importance of engaging local communities in the design and implementation of energy projects to ensure they meet the needs and preferences of the people they are intended to serve.
In conclusion, the decentralization of energy technologies presents both promising opportunities and significant challenges for African cities striving toward equitable and sustainable energy transitions. While innovative projects in Uganda highlight the potential of decentralized systems to improve energy access and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the study underscores the need for stronger local governance, inclusive policy frameworks, and effective collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Empowering local governments and communities is essential to ensuring that these technologies contribute to just transitions that prioritize social equity, economic inclusion, and long-term environmental sustainability.
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