Energy political ecologies in the South Pacific: The politics of energy transitions in Vanuatu

Abstract

In this article, I develop a political ecology analysis of Vanuatu's grid electricity policies, with a specific focus on Espiritu Santo Island. I show how the global political economy looms large in shaping the island's energy geographies. Colonial legacies, ideologically conflictive donor aid programmes, multinational corporate legal discords, parliamentary political caprices and the vicissitudes of the local environment all intersect to shape the spatial dynamics of electricity access that raises numerous energy justice concerns. The development of the island's electricity infrastructure is not neutral; rather, it is a socio-technical product of these political economy mediations.