Evaluating the use of blockchain technology and identifying critical success factors for the successful implementation of renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This study advances the application of blockchain technology within renewable energy systems (RES) Projects for energy security. Employing a mixed research method involving Bibliometric analysis for the qualitative and quantitative methodology includes Mean Response Ranking and Structural Equation Modelling, using SPSS and SMATPLS software for analysis. The bibliometric analysis on blockchain technology and renewable energy systems was tailored towards different dimensions of energy security while establishing two clusters: the potential of blockchain technology's application in renewable energy and its application in electric power transmission. Furthermore, the study highlights social factors, particularly social sustainability, as the most influential CSF for the success of renewable energy projects. Additionally, it reveals that Blockchain technology positively moderates the relationship between critical success factors and project success criteria of renewable energy projects. The study concludes that optimising Renewable Energy with Blockchain technology requires balancing social and technical systems based on sociotechnical system theory.