Building low-carbon energy innovation systems in Africa

Abstract

The objective of this special issue is to bring together research on low-carbon innovation in the African context. The aim is to assess and compare various cases of low-carbon energy development in Africa in an effort to understand the underlying innovation and learning mechanisms that promote their adoption in different contexts. We seek to identify which actors and models drive such projects, what socio-technical factors facilitate their adaptation, and how the relevant communities or localities build the required technological capabilities for them to function optimally. Our approach to the investigation involved qualitative case studies using in-depth interviews, site visits, and scenario casting. In conclusion, our findings showed that by linking the models to the multi-dimensional outcomes desired of energy provision and access in diverse settings in Africa, critical insights into the mechanisms, drivers and barriers to developing vibrant linkages that can stimulate innovation in these technological systems would be gained. Such desired outcomes include, but are not limited to cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and economic development opportunities.