Energy Challenges in the Global South

Abstract

Energy needs at the global level are gigantic and steadily increasing while the need to reduce carbon emissions is vital if catastrophic climate change is to be avoided. In the Global South, a large part of the population still lacks access to energy, which is crucial for poverty alleviation via the creation of employment and better health and education systems. A great deal of hope is placed on sustainable energy to connect economic growth to increased social equity while preserving the environment. At the same time, energy efficiency and the share of renewable energies in the global energy mix needs to increase unceasingly. This book discusses the challenges of solving complex social and environmental problems with technology in the Global South. While encouraging technology interventions are presented, the limits of technology and the untapped potential of involving women as key stakeholders for energy initiatives constitute also a key focus of this publication. Providing sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy to all will require successful coordination and integration between sectors, stakeholders, policies, infrastructures, and technologies. Promoting renewables, increasing energy efficiency, determinedly addressing the challenges of tailoring solutions to unique socioeconomic contexts, creating local ownership, and aiming for massive upscaling remain the key issues.