Governing the transition of socio-technical grid-based systems: promoting security of supply and accelerating renewable energy innovation in Nigeria.

Adedokun, Racheal; Strachan, Peter; Singh, Anita

Abstract

The current global concern on climate change has demonstrated the important role of renewable energy in meeting growing energy demand, access, and security for sustainable and economic development. Nigeria has indicated commitment to international obligation with policies created to provide alternative clean energy. However, the introduction of renewable energy on the national grid has not been achieved with all milestones missed. This study, from a sociotechnical perspective, critically assesses the renewable energy planning process and governance to understand the enablers and inhibitors of on-grid renewable energy strategies implementation in Nigeria as most studies have investigated these challenges from a technical and economic standpoint. A qualitative approach was adopted, and 28 in-depth semi-structured interviews with industry and non-industry experts were conducted. The preliminary findings demonstrate that while there is a strong societal acceptance of renewable energy technologies, the development on-grid is inhibited by conflicting multiple actors' preferences and interests, resistance from incumbent socio-technical regime and multifaceted challenges (political, legal, regulatory, technical, institutional, financing) including the lack of support mechanism, corrupt practices and transparency challenges in the power sector and transition process. This study proposes, among other reforms, the establishment of a dedicated agency to handle issues relating to grid renewable energy, introduction of a refined process to absorb stakeholders' interests and preferences and implementation of the RE strategies, with appropriate support mechanism put in place to steer transition by including the promotion of a culture of transparency and accountability. This study contributes to the transition theory in energy transition governance and planning.

Citation

ADEDOKUN, A., STRACHAN, P. and SINGH, A. 2021. Governing the transition of socio-technical grid-based systems: promoting security of supply and accelerating renewable energy innovation in Nigeria. Presented at the 3rd NIBES (Network of International Business and Economics Schools) research session 2021: sustainability research in business and economics, 23 November 2021, [virtual event].

• Presentation Conference Type: Lecture
• Conference Name: 3rd NIBES (Network of International Business and Economics Schools) research session 2021: sustainability research in business and economics
• Conference Location: [virtual event]
• Start Date: Nov 23, 2021
• Deposit Date: May 2, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 2, 2024
• Keywords: Climate change; Renewable energy (RE); Sustainable economic development; Nigeria
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1769901