Promoting accountability and transparency in the governance of renewable energy transition in developing nations.

Adedokun, Racheal; Strachan, Peter; Singh, Anita

Abstract

COP28 concluded with the need for an enhanced transparency framework to ensure progress towards achieving Countries' Nationally Determined Contributions. This requires the tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030 to reach net-zero emissions in 2050. In the global south, accountability and transparency in governance are presumed to be pivotal to achieving the Paris Agreement, as two-thirds of energy consumption is projected to come from this region by 2050. However, this is an understudied area, hence, understanding the accountability and transparency challenges and opportunities in governance for energy transition and how to improve them is critical. This study adopted a case study approach by selecting Nigeria as a reference case. Nigeria is a top global south country with abundant renewable energy resources. However, most cities' energy consumption is mainly from fossil fuels, responsible for 70% of global CO2 emissions (Seto 2014). Harnessing renewable energy sources in the cities through the grid system has been difficult, with little progress in deploying projects and initiatives on the national grid. The country has about 50 cities with at least 300,000 people, which are particularly affected; as 53% of the population live in the cities, and this is projected to double by 2037 (UN 2023). Accountability and transparency require urgent attention as they will enable a conducive environment for the acceleration of renewable energy deployment in Nigerian cities. Therefore, this study investigates by interviewing ten (10) energy sector players and twenty-one (21) stakeholders' perceptions on accountability and transparency challenges and opportunities for renewable energy deployment in cities. Data was thematically analysed, and the findings indicate accountability and transparency gaps, and that leadership and societal involvement are critical to strengthening energy transition governance, among others. Furthermore, it suggests a clear definition of the role of institutions, agencies, and personnel to improve accountability for transitions. In addition, this study found that transparency mechanisms such as right-to-know and demand information, public participation, competitive bidding, representation, and audit are integral to improving and promoting accountability and transparency for renewable energy governance and deployment in cities.

Citation

ADEDOKUN, R., STRACHAN, P. and SINGH, A. 2024. Promoting accountability and transparency in the governance of renewable energy transition in developing nations. Poster presented at the 2024 All-energy exhibition and conference, 15-16 May 2024, Glasgow, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 2024 All-energy exhibition and conference
• Conference Location: Glasgow, UK
• Start Date: May 15, 2024
• End Date: May 16, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 2, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 23, 2024
• Keywords: Renewable energy transition; Developing nations; Accountability and transparency challenges
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2403258