I.V. Zablodska, Павло Андрійович Ляшенко, Тетяна Михайлівно Адаменко
Problem statement. The relevance of the study lies in the need to restore and modernize the electricity infrastructure of the affected territories in the context of war destruction, energy risks and the need to ensure sustainable socio-economic development of communities. Of particular importance are the issues of spatial planning, energy security, decentralization of energy systems and the introduction of modern technologies for the restoration of energy infrastructure. The purpose of the article is to form a scientifically grounded approach to the spatial development of electric power infrastructure in the affected areas. Methods used in the study: monographic analysis, systematization, generalization, visualization and clustering. The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that the spatial development of electric power infrastructure in the affected territories involves the organization of energy islands in the affected and de-occupied territories. Summary of the main material: it is substantiated that the restoration of a centralized model of Soviet-type generation based on thermal or nuclear capacities is strategically unpromising for the affected territories due to three interrelated restrictions: military vulnerability of large critical infrastructure facilities to repeated targeted strikes; investment unattractiveness for private capital due to high security risks; long implementation periods incompatible with urgent needs to restore power supply. A scientifically grounded approach to the spatial development of electric power infrastructure in the affected territories has been formed, which is reflected in the Concept of Energy Island Organization and defined as an operational model for the spatial development of electric power infrastructure in the affected and de-occupied territories. The originality and practical significance of the study lies in the definition of five logical levels: from the destruction of the centralized IPS and the emergence of an isolated state through the operational architecture of the island with distributed functions between the Initiator, DSO and TSO to a synthetic spatial solution capable of functioning autonomously without trunk connections to the unified power system. Conclusions. The spatial development of electric power infrastructure in the affected territories is not a technical task of restoring what was destroyed, but a strategic transition to a qualitatively new energy supply architecture. Further research consists in studying the conditions for the restoration of electricity infrastructure in the de-occupied territories and its development
Renewable energy in Africa has gained increasing attention as a strategic pathway to achieving sustainable development, energy security, and economic transformation. A structured search of peer-reviewed studies was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest. Fifteen empirical studies met the strict PRISMA inclusion criteria for detailed systematic synthesis, while additional high-quality review articles, book chapters, and policy reports were incorporated to strengthen contextual interpretation of renewable energy deployment trends across Africa. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence on renewable energy deployment across the continent, focusing on trends, challenges, and opportunities. Africa is endowed with abundant solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass resources, yet actual utilization remains uneven and limited, with solar and wind experiencing the most rapid growth in recent years. Hydropower continues to dominate installed capacity, while geothermal and emerging technologies remain largely underdeveloped. Persistent barriers to deployment include inadequate grid infrastructure, limited access to finance, policy and regulatory inconsistencies, institutional capacity constraints, and political instability, particularly in rural and decentralized systems. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist in the form of declining technology costs, growing private and international investment, expansion of decentralized energy systems, and regional cooperation initiatives. Strengthening policy implementation, improving governance coordination, investing in infrastructure and human capital, and promoting innovative financing mechanisms are critical to accelerating Africa’s renewable energy transition.
Energy Communities (ECs) have emerged as central legal instruments for decentralized renewable energy deployment across Europe; however, their long-term viability depends critically on financial sustainability mechanisms that remain inadequately understood. This study examines the economic foundations of ECs through a narrative literature review of revenue generation, cost allocation, and the capital mobilization pathways in three representative European markets (Germany, Spain, and Italy). A structured Scopus database search identified 280 peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2025. Following systematic screening, 89 articles were selected for analysis through bibliometric mapping in R (Biblioshiny) and qualitative synthesis in NVivo. The analysis reveals that stable feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and self-consumption remuneration schemes form the primary revenue mechanisms, while cost management effectiveness varies substantially across countries due to differing grid-charge structures and administrative frameworks. Capital access remains constrained for smaller communities despite hybrid financing innovations combining public grants, cooperative equity, and emerging crowdfunding mechanisms. Regulatory heterogeneity, high upfront investment requirements, and limited institutional credit availability continue to impede scalability. The findings emphasize that achieving widespread EC adoption requires harmonized policy frameworks, transparent cost-sharing arrangements, and diversified investment instruments that align local participation with national decarbonization objectives while ensuring equitable access across diverse socio-economic contexts.
Energy poverty remains a critical barrier to socioeconomic development in rural Africa, where millions lack access to reliable electricity. This study explores the state of rural electrification, the consequences of dependence on traditional energy sources, and the potential of solar energy as a viable solution. Using a qualitative secondary research methodology, the study synthesizes data from scholarly articles, institutional reports, and case studies across various African nations, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Findings reveal that decentralized solar solutions, such as mini-grids and standalone solar home systems, offer scalable and cost effective alternatives to grid expansion. However, challenges such. Ydf as high upfront costs, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited financing mechanisms hinder widespread adoption. Innovative financing models, including pay-as-you-go (PAYG) schemes and microcredit financing, have demonstrated success in increasing energy affordability, while public-private partnerships (PPPs) have facilitated large-scale solar electrification projects. The study concludes that achieving universal energy access in rural Africa requires strengthened institutional support, policy harmonization, and increased investment in decentralized renewable energy solutions. Policy recommendations include government-led subsidy programs, tax incentives for solar enterprises, and enhanced regulatory frameworks to encourage private sector participation. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable energy transitions by providing policy insights and strategic recommendations for accelerating rural electrification efforts in Africa.
Background: Yemen is facing one of the most severe energy crises in the world, exacerbated by decades of conflict. In this context, sustainable energy solutions, particularly renewable energy technologies, have emerged as a critical pathway to addressing Yemen’s energy deficit while reducing environmental impact. The country possesses significant potential for renewable energy exploitation, especially solar and wind resources, due to its geographic location and climatic conditions. Scholars, policymakers, and development agencies have examined the challenges and opportunities facing Yemen's transition to a sustainable energy future. Objectives: This review paper aims to synthesize current knowledge on sustainable energy development in Yemen, exploring the potential of solar, wind, and other renewable resources, evaluating ongoing projects and policies, and identifying barriers and opportunities for future growth. By providing a comprehensive overview, this paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of how sustainable energy can support Yemen's recovery, economic development, and long-term resilience. Methods: The current review have been studied and analysed key studies and technical reports from 2010 to 2025, including contributions from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the World Bank, and regional academic institutions. The analysis categorizes existing literature into five thematic areas: (i) renewable energy potential assessment, (ii) energy policy and governance, (iii) investment and financing mechanisms, (iv) environmental and social impacts, and (v) capacity development and institutional strengthening. Results: Recent policy reforms, scheduled for 2024, aim to establish the Authority for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The evolution of renewable energy policy in Yemen from 2010 to 2024 shows steady growth. Financing is a key challenge in Yemen's renewable energy transformation, although limited access to international financing, coupled with political risks, has limited private sector engagement. Renewable energy brings numerous environmental and social benefits to Yemen. Research shows that solar microgrids increase household incomes by 15 – 20%. Environmental goals include reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2050, increasing green space, and ensuring sustainable land-use planning for solar and wind farms. Furthermore, regional comparative studies show that the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Yemen is competitive with fossil fuel-based generation, especially when long-term maintenance and fuel import costs are taken into account. Overall, Yemen's renewable energy potential is quite promising, with solar energy leading the way due to its volume, cost-effectiveness, and ease of deployment. Wind, biomass, and geothermal resources offer additional opportunities that can diversify Yemen's energy mix, increase resilience, and promote sustainable development. Conclusion: Ambitious targets have been set to diversify Yemen's energy mix and improve efficiency, including a 15% share of renewable energy by 2025, rural solar electrification, and improved energy sector efficiency. However, achieving success in this area still requires concessional and blended financing to reduce investment risks, the promotion of modular and decentralized deployment models (mini-grids, rooftop solar panels), and the integration of renewable energy expansion into resilience and recovery planning.
Abstract Buildings contribute significantly to global energy consumption, positioning them as pivotal to achieving global sustainability and climate goals. Although renewable energy technologies hold significant transformative potential, their integration into building systems is hindered by fragmented technological, economic, policy, and social dimensions. This systematic review addresses the existing lack of holistic synthesis by examining peer-reviewed studies published from 2019 to the second quarter (Q2) of 2025. Methodologically, the study adheres to the PRISMA 2020 framework to ensure transparency and replicability and employs bibliometric analysis to map thematic clusters across disciplines. Five major themes emerged from the synthesis: photovoltaic integration, retrofitting strategies, governance frameworks, smart grid applications, and stakeholder acceptance. Analysis highlights notable regional disparities, with Western Europe and East Asia demonstrating higher integration rates due to robust policy structures and established financial incentives. Conversely, regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America continue to experience significant barriers linked to financing constraints, regulatory fragmentation, and infrastructural limitations. Community-led microgrid initiatives in Kenya and Brazil emerge as exemplars of successful context-sensitive, low-cost renewable integration, emphasizing the value of inclusive governance and localized solutions. The review reconceptualizes buildings as active socio-technical nodes within decentralized energy networks rather than passive energy infrastructures. For renewable energy integration to progress effectively, coordinated systemic efforts spanning technical innovation, adaptive governance, and behavior-sensitive policy design are imperative. These insights carry substantial implications, offering actionable guidance for policymakers, engineers, and urban planners seeking equitable, contextually appropriate, and scalable renewable energy transitions within the built environment.
Roxana Maria Druță, Elena Simina Lakatos, Radu Munteanu, Lucian–Ionel Cioca · 7 authors
This study explores public perceptions, involvement, and barriers to energy communities in Romania, a country where decentralized renewable energy initiatives are still in their infancy. Data were collected through a nationwide online survey based on a quantitative research design, involving 118 respondents from all four macro-regions in Romania. The survey assessed awareness of the concept of energy communities, perceived benefits, technological and regulatory challenges, and willingness to participate or invest. The results show that the perception of energy communities is generally positive, with solar and environmental benefits being the most important. However, significant barriers remain, particularly in terms of financing, institutional support, and regulatory complexity. Urban, involved, and female respondents consistently rated benefits higher and identified more barriers than rural, non-participants and male respondents. Statistical differences between groups were confirmed using the Mann–Whitney U-test. These results highlight the importance of targeted communication, improved policy frameworks, and educational initiatives to ensure broader public involvement and inclusive development of renewable energy systems in Romania.
Citizen participation and photovoltaics (PV) are increasingly important as energy systems transition towards decentralization and sustainability. However, tenants, low-income groups, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs are often excluded from investing in PV systems. Citizen-financed photovoltaic (CiFi PV) projects offer a more inclusive approach by collectively financing large-scale solar installations. This study explores and compiles the various motivational factors that underlie CiFi PV participation and compares the prevalence of these factors among participants and project developers. By combining the two perspectives for the first time, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the motivations behind CiFi PV participation. Based on 32 interviews across multiple Swiss CiFi PV projects, we identify 27 motivations categorized into seven overarching themes. The most prevalent factor for both groups is the opportunity for citizens to individually contribute to solar power deployment through tangible projects aligned with their values. While most motivational factors are relevant for both groups, a few are more prevalent among participants, such as the opportunity to use liquid assets, becoming a role model, and proving solar power viable and profitable. While CiFi PV projects are often studied from an energy community perspective, our results show that interviewees value collective action through individual contributions without explicitly referring to community-related aspects. We thus suggest that CiFi PV projects represent a manifestation of energy citizenship. To promote CiFi PV projects and their potential to engage various kinds of individuals, policymakers should expand regulatory frameworks focused solely on community projects to support individual participation in the energy transition. • We explore motivations for participating in citizen-financed (CiFi) PV projects. • There exists a wide range of motivational factors that match among participants and project developers. • Drivers of CiFi PV participation are based on collective rather than community action. • We suggest that CiFi PV projects are a manifestation of energy citizenship. • Policymakers must go beyond energy community regulations to promote CiFi PV.
Open access
Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy
Sustainability and Climate Change Governance
Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development
Abstract Energy geography has not scrutinized the role of energy infrastructures and market design for decentralized energy production and local development. The paper addresses this research gap by looking at the emerging green‐hydrogen market in Germany. We argue, first, that the capacity and geography of infrastructures and associated bottlenecks determine how supply and demand can be matched at different scales. Second, market design and associated controversies over infrastructure bottlenecks are important for understanding the green‐hydrogen market and its geography and financing. Conceptually, we draw on the geography‐of‐markets literature. Empirically, we show how infrastructure bottlenecks and market design link the green‐hydrogen to the renewable‐electricity market. As long as the market design requires green‐hydrogen production in geographical and temporal correlation with renewable‐electricity generation, the geography of green‐hydrogen production follows the geography of renewable‐electricity generation. Moreover, bottlenecks in transportation infrastructures offer a window of opportunity for decentralized production and local development.
Decentralized energy systems are increasingly recognized as a viable solution for extending electricity access to rural communities underserved by traditional grid infrastructure. However, their sustainability and scalability are often compromised by fragmented governance, limited community participation, and weak institutional coordination. This paper proposes a comprehensive multi-stakeholder governance model tailored to the complexities of decentralized energy delivery in rural contexts. Grounded in governance theory and stakeholder analysis, the model emphasizes five core principles: inclusivity, transparency, accountability, subsidiarity, and resilience. It clearly delineates the roles of government actors, private sector players, communities, and non-governmental organizations, and establishes mechanisms for collaborative decision-making, financial alignment, and adaptive oversight. The paper also explores policy and implementation considerations, including regulatory harmonization, blended financing strategies, and capacity building for local stakeholders. By addressing the institutional gaps that hinder rural electrification efforts, the proposed model contributes both theoretically to energy governance literature and practically to policy design and implementation. It offers a scalable, equitable framework that embeds trust, coordination, and long-term sustainability into decentralized energy transitions.
As part of the Kyoto Protocol, several Sub-Saharan Africa countries vowed to use more renewable energy sources, and the number of Sub-Saharan Africa countries that have undertaken renewable energy initiatives has expanded considerably over the preceding decade. However, assuring demand while reducing climate change has always been one of the most significant difficulties confronting the global energy sector. This review looks at the state of practical renewable energy interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa countries over the last decade (2010-2020), focusing on infrastructure development and accessibility, decentralization, distribution, and communal acceptance, donor funding and private sector involvement, and the role of state political influence in renewable energy strategies. This study's findings suggest that renewable energy interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa are based on mature and commercialized technologies, that natural resources for energy generation have not been fully explored, and that ongoing research and development on raw material or feedstock availability will benefit regional and national projects. The findings also show that off-grid technology interventions exist in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the adoption of a decentralized approach to renewable energy generation, particularly in rural areas, financing, and the need for integrated project design and implementation, which includes factors such as community mobilization, social, economic, institutional, and technical engagement, have all hampered the implementation of such technologies.
The development of decentralized renewable energy systems is of crucial importance for the decarbonization of energy generation worldwide. Purchase decisions regarding innovative energy systems depend to some extent on consumers' perception of the systems' degree of autarky. We assumed that, in addition to the energetic perspective, consumers associate other non-energetic facets such as independence, autonomy, self-sufficiency or control with the concept of autarky. These psychological facets of autarky were expected to contribute to purchase decisions. In Study 1, participants (\textit{N}=168) evaluated three future energy supply scenarios. The scenarios varied regarding their range of autarky (household/ neighborhood/ small town), but the individually realized degree of energetic autarky did not vary. Participants reported a higher willingness to pay in connection with a higher perceived psychological autarky for the Household Scenario. Study 1's findings were confirmed by Study 2, in which qualitative interviews (\textit{N}=13) also revealed that participants favored the Household Scenario on several points. These evaluations were driven by the anticipated psychological facets of autarky, that is the subjective perception of being independent, autonomous, self-sufficient, energy secure and of control. To promote an adoption of renewable energy systems, these psychological autarky facets need to be addressed. Enabling the people to self-determine, control and secure their energy provision even in complex organizational settings in such a manner is likely to increase their acceptance and therefore foster the required social transition as a whole.
The development of renewable energy producers in rural areas creates new job opportunities for the countryside population. The decentralized manner of renewable energy in small cities is one of the ways how to meet the rural and small scale energy needs in a reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable way. In 2010, the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague has finished the participation in the European IEE project RES COMPASS. In mutual cooperation, with seven partners from the Great Britain, France, Spain, Greek and Finland, the University has been involved in the extensive research concerning the impact of the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) on the future European labour market. The RES COMPASS project meets the objectives expressed by the New Skills for New Jobs Initiative of the EU and stressed also other initiatives, namely the Green Jobs Initiative, the UNEP initiative as well as the requirements of the International Trade Union Confederation and the International Organization of Employers in 2008. The RES COMPASS programme strategy was based on the implementation steps in three mutually supportive components: The first component Comparative analysis of the methods of identification of skill needs on the future labour market based on the renewable energy sources was concerned in the young generation of the today's students. The second component Career Orientation test was developed as a tool for the potential young people thinking about a future career in the emerging area of renewable energy. The third component focused on the future business opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the RES sector. The paper informs about findings of the third component New businesses for SMEs in the RES. Realistic possibilities of the development of SMEs appear to exist in the provision of more complex services reacting to (1) needs of more rapid renovation of the morally depreciated devices, (2) interest of inhabitants and producers in the installations of at least two different autonomous alternative energy sources, (3) creation of informal groups of users who will share various energy sources, (4) need to support the installation of energy devices with other measures - energy audits and projects.
The note focuses on the external \n benefits of rural electrification (RE), i.e., improved \n access to communication, education, and economic \n opportunities, in addition to extended health services. It \n outlines key lessons to scaling up RE, namely macroeconomic \n stability, continued government commitments, and \n institutional capacity. However, it also suggests that grid \n extension is not always cost-effective, rather, \n decentralized delivery options, and alternative energy \n sources, such as solar photovoltaic, mini-hydro, and other \n renewable energy sources should be considered. Moreover, \n good practices indicate the need for power sector reform, \n regulatory framework with legal guarantees that utilities \n can operate autonomously, and, financial viability, that is, \n to ensure commercialization, and identify a cost-recovery \n system that takes into account capital investment costs, and \n contributions levels. Strongly emphasized is the involvement \n of local communities in the design, and implementation of \n RE, by setting rural electrification committees, and by \n establishing institutional, and organizational procedures \n for project planning.