Blockchain Papers

Allam Maalla, Ying Chen

No abstract is available for this record.

А. Давлетьяров, A. Ибраев, Е. Ербаев, Е. Джаналиев · 8 authors

ABSTRACT: The article addresses the pressing issue of limited access to centralized energy supply for peasant and farm enterprises in the West Kazakhstan region, which significantly hinders the efficient operation of agricultural production. This problem is especially critical for the development of livestock farming, irrigation, and water supply systems in remote and hard-to-reach rural areas. The absence of reliable and continuous electricity sources negatively affects technological processes, increases operational costs, and reduces the overall sustainability and productivity of the agricultural sector. In this context, particular attention is given to the organization of autonomous energy supply systems based on renewable energy sources, primarily wind energy, to support groundwater extraction from wells used for domestic, drinking, and agricultural purposes.An analysis of the wind potential of the Republic of Kazakhstan demonstrates favorable conditions for the development of small-scale wind energy as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for decentralized power supply. It is shown that low-capacity wind energy installations designed to operate at low wind speeds (3–5 m/s) can efficiently drive pumping systems, ensuring stable groundwater lifting under rural conditions. The study substantiates the selection of a low-speed horizontal-axis multi-blade wind turbine as the most suitable configuration for such applications.A comparative analysis of the energy performance of different wind turbine types is conducted, focusing on the relationship between the power coefficient and the tip speed ratio. Based on the obtained results, the optimal geometric parameters of the rotor blades are determined, contributing to improved energy efficiency and operational reliability. The findings of the study can be applied in the design and implementation of autonomous wind-powered water supply systems for agricultural enterprises and the agro-industrial sector.

A. S. Edet, Etta Agbor

Abstract Despite Africa's vast and diverse renewable energy resource base, large-scale deployment remains limited by persistent financing gaps, elevated investment risks, and weak project bankability. This paper evaluates how the strategic integration of innovative financing mechanisms with enabling digital and energy technologies can accelerate renewable energy deployment while strengthening resilience, affordability, and long-term sustainability across Africa's emerging economies. The study employs a mixed methods approach combining regulatory and policy analysis, comparative case studies from selected African countries, and techno-economic assessments of grid-connected, mini-grid, and off-grid renewable energy projects. It examines blended finance instruments including public private partnerships, development finance institution guarantees, carbon finance, and climate funds alongside technology-enabled solutions such as pay-as-you-go business models, blockchain supported energy transactions, and data-driven performance and risk monitoring systems. The analysis demonstrates that renewable energy projects that align innovative financing structures with digital technologies exhibit significantly improved financial performance and reduced risk exposure. Blended finance mechanisms are shown to mobilize private capital at leverage ratios exceeding 1:5 in conducive policy environments, while digitally enabled financing platforms enhance revenue predictability, operational transparency, and asset performance by approximately 30–40%. These synergies lower the cost of capital, improve investor confidence, and enable scalable deployment, particularly for decentralized energy systems serving underserved and remote communities. The findings highlight that Africa's renewable energy scale-up challenge extends beyond resource availability to include systemic financial and technological barriers. Effective and sustainable deployment requires an integrated ecosystem where innovative financing, digital technologies, and supportive regulatory frameworks are deliberately aligned. This paper proposes a holistic framework that explicitly links financing innovation with digital energy technologies to derisk renewable investments in Africa. The framework offers a practical and replicable pathway for policymakers, investors, and developers to accelerate renewable energy deployment while supporting inclusive economic growth and enhancing energy security across the continent.

Manuela Tvaronavičienė, Wadim Striełkowski

This paper assesses the role of green hydrogen and green ammonia in the low-carbon reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy sector. The country, severely affected by war, has more than 70% of its energy infrastructure damaged or destroyed, which calls for novel solutions for not only reconstructing but also rethinking Ukraine’s energy sector shaped by the Soviet-era planning. In this context, decentralized and renewable energy solutions appear to be one of the best options to achieve this goal. This study combines four novel and mutually reinforcing methods: a Scopus-based literature review of highly cited green hydrogen publications, natural language processing (NLP) and bibliometric network analysis of Ukraine-related hydrogen research, a SWOT assessment, and a geospatial hydrogen production cost model (GEOH2). The novelty of this research lies in this integrated Ukraine-specific framework, which links research trends, wartime reconstruction constraints, hub-level policy choices, and financing risk-sensitive cost modeling. Therefore, the quantitative part of GEOH2 estimates the levelized cost of green hydrogen, while ammonia is treated as a downstream screening-level conversion and export pathway rather than as a full plant-level ammonia model. Our results show that Ukrainian green hydrogen research is concentrated on renewable-energy strategy, wind and solar electrolysis, water and desalination constraints, gas grid blending, underground storage, ammonia derivatives, and decentralized energy systems. The GEOH2 results indicate that southern Ukraine has strong physical potential for competitive green hydrogen production under de-risked financing, while war risk financing can make even resource-rich areas economically unattractive. Odesa and Dnipro emerge as important export-oriented and industrial hubs, whereas Zakarpattia remains strategically relevant as a safer western corridor linked to European markets. Our findings demonstrate that Ukraine’s hydrogen and ammonia development needs to follow a phased pathway: domestic renewable build-out and grid repair, pilot electrolysis projects and screening-level ammonia conversion pathways, targeted de-risking and insurance mechanisms, and only then broader export corridor development. This pathway can support decarbonization, energy security, industrial modernization, and Ukraine’s long-term integration into European clean energy value chains.

Daram Charan Teja Dr. E. Shailaja

No abstract is available for this record.

Silas Uwumborge Takal, Abdul-Wahab Tahiru, Ebenezer Owusu-Sekyere

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.

Moses Arthur Baidoo, Wang ZhiCheng, Liu Qi, Zhou ShuMin · 6 authors

Access to reliable electricity remains a pressing challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas where over 600 million people live without power. This paper explores the potential of decentralized solar energy systems; such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and solar-powered appliances in addressing energy access challenges across rural Sub-Saharan Africa. While these systems offer clean, reliable, and scalable alternatives to conventional grid expansion, their adoption is constrained by regulatory uncertainty, limited financing options, and local capacity gaps. Drawing on case studies from five countries, the paper examines how recent innovations -including mobile-based Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) financing, hybrid renewable systems, and improved energy storage technologies are reshaping energy access models. It also outlines policy recommendations aimed at strengthening regulatory coherence, promoting regional cooperation, and enhancing sustainability. Ultimately, the study highlights how decentralized solar solutions can contribute to long-term environmental, financial, and social resilience, with direct implications for poverty alleviation and inclusive rural development in the region.

JERRY MUJANI KANANGA

ABSTRACT: Universal access to electricity remains one of the major structural challenges to development in sub-Saharan Africa, and particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where territorial disparities and low rural electrification rates significantly hinder inclusive economic growth. Faced with the technical and financial limitations of traditional centralized grids, mini-grids and other decentralized electrification solutions are emerging as alternatives adapted to the country's geographical, demographic, and socio-economic realities. However, the development of these solutions fundamentally depends on the ability to mobilize appropriate, sustainable, and structured financing mechanisms. High initial infrastructure costs, combined with the limited repayment capacity of rural populations and a still-developing institutional environment, constitute major constraints to investment. The analysis highlights the need for a hybrid financial architecture, combining private equity, concessional debt, subsidies, and innovative financial instruments such as mezzanine debt, crowdfunding, and pay-as-you-go mechanisms. The economic sustainability of projects depends on a delicate balance between the financial viability of operators and affordable pricing for users. Business models must incorporate diversification of energy services, the integration of productive uses, and rigorous risk management (demand, exchange rate fluctuations, regulatory instability). The leverage generated by combining different funding sources strengthens investment capacity and improves project resilience. Institutionally, the regulatory framework plays a crucial role. The clarity of tariff rules, legal stability, transparency in subsidy allocation, and the effectiveness of rural electrification agencies are key factors in the sector's attractiveness to private investors. Tax and customs incentives, as well as risk guarantee mechanisms, are essential levers for reducing the cost of capital and stimulating local financial sector involvement. The study of the Congolese context reveals considerable energy potential, particularly in hydroelectric and solar power, but also persistent challenges related to access to credit, administrative complexity, and the structuring of public-private partnerships. Improving the financing of mini-grids in the DRC therefore requires an integrated approach combining regulatory reforms, institutional capacity building, and financial innovation. Ultimately, financing mini-grids is not merely a technical or budgetary issue, but a strategic challenge for energy governance and structural transformation. Establishing a coherent financial and regulatory ecosystem is essential to ensure the sustainability of projects, accelerate rural electrification, and contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 on access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.

Design Dialogue Journal

Persistent electricity shortages and routine load shedding have long hindered social and economic development in Pakistan, with Punjab its most populous and industrialized province bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. In recent years, however, solar power has emerged as a central pillar of provincial strategies to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on conventional, fossil-fuel-based generation. This paper examines how solar energy is contributing to Punjab’s gradual shift from chronic load shedding toward greater energy independence. Adopting a qualitative, multiple-case design, the study draws on national and provincial policy documents, secondary reports, and peer-reviewed literature. It focuses on four key sectors residential, agricultural, educational, and industrial where solar initiatives have been promoted through programs such as free solar panel schemes for low-income households, school solarization, solar irrigation systems, and industrial rooftop installations. A comparative sectoral analysis evaluates these initiatives in terms of affordability, reliability, sustainability, and scalability. The findings show that solar energy has significantly improved supply reliability for many households and institutions, reduced operating costs for some farmers and industries, and opened new avenues for decentralized generation. At the same time, coverage remains uneven, key programs are still small relative to overall need, and implementation is constrained by financing barriers, bureaucratic delays, and limited technical capacity. The paper argues that Punjab’s trajectory illustrates both the transformative potential and the persistent limitations of solar-led energy transitions in developing-country contexts. It concludes that scaling up equitable, decentralized solar adoption supported by robust provincial policies, innovative financing, and institutional reforms will be essential if solar power is to move from a complementary role to a structural driver of energy independence.

O.D. Ohijeagbon, M.A. Waheed, O.O. Ajayi, S.O. Ismaila · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Abu Talha Haque Miah, Miss Al Ive, Roby Mohajon, Zahroul Haque Miah

Dependability of electricity continues to present challenges in remote and displacement-affected areas of Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazaar) in a humanitarian context. This paper presents a field-based model for decentralized solar energy deployment using a third-party financing mechanism, implemented in Camp 7 by Ulterior Engineering under CODEC in partnership with UNHCR. A 3.5 kW hybrid off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system was installed to power essential community services and operationalized within fourteen days. The pilot combined technical and institutional innovations, including a profit-sharing investment model, accelerated implementation, shared-risk contractual agreements, and realtime performance monitoring. The system architecture included Jinko 580 W modules, a 4 kW inverter, and LiFePO4battery storage at the Tulips facility, while the Sunflower facility used 250 W Fortune Solar modules. The results revealed that more than 75% of the daily consumption was covered by solar energy, largely diminishing diesel fuel consumption. Financial viability was ensured with an internal rate of return at 15%, a payback period at 5.9 years, and emissions avoidance of 77 t CO2over 20 years. The system had yielded a competitive levelized cost of energy at USD $0.034 / \mathrm{kWh}$, complementing its economic sustainability with a high IRR value of 15%. Indeed, this model sets a replicable framework for private investment in humanitarian energy access both within off-grid and resourceconstrained environments.

Adama Sarr, Aldo Bischi, Umberto Desideri, Cheikh Mouhamed Fadel Kébé

Achieving universal electricity access in Senegal by 2030 remains a major policy challenge due to persistent spatial disparities in infrastructure, population density, and resource availability. This study conducts a nationwide, spatially explicit assessment of least-cost electrification pathways using OnSSET. The analysis develops context-specific scenarios to plan optimal technology mixes across rural and peri‑urban areas, based on differentiated tiers of electricity access. By integrating high-resolution geospatial, demographic, and techno-economic data, the model identifies the most economically viable solutions for achieving universal access. Results indicate that grid extension is the least-cost option for approximately 93.7 % of the population, largely concentrated in peri‑urban areas with high population density and proximity to existing grid infrastructure. In contrast, solar PV mini-grids (MG PV) and stand-alone PV (SA PV) systems are optimal for 0.7 % and 5.6 % of the population, respectively, mainly in remote, sparsely populated rural settlements. The total investment required to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 is estimated at USD 269.8 million, corresponding to 116.1 MW of additional installed capacity. Beyond quantifying cost-optimal solutions, the study demonstrates the potential of open-source geospatial models like OnSSET to support transparent, data-driven planning in developing country contexts. It also highlights key policy implications, emphasizing the need for integrated national electrification strategies that combine centralized and decentralized systems to address regional disparities. Limitations of the study include uncertainties in input data quality, static demand assumptions, and the exclusion of non-technical barriers such as institutional capacity and financing constraints. Nonetheless, the findings provide a valuable decision-support basis for Senegal’s ongoing energy transition and broader Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) objectives.

Abobakr Alsufyani

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.

Dr Sowmya S Murthy

As the world grapples with climate change and energy insecurity, renewable energy has emerged as a central pillar of sustainable development. However, the transition to renewables faces persistent technological, economic, policy, and social challenges. This paper explores the dual nature of renewable energy—its immense promise and its complex barriers—through global trends and India-focused case studies. By analyzing large-scale and decentralized renewable projects, including Bhadla, Pavagada, Rewa, and Kurnool solar parks, as well as microgrid initiatives in Dharnai and Indira Nagar, this study identifies strategic pathways for inclusive and resilient energy futures. The analysis reveals that integrated policies, innovative financing, community participation, and technological innovation are key to maximizing renewable energy’s transformative potential. Key words: climate change, energy, renewable.

Anis Ur Rehman, M. J. Sanjari, Rajvikram Madurai Elavarasan, Taskin Jamal

Transformation of the energy sector is necessary to meet climate targets and ensure universal access to reliable and affordable energy. Despite progress, more than 675 million people still lack electricity and 770 million face an unreliable power supply. Renewable energy now provides nearly 30 % of global electricity generation and represents approximately 17.9 % of total final energy consumption. This amount is insufficient for the 1.5 ∘ C pathway and requires a tripling of renewable capacity by 2030. Energy efficiency also lags with average annual gains of 1.6 % compared with the 4 % required for climate-aligned energy scenarios. Therefore, this paper reviews pathways toward decentralized low-carbon solutions that can accelerate global energy transformation. The review paper examines how technologies such as microgrids, virtual power plants, energy storage systems, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solutions are reshaping modern energy systems. It highlights that digitalization, smart grids, and sector integration are key to building flexible and consumer-focused networks. However, achieving sustainable energy access requires more than new technologies. Strong governance, fair financing, and social inclusion are equally important to ensure a just and balanced energy transition. Case studies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America show how policy, innovative financing, and regional cooperation can drive progress despite challenges such as underinvestment, fossil fuel dependency, and energy poverty. The review demonstrates that an integrated approach, combining technological innovation, financial mechanisms, and inclusive policies, can collectively build low-carbon, resilient, and equitable energy systems. • Research gaps in sustainable energy supply on technology, policy, and equity are identified. • Sustainability-aligned pathways toward decentralized low-carbon solutions are reviewed. • Governance and planning are key for sustainable energy transitions. • A comprehensive framework of technical, economic, and social insights for sustainable transition is introduced.

Joy Nneamaka, Emmanuel Ojo, Chika Oliver Ujah

This critical review examines decentralised renewable energy (DRE) systems as game changers for sustainable energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although rich in renewable resources, over 570 million people in rural communities lack electricity. Traditional energy models, shaped by colonial histories and marked by inefficiencies, have failed to meet the continent's diverse energy needs. DRE systems provide flexible, community-focused solutions that promote energy equity, foster economic growth, and enhance climate resilience. Using Critical Juncture Theory and the Rational Choice Model, this study examines factors influencing DRE adoption. Analyses show how DRE encourages energy democracy, local ownership, and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 7 (Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). However, these systems face obstacles like fragmented policies, insufficient funding, technical gaps, and governance issues. Case studies from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ethiopia demonstrate implementation strategies, revealing supportive environments and challenges. This review synthesises policy discussions, highlights innovations like pay-as-you-go financing and digitalisation and outlines an integrated energy planning roadmap. Recommendations include regulatory reforms, blended financing models, capacity-building initiatives, and regional cooperation. This paper argues that decentralisation should be viewed not as a temporary measure but as a foundation for energy strategies. With visionary leadership, collaborative governance, and targeted investments, decentralised systems can transform Sub-Saharan Africa's energy future, prioritising equity, resilience, and sustainability. • Decentralized renewable energy (DRE) is paving the way for fair energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa. • ii. DRE systems are all about empowering communities, promoting energy democracy, and building resilience against climate change. • iii. Unfortunately, there are policy, financial, and technical hurdles that hold back the widespread adoption of DRE in the area. • iv. Various case studies showcase a range of DRE strategies and creative financing solutions. • v. For a successful shift to sustainable energy, integrated policy reforms and regional collaboration are essential.

Mantas Švažas

Climate change, energy crises, military actions in the world, and unstable oil prices create enormous challenges for the world’s nations. The need to use less fossil fuels opens opportunities for new or somewhat neglected green technologies. To reform the energy sector, it is necessary to have a clear and measured strategy. This allows for the identification of the potential of renewable resources in each space, while finding sources of financing for the transformation. The use of renewable resources makes it possible to solve an actual problem of the developed world—as the population of cities grows, the economic vitality of regions drops significantly. By creating new energy production capacities in the regions, social exclusion is reduced, and the main resources of the regions are better used—land areas, farms, and biomass sources. Nowadays, mankind is experiencing the third significant transformation that converts from conventional fossil fuels to new energy. The future development will go along with the three major trends—resource-type carbon reduction, production technology intensification, and utilization method diversification [1]. Based on these directions of transformation, the main investment decisions will be made, which will promote the progress of the energy system. Humanity is so far the least advanced in carbon collection and burial technologies, but the development of other trends allows for tangible progress.

Nkanyiso Msweli, Gideon Ude Nnachi, Coneth Graham Richards

Electricity access deficits remain acute in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where more than 600 million people lack reliable supply. Green hydrogen, produced through renewable-powered electrolysis, is increasingly recognized as a transformative energy carrier for decentralized systems due to its capacity for long-duration storage, sector coupling, and near-zero carbon emissions. This review adheres strictly to the PRISMA 2020 methodology, examining 190 records and synthesizing 80 peer-reviewed articles and industry reports released from 2010 to 2025. The review covers hydrogen production processes, hybrid renewable integration, techno-economic analysis, environmental compromises, global feasibility, and enabling policy incentives. The findings show that Alkaline (AEL) and PEM electrolyzers are immediately suitable for off-grid scenarios, whereas Solid Oxide (SOEC) and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzers present high potential for future deployment. For Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH) are in the range of EUR5.0–7.7/kg. Nonetheless, estimates from the learning curve indicate that these costs could fall to between EUR1.0 and EUR1.5 per kg by 2050, assuming there is (i) continued public support for the technology innovation, (ii) appropriate, flexible, and predictable regulation, (iii) increased demand for hydrogen, and (iv) a stable and long-term policy framework. Environmental life-cycle assessments indicate that emissions are nearly zero, but they also highlight serious concerns regarding freshwater usage, land occupation, and dependence on platinum group metals. Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya exhibit considerable promise in the early stages of development, while Niger demonstrates the feasibility of deploying modular, community-scale systems in challenging conditions. The study concludes that green hydrogen cannot be treated as an integrated solution but needs to be regarded as part of blended off-grid systems. To improve its role, targeted material innovation, blended finance, and policies bridging export-oriented applications to community-scale access must be established. It will then be feasible to ensure that hydrogen contributes meaningfully to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 7 in SSA.

Godwin O. Atedhor

No abstract is available for this record.

Isaac B. Oluwatayo, Mulweli Tshamano

Energy access and utilization remain highly unequal across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, despite the region's vast natural resources and growing energy needs. This study examines the differential inequalities in energy access and utilization in selected SSA countries, focusing on demand and supply-side constraints, technological opportunities, and the role of government and private sector interventions. The review paper highlights the persistent energy poverty affecting over 600 million people in SSA, particularly in rural areas, where reliance on traditional biomass remains prevalent. Infrastructure deficiencies, high energy costs, and inadequate policy frameworks further exacerbate these inequalities. The paper underscores the critical role of governments in formulating effective energy policies, implementing subsidies, and fostering public-private partnerships to expand sustainable energy access. The private sector's involvement in financing and deploying decentralized energy solutions is identified as a key driver of progress. Recommendations include strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, expanding regional power pools, investing in decentralized energy solutions, and promoting financial inclusion through innovative funding mechanisms. By addressing these challenges, SSA can move towards achieving equitable and sustainable energy access, fostering economic growth, and improving overall quality of life as key objectives of achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Anargul Belgibayeva, Аrtem Аrtyukhov, Viera Kubičková, Miroslava Čukanová · 7 authors

Type of the article: Research Article AbstractDecentralization and renewable energy have gained significant global attention due to their potential to enhance energy security, promote sustainability, and democratize energy access. This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends, key contributors, and thematic developments in the field of the decentralization of energy sources and their renewability. The research methodology involves a bibliometric analysis based on data extracted from the Scopus database, covering publications from 1973 to 2025. The analysis reveals exponential growth in research output, particularly after 2014, with over 3,700 publications recorded in 2023 alone. Citation trends indicate that foundational studies on decentralized microgrids and distributed energy systems remain highly influential, while recent works on blockchain-based energy trading and AI-driven energy management are gaining prominence. The study identifies China (11.7% of total publications), the United States (6.5%), and India (5.7%) as the leading contributors, with significant research activity also observed in European countries. Additionally, journals such as Applied Energy, Renewable Energy, and Energies serve as the primary publication platforms in this domain. Thematic analysis highlights a shift from bioenergy and land-use studies toward smart grids, energy storage, artificial intelligence, and decentralized finance for energy markets. Furthermore, co-authorship and international collaboration have increased significantly, with 25% of papers involving multi-country research efforts. Keyword analysis indicates growing research interest in emerging topics such as hydrogen energy, demand-side management, and digitalization in decentralized energy systems. These findings underscore the increasing interdisciplinary nature of decentralized energy research, integrating technological, economic, and policy dimensions. AcknowledgmentThis study was prepared as part of the project IZURZ1_224119/1 (Swiss National Science Foundation).

Sukriti Sharma, Asad H. Sahir

No abstract is available for this record.

Muhammad Kazim, Harun Pirim, Om Prakash Yadav, Chau Le · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Meselu Tegenie Mellaku, Yibeltal T. Wassie, Pernille Seljom, Muyiwa S. Adaramola

The economy of East Africa (EA) is striving for a structural transformation with a strong focus on expanding the manufacturing sector. However, challenges related to modern and reliable energy supply have hindered the sector's growth performance across the region. This systematic review explores the potential, opportunities, and challenges to integrating decentralized renewable energy solutions to bridge the energy supply-demand gap in the EA's manufacturing sector. It also provides up-to-date insights into the extent of integration of decentralized renewable energy technologies in the EA manufacturing sector. Relevant data and information for the review were retrieved from 46 references, including databases and web-based sources. The findings highlight that the EA region possesses abundant untapped solar, wind, and bioenergy resources that can close the sector's energy supply-demand gap. The review also reveals that renewable energy solutions are becoming increasingly techno-economically competitive with conventional energy sources for hybrid and stand-alone applications in the manufacturing sector. However, several challenges impede the integration of decentralized renewable energy technologies in the sector, including a lack of enabling regulatory frameworks, limited financing options, limited access to renewable technologies , and a lack of skilled labor. Nonetheless, international initiatives aimed at supporting developing countries in combating climate change can help overcome the region's financial and technological constraints by facilitating technology transfer, capacity building, and offering affordable financing options. Furthermore, the ambition of East African nations to expand their manufacturing sectors presents a stimulating opportunity to accelerate the integration of decentralized renewable energy technologies into the sector.