We are excited to announce that Professor Benjamin K. Sovacool will give a keynote speech on “Rethinking energy poverty and best practices for the governance of distributed renewable energy access” at our next Regional Learning Alliance Webinar on 11th February 2021 2pm GMT.
Benjamin is a Professor of Energy Policy at the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex Business School and the Director of the Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand and of the Sussex Energy Group.
Over one billion people—one in five globally—lack electricity to light their homes or conduct business. Many more only have access to poor quality service. Widespread access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy is critical for achieving inclusive, low-emissions growth and development. But which technologies, and business models work? Which don't? The presentation will demonstrate how small-scale renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, cookstoves, biogas digesters, microhydro units, and wind turbines are helping planners eradicate energy poverty and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through an in-depth exploration of case studies in Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka, the presentation will highlight the applicability of different approaches to the promotion of renewable energy in developing countries. It will also illuminate how household and commercial innovations occur (or fail to occur) within particular energy governance regimes. Lastly, and uniquely, it will explore successful case studies alongside failures or “worst practice” examples that are often just as revealing as those that met their targets. Based on these successes and failures, the presentation will present salient lessons for policymakers and practitioners wishing to expand energy access and raise standards of living in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Registration is free via Eventbrite.