The importance of renewable energy (RE) in the global economy is increasing. This provides great economic opportunities for developing countries with a high RE potential, but simultaneously risks...Show moreThe importance of renewable energy (RE) in the global economy is increasing. This provides great economic opportunities for developing countries with a high RE potential, but simultaneously risks exposing these countries to an unjust energy transition as a consequence of energy production. Therefore, this thesis investigates the political-economic implications of RE on extractivism, to better understand the potential costs and benefits of RE developments for developing countries. Hence, the research question is; In what ways does Morocco’s renewable energy strategy reinforce patterns of extractivism, and how does energy extractivism reproduce existing power dynamics? This is examined through a within-case study analysis of Morocco’s renewable energy strategy by developing a framework of energy extractivism. It finds that Morocco’s energy strategy reinforces patterns of extractivism at two different junctions; Firstly, the international/national level that is formed by an underlying interdependence of (financial) resources and energy that sustain neo-colonial dynamics. Secondly, the national/local level that promotes extractivism as development in peripheral zones by transferring socio-environmental costs to local communities. Energy extractivism reproduces power dynamics through these junctions as it reasserts the influence of the elite on development and maintains social hierarchies at the local and national levels. However, a similar process is not (yet) present at the international level although some patterns of extractivism are. The study is relevant to broader literature on extractivism and RE development since it addresses the roles of both national RE strategies and international structures on energy appropriation. It is critical to assess these potential risks and opportunities early in the energy transition in developing countries before any adverse extractivist effects occur.Show less
This paper consists of an analysis of the failure of the Yasuní-ITT Initiative, examining the internal and external factors that influenced the Initiative’s development, progress and subsequent...Show moreThis paper consists of an analysis of the failure of the Yasuní-ITT Initiative, examining the internal and external factors that influenced the Initiative’s development, progress and subsequent failure. The Yasuní-ITT Initiative was introduced under the Correa government as an environmental project that proposed to discontinue oil extraction in part of the Yasuní National Park in Ecuador, in turn for financial compensation from the international community. As such, it had the opportunity to set an example of global collaboration in conservation by proposing to share the costs and benefits of conservation internationally. While attempting to find an explanation for the Initiative’s failure, this paper taps into the highly topical dilemma between ecologism and economism as faced by the Ecuadorian government.Show less
