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
Going beyond the Eurocentric perspective that is predominant in the discipline of International Relations (IR), this thesis demonstrates the valuable insights that can be gathered by starting an...Show moreGoing beyond the Eurocentric perspective that is predominant in the discipline of International Relations (IR), this thesis demonstrates the valuable insights that can be gathered by starting an analysis of an internationally relevant topic such as energy security from the viewpoint of commonly marginalised actors. The term ‘marginalised’ refers to actors geographically located in the ‘Global South’ (in this case North Africa) and previously analytically marginalised actors within IR, such as non-state actors. Moreover, this paper provides an informed response to the allegedly neocolonial character of the controversial Desertec project, a transnational energy partnership between the European Union and Middle Eastern and North African states. To be able to do so, the paper adopts an African (Moroccan) agency perspective based on the analytical framework provided by William Brown and a number of selected determinants of agency such as political bargaining power, image management or popular resistance. The paper finds that in its original form, that is, as Desertec was envisioned by its founding father Gerhard Trieb, the Desertec project cannot be described as a European neocolonial project. Yet, in its attempted realisation, Desertec – both the original large-scale project and the following individual projects – certainly had hegemonic features. Its hegemonic character, however, did not exclude and was even partly based upon African actors’ agency. Thus, while European actors still seem to determine the type of international relations held with African countries, North African state and non-state actors demonstrated significant, yet highly uneven agency in the Desertec context, thereby disproving generally held prejudices about African states’ passivity and inferiority in the international system.Show less
Rising concerns of climate change and environmental degradation is an increasing issue globally. In order to counter global warming and climate change, renewable energy is regarded as the key...Show moreRising concerns of climate change and environmental degradation is an increasing issue globally. In order to counter global warming and climate change, renewable energy is regarded as the key driver. Despite an abundance of renewable energy resources in Indonesia, the country has only marginally seen growth in this sector. The purpose of this research is to examine why Indonesia has been reluctant to transition towards renewable energy by taking the nexus of economic growth and (renewable) energy into account, as well as the various stakeholders that are related to Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. Using qualitative research methods, this study analyses Indonesia as a case study in order to effectively comprehend this multidimensional issue. It closely aligns with the assemblage theory in order to create a better understanding of various interests, fractions, rivalries, synergies and contradictions between the stakeholders in Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. Powerful stakeholders that have demote renewables, political ‘short-termism’ and social factors (that have negative effects on inflows of FDI) were found to play the greatest obstacles in facilitating the transition towards renewable energy development. Furthermore, this study adds to the debate regarding renewable energy development and economic growth.Show less
This thesis analyses how Angola and The UAE can utilize renewable energy to limit their dependence toward their fossil fuel sectors. The thesis maps out these countries relative dependene by...Show moreThis thesis analyses how Angola and The UAE can utilize renewable energy to limit their dependence toward their fossil fuel sectors. The thesis maps out these countries relative dependene by utilizing two typologies developed by IRENA. Firstly, the high exposure and low resilience category. These countries are defined as dependent on fossil fuel incomes, which account for more than 20% of GDP, while also lacking the fiscal and political instruments to alter their dependence. Secondly, the high exposure and high resilience category, defined as countries dependent on fossil fuel incomes, which account for more than 20% of GDP, but with the necessary income and capacity to manage the transition. This thesis concludes that the transition towards renewable energy is both an important and necessary tool for countries to limit their dependence on fossil fuels and promote economic diversification. The two case studies outlined highlight an emphatic case of how countries with various financial, as well as institutional and political capacities, can utilize these technologies effectively.Show less
An analysis of the potential of Solar energy to realise sustainable energy supply for Ghana's inhabitants, the capacity of the Ghanaian government to reach the ambitious universal access to...Show moreAn analysis of the potential of Solar energy to realise sustainable energy supply for Ghana's inhabitants, the capacity of the Ghanaian government to reach the ambitious universal access to electricity goals for 2020; and the feasibility of the 10% renewable electricity market penetration aim. The thesis will focus on Ghana's critical energy infrastructure, its energy policy framework and its rural electrification challenges. After analysing the projections for the solar-energy technology, the potential of solar energy to solve Ghana's energy crisis and contribute to the climate change challenge is formulated.Show less
