In 2016, Saudi Arabia released Saudi Vision 2030, a document containing ambitions and goals for 2030. The document contains two goals regarding renewable energy: achieving a capacity of 9.5GW in...Show moreIn 2016, Saudi Arabia released Saudi Vision 2030, a document containing ambitions and goals for 2030. The document contains two goals regarding renewable energy: achieving a capacity of 9.5GW in renewable energy by 2030, and localising part of the renewable energy value chain. This thesis researches how the KSA uses these renewable energy goals to change its nation brand, and how this affects its leadership position in global energy. Using online databases and existing literature, this thesis assesses both the situation regarding the renewable energy and the localisation in 2016, and the realisation of the goals by 2024. Then a thematic analysis of the websites and X-accounts of Vision 2030 and Green Initiative is carried out. Lastly, this study analyses the behaviour and rhetoric of Saudi Arabia within OPEC, the UNGA, and COP-meetings. The thesis argues that while Saudi Arabia uses renewable energy to shape its image, this is not the main component or goal of its nation branding strategy. Rather, the KSA presents itself as a transforming, ambitious nation, and as a potential economic partner for investors. Regarding sustainability, Saudi Arabia brands itself as a leader in renewable energy, especially in regional context. The thesis argues that despite the developments regarding renewable energy in Saudi Arabia, the country continues to prioritise oil production and export. As a result, its position in global energy has not changed significantly and in the long run, its nation brand might not be as effective.Show less
Climate change is a growing problem and sustainable energy sources are necessary in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Wind energy is a common source of sustainable energy in the UK, but acceptance of...Show moreClimate change is a growing problem and sustainable energy sources are necessary in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Wind energy is a common source of sustainable energy in the UK, but acceptance of wind farm projects varies, which can lead to delay or cancellation of a project. Previous research found support for the hypothesis that acceptance of a wind farm project is higher when participants receive voice (compared to no voice), and that this relationship is mediated by perceived procedural fairness and trust in the project developer. The current study aimed to replicate and extend these results. It also tested whether expectations of voice opportunity moderate this relationship. Participants were told to imagine that they were a resident of Presford, where a company named UniWind was planning to build a wind park. We then systematically varied expectations (expectations manipulation: expecting voice vs. not expecting voice vs. control group) and whether or not participants received voice (voice manipulation: genuine voice vs. no voice). The study was an experimental scenario study with a 3 x 2 between-subjects design (n = 450; UK citizens). As predicted and replicating previous results, we found a significant main effect of voice opportunity on project acceptance, and this relationship was mediated by perceived procedural fairness and trust in the project developer. However, against what was predicted, no significant moderating effect of expectations was found. Implications and directions for future research were discussed, and the results illustrate the importance of a voice opportunity in the acceptance of wind farm projects. Several suggestions for future research were made.Show less
The Sustainable Development Goals of the UN aim at promoting initiatives that aid in fighting climate change and creating a more prosperous future. One project that has been greatly celebrated by...Show moreThe Sustainable Development Goals of the UN aim at promoting initiatives that aid in fighting climate change and creating a more prosperous future. One project that has been greatly celebrated by the UN is Morocco’s Solar Plan and NoorO, which is the largest CSP plant in the world. Yet, the case of NoorO can be said to be an example of green grabbing, which is a puzzling environmental justice issue, that on the surface may seem to be beneficial to climate change mitigation efforts. However, the project led to communities losing their land and livelihoods, so as to create space for the construction of NoorO. By investigating the following research question, “How do the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals facilitate green grabbing, specifically, in the case of the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Power Complex?”, this paper shows how the SDGs enabled green grabbing to occur under the guise of Goals 7 and 13. It is argued that by using language that is both ambiguous and narrow, the SDGs allowed injustices to fall upon marginalized communities in the Ouarzazate area. As such, effective climate change mitigation has to take into account the realities of all individuals, in order to be successfully achieved.Show less
The European Union has been promoting the use and production of renewable energies through various policies. In 2009, the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC was introduced. The Directive also...Show moreThe European Union has been promoting the use and production of renewable energies through various policies. In 2009, the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC was introduced. The Directive also set mandatory targets for the EU-28 Member States individually. The Member States are free to choose the instruments with which they promote the use of renewable energy consumption. In achieving these goals two main instruments were used: price-based or quota-based instruments. Therefore, the central question to this research is ‘what effect does the introduction of mandatory national targets, combined with the freedom of instrument choice, introduced by the Renewable Energy Directive (2009), have on the share of renewable energy in the EU-28 from 2004 to 2018?’ The academic debate does not give a clear answer on both of these topics. The effectiveness of the mandatory national targets and which instrument for promoting renewable energy is the most efficient is disputed. The most popular policy for promoting renewable energy are the price-based policies (FIT/FIP). This can also clearly be seen in the EU-28, where the FIT is in the clear majority. The research question will be tested by using three statistical models. First, a pooled regression model will be used to estimate the effect of the introduction of the RED and the instruments that were used on the share of renewable energy in the EU-28. Secondly, some biases will be corrected for by using a Fixed Effects regression model. The dependent variable that will be used is ‘the share of renewable energy in the gross final energy consumption’ in the EU-28 countries. Our final model will investigate the presence of beta- convergence, which will be used to test how the ambition of the national targets played a role. The results show that the levels of renewable energy increased after the introduction of the RED in 2009. The results from the method of beta-convergence show that countries that had a more ambitious national goal set for them in 2009 showed a more substantial growth in their share of renewable energy. Besides that, the results give no reliable and clear answer to the question which promotion instrument is more effective. The only significant result shows that price-based policies show higher levels of renewable energy in their energy mix, which is in line with our expectations.Show less
Engaging in a just energy transition implies the equitable participation of all stakeholders. The successful development of renewable energy infrastructure projects relies on a strong social...Show moreEngaging in a just energy transition implies the equitable participation of all stakeholders. The successful development of renewable energy infrastructure projects relies on a strong social support. Companies must implement ambitious community engagement practices to gain a social license to operate (SLO) and, thus, mitigate social acceptance risks. This study aims at investigating the interactions between involved companies and host communities of such projects in South Africa, where firms must engage in local economic development activities. It focuses on the construction phase of third-party EPC projects (when Engineering, Procurement and Construction services are offered by an actor that is not the original developer). Based on a comprehensive literature review, field research was conducted. Thorough observations were recorded. Questionnaire surveys were disseminated to the company’s employees and local workers. Semi- structured interviews and discussions were conducted with company’s representatives, local workers, and other community members. A comparative case study approach is adopted to evaluate corporate management strategies. Two projects located in the North West province, Bokamoso and Waterloo Solar Parks, and overseen by the same EPC company, are analyzed. The SLO concept is utilized to assess actual community responses and frame elements of corporate management that might have influenced the positive observed levels of SLO. Results show that: • There is a slight mismatch between the reality on site and its perception by the company. • The company maintains a negative approach to communication, both internally and externally, which negatively influenced local communities’ responses. • Community responses are also shaped by external factors that the company acknowledges but difficultly navigates. These results suggest that host communities and local rules of the game should be better understood by corporate proponents. Practical recommendations to improve community engagement and better mitigate social acceptance risks in renewable energy infrastructure projects, solely during the construction phase, in South Africa are offered.Show less
This paper presents a research conducted to expose the effects that renewable energy projects have on the rentier state of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research contains a detailed description...Show moreThis paper presents a research conducted to expose the effects that renewable energy projects have on the rentier state of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research contains a detailed description of the Saudi Arabian rentier state and the way this state is built up. The renewable energy projects that were, are and will be set up in this state are thoroughly discussed and the way these exact projects are formed is also described. A detailed overview of the parties involved in these projects is also provided. Furthermore, there is a successive part that also describes the way these renewable energy projects fit into the rentier state. Considering the foundation of the rentier state, certain difficulties, encountered with the implementation of the renewable energy projects, and their solutions are also discussed. Finally, the last chapter describes the future vision of the Saudi Arabian state, the effects the domestic developments might have on the wider region and expert vision on the developments. The study concludes by stating that there are, as assumed, effects of renewable energy on the rentier state. The renewable energy projects are, however, just like the fossil fuels in the rentier state theory, almost always completely managed by the state. In some cases directly by the state, in others indirectly via state grants and investments. The economy will be further diversified due to the renewable energy projects, but this has yet to take place. Concrete plans with foreign parties have been made but not yet executed. The focus of the current renewable energy projects is to take on the ever-growing domestic demand for energy so that the fossil fuels saved by these projects can be exported in order to sustain the rentier basis of the state. Overall, the renewable energy projects do effect the rentier state of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but not necessarily threaten it.Show less
It has become conventional wisdom under many scientists, official organisations and politicians that the diffusion of solar (and wind) power is becoming an essential and integral part in the...Show moreIt has become conventional wisdom under many scientists, official organisations and politicians that the diffusion of solar (and wind) power is becoming an essential and integral part in the mitigation of climate change and the resolution to the extremely elevated levels of GHG-emissions. As with any (relatively) new technology, the penetration of solar power heavily depends on the level of new investments in solar capacity and storage. This paper considers four main factors of influence on the level of investment in solar power in a specific country: technology and innovation, country-specific characteristics, economic developments and political (and cultural) institutions. This research paper focusses on the manner in which political institutions affect the level of investment in the deployment and infrastructure of solar power. The transaction cost approach on the study of potential investments analyses the possible costs involved in the transaction or investment. Two elements have been demonstrated to increase the costs that incur when engaging in a certain transaction: uncertainty and opportunistic behaviour, either from one of the contracting parties or from a third party, whose interests oppose that of the transaction. Institutions, particularly political and cultural institutions, have a significant effect on the success of a certain transaction. This effect is magnified when it concerns highly specific assets and when the products that result from the transaction (investment) are consumed widely. Investments in solar power are prone to both types of transaction costs. Stable regulatory frameworks, regulatory contracting, relational contracting and a moderate degree of political fragmentation and third-party influence increase the feasibility and credibility of policy regimes. In the early stage of solar power deployment a number of countries, including Italy and Germany, the protagonists of this research paper, have successfully introduced feed-in-tariff support schemes to ease uncertainty for investors and stimulate further investments in solar technology and capacity. However, unilateral opportunistic behaviour from the Italian government that introduced retrospective changes to existing regulation and contracts has demonstrated to significantly damage investors’ trust and the dynamics of solar power investments. In addition, entrenched practices of clientelism and corruption in Italy considerably abate the possibility of foreign investments, necessary to increase the penetration of solar power in Italy. The ‘Italian style’ of relational contracting between private investors and the public agent, appears to be a functional solution in avoiding transaction costs for tenders, concession contracts or public private partnerships. Illustrative for the German market, in order to mitigate the hazard of third-party opportunism, characteristic to parliamentary democracy (with elevated levels of scrutiny and room for opposition), a rapprochement to market mechanism appears to be a suitable option. In addition, enhanced transparency and a penetrative governmental communication strategy could provide for broader public support and incentivise future investments in solar power.Show less
