Analysing the diffusion and adoption of renewable energy technologies in Africa: The functions of innovation systems perspective

Abstract

Renewable energy technologies have increasingly been promoted to address energy poverty and environmental sustainability challenges in Africa. Yet, their diffusion and uptake remain marginal. The focus of renewable energy technology diffusion research in Africa has largely been on identifying technological, economical and social factors, which determine adoption decision of end-users. In this paper, I argue that there is a need to systematically understand the enabling institutional context of renewable energy technologies as well. I argue that the Technological Innovation System (TIS) is a useful approach in this regard. In terms of policy, I argue that strengthening the functional build-up of TISs is crucial to increase the diffusion of renewable energy technologies in Africa. This requires gaining insights into the functioning of TISs. To this end, I provide a simplified framework for evaluating the functional performance of renewable energy TISs in Africa.