Building Innovation System for the Diffusion of Renewable EnergyTechnology: Practices in Ethiopia and Bangladesh

Abstract

The diffusion of renewable energy technologies (RETs) has been progressing very slowly in global scope, particularly in developing countries where the diffusion challenges for renewable are greater. Among potential actors in the promotion and diffusion of rural-based renewable energy innovations, NGOs and NPOs have been mentioned as promising actors. However, empirical studies that show the role of the actors and the way they can be system builders by diffusing existing technologies have been very rare. This paper discusses the practices of an NGO in Ethiopia (Solar Energy Foundation) and an NPO in Bangladesh (Grameen Shakti) and shows how local technological innovation systems can be built by key actors in the context of developing countries. The study sheds light on the process of system building for accelerated diffusion of RETs in the context of developing countries. Using a theoretical framework, we compared the approach, technology adoption trend (solar home systems diffusion), and common challenges facing both actors in their respective countries. The two empirical cases which are in different geographical contexts provided lessons on the similarities and differences of system building practices and emerging innovation systems for diffusion of RETs in developing countries.

Comprehensive Study on Ethiopia Renewable Energy Technology Development and Barriers to Meet Rural Energy Needs

“…Figure 1 illustrates the specifics of this potential. Ethiopia has a potential yearly solar radiation density of approximately 1992.2 kWh/m 2 and a total energy reserve of 2,199,000.0 TWh (Kebede et al, 2015).…”

Building Innovation Capabilities for Sustainable Industrialisation

“…This has led to the introduction of an approach where a distinction is made between both different types of (sub) technologies and different sizes of projects (large, grid-connected wind, and solar power plants vs. wind or solar powered mini-grids) Hansen et al, this volume). Finally, research using the Technological Innovation System thinking as a framework (Kebede, Mitsufuji, and Islam, 2015;Wandera, 2018) indicates that this framework can also be used to shed light on issues and missing links in the up-take of renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa.…”

Solar Home Systems: A comprehensive literature review for Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Utilising local talent is key, where Kebede et al (2014) argue that international companies should partner with local organisations in lieu of setting up their own branches, as local organisations have easier access to rural households and thereby can be more successful in disseminating products. Moreover, supporting local entrepreneurs, who have already developed a decentralised energy infrastructure would also improve project's sustainability (van der Vleuten et al, 2007).…”

“…Comparative research on technology innovation systems in different countries is required to identify and understand the role of innovation system builders in increasing SHS adoption (Kebede & Mitsufuji, 2017;Kebede, Mitsufuji, & Islam, 2015). Governments and donors are two such actors, which often offer support to projects, although research on the impact of this support across countries is limited (Hansen et al, 2015).…”