Paper short abstract:

Global energy access demands North-South collaboration in deploying off-grid technologies in remote areas. Such projects often neglect local socio-technical contexts, causing power imbalances. Our research uses a postcolonial lens to promote community-driven, inclusive, and sustainable approach.

Paper long abstract:

Achieving SDG 7's goal of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy remains a significant challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Off-grid clean energy solutions have emerged as viable alternatives, offering technologies like solar panels, clean cookstoves, and microgrids. However, these interventions often overlook the socio-technical fabric of local communities, leading to power imbalances and inhibiting long-term sustainability of energy projects. This research aims to explore these dynamics through a postcolonial lens, emphasizing the importance of engaging women as primary energy users and agents of change. Our methodology includes a comprehensive literature review on postcolonial studies, reflective self-assessments by the research team, and interviews with researchers and practitioners. Preliminary findings highlight the pitfalls of top-down interventions, such as inadequate technology design, ethical dilemmas, and resistance to change due to cultural misalignments. To address these issues, we advocate for a participatory design approach that fosters community ownership and inclusivity. By recognizing and addressing power imbalances, we propose strategies for building trust, engaging communities in all project stages, and ensuring mutual learning between researchers and local stakeholders. This approach aims to create sustainable and contextually relevant energy solutions that empower communities, particularly women, thereby fostering long-term sustainability and resilience. Our research underscores the necessity of decolonizing innovation practices and promoting epistemic plurality to achieve energy justice in a global scale.