Tackling Energy Poverty

On Monday, 5 August 2024, the Energy Economics Research Unit (EERU) in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of Pretoria (UP) hosted a successful energy poverty workshop at the EMS Research Hub. As part of the two-year project entitled “The Politics of Energy Poverty”, this event gathered experts, researchers, students, and stakeholders to discuss energy poverty and its impact on sustainable development.

Funded by the EMS Faculty, the project promotes transdisciplinary research and capacity building in energy poverty. Collaborators include the UP’s EERU, the Centre for Environmental Studies, Makerere University Business School, and the University of Johannesburg.

The workshop focused on the interplay between institutional quality and addressing energy poverty, highlighting its multi-dimensional nature – access, reliability, affordability, and income poverty – with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Prof Roula Inglesi-Lotz, Head of the EERU provided an overview of global trends, emphasising varied measurement approaches, while Dr Jessika Bohlmann, EERU researcher underscored the need for interdisciplinary methodologies to tackle energy poverty effectively.

Nadia Algera, the guest lecturer from the Carbon Trust shared practical insights, stressing affordability, accessibility, and community-owned energy projects in the Global South. Prof Victoria Graham from the University of Johannesburg discussed the political dimensions of energy poverty, introducing a five-stage policy analysis framework and highlighting the importance of good governance and stakeholder engagement.

Dr Senyonga Livingstone from Makerere University Business School presented on constructing a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MEPI), using advanced econometric methods to measure intervention impacts. WiZelle Kritzinger from the EERU explored the role of institutional quality in alleviating energy poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasising governance and regulatory reforms. UP’s Prof Abel Ramoelo addressed the connection between climate change and energy poverty, advocating for integrated, systems-based solutions and entrepreneurial skill-building within communities.

The workshop highlighted the need for comprehensive, collaborative approaches to effectively address energy poverty and its relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Discussions at the workshop emphasised policy intervention, robust governance, and private partnerships as critical for overcoming energy poverty.

For more information or to get involved in future events, contact the Energy Economics Research Unit at:

[email protected]
[email protected]