A generic technology assessment framework for sustainable energy transitions in African contexts

Abstract

How African countries manage transitions to decarbonised, environmentally and socially acceptable energy systems is a topical issue in public policy, politics and academic spheres today. There is recognition that technology assessment plays a critical role in the choice of specific pathways to just clean energy transitions. Yet, there is limited energy technology assessment practice in Africa. In fact, technology assessment is not well understood and institutionalised. This, in part, is due to the absence of Africa context tailored technology assessment frameworks. This study used an integrated literature review to explore the state and forms of technology assessments and their relevance to energy technology assessment research. The review showed that diverse forms of technology assessments have evolved due to changing priorities in policy, methodological and practical aspects. We propose an action-oriented energy technology assessment that considers geographical contexts, sustainable development dimensions, and different energy systems as dynamic and fosters inclusive stakeholder engagement. The main output of our proposal is a 3-phased generic framework for conducting energy technology assessments. We conclude that the action-oriented perspective needs to consider a transdisciplinary approach to promote sustainable energy transition and evaluate the sustainability of different energy transition technologies in systemic socio-political and energy contexts.