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It is clear that the economic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic have reversed recent progress in enhancing access to electricity and clean cooking for communities, and further slowed improvements in energy efficiency. Despite these impediments, it is important to note that renewable energy technologies have displayed resilience, demonstrating their crucial role in the energy transition. This resilience can be attributed to the innovative approaches that have emerged in response to the pandemic, such as decentralised renewable energy systems, community-based energy initiatives, and enhanced international cooperation (International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA, 2021a). For instance, the rapid deployment of solar home systems and mini- grids in rural areas has provided essential energy access to communities affected by the pandemic, highlighting the potential of decentralised renewable energy solutions to enhance energy resilience (IRENA 2021a).
It is evident that there is a shift in global focus on inter- national cooperation and innovative financial solutions to support the energy transition. To this regard, the global sphere is increasingly recognising the need for substantial investments in renewable energy infrastructure, capacity building, and policy support to accelerate the adoption of RET and achieve SDG7 (UN 2022; IRENA 2022). This signi- fies a need to foster collaboration between governments, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organisations to develop a resilient energy system that can withstand fu- ture shocks and ensure equitable access to modern energy services for all. RET offers a promising solution by providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy. RET includes various technologies, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, that harness renewable resources to generate power (IRENA 2021b). The incorporation of these innovation for devel- opment (I4D) systems provides countries with an opportu- nity to achieve SDGs, enhance energy security, and foster economic growth. This paper explores the role of RET and the concept of I4D in promoting sustainable development in the post-COVID-19 era, focusing on how technological advancements and creative problem-solving can drive economic growth and improve livelihoods, particularly in impoverished communities.
theoretical framework
Harnessing RET for innovation and sustainable develop- ment in the post-COVID-19 era was critically examined through the frameworks of governmentality and energy transition theory. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pan- demic, global priorities have shifted towards rebuilding economies in ways that foster resilience and sustainabil- ity. Governmentality, as introduced by Michel Foucault, provides a lens through which the role of governance in influencing societal behaviour is examined and under- stood, particularly regarding environmental sustainability. Governments, acting as central agents in this transition,
are responsible for shaping policies that encourage the construction and implementation of RET (Huff 2013). This is critical in the post-pandemic era, as regions aim to build more sustainable, low-carbon economies. Furthermore, governmentality extends to individuals, where the need for self-regulation in reducing carbon footprints through renewable energy use becomes vital. As asserted by Huff (2013), citizens become more environmentally conscious, their collective actions can significantly contribute to mit- igating climate change, thus aligning with national and global goals for sustainable development.
Energy transition theory deepens the understanding of how technological innovations, policy interventions, and societal shifts are driving the shift towards renewable energy in the post-COVID-19 landscape. As economies recover, the integration of RET becomes not only an environmental necessity but also a key driver of innovation. The pandemic underscored the vulnerability of traditional energy systems, revealing the need for more resilient and decentralised energy sources. According to Gribler (2012) energy transitions are propelled by the convergence of technological advancements and supportive policy frameworks, both of which are essential for enabling the success of RET. This transition is further strengthened by the transformation of societal institutions and practices related to energy use (Sovacool, 2016). In the post- COVID-19 era, RET presents opportunities for sustainable economic recovery by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, fostering green job creation, and promoting energy security. This shift not only addresses urgent climate goals but also stimulates innovation, making RET a cornerstone for sustainable development and economic resilience in a post-pandemic world.
Literature review
The relevance of innovation for development to renewable energy technology
Innovation for development (I4D) is a concept that re- fers to the application of creative problem solving and technological advancements to drive sustainable devel- opment, particularly in poorer countries (Fagerberg et al. 2010). The concept of I4D is critical to RET as it focuses on harnessing innovation to address critical developmental challenges, such as energy poverty, climate change, and socio-economic inequality (OECD 2019). Notably, the tran- sition to RET is critical for attaining several UN SDGs, which include SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy and SDG 13: Climate action (UN 2015). Innovation is crucial for making RET systems more efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable to the unique needs of communities in the Global South (see Figure 2). As asserted by IRENA (2021b), technological innovations, such as advancements in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy storage, and decentralised energy systems assist to overcome challenges to energy access and contribute to broader socio-economic development.
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