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local technicians to ensure the long-term viability of renewable energy infrastructure. The training programmes are essential for reducing dependency on foreign expertise and for creating local employment opportunities, which may further enhance socio-economic development. For instance, solar energy training programmes in India have trained thousands of solar engineers, many of whom have gone on to establish small renewable energy businesses in their communities (Dutta 2019). This not only ensures the sustainability of RET projects but also contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and promoting entrepreneurship. In addition to training programmes, it is crucial to educate communities about the environmental, economic, and health benefits of renewable energy as it creates a sense of ownership and encourages behavioural changes that support the transition to cleaner energy sources (Sovacool et al. 2012).
Financing innovation and public-private partnerships
Innovative financing mechanisms are also central to the concept of I4D in advancing RET projects. One of the most significant barriers to RET adoption in developing countries is the lack of access to affordable financing (REN21 2021). Traditional financing models often do not cater to the needs of poorer communities, making it difficult for households and small businesses to afford renewable energy technologies. Innovative financial solutions, such as microfinance, green bonds, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), can bridge this gap. In the context of South Africa, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has successfully attracted billions of dollars in private investment into the country’s renewable energy sector through a transparent bidding process (Eberhard and Naude 2016). These partnerships not only reduce the financial risks associated with large-scale renewable energy projects but also encourage innovation in technology and business models, ensuring that RET initiatives are both impactful and sustainable.
Technological innovations in RET
Technological innovation plays a critical role in the con- struction and implementation of renewable energy tech- nologies. IRENA (2021b) notes that recent advancements in solar PV, wind, hydro, and biomass technologies have significantly improved the efficiency, reliability, and afford- ability of renewable energy systems, making them more accessible to a broader range of households.
Solar photovoltaic technology
Solar PV technology has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, with significant improvements in efficiency, cost, and scalability. According to IRENA (2021b) the cost of solar PV modules has dropped by about 80% over the past decade, making solar energy one of the most cost-
competitive sources of electricity globally. In addition, advancements in solar cell materials, such as perovskite and organic photovoltaics, have the potential to further reduce costs and improve efficiency, making solar energy more accessible to low-income households and communities (Green et al. 2019).
Wind energy technology
Wind energy technology has also seen significant ad- vancements, with improvements in turbine design, ma- terials, and control systems increasing the efficiency and reliability of wind power generation. IRENA (2021b) high- lights that the development of larger and more efficient wind turbines has made it possible to harness more energy from wind resources, reducing the cost of wind power and making it more competitive with other forms of energy. Additionally, IEA (2021) indicated that improvements in offshore wind technology have opened up new opportu- nities for wind power generation, particularly in regions with high wind resources but limited land availability.
Hydropower technology
Hydropower is one of the oldest and most established forms of renewable energy, accounting for more than half of global renewable electricity generation (IEA 2021). Recent advancements in hydropower technology, such as the development of small-scale and low-impact hydropower systems, have made it possible to harness energy from rivers and streams with minimal environmental impact (IEA 2021). Moreover, IEA (2021) notes that innovations in pumped storage technology have improved the efficiency and flexibility of hydropower systems, making them a valuable resource for balancing intermittent renewable energy generation.
Biomass energy technology
According to IRENA (2021b) biomass energy technology presents the possibility of providing sustainable energy by converting organic materials, such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste, into electricity, heat, and biofuels. Recent innovations in biomass conversion technologies, such as gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion, have improved the efficiency and reliability of biomass energy systems, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuels (IEA 2021). In addition, the development of advanced biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol and algae-based biofuels, possess the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security, particularly in regions with limited access to conventional energy resources (IRENA 2021b).
Reducing environmental impact
Renewable energy technology (RET) presents a remarkable opportunity in reducing environmental impacts by replacing fossil fuels with cleaner, more sustainable
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