Themes
Using a case control methodology, we will pilot the SHINE framework through energy interventions with off-grid communities. The following analysis themes will highlight the intervention’s efficacy, scale and performance:
- Gender and social inclusion
- Climate
- Health
- Policy and economics
Energy, gender and social inclusion
Women and men experience energy poverty differently due to persistent gender inequalities. Women play a vital role in sustainable energy transitions, especially as local leaders and entrepreneurs, improving uptake and outcomes of energy technologies.
However, the energy sector remains male-dominated, with women underrepresented in technical roles, leadership, and decision-making, making gender mainstreaming essential for effective and equitable energy policy.
Energy and climate
Fossil fuels have historically driven growth but caused major environmental harm, including climate change and biodiversity loss. Transitioning to clean energy can reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support local ecosystems. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, shifting from fossil-based infrastructure to renewables offers both environmental and economic benefits.
Energy and health
Access to clean, reliable energy improves health at individual, community, and institutional levels, reducing indoor air pollution, enhancing healthcare delivery, and supporting life-saving medical services.
Conversely, reliance on non-renewable energy and limited access can worsen health outcomes and deepen inequalities. Integrating a health lens into energy interventions can maximise benefits and reduce harm.
Energy and economy
Energy access and economic development are closely linked, with affordable energy driving productivity, employment, and local enterprise. In sub-Saharan Africa, small-scale renewable technologies like solar and wind are increasingly implemented by local actors, boosting reliability and economic opportunity.
Energy access also enables households and businesses to improve efficiency, generate income, and add value to local goods and services.
Energy and sustainable technology
Clean technologies like solar energy offer major environmental and socio-economic benefits, but poor maintenance and limited local capacity can lead to waste and reduced effectiveness. Circular economy principles such as reuse, repair, and recycling, can help address these challenges, though most models are designed for the global north.
Adapting these approaches to local contexts is key to ensuring sustainability and long-term impact