Plot, power, promises: Community decision-making at the land-energy nexus in South Africa
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Abstract:
This talk introduces the above paper, which addresses the challenge of land use for renewable energy technology, highlighting the tensions between indigenous land rights and the need for rapid expansion of renewables to meet SDG7. Focusing on a solar power plant under construction in rural South Africa, we research the decision-making process of both traditional and state authorities. Interviews with tribal leadership at the local and regional level centre the voices of those impacted by the land change from agricultural to a solar power plant. Our findings indicate that community members experienced both economic benefits and a series of challenges in this case study. We introduce the term ‘plot, power, promises’ to highlight the differential power and promise dimensions in the process of land transfer from customary plots of land to a renewable energy power plant. As communal land is likely to be used more frequently in southern Africa for renewable energy, we demonstrate both the opportunities and challenges inherent in that process, highlighting areas to improve social and procedural justice.
Bio:
Helena is a lecturer in human geography at the University of Exeter. Her work focuses on electricity generation and the extension of electricity access in southern Africa. Recent work examines the changing political economy of countries surrounding South Africa, including Namibia and Eswatini. She is secretary of the Energy Geographies Research Group of the RGS-IBG.