Managing gender-inclusive, just energy transitions - POISED

The problem

The technological transition needed to limit climate change will, by necessity, mean significant changes to society, not just current systems of energy generation, but current systems of transport, housing, food production, entertainment, communication, clothes production, packaging, and distribution of things. The urgency required means this energy transition will need to be deliberate and planned to avoid exacerbating existing social inequalities.

The research

The Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development Project installed energy management and control systems; energy storage; and improvements in distribution networks, to significantly reduce the need for diesel to generate electricity. The project replaced inefficient diesel-based power generation grids on the islands with solar PV hybrid systems with cleaner and more efficient diesel generation sets. We analysed impacts on community vulnerability, and resilience focusing on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI).

The impact

We demonstrated the energy transition provided opportunities to improve GESI outcomes, especially in relation to women’s economic empowerment, as well as affordability and reduction of GHG emissions, enhancing overall sustainability. The Maldives government Roadmap for the Energy Sector was informed by our work and incorporates the framework that we have proposed for Just Energy Transition (JET).

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