Examining energy sufficiency and energy mobility in the global south through the energy justice framework

Abstract

The widespread adoption of the energy justice framework notwithstanding, arguments offered have not been able to provide tangible definitions of sufficientarianism and energy mobility. Considering widening disparities on what constitutes sufficient energy (electricity) access between the global north (North America, Europe, Australia) and the global south (sub-Saharan Africa, SSA), this paper highlights the influence of ’western reality’ on the energy narrative. This paper also attempts to propose a model that evaluates off-grid electrification projects (in the global south) and their ability to guarantee sufficientarianism by examining the prospects of such projects in providing connected households access (energy security and sustainability of energy supply) and mobility (transition from a lower to higher energy level through the purchase of additional electrical equipment). Furthermore, this paper explores and provides arguments on energy bullying (by industrialized nations on developing countries mostly in SSA) while also offering suggestions for improvements in Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. In essence, this paper formulates the endemic problems of energy access and energy mobility (plaguing the global south) as a justice problem and further provides insight into the exacerbation of injustice and bullying exhibited by the global north. Examples from South Africa have been utilized as case study.