The Benefits and Complexities of Distributed Generation: Two Energy Trajectories in Laos and Thailand

Abstract

This article aims to offer insight into the benefits and complexities of distributed generation and provide a critique of mainstream theories about energy transitions. It does so through the analysis of two village-based case studies, in Laos and Thailand, respectively. The term ‘energy trajectory’ is introduced to analyse how changing energy systems in the two villages are related to changing energy practices and socio-economic development. A combination of data on energy use, interviews and observation in the villages provides a deep historical perspective of these changes over time. In both cases, decentralised micro-hydropower systems were built, followed later by connection to the national electricity grid. These changes provide an opportunity for close-up investigation of local energy transitions over a relatively short period of time. In addition to some similarities, there are also major differences between the two energy trajectories. Besides the different economic and political contexts of Laos and Thailand, there is more involvement of development actors in the case of Laos than in the case from Thailand. However, the latter case shows more success in creating ownership for the people in the village. Both cases highlight the need to look at distributed generation projects as embedded in the wider development context and the political economy of electricity generation. The findings of this article challenge common conceptions and theorisation of energy transitions, related to contingency and the complexity of scalar interactions of the energy trajectories analysed. Finally, the article argues for better integration of distributed generation in policy and planning.