Abstract
There is a consensus among scholars and practitioners that energy solutions, such as electricity services and related products and systems, are paramount to the ability of nations to overcome environmental and social issues. As a result, policymakers and problem solvers in emerging economies have shown a keen interest in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Nevertheless, the design of sustainable energy solutions in low-income markets presents many challenges, such as those related to limited financial resources and poor infrastructure. In low-income markets, the adoption of a systems-oriented approach to product–service combinations may represent a promising alternative to traditional design approaches and result in a more socially and environmentally sound path to economic development. Building on design theory grounded in systems theory, this paper analyzes multiple aggregation levels of the sociotechnical system of a low-income energy efficiency program in Brazil. In this study, the authors examined findings from the literature, carried out field observations, and had discussions with practitioners and experts. The study identifies constraints that hinder energy solutions that could achieve higher levels of socioeconomic and environmental benefits in low-income energy markets. Based on the findings, the paper provides insights into sustainable energy transitions and concludes that low-income energy efficiency programs can be improved through design-led policy and stakeholder collaboration.
Highlights
Energy is essential for the achievement of sustainable development as it plays a central role in both socioeconomic development and environmental challenges [1,2]
This paper has discussed the adoption of systems thinking as a multilevel perspective to analyze energy product–service system (PSS) and gain insights that lead to the improvement of Brazil’s low-income energy efficiency programs
The cases analyzed were those in national energy programs that provide integrated electricity services and related products for low-income communities, promoting clean energy solutions, changes in lifestyle, and favoring the efficient use of resources
Summary
Energy is essential for the achievement of sustainable development as it plays a central role in both socioeconomic development and environmental challenges [1,2]. Energy solutions are pivotal in enabling emerging economies to overcome social issues, such as lack of access to safe water, lack of opportunities for income-generating activities, poor education services, and inadequate health care and sanitation [1]. Global awareness of the importance of energy to poverty alleviation and environmental issues has raised severe concerns among governments, energy utilities, and civil society. These energy challenges have increased the pressure on problem solvers to reduce the environmental impacts and improve the socioeconomic benefits of the generation, distribution, and consumption of electricity in low-income markets. Consensus exists that without access to sustainable electricity services and related products, sustainable energy systems cannot be created and sustainable development cannot be achieved [5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
