Impacts Generated by a Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant Can Lead to Conflicts between Sustainable Development Goals: A Review of Key Lessons Learned in Madagascar

Abstract

In a context of energy transition towards renewable energies, this case study situated in Madagascar allows us to verify the extent to which an on-grid photovoltaic solar power plant represents a vector for sustainable development. The article proposes a model for assessing sustainability from a qualitative multi-criteria perspective. This analysis fits into the theoretical question of the science of sustainability by challenging the theory of endogenous development. The innovation of this research is based on the use of a qualitative approach to a technological issue filling a literature gap in the major issue of the effective sustainability of renewable energy (particularly in the context of an island state). The study emphasizes that the plant can only represent a vector for sustainable development with the collaboration of the concerned parties, which implies considering the electrification needs at the local level. The article confirms that the impacts generated by the power plant can lead to conflicts between different sustainable development goals. Theoretically, the study emphasizes that the evaluation of the sustainability of solar power plants should follow a process that: (i) uses a preferably qualitative methodology likely to understand the local conditions of the communities in which they are established; (ii) identifies dissociated indicators while taking into account the context; and (iii) analyzes the possible negative interactions between the impact areas by highlighting the key areas linked to land management and the well-being of women within a poverty reduction approach.

Sustainability Assessment of Electricity Generation in Niger Using a Weighted Multi-Criteria Decision Approach

“…Non-conventional electricity generation technologies like utility scale PV and wind turbines (WE) are considered not only worldwide [53], but also in African countries like Madagascar [56] and Nigeria [57] as the most economically affordable technologies for electricity generation (Figure 6). Its low LCOE (ECO2) as well as its investment (ECO1) and O&M (ECO3) costs are factors that promote the constant increase of its presence worldwide [58] as power sources, having also the advantage of reduced impacts to human health (ECO5).…”

“…Several studies have been conducted on sustainable assessment of energy systems in developing countries, from which, a vast majority prioritized the economic factor, over the social or environmental. In studies conducted in countries like Nigeria [57] or Cuba [62], the au-…”

“…Several studies have been conducted on sustainable assessment of energy systems in developing countries, from which, a vast majority prioritized the economic factor, over the social or environmental. In studies conducted in countries like Nigeria [57] or Cuba [62], the authors remarked the positive impacts of energy development through a progress in local GDP. Based on this statement, which was also supported by stakeholders and energy experts in Niger, economic dimension needs to be considered as a major driver to improve the electricity market in the country.…”

“…Levelized cost of electricity (ECO2), obtained the highest score on the economic dimension weighting process of indicators, based on the fact that providing electricity at acceptable generation costs could be translated in affordable prices for the population [57]. Moreover, in some countries [3], LCOE is understood as a crucial aspect which could curb or promote local economy, considering the fact that high electricity generation costs for countries with high poverty rate, could be translated in subsiding electricity costs covered by local governments to reach affordable prices to society jeopardizing the country's development.…”

Evaluating the Transition Towards Post-Carbon Cities: A Literature Review

“…Most of the articles in the literature present in the most well-known and reliable bibliometric databases connect the concept of the energy transition to specific cases. Often, the energy transition is linked to the concept of landscape transformation, land consumption, the use of renewable energy sources, and what benefits they bring but also what conflicts they have with the Sustainable Development Goals [22][23][24][25][26]. Papers have also been written about specific methods that can be used to examine the energy transition, such as system dynamics [27].…”