Renewable energy technologies in the Maldives—Realizing the potential

Abstract

Like in many Small Island Developing States, the techno-economic potential of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in the Maldives is substantial. However, it is not certain that these economically viable RETs will indeed be implemented and utilized, since this is greatly influenced by various social, institutional and political factors (i.e., the Innovation System). In order to steer away from activities that enhance the current fossil fuel based lock-in situation and create an environment that increases the chance of a successful transfer and diffusion of RETs, several projects have been set up in the Maldives. These projects have been initiated by the Global Environmental Facility, the United Nations Development Program, and the European Commission. In this article we evaluate these projects by analyzing whether or not they strengthen the local Renewable Energy Innovation System. This evaluation shows that these RE programs strengthen most of the key processes necessary in an Innovation System conducive to technology transfer. However, as not enough attention is being paid to local entrepreneurial activities and the creation of a domestic market for RETs, the process of RET transfer might run the risk of stagnation after completion of the RE programs.

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“…In fact, several authors have even questioned the applicability of the innovation system approach to developing countries (see e.g., Arocena and Sutz 2000;Schott and Wickstrom Jensen 2008;van Alphen, Hekkert, and van Sark 2008). Schott and Wickstrom Jensen (2008) argue that without considering the specific context, the innovation system approach cannot be applied to developing countries.…”

“…56 The first concern with previous TIS frameworks expressed in the literature was that they have primarily been developed and tested empirically in developed countries (van Alphen, Hekkert, and van Sark 2008).…”

“…60 Including adaptive capacity as a function is not novelty in the literature; it has been used in previous empirical studies in developing countries (see e.g. van Alphen, Hekkert, and van Sark 2008). legitimacy functions to include a specific analysis of international resource mobilization and informal lobbying, i.e.…”