"Utan tillgång till energi är utvecklingen inte möjlig..." : En socioteknisk och resursteoretisk analys av elektrifiering i Minst utvecklade länder med praktiska implikationer från Burkina Faso

Sammanfattning

The global transition towards sustainable energy faces significant challenges, particularly in Least Developed Countries, where a large share of the population lacks access to modern energy. The term modern energy refers to affordable, reliable, sustainable and clean energy, primarily electricity and clean cooking fuels. Despite extensive international efforts and substantial financial investments, progress towards the global goal of sustainable energy for all (SDG 7) remains slow. This raises the question of which factors drive and hinder electrification in Least Developed Countries, how effective energy systems can be designed, and how actors can contribute to accelerating electrification.The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors influencing the development of electrification in Least Developed Countries and how these can be managed to support sustainable development. The study examines drivers and barriers, the design of energy systems, and how actors can act to accelerate electrification. To address this, a combination of methods has been applied, including a literature review, an interview study with experts in energy and development, and a case study of the aid organization Yennenga Progress and their energy system in Nakamtenga, Burkina Faso.The results show that political and economic factors constitute fundamental conditions for electrification, where institutional stability, effective regulatory frameworks, and access to capital are crucial for enabling investments and scaling. At the same time, social factors, such as local competence, acceptance, and willingness to pay, are central for actual use and long-term functionality. The availability of renewable resources alone is not sufficient, as their potential depends on the structures within which they are implemented.Furthermore, solar energy combined with battery storage emerges as the most promising technical solution, while complementary technologies such as biogas, induction cookers, and microgrids fulfill important local functions. At the same time, the performance and scalability of these technologies are highly dependent on the surrounding economic, political, and social structures. This highlights the need for energy systems that are flexible, locally adapted, and capable of being expanded incrementally.Finally, the study shows that long-term commitments are essential for building capacity and establishing stable structures. A particular emphasis should be placed on knowledge development and strengthening local competence, in combination with actors’ ability to adapt and integrate solutions into the local context. At the same time, social anchoring can act as a catalyst by increasing demand and willingness to pay, thereby contributing to the gradual strengthening of economic and institutional conditions and accelerating electrification.