Community participation and the viability of decentralized renewable energy systems: evidence from a hybrid mini-grid in rural South Africa

Mahali Elizabeth Lesala, Patrick Mukumba · 2025 · Oxford Open Energy

Summary. Community participation strengthens decentralized renewable energy systems in rural areas. This study of a hybrid mini-grid in South Africa found that high technical and social participation improved system maintenance, trust, and resilience. However, women and community members had limited influence in decision-making and economic opportunities. Meaningful participation across governance, technical, economic, and social domains enhances legitimacy, local ownership, and long-term viability of rural energy projects.

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@article{lesala-2025-community-participation-viability-decentralized-renewable,
  title   = {Community participation and the viability of decentralized renewable energy systems: evidence from a hybrid mini-grid in rural South Africa},
  author  = {Mahali Elizabeth Lesala and Patrick Mukumba},
  journal = {Oxford Open Energy},
  year    = {2025},
  doi     = {10.1093/ooenergy/oiaf006},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1093/ooenergy/oiaf006}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Community participation and the viability of decentralized renewable energy systems: evidence from a hybrid mini-grid in rural South Africa
AU  - Mahali Elizabeth Lesala
AU  - Patrick Mukumba
JO  - Oxford Open Energy
PY  - 2025
DO  - 10.1093/ooenergy/oiaf006
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1093/ooenergy/oiaf006
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1093/ooenergy/oiaf006

Countries

South Africa

Regions

Africa

Categories

energy, regional-innovation-systems

Added

2026-04-28