FPRN is pleased to announce the launch of the newly published book by Palgrave Macmillan entitled ‘Electricity Capital and Energy Poverty’ in the presence of the authors, on 29 January 2026 at 9.30 a.m. (GMT).
The presentation was an opportunity to reflect on the political economy of energy poverty in the contexts of the so-called global South, and the changes in the energy scenarios underway here.
Drawing on five case studies from Zimbabwe, Mexico, Uganda, Indonesia, and Vanuatu, the authors addressed the following key themes:
- The Nexus between development finance, private investment and energy poverty eradication
- The recalibration of the role of the state and its implications
- The “datafication” of the energy poor
- The ecologies of repair and waste of renewable energy solutions.
You can download a copy of the book for free.
The authors:
- Lucy H. Baker | Department of Geography and Environment, The Open University, Milton Keynes, U
- Umberto Cao | CEReSS AMU – CeRCLEs EHESS, Marseille, France
- Ellen Fungisai Chipango | College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Hilman Syahri Fathoni | School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Paul G. Munro | UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Shanil Samarakoon | UNSW Sydney, Wentworth Point, Australia
Summary of Webinar
Unfortunately we do not have a recording of this webinar available. This is due to technical issues with Zoom at the time. Zoom did however create an AI summary. We have checked this, modified it in places, and included it here as a record of the presentations and conversations.
Webinar chair Umberto Cao introduced the webinar, emphasizing the importance of considering the Global South in addressing energy poverty and highlighting the multidimensional nature of the issue. The discussion included a brief overview of the recently published book by Umberto and the other presenters, which explores energy poverty from a global perspective.
Energy Capital and Global Inequalities
The meeting focused on a book about electricity capital, with Paul introducing four key themes: the financialization of energy poverty, the evolving role of the state, the digitalization of energy systems, and the ecologies of repair and waste. Paul explained how these themes play out across different geographical contexts, using case studies from Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Mexico, and Vanuatu. The discussion highlighted how energy infrastructure is increasingly governed through data and algorithms, with energy-poor households becoming data subjects rather than citizens with guaranteed energy rights. The the first section ended with Hilman preparing to present the Indonesian case study, which explores these themes in the context of that country’s electricity sector.
Rural Electrification and State Capitalism
Hilman presented on the chapter on Indonesia, which examines the relationship between rural electrification programs and the emergence of state capitalism. He discussed how the government’s 100% electrification target has led to spatial disparities, with most new coal power plants located on Java and Bali, while eastern provinces receive small-scale renewable energy initiatives. A participant highlighted a case study in Sumba, where a U.S.-funded off-grid solar project struggled financially due to subsidized electricity prices and ultimately ceased operations. Ellen presented on Zimbabwe, focusing on how smart prepaid meters have shifted responsibility for energy access to households, challenging the ethical implications of electrification and suggesting a need for Ubuntu-informed policy that considers social relations and shared responsibility.
Electricity Capital’s Evolving Dynamics
Lucy discussed the evolving nature of electricity capital, emphasizing its dynamic relationship with finance and technology. She highlighted the importance of considering multiple scales of electricity provision, from small solar home systems to centralized grids, and the need for a nuanced understanding of electrification and access. Lucy also touched on the role of digitalization, financialization, and geopolitical shifts in shaping electricity capital, and concluded by mentioning ongoing research on the impact of electricity capital on socioeconomic development and the growing problem of solar waste.
Off-grid Solar Finance Evolution
The meeting focused on discussions about finance flows in the off-grid solar sector, with Paul explaining that early finance was predominantly from Global North investors but noting recent Chinese state-backed companies entering the market. A participant raised concerns about prepaid meters in Zimbabwe, which was addressed by acknowledging both the importance of payment systems and the need to consider broader social dynamics. The discussion also touched on carbon financing as a potential alternative to donor aid, with questions raised about its viability and potential advantages and disadvantages.
Energy Access and Sustainability Challenges
Lucy discussed the reduction in concessional funding for energy access, particularly for coal-fired energy, but noted that green energy projects can still access such financing as economies transition to green economies. Shanil highlighted the need for policy focus on the long-term sustainability of off-grid solar systems, emphasizing durability, repairability, and interoperability. Hilman shared insights from Indonesia’s energy sector, noting the government’s fixation on meeting electrification targets at the expense of community empowerment and capacity building, and discussed ongoing debates about channeling government funds to private off-grid companies.
Challenges in Carbon Financing for Off-Grid Energy
The discussion focused on carbon financing challenges in off-grid energy, with Paul and Shanil sharing insights from industry experiences where carbon financing initiatives often failed due to complex methodologies and practical difficulties. Lucy explained that energy poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon that combines both access and affordability challenges, referencing the World Bank’s tiered electricity access system and noting how off-grid solar initiatives initially aimed at providing affordable energy to low-income households faced financial sustainability issues. The conversation concluded with a discussion about comparing energy poverty and digital inclusion needs between the Global North and South, though the book did not specifically address this comparison.
Energy Poverty: Global Case Studies
The panel discussed energy poverty, focusing on Zimbabwe and Indonesia’s case studies. Ellen explained that Zimbabwe’s energy utility currently operates based on liberal utilitarian principles rather than Ubuntu values, which prioritize aggregate welfare over vulnerable households. The discussion highlighted the complexity of defining energy poverty, with a participant emphasizing the importance of considering reliability and availability alongside access and affordability. Hilman shared insights from Indonesia, noting discrepancies between official electrification rates and actual access, particularly in rural areas. The panel also touched on the challenges of publishing the book and the need for further research on energy poverty.