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Exploring the causes of slow biogas energy transition in rural areas of Cameroon: A technological innovation systems approach

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  • Ketuama, Chama Theodore
  • Roubík, Hynek

Abstract

The diffusion of biogas technology remains extremely slow in Cameroon despite global mobilisation to transition to cleaner energy sources. Without adequate evidence to inform the formulation of new policies and strategies to revamp the biogas sector, this study applies a technological innovations systems (TIS) approach to investigate the causes of the slow transition to biogas energy in rural areas of Cameroon. This included identifying the structural/functional problems, performance analysis of the biogas innovation system (BIS) and the systemic problems hindering the development and diffusion of biogas technology in Cameroon. With a qualitative case study approach, primary and secondary data collected through document study, 92 interviews, and direct observation of 51 biogas plants were used. The results reveal a very weak but emergent biogas innovation system. This is caused by combined structural and dynamic (systemic) problems resulting mainly from a poor institutional setting, lack of legitimacy, weak biogas actor-network, inadequate funding and technical capacity to sustain the technology. Building a resilient biogas market in Cameroon requires providing solutions to the current systemic problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Ketuama, Chama Theodore & Roubík, Hynek, 2025. "Exploring the causes of slow biogas energy transition in rural areas of Cameroon: A technological innovation systems approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:241:y:2025:i:c:s0960148124023371
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.122269
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