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Is renewable energy a model for powering Eastern African countries transition to industrialization and urbanization?

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  • Wesseh, Presley K.
  • Lin, Boqiang

Abstract

This study profiles a conversation on the appropriateness of renewable energy as a model for powering development in East African countries. Estimated output elasticities of nonrenewable energy (0.29 – 0.48) are by far larger than those of renewable energy (−0.12 – 0.08); and as such, highlights the relative importance of the former. Also, the biased component of technical change shows higher technological progress for nonrenewable energy. Furthermore, substitution elasticities are positive (0.77 – 0.92); suggesting huge potential for a transition towards renewable energy. However, inherent limitations in renewables, documented in Wesseh and Lin **[52,53], undermine the usefulness of East African countries reliance on renewable energy.

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  • Wesseh, Presley K. & Lin, Boqiang, 2017. "Is renewable energy a model for powering Eastern African countries transition to industrialization and urbanization?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 909-917.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:75:y:2017:i:c:p:909-917
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.11.071
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