New energy transitions, old problems: the challenge of achieving a just electrification with a gendered face

Poverty reduction and transformation to a low carbon society are urgent matters, leaving little time for failed politics, policies and interventions. Energy accounts for roughly 70 percent of global emissions, and the need for mitigation through decarbonisation is generally recognised. At the same time, in countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, a large majority of women, men and children continue to live in poverty. The need for sustainable and affordable energy access in the Global South has driven the development of new and adapted forms of electricity generation, transmission and delivery, such as off-grid energy systems. Alongside providing power, these systems of energy provision are also ascribed specific developmental outcomes, often creating technocentric models for development. To better understand some of the challenges associated with achieving renewable transitions in the Global South, this chapter explores the politics and tensions around gender and electrification. We draw on a recent empirical case from India. We position the discussion in energy justice and gender politics and provide a critical, gendered analysis of how a ‘smart mini-grid’ became scripted, primarily through the influence of male engineers and developers. The image of a smart mini-grid remained strong despite the evidence of a failing project and we reflect on the reasons for the persistence of this image. We end by focusing on knowledge production and how gender just transitions may be understood and achieved.