Case-studies

The case studies give insight into context-specific challenges and in extension which approaches to clean energy are relevant and have the greatest potential for impact. The cases focus on different scales: the Kenya-case focuses on the local/neighbourhood level using Nairobi as an entry point,10 and the Syria- and Lebanon-cases focus on the city and national level-systems. While this section highlights some key dimensions, a detailed overview of the Kenya and Lebanon case-studies can be found in the annex to this report.

In Kenya, the energy mix supplied through the national grid is predominantly from clean energy sources. Among the central challenges in cities such as Nairobi is how to secure reliable and equitable access to electricity, particularly in informal urban areas, and how to reduce the reliance on unclean energy for cooking and heating. To address these, an understanding of the current barriers and opportunities at the local level, working with residents to identify the best solutions on and off-grid, is key. The findings can also be extended to other rapidly expanding second-tier cities in Kenya.

In Lebanon and Syria, the energy-mix is almost exclusively based on fossil fuel. One of the main challenges facing Lebanon and Syria is thus how to shift existing production of energy towards clean energy sources. As with Kenya, another main challenge is power cuts and how to secure access to and reliable energy for all. Progress has been made to develop policies and a conducive regulatory environment, and initiate projects to promote clean energy transition. However, entrenched power-structures and a focus on fossil fuel extraction is preventing large-scale transition.

10 As explained in footnote 5, a survey was in Nairobi to inform this study. See Annex 1: Nairobi case study for details.