Using hugs, carrots and sticks: How agents exercise power in the transition to community-owned energy systems in remote India

摘要: Abstract Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) systems are key for sustainable energy transitions, particularly in poor communities, yet their pace of adoption remains slow. This paper contributes to the field transition, examining role power establish and govern long-lasting community-owned DRE systems. The study develops a novel conceptual framework that analyses as system, whose constituting components include; entities (who); resources (what); instruments (how); motivations (why); spatial-temporal dimensions (where when). Using qualitative methods, is applied examine 24 implemented by single solution provider remote India have been operational many years. Learnings suggest at time establishing systems, centrally mobilizes power, distributing hugs bring actors together generate consensus model. Conversely, while governing mobilized multiple entities, each using different achieve collective aim building local capacities technical administrative tasks. While external support communities mix hugs, carrots sticks, themselves engage virtuous cycle learning-by-doing, leveraging knowledge abilities acquire skills ensure solutions. model requires carefully designed contractual agreements, enabling non-hierarchical relations, flexibility devolving responsibilities devise enforce contextually relevant rules. Retaining alienation with stakeholders acts deterrent, preventing elite capture ensuring inclusivity.