Decoding the vector of energy poverty

Abstract

Energy poverty means the lack of access to proper electricity and clean energy fuels. This type of poverty is closely linked to the dichotomy between developed and developing regions. This project argues that tackling energy poverty first needs to be addressed by understanding energy injustice between the urban and rural areas of developing countries. This outlook is significant because energy poverty can be seen as a vector of resource availability, power and spatial needs which is similar to the ideology of the ‘poverty vector’ (Gupta, S. P,1984). The lack of such a cohesive perspective has led to the ongoing negative impacts on economic development, health and access to basic amenities. The project sheds light on the need for a holistic approach to implement resilient energy networks that emphasizes on renewable energy transition and spatial development to address energy poverty. By taking the case of the National Capital Region of India, the project aims to bridge the knowledge gap that exists in creating resilient energy networks in areas that does not have 24x7 access to energy.