An equitable energy transition requires the ability for multiple perspectives and participants to have a seat at the energy table. Destenie Nock, a Carnegie Mellon University assistant professor of engineering and public policy and civil and environmental engineering, is working to bring more stakeholder voices into the discussion of expanding power grids in developing countries. She and her co-authors examined Ghana's developing energy system through the lens of local and national stakeholders in a recent study.
The Ghana workshops revealed that local leaders wanted to use energy transition to fuel economic development and growing the region's capability to produce stable electricity generation (i.e., nuclear and natural gas power plants). This is in direct contrast with the international push for 100% renewable systems. The contrast the researchers found between local and international priorities for energy development illustrates that international policy makers must work harder to engage and include community stakeholders, if they aim to promote equitable energy access and development.