(Green) Power to the People? A research on the inclusion of Aruban households in the transition to renewable energy

Abstract

The socio-technical transition to renewable energy is taking place in areas all over the globe. The transition is understudied for the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). A diverse array of unique challenges is central to SIDS in this transition to renewable energy. Aruba, a small island state in the Caribbean, has expressed the will to attain the goal of 100% renewable energy by the year 2020. In this transition household involvement and engagement is crucial. This paper focusses on how households in Aruba could be (better) involved in the transition to renewable energy, and explores how the local oil refinery has influenced their perceptions of this transition. It discusses the current use, involvement and awareness of households and it pays attention to the obstructions and opportunities in this transition. This study is conducted within the framework of the socio-technical transition theory, strategic niche management and political ecology. Data collection has been executed by means of interviews with households, a local politician and technical service and installation companies, as well as a literature review. The major findings are: the necessity of better information provision; lack of trust in politics; politicisation of the transition; and the lack of financial means.