ENERGY JUSTICE AND SOCIAL TECHNOLOGIES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION MODELS IN MOZAMBIQUE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/pg3vpn54Keywords:
Rural Electrification; Decentralized Solar Systems; Social Technologies; Energy Justice; Mozambique.Abstract
Universal access to electricity is a fundamental pillar for socio-economic development, as advocated by Sustainable Development Goal 7. In Mozambique, population dispersion and the high costs of conventional grid expansion make decentralized systems strategic alternatives. This article aims to evaluate the technical, social, and economic viability of three decentralized solar electrification models in Mozambican rural communities: mini-grids with productive uses, solar home systems (SHS) with pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) financing, and hybrid models. The methodology is qualitative, based on bibliographic research and documentary analysis, using a multidimensional matrix grounded in the concepts of social technologies and energy justice. The results indicate that while mini-grids enhance productive uses and local income, they require high initial investment. Conversely, SHS PAYGO systems promote rapid and affordable inclusion but face power limitations. The hybrid model proved to be the most balanced solution for promoting territorial equity. It is concluded that the effectiveness of these systems as social technologies depends on the integration of community participation mechanisms, favorable regulation, and a focus on energy justice to overcome historical inequalities and promote sustainable local development.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ajumar Omar Alfaica, Josanne Cristina Ribeiro Ferreira Façanha, Aline Aparecida Carvalho França, Ricardo Bezerra de Oliveira
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