Papers by Alexandra Mallett
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The Extractive Industries and Society, Mar 1, 2023
Routledge eBooks, Dec 12, 2012
Low carbon technology transfer to developing countries has been both a lynchpin of, and a key stu... more Low carbon technology transfer to developing countries has been both a lynchpin of, and a key stumbling block to a global deal on climate change. This book brings together for the first time in one place the work of some of the world's leading contemporary researchers in this field. It provides a practical, empirically grounded guide for policy makers and practitioners, while at the same time making new theoretical advances in combining insights from the literature on technology transfer and the literature on low carbon innovation. The book begins by summarizing the nature of low carbon technology transfer and its contemporary relevance in the context of climate change, before introducing a new theoretical framework through which effective policy mechanisms can be analyzed. The north-south, developed-developing country differences and synergies are then introduced together with the relevant international policy context. Uniquely, the book also introduces questions around the extent to which current approaches to technology transfer under the international policy regime might be considered to be 'pro-poor'. Throughout, the book draws on cutting edge empirical work to illustrate the insights it affords. The book concludes by setting out constructive ways forward towards delivering on existing international commitments in this area, including practical tools for decision makers
The Extractive Industries and Society
The Extractive Industries and Society
Abstract Brazil, a key mining producer globally, has a comprehensive system of environmental laws... more Abstract Brazil, a key mining producer globally, has a comprehensive system of environmental laws and institutions. Nevertheless, their effectiveness has been questioned. We examined the perception of regulatory effectiveness of the environmental licensing process for mining from a range of actors involved in these processes in Brazil. Firstly, we found that in line with past research, participants characterized the environmental licensing system as being beset by administrative and legal complexity, a lack of systematization of these processes, and insufficient resources being devoted to enforcement. The workload of environmental agency officers was also noted as a problem as was political influence. In addition, informants raised concerns around environmental agency officers being personally liable for environmental crimes. Furthermore, although interviewees noted that public hearings, environmental impact documents and having the Public Prosecutor's Office (PPO) as a resource were useful state-led ways to mitigate environmental risks from mining, they highlighted longstanding issues around the effectiveness of the hearings and the quality and quantity of the environmental impact documents. These findings are important because despite having comprehensive environmental laws and institutions in place for decades including the presence of a dedicated actor – the PPO – past problems with environmental regulation of mining in Brazil continue.
There is a growing consensus that the way in which we generate, distribute and use energy warrant... more There is a growing consensus that the way in which we generate, distribute and use energy warrants a seismic shift to effectively address concerns such as climate change, energy security, economic development and innovation in a rapidly evolving global context. Considered the backbone of many contemporary societies, one pivotal juncture within these transitions is the electricity system. Under the guise of various terms such as penalties and incentives, public nudging, and / or steering, one idea is that public authorities lead society towards less energy-intensive visions. A number of tensions exist however, such as the need to act rapidly to trigger these movements, while also allowing people time to become comfortable with these changes.
The division undertakes research projects on energy efficiency improvement and cleaner technologi... more The division undertakes research projects on energy efficiency improvement and cleaner technologies promotion among industries. Mr. Pal has been involved in cleaner production studies; RDD&D (Research, Development, Demonstration and Diffusion) of energy efficient technologies among SMEs and studies on issues related to technology transfer from developed to developing countries. He leads several multidisciplinary research projects in these fields and has published numerous articles in international and national journals. He has authored a book on cleaner technologies in the foundry industry. Mr. Pal has been educated in India and the UK: a Bachelor of Technology from Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi) in Chemical Engineering; a Master's of Science from University of Warwick (Coventry) in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and a Master's Degree from University of Strathclyde (Glasgow) in Process Engineering.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2020
Abstract While renewable energy is making inroads in certain jurisdictions, there appears to be l... more Abstract While renewable energy is making inroads in certain jurisdictions, there appears to be little enthusiasm or effort by many countries in the Global South when examining overall patterns of investment, despite numerous countries announcing renewable energy adoption goals. Various studies attribute this apparent lack of interest to a lack of legislative and regulatory instruments, promotional measures, and unattractive market structures. While these may be relevant factors, this study demonstrates that lack of interest can also stem from concerns over levels of unmet energy demand, coupled with the cost of energy generation. The influence of these two factors on the decision to invest in renewable energy is discussed and demonstrated through a case study on electricity generation planning in Ghana. The case study indicates that, given the projected levels of Ghana's electricity demand and expenses for generation capacity addition, the level of unmet demand could be as high as 18.5% if Ghana were to follow through with its 10% renewable electricity target by 2030. Correspondingly, the cost of electricity provision could increase by over US$221 Million annually – a substantial amount for any country, but particularly for those in the Global South. Results from the case study indicate some of the key reasons why Ghana is nowhere near its 10% renewable electricity target originally set for 2020, and why it is likely the new target year of 2030 will suffer a similar fate. Having highlighted these concerns, the paper then offers suggestions for increasing renewable energy in the Global South.
Energy Research & Social Science, 2018
Many people agree on the need for energy system change, and that innovation is a pivotal componen... more Many people agree on the need for energy system change, and that innovation is a pivotal component in attaining these changes. For this reason, a flurry of activity existsby scholars, policy makers and practitionersabout how to realize these changes most effectively. Emerging concepts and activities underway on the ground point to systemic changes afoot. By contrast, policy makers and their advisors often rely on outdated assumptions when espousing advice about policy, investment and markets. Through an examination of a number of sustainable energy experiences, this paper argues that conventional ways of approaching innovation are inadequate at effectively understanding innovation systems; by doing so, we miss important sources of innovation. This is important because to realize these transitions further alignment between these scholars, policy makers and practitioners is required. We must look beyond frontier technologies, experts and money by taking a broad view of innovation that also attempts to capture less orthodox innovation sources. To do so we must apply a comprehensive approach to energy system change; one that acknowledges that aspects such as culture, social, environmental, and political issues can play as important roles in understanding change as economic and technical aspects.
Regional Environmental Change, 2018
Many recognize the role of public policy in catalyzing action to address climate change. Attentio... more Many recognize the role of public policy in catalyzing action to address climate change. Attention has turned to theories of policy change, focusing on agents and their activities. Less clear, however, is the relationship between effective policy change and the actors, their context, and their strategies. We therefore ask: to what extent do kinds of policy actors, institutional settings, and policy entrepreneurial strategies influence policy change? Drawing from experiences in a subnational jurisdiction in the Canadian Arctic (Northwest Territories), the following findings emerged. Firstly, policy change occurred due to the efforts of a wide-ranging collective of policy actors. We further suggest that more attention focus upon the structures in which they operate. These aspects include modern treaty and devolution agreements; mechanisms that provide people with opportunities to engage within policy formulation processes; attempts at incorporating alternative viewpoints; dispersed communities; and experience with decentralized electricity. In addition, by attempting to align strategies with features unique to the region help foster policy change. These strategies included capitalizing on focusing events (e.g., low water levels affecting one of the hydro-based electricity systems in a populace with a heightened awareness of climate change); issue linking (climate change, energy security, self-reliance); fostering networks involving insiders and outsiders and in a decentralized fashion; and utilizing a promising venue (an energy charrette). In essence, a key feature of the region is that many features are in a state of flux. We posit that these open or fluid systems are ecologies in which policy entrepreneurship can possibly thrive.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2017
Various “smart grid” technologies can help achieve a region's environmental and climate mitig... more Various “smart grid” technologies can help achieve a region's environmental and climate mitigation goals by facilitating the deployment of renewable energy sources, transportation electrification, energy conservation and load-shifting of electricity use. This study reviews and explores the role of environmental framing in the socio-political acceptance of smart grid technologies by citizens, media, and key stakeholders, using the case study of British Columbia, Canada—a low carbon electricity-based region where smart grid deployment has been mandated as part of climate change legislation. We collected and analyzed data from British Columbia via a survey of Canadian citizens implemented in 2013 (n = 2930), a media analysis of newspaper articles from 2007 to 2012, and interviews with key stakeholders in 2013. We find that overall citizen acceptance of one smart grid technology (smart meters) is relatively low in British Columbia, but acceptance doubles when the survey explicitly describes smart meters according to positive frames, namely environmental benefits without installation costs or mandatory enrolment. In contrast, we find that media and key stakeholders in British Columbia focus more on economic frames of smart grid deployment (e.g. reducing electricity costs) than environmental frames (e.g. climate abatement). Further, we find that news media mention smart grid risks 50% more frequently than benefits. By comparing these different aspects of socio-political acceptance, we suggest that key stakeholders seeking to deploy smart grid technology could better stimulate citizen support in certain jurisdictions by more actively using positive, pro-environmental frames and by better engaging with citizens earlier in the technology and policy design and deployment process.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2017
Abstract Smart grid technologies are an important dimension of electricity system change and gove... more Abstract Smart grid technologies are an important dimension of electricity system change and governments have been actively involved in their diffusion in a number of jurisdictions. Deployment rates for technologies involving the public have varied, despite governments pursuing similar policies/programs and implementing comparable technologies, such as smart meters. An important question is why. Examining smart grids in the media can be helpful in understanding these differences. Media coverage represents a means through which to gauge how issues are being framed, which can in turn influence public perceptions of these technologies. We examine media coverage of smart grids in national-level Canadian newspapers over time to explore how often and what aspects of smart grids are emphasized within this context. We found that while initially more positive aspects of smart grids were highlighted, over time media coverage of smart grid technologies and deployment programs became more negative. This suggests that people's perceptions of technologies are likely entwined with the processes in which people become exposed to them – negative experiences with the implementation programs often correlated to negative perceptions of technologies. We also found that negative technology and program attributes were more pronounced in certain regions of Canada versus others despite embarking upon similar policies and programs aimed at advancing smart grids (introducing smart meters). In addition, the specific risks and benefits differed, depending on the sub-national geographic setting. Thus, in designing and executing policies, decision makers ought to be cognizant of issue framing and which ones will resonate more within their local context. As smart grid proponents seek to introduce a further array of technologies into societies, we suggest that they concurrently carefully consider the channels in which people become exposed to and experience these technologies.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2017
Abstract The term smart grid (SG) has been widely used in both the United States (U.S.) and Canad... more Abstract The term smart grid (SG) has been widely used in both the United States (U.S.) and Canada to represent multiple visions and configurations of electricity system change. In both countries policies, programs, and initiatives have emerged to promote technological and social changes associated with SG, and different patterns of SG implementation and governance are apparent at local, regional, and national levels. This paper reports on a comparative analysis of SG media content in nationally-circulating newspapers in the U.S. and Canada to explore patterns of SG conversations in the two countries. Media reporting about SG provides a valuable lens that reflects public discourse and also contributes to setting the public agenda by shaping public opinion and framing key issues. Despite similarities in terms of policy, program design, and SG deployment strategies, several prominent differences between the two countries emerge in public conversations. Firstly, Canadian SG newspaper content focuses more on implementation and describing people's experiences with smart meters, while the U.S. content focuses more on commercial opportunities with more reference to private sector actors and various technological components beyond smart meters. Secondly, although media coverage in both countries frequently highlights technological and economic benefits of SG, positive SG framing is more frequent in the U.S. newspapers than in the Canadian ones. Negative SG portrayals, including cultural, political and health and safety risks, are more frequently mentioned in the Canadian newspapers. These differing SG framings could be due to national level cultural differences. In the U.S, considered to be more of an individualistic society, there is more emphasis on business opportunities, being entrepreneurial, and more private sector involvement in the electricity sector. By contrast, in Canada, public authorities, more prominent in the electricity market than in the U.S., play a key role in smart grid deployment. Furthermore, in Canada, considered to have more social support structures for individuals and communities, there was more emphasis on the experiences of people. This suggests that cultural differences at the national level be a further contextual lens helpful to policy makers and technology proponents as they embark upon energy system change initiatives.
Low carbon technology transfer to developing countries has a central role to play in mitigating c... more Low carbon technology transfer to developing countries has a central role to play in mitigating carbon emissions. It is a key issue for the international negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The promise of access to low carbon technologies was an important incentive for developing nations to support the UNFCCC in 1992. Although the Convention was intended to facilitate low carbon technology transfer, its success in achieving this has been limited, Many developing nations have expressed frustration that their expectations have not been met. Policybriefing Low Carbon Technology Transfer: Lessons from India and China Key messages • Low carbon technology transfer is an essential component of the UNFCCC negotiations. However, it should be analysed and supported as a component of wider processes of low carbon innovation in developing countries.
The Extractive Industries and Society, 2020
Abstract This paper examines the aftermath of the Samarco mine dam break near Mariana, Brazil, in... more Abstract This paper examines the aftermath of the Samarco mine dam break near Mariana, Brazil, in November 2015. The paper employs a decolonial theoretical framework and qualitative methods to analyze the resulting conflicts between the mining company, government authorities, and affected community members using primary data from 20 interviews conducted in July and August 2016, as well as analysis of relevant academic, legal, and media sources. More than four years have passed, and problems persist for all parties involved, including impunity from crimes, regulatory weakness, and another mine dam failure near Brumadinho, Brazil, in 2019. The research findings uncover evidence that the mining company used strategies to evade responsibility for environmental destruction, loss of life, and violation of human rights, such as dominating the terms of engagement with victims and colluding with lawmakers. The findings also highlight acts of resistance to these corporate strategies —such as community mobilization with social movements, protests, political advocacy, and collective storytelling— that follow a decolonial ethic of social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Findings are analyzed from the perspective of decolonial theory and the lessons they offer for community-driven development, justice organizing and public policy in Brazil's mining industry.
This report details the findings of Phase II of the UK-India study on low carbon technology trans... more This report details the findings of Phase II of the UK-India study on low carbon technology transfer. The study was conducted by SPRU (University of Sussex, UK) and TERI (India) between June 2008 and February 2009, with expert review from Margaree Consultants (Canada) and the Institute for Development Studies (UK). The study focused on three key issues: 1. The development of a decision making guide to help policy makers ensure technology transfer activities have maximum impacts on developing new technological capacity in recipient countries; 2. Further work on intellectual property rights (IPRs), including the development of policies that could help to overcome IPR barriers; and 3. Developing recommendations of how collaborative research, development, demonstration and deployment (R,D,D&D) initiatives between developed and developing countries might contribute to technology transfer. The study used a case study approach based on five low carbon technologies, namely: wind power; sola...
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Papers by Alexandra Mallett