Is renewable energy a model for powering Eastern African countries transition to industrialization and urbanization?

摘要

This study profiles a conversation on the appropriateness of renewable energy as a model for powering development in East African countries. Estimated output elasticities of nonrenewable energy (0.29 0.48) are by far larger than those of renewable energy (-0.12.0.08); and as such, highlights the relative importance of the former. Also, the biased component of technical change shows higher technological progress for nonrenewable energy. Furthermore, substitution elasticities are positive (0.77 0.92); suggesting huge potential for a transition towards renewable energy. However, inherent limitations in renewables, documented in Wesseh and Lin [52,53], undermine the usefulness of East African countries reliance on renewable energy.