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Electricity access empowers women through expansion of economic, physical, and mental spaces in Zambia
Expanding electricity access (Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7) and empowering women (SDG 5) are closely linked. Most studies quantifying the benefits of the former for women focus on their economic empowerment; however, if and how such access results in women’s empowerment is best understood by examining the cultural context, norms, and gender roles in which… Read more
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Energy Values Lab at MSU and partners selected for $2.5 million US DOE Solar Energy Technology Office award to study social science of siting!
The Energy Values Lab in the Department of Community Sustainability, led by Doug Bessette, at Michigan State University has been selected for a $2,500,000 award by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office! This interdisciplinary and multi-institution project aims to answer a single comprehensive research question: how can we speed large-scale solar permitting… Read more
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Featured: Want to See Community Solar Done Right? A Project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Can Serve as a Model
Dan Gearino writes about our study of a community solar project in L’ Anse, Michigan. Read more
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Another unavoidable solar tradeoff: Local Environmental Benefit vs Economic Loss
One of the chief concerns of rural residents faced with large-scale solar (LSS) proposals are those projects’ impact to the local agricultural economy. While the construction of LSS creates temporary jobs and economic activity at local businesses, e.g., hotels, gas stations, restaurants and hardware stores, once the project is complete and operational, the full-time equivalents… Read more
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New Study! -Energy justice outcomes of a low-income community solar project in Michigan
This study, published in Energy Research & Social Science, and led by Karl Hoesch at UofM, explores one community solar project in a rural community in the upper peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. The project contained a carve-out for Low-Middle Income (LMI) households identified through participation in the National Weatherization Program (WAP). Through… Read more
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Removal of topsoil and runoff associated with LSS
There was a provocative story in Reuters this morning about concerns over the removal of topsoil, increased soil erosion, and increased sediment runoff resulting from large-scale solar development. Anybody that’s witnessed construction of a LSS project understands the significant earth-moving and grading that accompany installation of the panels. There is undoubtedly an impact to the… Read more
Doug Bessette, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University
