Does Renewable Energy Affect Violent Conflict? Exploring Social Opposition And Injustice In The Struggle Over The Lake Turkana Wind Farm, Kenya
Elsevier
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Abstract: This peer-reviewed study investigates how Kenya?s flagship wind energy project intersects with violent conflict. Drawing from project documentation, independent evaluations, and secondary data, it develops a systems framework outlining 16 conflict drivers and four action categories: justice, restriction, communication, and violence. The authors detail divergent perceptions between developers and civil society groups, especially regarding land acquisition, local benefit distribution, and ethnic power asymmetries. Quantitative and qualitative data expose the underreporting of grievances and exclusion of vulnerable actors. The analysis critiques traditional energy planning and advocates for conflict-sensitive governance. Policy recommendations include stronger participatory mechanisms, better accountability systems, and integration of Indigenous knowledge. The work contributes to theory and practice around energy justice, infrastructural violence, and climate-sensitive programming.