In this paper, the limits and potentials of the cocreation partnership “The Desertec Foundation” will be discussed and analysed both from a neoliberal as well as a post- colonial perspective referring to scientific and political studies executed on the project. After an introduction outlining the key characteristics of the concept and a description of the key technology used to produce solar energy, we will closely examine the macro context of the concept to answer the concrete research questions listed below concerning the political, social, environmental and economic impact of the Desertec Concept.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Technological Background of the Desertec Concept
3. A Political Perspective on the Desertec Concept
3.1 Political Context of the Project in the MENA-Region
3.2 Human Rights and the Human Development Aspect
4. The Desertec Project in a Social Context
4.1 Water related challenges
4.2 Land-use and access to land for indigenous people
4.3 The right to non-discrimination: employment, technology transfer and capacity building
5. An environmental perspective; the use of Solar energy in the Desertec foundation
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives & Key Themes
The paper examines the limits and potentials of the Desertec Foundation’s cocreation partnership, analyzing its political, social, environmental, and economic impacts through the lenses of neoliberal and post-colonial theories.
- Technological characteristics and sustainability of solar energy.
- Political implications for the MENA region and the potential for win-win outcomes.
- Strategies for ensuring local community benefits and sustainable human development.
- Challenges regarding government regulation and corporate power.
- Social risks, including land use, water rights, and discrimination.
Excerpt from the Book
The Desertec Project in a Social Context.
In their analysis of the Desertec foundation, Klarwitter and Schinke underline various social challenges the concept could face, but also that they could possibly help solving. The following are among some of the problem areas listed:
1. The right to water and sanitation.
2. The right to land and land rights for indigenous people.
3. The right to non-discrimination.
The first one involves de-escalation of water conflicts, and conflicts over water use entitlements.
The second part includes conflicts over land use entitlements, civil unrest, and terrorism.
The third part involves at best better integration of marginalized parties or at worst exclusion of marginalized parties and enhancement of the regional divide, and may even include possibilities to level out socio-political inequalities and social integration.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the scope of the paper, focusing on the Desertec Concept’s goals and its role as a cocreation partnership.
Technological Background of the Desertec Concept: Describes the primary technologies, such as concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), and their efficiency in balancing renewable energy fluctuations.
A Political Perspective on the Desertec Concept: Analyzes the political framework, focusing on the MENA region and the necessity of incorporating human development aspects alongside technocratic approaches.
The Desertec Project in a Social Context: Examines specific social challenges including water rights, land access for indigenous populations, and employment equality.
An environmental perspective; the use of Solar energy in the Desertec foundation: Investigates the sustainability of solar energy systems and potential environmental risks associated with large-scale land use and chemical waste.
Discussion: Synthesizes findings by reflecting on poverty, redistribution, and the complex interaction between corporations and marginalized stakeholders.
Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of an integrated approach that respects diverse stakeholder needs to ensure the Desertec concept contributes to sustainable development.
Keywords
Desertec, MENA region, solar energy, sustainable development, cocreation partnership, Corporate Social Responsibility, human rights, neoliberalism, post-colonialism, water scarcity, land rights, technology transfer, poverty reduction, renewable energy, stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the limits and potentials of the "Desertec Foundation" project, assessing how a large-scale renewable energy initiative impacts the MENA region from a sociopolitical, economic, and environmental standpoint.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the political context of the MENA region, the social rights of local communities (water, land, and employment), environmental sustainability of solar power, and corporate responsibility.
What is the overarching research goal?
The goal is to determine if the Desertec project creates genuine sustainable development and "win-win" scenarios for Europe and the MENA region, or if it risks exploiting resources in a neo-colonial fashion.
Which scientific theories are used as a framework?
The authors apply neoliberal and post-colonial theories to analyze Corporate Social Responsibility and the nature of cocreation partnerships.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body addresses the technological foundation of CSP, the human development aspects of the project, water-related challenges, indigenous land rights, and the influence of corporations on policy frameworks.
Which keywords define this academic work?
Central keywords include Desertec, MENA region, sustainability, human rights, cocreation, CSR, and subaltern public.
How does the paper analyze the risks to water security?
It highlights the conflict potential between energy generation and food production, suggesting that without technology sharing, local water resources could be negatively impacted.
How do the authors suggest addressing the power imbalance?
They advocate for a human rights-based approach that includes social inclusion, empowerment, and meaningful participation of marginalized local communities in the decision-making process.
- Quote paper
- Laura Nordmann (Author), Kaja Rosholt (Author), 2012, CSR and Cocreation Partnerships working towards sustainable development – what are the limits and potentials of the Desertec Concept?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/206911
