Spatial justice and the land politics of renewables: Dispossessing vulnerable communities through solar energy mega-projects. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yenneti, Komali; Day, Rosie; Golubchikov, Oleg
• Is Part Of: Geoforum. Volume 76(2016)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: India, Charanka solar park -- Enclosure of commons -- Land acquisition -- Mega-solar-projects -- Energy transition -- Energy justice; Geography -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Sciences de la terre -- Périodiques; Géographie -- Périodiques; Géographie humaine -- Périodiques; Aménagement du territoire -- Périodiques; Earth sciences; Geography; Human geography; Regional planning; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 304.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2016.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-7185

Abstract

Abstract: This paper considers aspects of spatial justice in the processes of land acquisition for large-scale solar energy projects in the developmentalist context of India. It explores the case of one of the world's largest solar park projects in Charanka, Gujarat. While the official rhetoric suggests an inclusive project for globally benign renewable energy production, the research reveals a more controversial land and power politics of renewable energy. It is argued, in particular, that the project increases the precariousness of vulnerable communities, who are exposed to the loss of livelihoods due to the enclosure of common land and extra-legal mechanisms through which land acquisitions for the project have reportedly taken place. This case exemplifies how solar mega-projects may manifest a regime of accumulation whereby low-carbon coalitions of interests can maximize their gains by dispossessing vulnerable social groups of their life-sustaining assets.