The Politics of Green Power: Governance, Institutions, and North Africa’s Renewable Energy Transition

North Africa stands at a critical juncture in its pursuit of sustainable energy systems, with abundant solar and wind resources offering immense potential for decarbonisation and economic diversification. However, the pace and pattern of renewable energy transitions across the region remain uneven, shaped by complex interactions between political, institutional, and economic factors. Persistent energy subsidies, entrenched fossil-fuel dependence, and the dominance of state-owned enterprises continue to influence the direction of national energy strategies. Recent studies highlight ambitious renewable energy targets—especially in Morocco and Egypt—yet also draw attention to implementation gaps, capacity constraints, and contested governance frameworks that hinder progress. Despite the growing importance of renewable energy in meeting climate commitments and achieving energy security, questions of political will, legitimacy, and distributional justice continue to define the debates surrounding energy transformation in the region. Deeper analysis is needed to understand how governance structures, institutional reforms, and societal dynamics shape the prospects for an equitable and sustainable energy transition in North Africa.This Research Topic aims to investigate the politics and governance of renewable energy transitions in North African countries by examining the institutional mechanisms, policy processes, and actor coalitions shaping this transformation. It seeks to uncover how regulatory frameworks, administrative capacities, and political economies enable or constrain renewable energy development. Furthermore, it aims to explore how these transitions intersect with broader issues of participation, equity, and legitimacy, addressing questions such as: What institutional arrangements support successful renewable energy policies? How do subsidies and vested interests shape policy choices? And in what ways do international partnerships and global climate agendas interact with domestic priorities?To gather further insights into the political and institutional dimensions of renewable energy transitions in North Africa, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Governance and policymaking processes in renewable energy transition- Political economy of energy subsidies and reform- Institutional capacity and regulatory challenges- Role of state-owned utilities and private investors- Decentralisation and local participation in energy projects- Climate and energy justice in North African context- Social acceptance, legitimacy, and public engagement- Influence of international donors and global actors on national energy policies- Comparative analyses of policy outcomes across North African countries Topic editors: Mahmoud Eltaweel, Dr Siobhan Bygate, Darren Crook Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83763/the-politics-of-green-power-governance-institutions-and-north-africas-renewable-energy-transition