Rethinking Energy in Displacement Contexts

Displaced persons in resource-constrained contexts experience a lack of access to energy, withconsequences for health, safety, livelihoods and wellbeing. Existing research andimplementation measures addressing energy in displacement contexts remain shaped byrecurring shortcomings, in particular limited attention to displaced persons’ needs, a focus ontechnology provision, and a linear framing of change processes. These shortcomings point to abroader conceptual gap in how energy access in displacement contexts is understood, supportedby evidence and translated into action. Drawing on academic and grey literature from variousdisciplines and on insights from practice, this article proposes an alternative point of departurefor research and implementation. We argue that improving energy access requires placingdisplaced persons’ perspectives at the centre of how energy services are understood and shaped.We conceptualise enhancing access to energy services as a non-linear, locally groundedtransformation process in which priorities, pathways and arrangements are progressivelyshaped through the inclusion of diverse perspectives. To advance conceptual clarity, we proposean integrative approach that identifies core areas of inquiry for transforming access to energyservices and integrating diverse perspectives, while linking them to relevant research fields andmethodological entry points. The article contributes to strengthening conceptual clarity,evidence generation and practical engagement towards equitable and sustainable access toenergy services in displacement contexts.