Investigating Opportunities and Challenges of Crowdsourcing for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Conflict-Affected Areas

The increasing frequency of global conflicts and climate-related disruptions has significantly impacted energy infrastructure. Particularly in conflict-affected areas, access to reliable energy sources remains critically limited. These disruptions not only intensify existing energy deficiencies but also undermine efforts to establish stable and resilient energy systems. Addressing this issue requires innovative and sustainable energy solutions capable of navigating the complexities of unstable environments.

Sustainable energy sources are essential for meeting immediate needs and ensuring long-term resilience in these contexts. Conventional energy methods often fall short in conflict zones due to infrastructural damage, political instability, and logistical challenges. This highlights the pressing need for alternative, innovative approaches that can adapt to these unique circumstances.

Crowdsourcing presents a novel solution by harnessing the collective intelligence and diverse expertise of a broad pool of contributors. This approach taps into community engagement and global knowledge to generate context-specific, innovative, and cost-effective energy solutions. Crowdsourcing not only fosters local involvement and ownership of energy projects but also leverages the diverse skills and resources necessary for effective problem-solving in conflict-affected areas.

This research project aims to explore how crowdsourcing can be effectively utilized to address sustainable energy needs in these challenging environments. By examining the benefits of crowdsourcing, such as its capacity to mobilize varied expertise and assess its practical applications, the project seeks to provide actionable insights and strategies. The goal is to guide the creation of resilient energy systems tailored to the complexities of conflict zones.

The findings are expected to significantly advance academic research and offer practical guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Additionally, the project aims to attract PhD candidates interested in developing and applying innovative solutions for sustainable energy in challenging contexts, aligning with global priorities for sustainable development and resilience.

For informal enquiries, please email Dr Amna Shibeika a.shibeika@reading.ac.uk

Eligibility requirements:

Candidates should have a First-class or 2.1 (Hons) degree, or Masters degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject