This spring CECE welcomed our Postdoctoral Fellow Abeer Al-Eryani. We are grateful to have Abeer join our team and look forward to seeing her great work at CECE. We sat down with Abeer this summer to get to know her a bit better:  

Where were you before you arrived at AU? 

I came to AU from the University of Sussex, specifically from the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at Sussex. SPRU is an interdisciplinary research center focusing on the intersections of science, technology, and innovation policy and management. Its research covers various topics, including sustainability transitions. SPRU also houses the Sussex Energy Group (SEG), an independent social science energy policy research group that aims to understand and promote transitions to sustainable, low-carbon energy systems. 

Tell us about your main research focus? 

My research centers on exploring the barriers and implications of the energy transitions and decarbonization processes within energy systems. During my PhD thesis, I examined the implications of protracted armed conflict on the governance of the electricity sector and the emergence of alternative electricity access solutions.  I studied the case of Yemen to answer my research questions about the impact of conflict on energy provision. 

Please summarize your dissertation. 

My dissertation examines the impact of war on Yemen’s electricity sector. As I began my research, I realized that conflict isn’t just an external factor affecting infrastructure and fuel supplies. It’s a complex, evolving dynamic that influences how energy systems operate and develop over time. I started by analyzing the energy systems managed by Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Houthi insurgent group. This involved comparing their policies, strategies, financial sustainability, and affordability for consumers. 

 At the same time, I studied how conflict interacts with these energy systems. I focused on three main areas: changes on the battlefield, power struggles within the groups, and economic pressures. This approach helped me trace how conflict has unfolded from 2015 to 2022, revealing shifts in control over energy infrastructure, access to resources, and strategic goals. 

My research also explores why Yemen continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels despite the costs, both economically and politically. By examining the overlap between Yemen’s energy needs and the realities of conflict, I aimed to understand how governance, technological choices, and adaptation strategies are shaped in this context. Overall, my study sheds light on how conflict influences energy decisions and adaptations strategies, including the adoption of solar PV systems and decentralized fossil fuel generation in Yemen. 

What are you working on at CECE? 

At CECE, I focus on energy justice issues, including the fair distribution of benefits and burdens in decarbonizing energy systems, and the inclusivity and impact of decision-making processes in clean energy projects. Our focus on local communities in Washington D.C. involves collecting data and developing resources to assess and address different aspects of energy equity and justice that affects these communities. 

How did you get involved in this work/ where did you get your start?  

My interest in these topics stems from both my professional background and personal experiences. Before pursuing my PhD, I focused on technology’s role in driving economic and social development. Coming from Yemen, amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis and conflict, I witnessed firsthand how people turned to alternative energy solutions, particularly solar technologies. The large-scale adoption of solar home systems intrigued me, especially as a study by the World Bank highlighted that between 2015 and 2018, over $1 billion was invested in solar systems in Yemen. By 2018, 67% of households with electricity access relied on solar energy as their primary source, which was recognized internationally as a positive outcome amidst the crisis. 

However, following the initial widespread adoption of solar home systems, another alternative emerged: decentralized diesel-based micro power plants, known as gensets, which provided electricity at the community level, mostly in urban areas. 

Initially, my focus was on understanding the decentralized spread of renewable energy technologies through innovation systems and diffusion networks. Yet, it became clear that war profoundly influences this process and demanded a more dynamic analysis. This shift redirected my attention to the political economy of the energy sector during wartime, moving away from my initial socio-technical focus. Despite some disillusionment about solar energy’s potential in Yemen, my research also uncovered how households and communities adapt under challenging conditions, underscoring the importance of informal networks for learning and resilience-building. 

What is 1 thing in the environmental sector that makes you feel optimistic? 

In addition to the widespread awareness among various social groups and the remarkable activism, particularly by young people globally, I am excited about the increasing level of community participation in the energy system. This enthusiasm stems, not only from the anticipated economic and social benefits or the potential for higher resilience to climate shocks offered by decentralized systems, but also from the prospects of fostering better governance practices. In places where democracy is challenged, like my home country, these platforms can serve as vital spaces for practicing and developing democratic principles, potentially leading to significant positive impacts.