Powering Development? Solar Energy, Poverty Alleviation and Just Transition in Rural China
Yunpeng Zhang is an Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin. His research interests lie at the intersection of social geography, political economy and development studies, with a focus on urbanisation, displacements, land politics, rural development and statecraft.
“I am honoured to be awarded one of the MeRSA grants! The funding will support my research on the energy-poverty nexus, which explores the linkages between energy transitions, poverty alleviation, rural development, and the role of the state. I hope the findings will contribute to broader discussions on just transitions, inclusive development, and rural governance.”