Abstract:
Research has shown that energy and development are two interdependent concepts. Globally
scholars have conducted studies where they studied the relationship between the renewable
energy use and the growth of the economy. It was found that renewable energy has a great
influence on economic development. Against this background, the research aims to assess the
contribution of renewable energy project in particular solar energy project in Haramarothole
to the local communities. The study used qualitative methodology in the form of case study
where in-depth interviews were used. The study established that the establishment of solar
project in Haramarothole has led to creation of jobs, infrastructure development and
establishment of income generating activities. The study concludes that, Haramarothole solar
plant project contributed to the economic development of the local communities through
various economic activities and this has boosted the economic development of local businesses
and also this has led to the local community being economically independent. The study
recommends that in order to improve or enhance the economy of local communities, local
communities should be encouraged to use solar energy as their source energy since it is cheap
and affordable
