According to the study, political leaders use these solar projects to boost their images, presenting themselves as green energy champions and gaining international and domestic legitimacy. However, this narrative often hides the reality of forced land acquisitions and environmental degradation affecting local populations.

‘Solar masculinities’ refer to the gendered aspects of these energy projects, extending the idea of ‘petromasculinities’ from Cara Daggett’s pioneering work. Results show how solar projects reinforce authoritarian and patriarchal norms by strengthening control and shaping nationalistic and developmental myths that obscure injustices in Turkey and India. 

“Our study demonstrates how these projects exploit resources by displacing communities and exploiting land for state and corporate interests while prioritizing rapid development at the expense of social equity. Vulnerable populations are marginalized under the guise of progress, and the projects integrate into broader power networks that entrench authoritarianism and patriarchy.” (Alevgul Sorman, BC3, Ikerbasque research associate, BC3 & Ryan Stock, Northern Michigan University)

The study concludes that solar masculinities under authoritarian regimes in Turkey and India hinder just energy transitions. The authors recommend addressing these socio-political challenges and dismantling  oppressive structures for just and equitable solar futures