20.4.1 The increasing importance of the information economy

Feedbacks arise from the growth of connectivity and information economies in the developing world. The immense growth in mobile-phone uptake and information and communications technology (ICT) in the developing world has knock-on effects in increasing the demand for electricity. However, the ICT aspect could make energy demand planning problematic, reduce the effectiveness of conservation strategies, pit GHG-reducing plans against poverty reduction, and ultimately lead to a shortfall in supply and unplanned electricity shortages (Sadorsky, 2012).

With their comparatively small output and ability to be deployed in series, SMRs can help to ramp up to meet demand growth, mirroring the expansion of ICT — which itself has been a driver of development and social progress throughout the developing world.