Showing papers on "Rural electrification published in 1998"

Accelerating sustainable photovoltaic market development

Abstract: The Asia Alternative Energy Program (ASTAE) is a World Bank-donor initiative to support renewable energy and end energy efficiency investments in Asia. This article summarizes ASTAE's review of Solar Home System program experience in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and the Dominican Republic. Successful photovoltaic (PV) market development for rural electrification requires removal of financial and institutional barriers. The authors emphasize the need to overcome the initial cost barrier of Solar Home Systems, establish responsive and sustainable infrastructure and ensure quality products and services. This article also identifies the economic niche for PV use in comparison to traditional options, such as kerosene lanterns and extension of the grid. Major obstacles to the diffusion of off-grid electrication via PV are discussed, along with recommended solutions and best practices. The authors have sought to apply these recommendations in design of the World Bank-assisted Sri Lanka Energy Services Delivery Project and the Solar Home Systems Project in Indonesia. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Universal technical standard for solar home systems

Abstract: The need for universally applied specifications for product and system quality is widely recognized as an essential factor for the success of large-scale photovoltaic rural electrification activities. This paper describes a THERMIE-B project that aims to elaborate a technical standard for solar home systems. The universal standard has been developed after a comparison of specifications used in some photovoltaic rural electrification programmes and circulation of the proposal among worldwide experts for a critical review. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rural electrification from local resources : biomass pyrolysis oil combustion in a direct injection diesel engine

Abstract: Thesis (Sc.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1998.

Rural electrification: the long struggle

Abstract: Bringing the benefits of electricity to farms and rural areas was mostly a dream in the early 20th Century. Many obstacles had to be overcome before the widespread use of rural electric power became practical. Today, many people in the United States have the mistaken idea that rural electrification suddenly appeared in 1935 when the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was established by executive order and the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 was subsequently passed. This impression is unfortunate for two reasons. First, it fails to recognize the aspirations and contributions of two full generations of electrical engineers, who worked in the field prior to 1935; and second, it ignores significant progress made in other geographical areas of the world. This article explores some of this earlier history, then presents material as prepared by members of the Rural Electric Power Committee (REPC) of the IAS about the history of their committee.

Beyond the grid: photovoltaic electrification in rural Mexico

Abstract: A rural electrification programme with renewable energy systems was launched in Mexico in 1989, based mostly on solar home systems due to the large population dispersion. In spite of the high per-watt costs of current photovoltaic technology, over 1250 rural communities have already been electrified, bringing light and basic entertainment to a population of almost 200 000 people. The Mexican programme is characterized for its large scale and fast pace, and also for being socially driven. Over the years the programme has evolved into a mature, well-institutionalized process, which is described in this paper. One of the main achievements of the Mexican programme has been the full involvement of the national electric utility and other government organizations, which led to the creation of an operational framework for quality assurance, including user training and the development of technical specifications. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The use of photovoltaics for rural electrification in northwestern China

Abstract: The use of renewable energy technologies in China is becoming increasingly important to meet the needs of a large rural population. Solar and wind renewable resources in particular are available in regions of China that at present have no access to conventional grid power. Two regions in China that have an acute lack of electricity are a large region in northern and western China and the coastal island region of China. These regions have attracted the attention of the Chinese government in terms of increasing the quality of life and standard of living conditions of the rural population. These regions have also attracted the attention of domestic Chinese companies and of international companies, governments, and multilateral development organizations as a potential market for renewable energy rural electrification systems. This paper focuses on the bilateral cooperation between the United States Department of Energy and China in providing assistance for the use of renewable technologies for rural electrification in northwestern China.

Evaluation of electrification alternatives in developing countries-the SOLARGIS tool

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology developed within the SOLARGIS project-a Joule project-aiming at evaluating the potential of integrating renewable forms of energy into dispersed electricity production. With this project, the authors also wanted to demonstrate the efficiency of GIS-geographical information systems-as a tool to analyse the integration of renewable forms of energy. In this paper, the authors present the methodologies developed to identify renewable resources in a given geographic region, to detect high potential areas for wind farm siting and to evaluate the efficiency and market of isolated systems to be used for dispersed rural electrification. In this last methodology, the authors used fuzzy models to describe the uncertainties in demand and cost values.

Pico hydro power for rural electrification in developing countries

Abstract: Pico hydro power is a renewable energy system which has the potential to provide millions of rural people world-wide with a cheap, sustainable source of electricity. The development of new, cost-reducing approaches, including local manufacture and implementation in developing countries, has increased the accessibility of this technology to large numbers of people. The new approaches are investigated and some of the present constraints to wider adoption of this technology are analysed.

Rural Electrification with Renewable Energy: Geothermal Power in Arid Regions

Abstract: Abundant sources of alternative energy are available in various parts of the world. ‘Big is Beautiful’ was the unstated motto of Western power planners, in designing power additions in the Northern hemisphere. Economies of scale favored large central plants. Costly high voltage, low loss transmission lines paid for themselves because they carried large loads and operated at high capacity factors. Furthermore, emissions to the atmosphere were considered a secondary factor, not taken into account until about a decade ago. ‘The solution to pollution is dilution’ was another, now discredited motto, i.e. tall enough smoke stacks will distribute the pollution over a large enough area, making the concentration of pollutants small enough that its effects could be ignored. Hence, development of cleaner alternative energy resources, which are amenable to smaller, distributed networks, lagged behind those that were large and relied on fossil fuels.

Training and photovoltaic rural electrification

Abstract: Utilizing small dispersed photovoltaic power systems for rural electrification has been an attractive idea for many years, but has been hampered by a number of infrastructure and implementation issues. ‘Training’ is often hailed as an important part of the solution, and indeed properly trained installers and designers are essential for the successful growth of this industry, but any training activity must be viewed in the larger context of the realities that it is intended to influence. A well-intentioned training program may still not improve market growth or customer satisfaction. Careful selection of training candidates and accreditation for certification are important overall issues that should be dealt with by the international photovoltaic community to allow ‘Training!’ to make the diAerence that it should. #1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A software based distribution design methodology supporting rural electrification in South Africa

Abstract: Since 1993, South Africa's national power utility, Eskom, has been carrying out an ambitious rural electrification programme. Over 1000 new domestic connections are being made per day, mostly in remote rural areas. Mass electrification has thrown up numerous challenges. One of these has been the need to develop appropriate design methodologies. This paper describes a novel design approach based on integrated software tools, which encourage the designer to seek optimality by freeing him or her from as many routine, repetitive and time consuming tasks as possible. The designer can generate a complete and detailed design option within a few hours, rather than several days, as is the case when 'manual' methods are used. This allows him to explore the solution space, thus finding better and cheaper configurations.

Lessons learned -- NREL Village Power Program

Abstract: In 1993, a workshop was convened at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to discuss the issues of applying renewable energy in a sustainable manner to international rural development. One of the summary recommendations was that NREL could assist in the renewable energy for rural electrification effort by developing and supplying six related activities: resource assessment, comparative analysis and modeling, performance monitoring and analysis, pilot project development, internet-based project data, communications, and training. In response to this recommendation, NREL launched its Village Power Program consisting of these activities that cut across NREL technologies and disciplines. Currently NREL is active in 20 countries, with pilot projects in 12 of those countries. At this time the technologies include photovoltaics, wind, biomass, and hybrids. The rural applications include home lighting and communications, water pumping, schools and health posts, battery charging stations, ecotourism, and village systems. These pilot projects are central to the renewable energy village power development through the demonstration of three aspects critical to replication and implementation of the projects on a significant scale. The three aspects are technical functionality, economic competitiveness, and institutional sustainability. It is important to note that the pilot projects from which NREL's experience has been gained were funded and, in many cases, developed by other organizations and agencies. NREL's role has been one of technical assistance or project management or both. The purpose of this paper is to describe the lessons NREL staff has gleaned from their participation in the various pilot projects. The author hopes that these lessons will help the Renewable Energy-Based Rural Electrification (RERE) community in implementing sustainable projects that lead to replication.

The Socio Economic Impact of Renewable Energy Technologies

Abstract: Early rural electrification programmes, relying upon grid connected power, were once hailed as the catalytic drivers of rural development. However experience has shown that their impact upon indigenous rural growth has been minimal and the associated benefits have not been forthcoming. Alternatively, the advent of commercially available renewable energy technologies has injected renewed optimism into the RE camp. Because they are able to devolve many of the income and employment opportunities associated with energy generation to the local community, it means that pre-electrification programmes using decentralised renewable energy systems, have the potential to succeed where conventional energies have failed. The aim of this study is therefore to assess their propensity to effect socio-economic reform via the positive benefits they procure on local employment and income distributions. To this end, the effect of a capital investment in renewable energy generation is evaluated under a Keynesian Income Multiplier methodology. The model formulation attempts to capture the full income and employment effects derived from the installation, whilst also accounting for capital import leakages, induced investment opportunities, labour markets extensions and in-migration. The model is applied to the installation of a 3MW windfarm on the Isle of Islay. To establish the economic base, Islay’s existing socio-economic structure is detailed in terms of economic activity and industrial distribution, as is the windfarm’s expenditure. Although the windfarm does not generate substantial long term employment effects or any significant induced investment, its local expenditure in respect of land rental is found to fulfil its role as a driver of indigenous growth. Supplementary comment is thereafter given in respect of the model’s application in less developed countries, where it is noted that many of the limitations found in the Islay case study, do not present the same negative ramifications in less developed countries. The study concludes that if renewable energy technologies are to stimulate rural indigenous growth, then it is not simply enough to reconcile a region’s natural resource base with the local energy requirements, but rather, they should attempt to maximise local participation in terms of labour and/or products in both the long and short term.

Small-scale Renewable Energy Sources for Rural Electrification. Possibilities and Limitations

Abstract: Small-scale Renewable Energy Sources for Rural Electrification. Possibilities and Limitations

Lessons learned from the NREL village power program

Abstract: Renewable energy solutions for village power applications can be economical, functional, and sustainable. Pilot projects are an appropriate step in the development of a commercially viable market for rural renewable energy solutions. Moreover, there are a significant number of rural electrification projects under way that employ various technologies, delivery mechanisms, and financing arrangements. These projects, if properly evaluated, communicated, and their lessons incorporated in future projects and programs, can lead the way to a future that includes a robust opportunity for cost-effective, renewable-based village power systems. This paper summarizes some of NRELs recent experiences and lessons learned.

The Ramakrishna Mission economic PV development initiative

Abstract: India is the world`s second most populous country, quickly approaching one billion persons. Although it has a well-developed electricity grid, many of the people have little or no access to electricity and all of the benefits associated with it. There are areas that are isolated from the grid and will not be connected for many years, if ever. One such area is the Sundarbans located in the delta region of the two great rivers, the Ganges and Brahmaputra, partially in India and partially in Bangladesh. It is estimated that 1.5 million people live in this area, crisscrossed by many islands and rivers, who have only marginal supplies of electricity generated primarily from diesel generators and batteries. Working with the regional non-governmental organization (NGO), the Ramakrishna Mission, and the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency, the governments of India and the US initiated a rural electrification initiative to demonstrate the economic and technical feasibility of photovoltaics to provide limited supplies of electricity for such applications as solar home lighting systems (SHS), water pumping, vaccine refrigeration, communications, and economic development activities. This paper details initial results from approximately 30 kilowatts of PV systems installed in the area, including socio-economic impacts and technicalmore » performance.« less

Energy Supply and Demand in Asia and Subjects.

Abstract: In recent years, the Asia/Pacific region, above all Asia, has achieved a remarkable economic growth, and played the role of a growth center in the world. Given Asia's vast areas and huge populations, a higher economic growth should have a massive impact on its total energy demand. However, Asia's energy resources are by far smaller than the world's average in either current production or per-population reserves terms. The emerging economies in Asia require the stable supply of energy kept flowing from outside the region for the sustainable development. What's sending Asia's energy demand up is the strong demand for the secondary energy such as electricity and petroleum products. Judging from greater domination of electricity, rural electrification, and advancing motorization in the years to come, the strong demand is likely to become stronger. Particularly, to better meet the high electricity growth, huge projects are planned for power development and transmission/distribution grid construction. The problem is whether the international community can fully afford necessary funds for such projects. Asian factors, like heavy coal dependence in meeting its primary energy demand and enormous populations, are causing many subjects to be solved, not to mention air pollution but acid rain now spreading region-wide and global environmental problem.