Showing papers on "Rural electrification published in 2000"

World Bank/GEF Solar Home Systems Projects : experiences and lessons learned 1993-2000

Abstract: Twelve projects provide energy services to off-grid rural households in developing countries by enhancing markets for solar home systems and by removing barriers to their dissemination. Project approaches are reviewed, along with early implementation experience and lessons suggested by experience. Most projects incorporate the following features: pilot private-sector and NGO delivery models; pilot consumer credit delivery mechanisms; pay first-cost subsidies and offer affordable system sizes; support policy development and capacity; develop codes and standards and establish certification, testing, and enforcement institutions; and conduct consumer awareness and marketing programs. Most projects are just beginning implementation; a few are almost completed. Lessons from early experience suggest that: solar home system delivery firms face a myriad of difficulties operating in rural areas; credit risk is a serious concern of both financiers and dealers and makes credit sales particularly challenging; technical performance of systems is becoming well-proven; customers desire a range of component options and service levels and can benefit from even small systems; projects must recognize the link between rural electric-grid extension and solar home system demand; and marketing campaigns can be extremely costly and time consuming in rural areas. Challenges are to demonstrate sustainable and replicable business models, develop regulatory models for energy-service concessions, and integrate rural electrification policy with solar home system delivery.

Solar electricity. 2nd edition

Abstract: Solar Electricity Second Edition Edited by Tomas Markvart University of Southampton, UK "warmly recommended as a comprehensive, introductory text on a subject which should become increasingly important." (Review of the First Edition in Contemporary Physics) The rapid evolution of photovoltaic technology has highlighted the increasing capabilities of solar electricity as a power source for distributed energy generation. Building on the success of the first edition, Solar Electricity presents a balanced introduction to all aspects of solar energy conversion, from cell types to environmental impact and applications. Now fully revised to incorporate the latest industry achievements and featuring: New sections on the role of dye sensitised solar cells, photovoltaics in buildings, diesel hybrid systems, and photovoltaic markets and funding. Solar cell design and manufacturing technology including crystalline silicon and thin film devices. Introduction to a range of photovoltaic applications including rural electrification, grid connection issues, and the supply of electrical power to satellites in space. Illustrative case studies and self-assessment questions and answers at the end of each chapter. Undergraduate and postgraduate science and engineering students, practising mechanical and power engineers and those with a general interest in renewable energy will find this comprehensive text on invaluable reference. Solar Electricity, Second Edition forms part of the Energy Engineering Learning Package. Organised by UNESCO, this distance learning package has been established to train engineers to meet the challengs of today and tomorrow in this exciting field of energy engineering. It has been developed by an international team of distinguished academics, coordinated by Dr Boris Berkovski. This modular course will appeal to advanced undergraduates and post graduate students, as well as practising power engineers in industry.

Mini-grid design manual

Abstract: The manual has been prepared to encourage, and support the design of improved village electrification schemes, anticipating its usefulness for rural development agencies, as well as for national, and provincial energy companies, and authorities. Theoretical and field experiences describe power mini-grid - i.e., low voltage network within a village, supplied at a single point by a diesel genset, or micro-hydropower plant. The manual focuses on the design of the system to distribute the power generated to consumers, and, designs covered in this manual range from low-cost designs to serve basic lighting needs, to more conventional designs that may become interconnected to the grid within the near future. Discussions on mini-grids do not involve the use of medium voltage (MV), however, it should be recognized that it may occasionally be necessary to use MV to reduce overall costs. The manual includes several examples of mini-grids, to illustrate the context in which such projects have been implemented, with additional detailed case studies. It also contains qualitative descriptions of the issues to be addressed in planning for mini-grids, and a range of design options for the various components of mini-grids, how these are sized, and incorporated into a mini-grid.

The GEF solar PV portfolio : emerging experience and lessons

Abstract: Since 1991, the Global Environmental Facility has provided grant financing for 23 off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in 20 countries. The review highlighted some important issues associated with solar home systems projects that future projects should explicitly address to varying degrees, depending on the delivery model employed: technological credibility; the role of solar PV within rural electrification programs; government policies vis-�vis electricity as a basic need; household affordability and willingness to pay; marketing strategies, cost, and purveyors; concession selection and regulation; commercial creditworthiness and access to business finance; and sustainability of development finance. The review of the GEF solar PV portfolio also suggests ten emerging lessons. The report recommends future projects in the GEF portfolio focus on: 1) affordability through fee-service or consumer credit approaches; 2) use of GEF resources for non-recurring costs related to business and market development; 3) access to finance and incremental risk sharing; 4) explicit linkages to rural electrification policies and planning; and 5) commercially feasible business models that are sustainable and can be replicated.

Promoting private investment in rural electrification : the case of Chile

Abstract: Reform of the energy sector and reform of subsidies ideally go hand in hand. Structural, ownership, and regulatory reforms aimed at making services more efficient should lead to a rethinking of both the delivery mechanism and the level of subsidy. Chile, one of the earliest and most thorough energy reformers, has also been one of the more innovative in restructuring its subsidy schemes. It has seen electrification as a key measure in alleviating poverty in rural areas-in 1992 about 47 percent of its rural population had no access to electricity. Its rural electrification program includes subsidies designed to be consistent with the broad principles of energy reform-decentralization of decisions to the regional and community level, competition (between technologies as well as suppliers), and a requirement that all partners in the process-users and private companies as well as the state-contribute to the financing of expansion projects. The short-term result: an increase in rural electrification of about 50 percent in the first five years of the program.

Renewables for Sustainable Village Power

Abstract: This paper describes the efforts of NREL's Renewables for Sustainable Village Power team to match renewable energy technologies with rural energy needs in the international market. The paper describes the team's activities, updates the lessons learned, and proposes an integrated approach as a model for rural electrification with renewables.

From candles to PV electricity : A four-year experience at Iguape : Cananéia, Brazil

Abstract: A PV rural electrification experience, based on the solar home system (SHS), is being carried out at a coastal region in the state of Sao Paulo (Brazil). Particular attention has been paid to aspects, relating to the integration of PV technology into the pre-existing social system. Regarding technical aspects, some special features have been designed: a ‘battery shelter’ made by the users; combined use of ‘high power’ fluorescent light with ‘low power’ incandescent light, etc. Regarding organizational aspects the technical training should be outlined. We initially decided to train one user in each community more intensively. This user was chosen from among those who appeared to be more skillful in relation to our requirements. This apparently common-sense oriented procedure was shown to be less than appropriate, because it interfered with social relationships that we knew very little about. We observed that later on the community decided who would be responsible for the maintenance; this time widely accepted by all the users. The technical and organizational aspects together conform to a particular rural electrification scheme that can be useful for general SHS projects. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Micro-hydro power: An option for socio-economic development

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter deals with an option for socio-economic development in microhydropower. The chapter illustrates that in many developing countries less than 10% of the rural population has access to electricity. Rural electrification through conventional means such as, grid connection or diesel generators is very costly. Fortunately, abundant water resources for energy production are available in some poor countries. Microhydro is perhaps the most mature of the modern small-scale decentralized energy supply technologies used in the developing countries. There are thought to be tens of thousands of plant in the “micro” range operating successfully in China l and significant numbers are operated in wide ranging Countries. This experience shows that in certain circumstances, microhydro can be profitable in financial terms, while at others, even unprofitable plant can exhibit such strong positive impacts on the lives of the poor people. Another important finding is that the microhydro plant can achieve a wide range of quite different objectives. Moreover, it is important to judge the viability of each microhydro investment in terms of a specific objective. Similarly, in the formulation of government or donor policy, it is important not to expect microhydro to achieve many, often conflicting, objectives.

Solar-Based Rural Electrification and Microenterprise Development in Latin America: A Gender Analysis

Abstract: Worldwide, an estimated 1.5 to 2 billion people do not have access to electricity, including 100 million in the Latin America region. Depending on the country, 30 to 90% of this unelectrified Latin American population lives in rural areas where geographic remoteness and low energy consumption patterns may preclude the extension of the conventional electricity grid. Women are heavily impacted by the energy scarcity given their role as primary energy procurers and users for the household, agricultural and small industrial subsectors in developing countries. As a result, women spend disproportionately more time engaged in energy-related activities like carrying water and searching for cooking fuel. This paper describes the use of decentralized renewable energy systems as one approach to meet the energy needs of rural areas in Latin America. It outlines the advantages of a decentralized energy paradigm to achieve international development goals, especially as they relate to women. The paper studies Enersol Associates, Inc.'s Solar-Based Rural Electrification model as an example of a decentralized energy program which has merged energy and development needs through the local involvement of energy entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations and community members.

Does Reform of Energy Sector Networks Improve Access for the Poor

Abstract: Unless energy can be produced and delivered more cheaply, it will stay beyond the reach of many of the poor. For energy delivered through networks, the costs that matter are not only the unit energy costs, but the costs of extending the network--into an urban slum, for example, or to a rural town. Extending a network can be very expensive--a major barrier to access for poor households and small or isolated communitieds. A central goal of the reform of electricity and gas networks, now occurring in an increasing number of developed and developing countries, is to provide incentives to reduce the costs of producing energy and getting it to consumers. New technologies in electricity are drastically reducing costs. But transmission costs are still a major hurdle to expanding networks in isolated or lightly populated areas. As a result it is the urban poor who stand the greatest chance of benefiting from network reform. For the rural poor, alternative solutions, including mini-grid and off-grid services, may be required.

Two year experience in the operation of the first community photovoltaic system in Cuba

Abstract: Although the photovoltaic technologies have been introduced in Cuba for more than 10 years, the long-term stable operation is still an aspiration. With the setting in operation of the first community photovoltaic electrification system, it was possible to carry out a systematic study of the factors that determine the loss of quality of the operative state of the systems by means of the detection and classification of failures detected in periodic technical inspections. The data analyzed on the basis of the medium frequency of failures allowed discovering problems of technology and its social adoption. This analysis leads to the design of a system for maintenance and repair that guarantees the sustainability of the project. The technical characteristics of the equipment that adapts better to the real conditions of exploitation in the country were determined as well.

Design and analytical evaluation of stand-alone photovoltaic power systems for rural areas in Thailand

Abstract: Rural Electrification is one of the main applications of photovoltaic (PV) power systems. Stand-alone PV generators are suitable for use in rural households or villages that are located far from the national utility grid because extension of the grid system into rural villages is expensive, especially in developing countries. PV systems are already cost-effective for rural electrification of scattered houses and villages. There are many rural villages in Thailand located without access to electric power. Rural people have used kerosene lamps and candles for lighting applications. There are no facilities for community entertainment. This research project focuses on the design and analytical evaluation of stand-alone PV power systems for rural areas in Thailand. Both centralised and decentralised PV systems were examined. A sample village with 100 households in a rural area at Udon Thani Province of Thailand was selected for design of a centralised PV mini-grid system according to daily load requirement in the village. The daily electrical energy needs of a village can be broadly split into three categories, namely (i) for each household, (ii) for a community centre and (iii) for public use. The design of a centralised mini-grid system is detailed. The system sizing and prediction of system performance, especially the best matching between the array size and battery storage capacity, were carried out using a computer programme in C-language developed in this research. Other programmes were also specifically developed to analyse the following topics: (i) estimation of solar radiation on inclined surfaces for Thailand. (ii) design of electrical power distribution (mini-grid) system, (iii) lightning protection system and (iv) protective equipment sizing and conductor size. One of the important parts of this research programme is the design of PV systems in decentralised applications. These are a battery charging station system, water pumping system, public lighting system, community facilities' system and solar home system. These topics consider how system size is determined, how specific system hardware is selected, what installations are good practice, and how the system's life cycle cost can be estimated. The worksheets are provided in an appendix for users as well as PV engineers. Analytical comparisons of each PV system type in terms of system cost. Possible benefits and problems for using in typical rural villages of Thailand have been addressed. Three PV applications for a Thai rural village, namely a mini-grid system, a battery charging system and a solar home system has been compared to determine the most advantageous. A strategic model for PV dissemination in Thailand has also been proposed emphasising the cost advantages of decentralised systems. The results of this project are able to provide useful information for rural electrification planner and PV engineers to choose the optimum system for installation. They should be applicable in other countries with a similar climate and latitude angle.

Ramakrishna Mission initiative impact study-a rural electrification project in West Bengal, India

Abstract: Three-hundred photovoltaic-powered solar home lighting (SHS) systems have been successfully operated in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal since 1997 This paper details the impact of these systems on the beneficiaries, including student study time, kerosene consumption and savings, effectiveness of supply and after-sales service, nature and frequency of problems in the systems, technical evaluation of the systems including detailed battery-charging patterns, satisfaction of users, and summary of payment collection The Ramakrishna Mission has been an excellent choice as the nongovernmental organization (NGO) responsible for administering the project and training the teams responsible for installing and maintaining the systems Other applications, such as battery-charging stations, common-area lighting, water pumping, and vaccine refrigeration, were also evaluated

Chapter 151 – World Bank Solar Home Systems Projects: Experiences and Lessons Learned 1993–2000

Abstract: Publisher Summary It is noted that twelve projects provide energy services to off-grid rural households in developing countries by enhancing markets for solar home systems and by removing barriers to their dissemination. This chapter reviews these project approaches, along with early implementation experience and lessons suggested by experience. Projects essentially pilot private-sector NGO delivery models and consumer credit delivery mechanisms. They pay first-cost subsidies and offer affordable system sizes. They also support policy development and capacity, and develop codes and standards and establish certification, and enforcement institutions, and finally conduct consumer awareness and marketing programs. In future, it is however, important to demonstrate sustainable and replicable business models, demonstrate regulatory models for energy-service concessions, and integrate rural electrification policy with solar-home-system delivery.

PV modules characterization in rural electrification actions

Abstract: A characterization procedure for crystalline silicon PV modules has been developed, which can be used for quality control purposes by local laboratories of countries where PV rural electrification actions are being implemented. The method is simple both in the measurement and processing phases. It relies on the performance of outdoor measurements using basic equipment and reference PV modules as sensors for the operation conditions. Results are referenced to the standard test conditions and have uncertainty smaller than /spl plusmn/5% for a PV module maximum power determination, which is good enough to be considered within the frame of contractual procedures.

Golden Genesis and the Teotonio Vilela Foundation: commercializing PV residential electrification with a not‐for‐profit partner

Abstract: This article presents a case study of a project which provides photovoltaic-based rural electrification in the state of Alagoas in northeastern Brazil. The project, the Luz do Sol Programme (LdS), was initiated in mid-1996 by the Golden Genesis Company (Golden) and the Fundacao Teotonio Vilela (FTV). The article emphasizes some noteworthy characteristics of the project: the partnership between US commercial and Brazilian philanthropic interests; the financial aspect, a dedicated line of credit requiring only the equipment itself as security; and the local ownership and management of system operations, collections, and routine maintenance. In 1996, the Golden Genesis Company had developed a central battery charging system to bring the price of electrification within the range of the rural poor; it financed the US content of the systems, with the Bank of the Northeast of Brazil (BN) financing the Brazilian content. The article traces the long and arduous path to establish the programme, including both bureaucratic and technical challenges. These difficulties brought the project to an impasse in August of 1998, and Golden withdrew. FTV then re-negotiated the agreement with BN, changing the technical approach to individual solar home systems. This improved the situation, and the project has since enjoyed 100% loan repayment rates from the entrepreneurs. In June 1999, BP/Solarex became FTV's new commercial partner. The project currently shows promise of becoming the commercially viable programme originally envisaged by Golden, with commercial and technical decision-making at the local level.

Private participation in isolated grids in Mozambique

Abstract: This article presents a case study from Mozambique of the electrification of two selected towns under a World Bank financed project. Low-cost electricity services were extended to the two isolated areas after an enabling framework had been created for private sector participation. The World Bank project also demonstrates that the private sector can be attracted to participate in rural electrification schemes even in a poor country. The example shown in this article is one of the few of its kind in SubSaharan Africa.

Privatization of the Power Sector in Côte D’ivoire

Abstract: From the country’s independence in 1960 up until the early 1980s, the power sector of Cote d’Ivoire experienced rapid changes. During this 20-year period, the annual electricity demand growth rate was over 10 per cent on average. The financial health of the state-owned electricity company, Energie Electrique de Cote d’Ivoire (EECI), was very good. That financial status enabled EECI to engage in an ambitious programme of rural electrification, which was costly, but very highly appreciated. Today, it is estimated that about 60 per cent of Cote d’lvoire’s 14 million inhabitants have access to electricity, with about 1400 cities and villages electrified.

Appropriate PV-Hybrid Technology for Stand-Alone System and Local Network

Abstract: Publisher Summary The rural electrification in developing countries needs an appropriate technology in the field of renewable energy (RE). PV and hybrid technology of RE has been started to develop in Vietnam, which supports to develop RE in all regions of the country. PV-Microhydro, PV-wind, PV-diesel, or a complex of all is attractive solutions, which bring very good result. The application of this technology is Hybrid Power Supply Unit Smart 300, Smart 500, and Smart 1000 locally manufacturing at HCM City Vietnam. It has been appeared effectively in use not only in Vietnam, but also in some regional demonstrations in Philippine, Thailand, and others. The combination of energy sources such as wind generator, solar power, microhydro turbine, and diesel generator are difference income options. Low-cost, multifunction, and mobile ability are the competitive features of the equipment. The Smart is an excellent combination of Charger–Inverter–UPS and Hybrid technology that seems to be a main tool for rural electrification in Vietnam.

COPRA BIO-FUEL FOR A SUSTAINABLE DECENTRALISED RURAL ELECTRIFICATION Financial and Environmental impacts Regional Demonstration Programme; the Fiji project

Abstract: Energy is of crucial importance for the socio-economic development of the Pacific Island Countries (PIC). Renewed interest for vegetable oils as fuel began in the 70's when projects and research on renewable energy and biomass were supported by donor agencies. Few applications were done in Developing Countries even though most of them are suffering of the high price or the difficulty to access to energy. This is the case in remote islands of South Pacific where coconuts have difficulties to compete on the world market when fuel oil prices are increased by transportation costs. Then using crude copra oil (CNO) as bio-fuel for rural electrification could re-dynamise the local economy in accordance with a better resources management and sustainable development, respecting the environment. It is noteworthy that 68% of the cost of the “Coconut-Oil (CNO) Electricity” is returned to the village economy, when only 5% with “diesel-oil (ADO) Electricity”, representing up to USD 20,000 per year.

The utility model for rural pre-electrification with photovoltaic: CEMIG's LUZ SOLAR Programme

Abstract: LUZ SOLAR Programme has been designed as a larger-scale implementation of photovoltaics in rural pre-electrification in the Brazilian southeastern state of Minas Gerais. The purpose of this paper is to describe the program, the experiences (technical and social), and the future plans for rural electrification with this utility. Several successful demonstrations have shown that PV can be reliable and cost effective in remote rural areas, and especially effective in improving quality-of-life for the users. The primary objective is to facilitate the access of lower-income people to education, lighting, communication, and (in some cases), potable water. A special feature is the close participation/collaboration of users and prefectures in the project in order to improve consumer acceptance and to ensure the effectiveness of the program. Experiences with system design improvement, performance, user training, maintenance user-acceptance, financing, and reliability are presented. The model used for installation and maintenance is discussed, including the social, legal, and financial aspects to deploy the technology.

Sugarcane Residues as Biofuel for Cogeneration of Electricity in Kenya

Abstract: Publisher Summary The chapter throws attention on sugarcane residues as biofuel for cogeneration of electricity in Kenya. The chapter highlights that over 57,000 ha. of land in Kenya is currently under sugarcane cultivation and produces an estimated annual average of 4.9 million tons of sugarcane, and is projected to reach 13.80 million tc/yr in 2027. Results obtained from the study indicates that if the country's sugar industries are to all switch to the use of advanced gasification technology for cogeneration of electricity then, they would be capable of generating more than 3.29 TWh/yr of electric power in excess of the on-site requirements compared to the current production of 0.122 TWh/yr with the existing back-pressure steam turbine (BPST) systems. The excess energy could be supplied to the national public grid systems for the purpose of rural electrification. This combined with the other by-products like ethanol production, can lead to new farm income opportunities, greater rural economic development, energy independence, and cleaner environment within the rural communities. Finally, this chapter concludes that leading to a new farm income opportunities, greater rural economic development, energy independence, and cleaner environment within the rural communities.

Photovoltaic Technology: Most Appropriate Electricity Source for Rural Tropical Africa

Abstract: Publisher Summary The rapid development of information technology within the past decade has revolutionized almost every aspect of lives. Information on trade, politics, scientific activities, and other events that occur in distant places can today be obtained almost instantly anywhere in the world. However, only areas with reliable electricity supply benefit from this technology. This means that over two billion people, most of them in the developing countries are, in terms of communication, shut out from the rest of the world. The high cost of extending national grid power to scattered rural settlements has been an inhibiting factor in African rural electrification efforts. Decentralized photovoltaic power sources can provide the solution. The study therefore presents the current utilization of photovoltaic power systems and analyses their potential in tropical Africa. An assessment carried out in a number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa indicates that the promotion of stand-alone photovoltaic power systems accompanied by progressive reduction of their prices evidently will have a catalytic effect on the development process of these regions.

Specifications for the Use of Renewable Energies in Decentralised Rural Electrification

Abstract: Publisher Summary In the framework of Electricite de France's (EdF) R & D program, aiming to develop a range of optimized systems using renewable energies for rural decentralized electrification, a set of specifications have been drawn up in partnership with the French Agency for the Environment and for Energy Management (ADEME) and the French photovoltaic industry. This work has been carried out by working groups involving all the main French players in the field of renewable energies. The purpose of the specifications for DRE (Decentralized Rural Electrification) is to help the introduction of renewable energies into rural electrification programs. The structure of the DRE specification is designed to help a project supervisor to go from needs to product or to the right electrification system. EdF's approach for rural electrification proposes to build a master plan and to choose the right electrification system for the right place. To compete with the grid solution, the solution of autonomous systems using renewable energies must be as professional and industrial as the conventional solutions.

Adaptive Research and Dissemination for Development of PV Technology in Bangladesh

Abstract: Publisher Summary Photovoltaic (PV) technology is emerging as an effective alternative to grid supplied electricity in many applications among which rural electrification is the most popular. Grameen Shakti (GS), a local nonprofit renewable energy company with a long association in PV applications in domestic sector, participated in a regional research and dissemination program to develop PV applications. It is noted that lack of awareness about the technology is identified as a major barrier for fast expansion of PV systems. The application of solar home systems and its usefulness for income generating activities are also demonstrated in the chapter. Training and awareness creation activities are undertaken by GS to overcome these barriers and promote PV technology in Bangladesh.