Showing papers on "Rural electrification published in 2002"

Small hydro power: technology and current status

Abstract: Hydropower, large and small, remains by far the most important of the “renewables” for electrical power production worldwide, providing 19% of the planet’s electricity. Small-scale hydro is in most cases “run-of-river”, with no dam or water storage, and is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally benign energy technologies to be considered both for rural electrification in less developed countries and further hydro developments in Europe. The European Commission have a target to increase small hydro capacity by 4500MW (50%) by the year 2010. The UK has 100MW of existing small hydro capacity (under 5MW) operating from approximately 120 sites, and at least 400MW of unexploited potential. With positive environmental policies now being backed by favourable tariffs for ‘green’ electricity, the industry believes that small hydro will have a strong resurgence in Europe in the next 10 years, after 20 years of decline. This paper summarises the different small hydro technologies, new innovations being developed, and the barriers to further development.

Micro-hydropower: Status and prospects

Abstract: Hydropower on a small scale, or micro-hydro, is one of the most cost-effective energy technologies to be considered for rural electrification in less developed countries. It is also the main prospect for future hydro developments in Europe, where the large-scale opportunities either have been exploited already or would now be considered environmentally unacceptable. Whereas large hydro schemes often involve the construction of major dams and the flooding of whole valleys, micro-hydro is one of the most environmentally benign energy technologies available. The technology is extremely robust and systems can last for 50 years or more with little maintenance.

Hands not land : how livelihoods are changing in rural Bangladesh

Abstract: The phrase ‘rural Bangladesh’ no longer means what it once did. We believe it to be out of date as the distinction between urban and rural life is no longer clear cut. Powerful external economic forces including those of globalisation and the expansion of physical infrastructure – especially roads and bridges rural electrification and the growth of marketing outlets – are creating a rural landscape that is increasingly ‘urban’ in character and have radically transformed village life. New livelihood opportunities are emerging – often in the non-farm sector. The numbers of small shops tailoring and other craft enterprises rickshaw pullers petty traders in villages and local bazaar centres have grown substantially. Remittances now form a critical part of the rural economy. However change is happening faster in some places than in others and for some people more than for others. We see a continuum rather than a divide – from areas where traditional views and images still hold true to areas where a more modern picture is taking hold. Some people too have been unable to embrace change and the new opportunities it brings. For many of the poor who have little or no access to land their primary asset remains their labour – a healthy pair of hands is critical to their livelihoods. But whether they are engaged in agricultural labouring or in the non-farm sector they continue to be marginalised from the development process. This assessment of livelihoods is the result of applying a range of tools and methodologies. More important than examining these in detail and precisely how they were used is to appreciate the spirit of open inquiry in which this assessment was conducted. We wished to answer the question: “what are life and livelihoods like today for men and women in rural Bangladesh?” We feel that our findings offer an up-to-date and realistic picture of life in a country that is in the throes of tremendous change and have implications for anyone concerned with livelihoods and the poor in modern Bangladesh. (authors)

Do Rural Infrastructure Investments Benefit the Poor? Evaluating Linkages--A Global View, A Focus on Vietnam

Abstract: What are linkages between rural infrastructure investments, and household welfare? In the past, most of the evaluations to assess the effectiveness of a project, focused on physical outputs, and success of project implementation. In recent years, more attention has been given to the impact of investments, particularly its effect on the poor, both in economic, and non-economic terms. The author presents findings from a survey of the existing literature on such impacts. Although evidence exists for improved household welfare from rural infrastructure investment, little evidence was found of studies that provided concrete linkages between specific investments in rural infrastructure, and increased welfare of the rural poor. This is due in part to the complexity, and oftentimes the concurrent nature of interventions, that make attributing welfare improvements, to a particular project, virtually impossible. The evidence is presented in this three-part paper. Part I gives examples of past, and current attempts to assess the impact of rural infrastructure projects, and provides suggestions for future evaluations. Part II discusses in detail some observed economic, and non-economic impacts on the poor, from different rural infrastructure interventions. Part III presents lessons learned from the literature on how to maximize the impact of rural infrastructure interventions on household welfare. Specific project, and country examples from the literature, and new data from a recent qualitative study in Vietnam, are presented as evidence for, and illustration of key ideas, and issues.

Geothermal Energy Resources for Developing Countries

Abstract: This text aims to be a driving force for an economically sound and sustainable development of developing countries It looks at the provision of geothermal energy within the framework of sustainable energy development for power generation, rural electrification and so forth

Distributed Power Generation versus Grid Extension: An Assessment of Solar Photovoltaics for Rural Electrification in Northern Ghana.

Abstract: The competitiveness of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation for rural electrification in northern Ghana is assessed and compared with the conventional option of extending the national grid and increasing the capacity for centralised power generation. A model is constructed to calculate the life-cycle cost (LCC) of the two options and to test the sensitivity of different parameters. All calculations are based on information from the GEF/UNDP pilot region in the East Mamprusi District. In addition to the economic aspect, issues of quality and environmental effects are discussed. The LCC of distributed PV is lower than that of a grid extension for an electricity demand corresponding to solar home systems of 140 Wp or smaller. Thus, distributed PV is cost competitive for purposes of lighting, entertainment, information and basic public facilities, such as schools and hospitals. The LCC for the option of grid extension with central power generation is dominated by the cost of low-voltage micro-grids within the communities. Important factors are the density of households and the penetration (fraction of households electrified), as they affect the line length per connected household. The relatively low cost of regional medium-voltage grids makes the geographical location of each community less important than expected. Battery replacement every fifth year makes up the major part of the LCC of solar home systems and is also responsible for the large energy input in the production of the systems. This could limit both future cost reductions of distributed PV and its potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules: characterization in the field of rural electrification

Abstract: The need to characterise photovoltaic modules in the general field of ensuring technical quality in photovoltaic rural electrification (PVRE) has often been pointed out. The ongoing national PVRE initiatives announced world-wide, together with the fact that PV modules with an actual power smaller than the nominal value can still be found on the market, make it advisable to apply systematic control to supplied power procedures. This paper argues that it is possible to carry out such control in the case of crystalline silicon PV modules, by means of experiments performed outdoors under a wide range of operation conditions, and using reduced and conventional equipment. A simple characterisation procedure specifically aimed at PVRE programmes is described and validated with an extensive experimental campaign. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Characterization of power system loads in rural Uganda

Abstract: Despite the fact that the majority of Uganda’s population lives in the rural areas only 1% of them have access to electricity. To be able to extend the grid to new areas, models of the consumption of electricity are needed. The aim of this thesis is to provide such models based on data collected in Uganda. The modeling effort is based on a field study carried out in Uganda where survey based interviews and measurements were made. The measurements cover four different transformers that provide the customers of Najjeera village with power. The time span of the measurements varies between 24h and 7 days. The interviews with 67 of the 93 customers, have been used to determine the distribution of the load between the customers. These show that electrification of rural areas is not, at this time, a solution to the increasing deforestation that is partly caused by the usage of firewood. Electricity does not substitute firewood since it is mainly used for lighting and entertainment. From the collected data energy consumption on a daily basis has been derived. A closer look has been made on the different parts of the day: night (0-06), morning (06-09), daytime (09-19) and evening (19-24). During the evening hours the major consumption of electricity occurs, while during the daytime hours the usage of electricity stays at very low levels. The sets of data have been grouped depending on the financial situation of the customers since economical factors are dominating in determining the amount of electricity consumed. Domestic and non domestic loads have been identified. The domestic load has been divided into four different groups: “low”, “middle”, “middle-high”, and “high”. The daily mean power value has been calculated for each group. The results of the categorization have also been used to estimate the load arising from a poultry farm and a boarding school in the field study area. When dimensioning power systems, peak loads are important and in this case they occur in the morning and evening hours. For three different groups of these peaks a Generalized Pareto Distribution has been fitted. The estimated parameters of the distribution have also been tested on other groups of customers with similar economical background, with varying results. Key-words Rural electrification, Uganda, load characterization, energy usage, fuel-wood, regression, categorization, peak values, POT, Generalized Pareto Distribution

Renewable Energy for Rural Sustainability: Lessons From China

Abstract: Rural electrification is now and will remain an essential element for rural development in China and other developing countries. With more than half of the world’s population living in rural commun...

Cost estimation of different electric systems for rural areas in developing countries

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a new methodology to design the electric power distribution network for rural areas of developing countries. Thus, in the context of the current emergence of new generation and storage technologies, this paper describes different means to electrify developing countries; by MV systems or by autonomous systems with planned location of small generation and storage. There is also a cost quantification of these different architectures by the way of a cost calculation software which has been developed to size and compare the considered solutions. For each strategy, the authors calculate investment costs and yearly costs (maintenance and energy cost). So the updated assessment over 20 years can be calculated and the strategies comparison gives the best solution for each electrification problem.

PRODEEM - The Brazilian Programme for Rural Electrification Using Photovoltaics

Abstract: This work describes several technical and managerial aspects of the Brazilian PRODEEM Program, which comprises installation of thousands of PV systems for several applications in Brazilian outback. The equipment were acquired through international bidding and CEPEL was specially concerned about the its quality and lifespan, as well as about the correct sizing of the systems. The purpose of this work is to present a history and the technical experience obtained by CEPEL after several years of involvement in PRODEEM activities. Keywords: Stand Alone PV Systems-2; Rural electrification -2; National Programme-3;

Resisting Development, Reinventing Modernity: Rural Electrification in the United States before World War II

Abstract: The essay examines local resistance to the New Deal rural electrification program in the United States before World War II as a crucial aspect of socio-technical change. Large numbers of farm men and women opposed the introduction of the new technology, did not purchase a full complement of electrical appliances, and did not use electric lights and appliances in the manner prescribed by the goverment modernisers (the Rural Electrification Administration) and manufacturers. These acts of 'transformative resistance' helped to shape artefacts and social practices.

Rural energy in nigeria: the electricity alternative

Abstract: The Nigerian energy industry was studied. The focus was on the problems, which have caused slow rural electrification in the country. More specifically, the study examined the significance of different energy sources, the national policy and electricity development in the country, as it affected this study. It was discovered that despite the advantages that electricity has over other sources of energy, fuelwood has been the major source of energy in the rural areas of Nigeria. The study identified the constraints to the development and use of electricity in this area and attempt to proffer solutions to these constraints.

Private rural power : network expansion using an output-based scheme in Guatemala

Abstract: In 1998 the government of Guatemala privatized the two companies responsible for distributing electricity in rural areas. The new owner, Union Fenosa, was obliged to implement an ambitious five-year rural electrification program. The goal: to increase the share of households with an electricity connection from 64 percent to 90 percent by 2004. Under this output-based scheme the two companies are paid US$650 for each eligible residential connection made. If no connections are made, no payment is made. So far the scheme has performed well-completing 122,000 new rural connections between May 1999 and May 2002-and is on track for the 2004 targets.

Africa becomes electric

Abstract: Sten Bergman is helping African villagers, far from the grid, get cheap and efficient power. As the Swedish Development Agency's representative to the World Bank's Africa Rural and Renewable Energy Initiative, Bergman is charged with helping set "a new template for rural electrification in Africa." That means scouting out low-cost energy technologies to match local needs, as well as explaining those technologies to government ministries, local leaders, utilities, "and the man in the street." The Initiative's philosophy is a radical departure from traditional development approaches. Rather than pursuing the centralized power systems favored by big utilities and international lending agencies, the initiative encourages the private sector to develop small independent grids in remote regions. The whole concept behind this African initiative is to channel electrical resources into activities that have an economic return.

An utility's photovoltaic commercialization initiative: progress of the Luz Solar programme for rural electrification

Abstract: This paper reports progress of the implementation phase of the Luz Solar program-a utility initiative for rural electrification using photovoltaics. This program has been specifically designed as a larger-scale use of photovoltaics by CEMIG-Energetic Company of Minas Gerais, in collaboration with state and federal governments. The analysis is based upon 8 years CEMIG's experience with PV, which has shown that this technology can be both reliable and cost effective in remote, rural areas-as well in urban environments. The main objective has been to find an energy delivery alternative to grid connection for dispersed rural communities. Starting from July, 2002, electric utilities in Brazil will be obliged to electrify the entire area it serves. PV will facilitate the access of lower-income people to lighting, communication, as well as education. The major conclusion of this 8-year CEMIG investment is that an adequate service infrastructure is required to make projects viable, mainly characterized by a technical network that will embrace the whole area. This network will guarantee the system's technical performance, system design, qualified technical performance, and will also avoid a lack of ongoing and unrealized user expectations. The Luz Solar Program has benefited from the lessons learned during these solar-electricity experiences, avoiding potential failures in the sustainability model.

Multi-Utilities and Access : Can Private Multi-Utilities Help Expand Service to Rural Areas?

Abstract: In 1997 Gabon awarded the first real concession in Africa, under a contract that introduced coverage targets for expanding service to previously unconnected rural areas. SEEG, the new concessionaire, offers both water and electricity service, with the electricity business cross-subsidizing the less developed water business. Five years on, the concessionaire has performed well in established service areas, often exceeding targets, but has made less progress in more isolated areas. This Note assesses lessons for the design of contracts with incentives for expanding service beyond the immediate circles of major urban centers-and on the potential role of multi-utilities.

Socio-economic aspects of an off-grid SPV power supply system in an island village in India

Abstract: The electrification of five villages in Sagardeep island in south Bengal by the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA) with lighting and power by Solar Photo-voltaic (SPV) devices, in line with the concept originating more than three decades ago and culminating in launching countrywide rural electrification, is clearly a successful venture. But there are distinct implifications. Under the programme of Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), resources are based on conventional and polluting fuel, whereas an SPV off-grid power supply system works on clean environmental technology. The impact on society in terms of a better illumination level with respect to kerosene lanterns and exposure to entertainment through electronic media, is of great significance. Economically, both consumers and suppliers of power are gainers. To the former, electricity at his/her disposal is the ingredient to raise his/her standard of living and to the latter, a non-polluting world class technology has been made applicable in a sustainable manner for a class of people needing special attention for development. The cost-benefit signals a positive advantage in places where conventional power supply through an extension of the grid line is not possible. These power supply units on the island are the beginning of a large program in the days to come, to meet domestic, commercial, small agricultural and tiny industrial load demand in remote areas, with the potential for the price of energy per kWh moving downwards against the upward trend of conventional power.

Photovoltaic Technology and Applications

Abstract: Electric power is the most widely used form of power for virtually all modern technologies, which is enjoyed by the majority of people living in the industrialized countries. The situation is quite different in the developing countries where the cost of establishment of centralized power generating and distribution facilities is too high for the poor economies. As a result, most people have not been supplied with electricity. Photovoltaic home systems appear to be the most viable alternative source of electricity. The photovoltaic technology is therefore reviewed and recommendations made on their application for rural electrification in the developing nations. Keywords: solar energy, photovoltaic materials, electrification, rural power, cost, application Resume L'electricite est la forme la plus largement repandue parmi les sources d'energie pour pratiquement toutes les technologies modernes dont jouit la majorite de gens vivant dans les pays industrialises. La situation est tout a fait differente dans les pays en voie de developpement ou les couts d'acquisition des equipements centralises de production et de distribution d'electricite sont tres eleves pour les pays avec des economies faibles. Par consequent, la plupart de gens ne beneficient pas de l'electricite. Les systemes photovoltaiques domestiques semblent etre une alternative de source d'energie electrique la plus viable. La technologie photovoltaique est donc passee en revue et des recommandations sont faites sur leur application pour l'electrification rurale dans les pays en voie de developpement. Mots cles: energie solaire, materiaux photovoltaiques, electrification rurale, energie, cout, application (Discovery and innovation: 14(1-2): 70-76)

End-Use Versus Supply Side Approach for GHG Reduction in SIDS. Case Study: Cape Verde Islands

Abstract: The energy sector in many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is an important constraint for socio-economic development. It also is the cause for major environmental damage, from desertification to GHG emission. In a previous study for Santo Antao Island (Duic et al.), a simulation of wind and solar energy penetration in the power production sector was performed and the possibility of Clean Development Mechanism to act as incentive was analysed. This paper analyses the impact of end-use energy policy measures aiming at reducing CO2 emissions. The end use approach will be compared with the supply side approach carried out in the previous study. In 1990 the domestic sector accounted for almost 40% of the energy consumption in Cape Verde. In a rural region as Santo Antao Island this share rises to nearly 80%. Electricity consumption accounts for only 0.7% of the total consumption while wood fuel consumption rises above 60% of the total. Even if the recent rural electrification increased the electrification rate from 13% in 1990 to about 53, 5% in 2000, this did not likely affect the demand of wood for cooking. Thus, any action aiming at reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions in Santo Antao should have the domestic sector as main target. To carry out an end-use analysis the energy sector is disaggregated into sub-sectors (e.g. domestic), end-use (e.g. cooking) and devices (e.g. improved stoves). For cooking the population generally uses a combination of two sources between wood, biomass, kerosene and LPG. Wood fuel is burned in traditional three stone, classic stoves and improved stoves. In this paper we analyse the impact of better efficiency, changes on behaviour and introduction of solar stoves on CO2 emission. It is assumed that a program to reduce GHG emission starting in 2000 until 2030 will be implemented. A financial analysis is carried out and the possibility of financing trough Clean Development Mechanism is investigated. It was concluded that for Cape Verde, particularly the Santo Antao Island, a simple program aimed at reducing GHG emission based on behaviour changes, fuel shift and improved efficiency can be implemented with high impact and reduced cost. The application of such measures can, with correct accounting, be included in CDM projects and thus be easily financed by a market mechanism.