Showing papers on "Rural electrification published in 2005"

Electrifying Rural Guatemala: Central Policy and Rural Reality

Abstract: Towards the end of the 20th century Guatemala embarked on an ambitious rural electrification plan: central planners in the Ministry of Energy and Mines hope to connect 90% of homes to the national electricity grid by 2004. Energy for the increased demand comes from floating power plants anchored in Guatemala's Pacific port, a new coal-fired power plant, and numerous small-scale hydroelectric plants. So far, rural electrification, in terms of connected households, has proceeded to plan. However, the success of the rural electrification program belies energy realities and the development needs of rural Guatemala. Data from in-depth interviews and household surveys in Ixcan, Guatemala, show that rural residents prefer other forms of development—like the introduction of potable water, or improved schooling. Electricity, farmers state, only provides rural families with a few hours of light at night because they cannot afford to pay for appliances or for increased consumption of electricity. Fieldwork in rural ...

CSR in Electrification of Rural Africa The Case of ABB in Tanzania

Abstract: Multinational corporations (MNCs) are beginning to explore low-income markets in Africa in search of legitimacy and growth opportunities. This paper examines the CSR (corporate social responsibility) aspects of this trend by analysing: (a) how the processes of defining CSR develop when MNCs enter low-income markets in Africa; and (b) what the outcomes of these processes are in terms of local definitions of CSR. A framework for analysing these two research questions is developed by linking descriptive stakeholder theory to actor-network theory. Doing this contributes to stakeholder research by showing how firms actively shape their stakeholder environment, the similarities of firm‐stakeholder interactions and the role of artefacts in firm‐stakeholder interactions. The developed framework is illustrated in a study of an Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) rural electrification project in Tanzania. l Rural electrification

Finding potential sites for small-scale hydro power in Uganda : a step to assist the rural electrification by the use of GIS : a minor field study

Abstract: Over 2 billion people, mostly in developing countries, have no access to modern fuels or electricity. The necessity of clean, efficient, reliable and affordable energy services is a crucial issue in developing countries, especially in the context of rural areas where the majority of the people lives. Renewable energy sources in shape of small-scale hydropower systems are a complement or alternative to grid extension. The purpose of this study was to develop a method in order to find potential sites for small-scale hydropower in our study area in southwestern Uganda, by using a Geographical Information System (GIS) and also to investigate the rural energy situation in the area. A GIS is a computerized information system for collecting and handling data in databases as well as a powerful tool for analysis and visualization of geographical data. The results indicate a generally positive attitude to electricity and all interviewees were in great need of its services. Almost all consider themselves to have some means to pay for the electricity even if it is more expensive than what the energy cost today. Our self-designed algorithm identified 250 potential sites for small-scale hydropower stations in the study area. A selection of 14 sites out of these was evaluated and resulted in only three sites fulfilling the defined requirements. All sites met the requirement regarding a certain slope, but the majority lacked a permanent flow of water. The outcome from the evaluation was a result of low quality of the watercourse input data. In conclusion, our method is swift and precise, presupposed reliable input data is available. Presupposed there is a need for electricity and good financing possibilities, small-scale hydropower is an appropriate alternative to assist rural electrification, which will lead to improved standard of living.

CSR in Electrification of Rural Africa

Abstract: Multinational corporations (MNCs) are beginning to explore low-income markets in Africa in search of legitimacy and growth opportunities. This paper examines the CSR (corporate social responsibility) aspects of this trend by analysing: (a) how the processes of defining CSR develop when MNCs enter low-income markets in Africa; and (b) what the outcomes of these processes are in terms of local definitions of CSR. A framework for analysing these two research questions is developed by linking descriptive stakeholder theory to actor-network theory. Doing this contributes to stakeholder research by showing how firms actively shape their stakeholder environment, the similarities of firm–stakeholder interactions and the role of artefacts in firm–stakeholder interactions. The developed framework is illustrated in a study of an Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) rural electrification project in Tanzania. l Rural electrification

Sustainable Development through Groundwater Management: A Case Study on the Barind Tract

Abstract: Since its birth in 1985, the Barind Multi-purpose Development Project (BMDP) has become a model of a sustainable rural development project in Bangladesh. The project maintains technical soundness by ensuring a high level of water use efficiency and a minimum well spacing. The project runs on full operating and maintenance cost recovery basis, which is achieved through an innovative prepaid water coupon system and the associated command area development scheme. Its governance structure is democratic and participatory. The project has several environmental enhancement programmes such as water conservation, homestead and social forestry, promotion of integrated pest control, and farmers' training. In addition, it has adopted an integrated planning approach that incorporates extending rural electrification, building rural infrastructure and an array of other support programmes. As a result, the BMDP has emerged as a model of sustainable groundwater-based rural development initiative in Bangladesh.

Rural electrification in Tunisia : national commitment, efficient implementation and sound finances

Abstract: Tunisia's achievement of 100 percent urban and 88 percent rural electrification is remarkable, all the more so because the country's definition of rural electrification is restricted to connections made outside incorporated areas. Compared to rural populations in other developing countries with high rates of electrification, Tunisia's rural population-although only 35 percent of the total population-is highly dispersed and isolated, with long distances between small groups of often scattered houses. This characteristic, combined with the Government's social commitment to connecting all households, has highly influenced program costs and choice of institutional set-up, distribution system, and technology. This paper reports on the major factors contributing to Tunisia's successful rural electrification program, primarily: 1) the national commitment to rural electrification as part of a broader, integrated rural development program emphasizing social equity; 2) an effective institutional structure and coordination of project planning and selection; 3) the utility's sound management and continuing process of technical innovation; 4) the robust financial arrangements; and 5) the complementary strategy of using photovoltaic cells to serve isolated users.

Electricity for all : options for increasing access in Indonesia

Abstract: Indonesia's commitment to reform is continuing to accelerate economic growth, yet a staggering one third of its people live without access to electricity. It is difficult to imagine sustaining the current 6 percent economic growth rate if such large numbers of people are left behind and cannot enjoy the fruits of this prosperity. The Indonesian Government has recognized this problem and aims to provide electricity access to 90 percent of the population by 2020, a worthy goal which the World Bank strongly supports. At the request of the Government, this report, electricity for all: options for increasing access in Indonesia, was developed to provide some practical solutions by which Indonesia could reach their highly ambitious, yet achievable goal. The following report was developed to initiate a dialogue to further the discussion on increasing electricity access in Indonesia. It identifies the critical barriers that currently prevent electrification expansion at levels necessary to meet the Government's objective and articulates why business as usual will not suffice. Thereafter, the report proposes a number of policy improvements that will enhance the current enabling framework for electrification. At the heart of this report are several proposals for enhanced electrification models that can be implemented even under the present policy framework, although chances of success will be far greater should the recommended reforms occur. These electrification models bring to bear the best international experiences, yet are customized for application in the Indonesian context. Each option illustrates in detail the financing options, cost recovery aspects, and the institutional mechanisms that are necessary for implementation. They are also designed to take advantage of the recent decentralized governance structure in Indonesia, where sub-national governments are increasingly taking greater responsibility for providing services, including electricity, for their people.

India's Challenge to Meet the Millennium Development Goals

Abstract: On its current economic trajectory, India will achieve some of the eight Millennium Development Goals, but will miss many of the others. The good news is that India is making great strides with regard to the first of the Millennium Development Goals: reducing extreme poverty. Even though there is an active debate about the “exact” measure of extreme poverty, all indicators suggest rapid progress, enough on the current trajectory so that the headcount poverty rate in 2015 will be less than half of the rate in 1990, as called for by the Millennium Development Goals. At the same time, India is likely to miss several of the other goals, related to hunger, IMR, under5, and MMR, disease, and the physical environment. The proportion of children in India who are chronically undernourished remains very high. So too does the MMR and IMR. And the goal of environmental sustainability is not being achieved, as parts of India are suffering from worsening crises of water, soils, and deforestation. What India requires is a significant increase of targeted investments in clinics, schools, nutrition programs, disease control, irrigation, rural electrification, rural roads, and other basic investments, especially in rural India as the current budgetary allocations are inadequate. Higher public investments in these areas need to be accompanied by systemic reforms that will help overhaul the present system of service delivery, including issues of control and oversight. Additionally, India should “plan for success.” The Planning Commission should ensure that current programs as well as the next Five-Year Plan are built around achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Indeed, not only the Union Government, but every state and even every district, should base their investment programs around achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Nirupam Bajpai is Director, South Asia Program at the Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development (CGSD) and a member of the UN Millennium Project. Jeffrey D. Sachs is Director of the Earth Institute and Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Nicole H. Volavka was a Research Coordinator at CGSD when this study was undertaken.

Liberalisation of Trade in Renewable-Energy Products and Associated Goods

Abstract: Numerous studies and events over the past several years have stressed the importance of eliminating barriers to trade in renewable forms of energy and the technologies used to exploit them, as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on more-polluting and less secure energy sources. This paper examines the implications of liberalising trade in renewable energy, focussing on several representative fuels and technologies (charcoal, solar photovoltaic systems and their complements, and wind turbines and wind pumps). Eliminating tariffs on renewable energy and associated goods — which are 15% or higher on an ad valorem basis in many developing countries — would reduce a burden on consumers of energy, particularly people living in rural areas of developing countries, as it is in such areas that many renewableenergy technologies are making, and are likely to make, their greatest contribution. Manufacturers located in OECD countries would benefit from increased trade in renewable-energy technologies and components, but so would a growing number of companies based in developing countries. The elimination of tariffs would also help to level the playing field between aid-financed goods, which often benefit from tariff waivers, and goods imported through normal market transactions, which often do not. For the maximum benefits of trade liberalisation in renewable-energy technologies to be realised, however, additional reforms may be required in importing countries’ domestic policies, especially those affecting the electricity sector in general, rural electrification in particular, and the environment.

And then they lived Sustainable ever after? : Part 1, Experiences from rural electrification in Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya

Abstract: Accelerating the introduction of basic, clean energy services is seen as a key strategy for promoting sustainable development in rural areas. Still, many people worldwide lack access to modern ener ...

Brazil - Background study for a national rural electrification strategy: aiming for universal access

Abstract: According to data from the 2000 Census, about 27 percent of Brazil's rural population still lacks access to electricity. This represents more than 2.5 million households. In comparison, the same statistic is about 20 percent in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. The figure includes the achievements of the Luz no Campo program, which will complete its first implementation phase with more than 600,000 new connections, but also users with precarious or illegal access to electricity. One important message from the census data is that the absence of a basic and modern energy source affects particularly low-income families, which end up paying a much higher price for energy service per kWh (because they use batteries) and living with poor quality lighting (from kerosene or LPG lamps), or both.

Dealing with a global issue: contributing to poverty alleviation

Abstract: Purpose – To present one approach to integrating societal expectations in business as adopted by Electricite de France through their Access to Energy Program.Design/methodology/approach – The objective is achieved through three main actions, one of which is explored here: rural electrification through the setting‐up of rural energy services companies in developing countries which bring energy (electricity or gas) services to isolated populations, thereby encouraging the development of local economic activities and contributing to poverty reduction.Findings – Findings range from the importance of an existing and suitable institutional framework, through the reduction of start‐up costs and the cash‐flow problems of these small companies, to the definition of a sustainable model (fee for service) and the provision of accompanying services (gas, water, telephone, etc.) and capacity building.Research limitations/implications – Further research will be determined following monitoring and evaluation feedback fro...

Transformative power: meeting the challenge of rural electrification

Abstract: This brief is designed to illustrate in summary how a variety of countries have addressed the problems inherent in having successful rural electrification. By providing a snapshot of various programs and the many different ways in which these programs provide electricity to their rural populations, this note attempts to highlight best practices that should be emulated, and those factors that should be avoided.

Energy Policies for Rural Electrification: A Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation Approach

Abstract: In this article, a real-world case- study is presented with two general objectives: to give a clear and simple illustrative example of application of social multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) in the field of rural renewable energy policies, and to help in understanding to what extent and under which circumstances solar energy is suitable for electrifying isolated farmhouses. In this sense, this study might offer public decision- makers some insight on the conditions that favour the diffusion of renewable energy, in order to help them to design more effective energy policies for rural communities.

Photovoltaic hybrid systems for rural electrification in the Mekong countries

Abstract: In rural areas of the Mekong Countries, the problem of electricity supplying rural communities is particularly alarming. Supplying power to these areas requires facilities that are not economically viable. However, government programs are under way to provide this product that is vital to community well being. A nation priority of Mekong Countries is to provide electrical power to people in rural areas, within normal budgetary constraints. Electricity must be introduced into rural areas in such a way that maximize the technical, economic and social benefit. Another consideration is the source of electrical generation and the effects on the natural environment. The main research purpose is to implement field tests, monitoring and evaluation of the PV-Diesel Hybrid System (PVHS) at the Energy Park of School of Renewable Energy Technology (SERT) in order to test the PVSH working under the meteorological conditions of the Mekong Countries and to develop a software simulation called RES, which studies the technical and economic performance of rural electrification options. This software must be easy to use and understand for the energy planner on rural electrification projects, to evaluate the technical and economic performance of the PVHS based on the renewable energy potential for rural electrification of the Mekong Country by using RES. Finally, this project aims to give guidance for the possible use of PVHS application in this region, particularly in regard to its technical and economic sustainability. PVHS should be promoted according to the principles of proper design and adequate follow up with maintenance, so that the number of satisfied users will be achieved. PVHS is not the only possible technology for rural electrification, but for the Mekong Countries it is one of the most proper choices. Other renewable energy options such as wind, biomass and hydro power need to be studied in future.

Rural electricity tariffs: Case of India

Abstract: This paper examines the nature of rural electricity tariffs existing in India and finds that in most cases, there is no special treatment of the rural consumers for tariff purposes, except for agricultural use. There is need for distinct rural electricity tariffs to reflect the costs of supply and to account for targeted subsidies for the rural areas. The factors to be considered for setting up distinct rural electricity tariffs are discussed. These include issues related to subsidy and financial viability of rural electricity supply and the constraints for setting distinct rural tariffs in the Indian context. Separate electricity tariffs for the rural areas could be justified on the basis of cost and quality of supply, better accounting of financial resources, and other social parameters. However, information constraints, political acceptability, and regulatory management of such spatial tariffs may be difficult. There is need for a holistic treatment of the issue of rural electrification and electricity tariffs as opposed to the piecemeal approach followed so far.

Bangladesh rural electrification program: a success story of poverty reduction through electricity

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the impact of electricity in poverty reduction in rural Bangladesh. This impact has been analyzed using comparisons between ‘with‘ and ‘without‘ electricity situations. Retrospective information has been collected to understand inter-temporal changes in asset situation of various economic categories. It has been argued that access to electricity (at household and outside household) reduces both economic poverty and human poverty (in education and health). In many ways, the poor electrified households were found to be better off than even the rich in the non-electrified villages. The spill-over effect of electricity on the non-electrified households of electrified villages is much pronounced. Electricity has a profound impact on human capital formation through knowledge building mediated through electricity-driven media exposure. It is recommended that in order to accelerate the process of economic development, strengthen pro-poor orientation in the growth process and to further human development in Bangladesh, access to electricity of the households and social and economic institutions should be expanded. Rural electrification should be viewed as one of the key strategies for national poverty reduction SUCCESS AND CHALLENGES OF BANGLADESH RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAM: A BRIEF SUMMARY In order to set the stage for an understanding of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Program (REP) the largest agency in the power sector for the rural population (76% of 140 million people reside in rural areas) it would be worthwhile to provide a brief evolutionary description together with the successes and key challenges facing the program. In 1971 the year Bangladesh became independent only 250 villages out of 87,928 villages had access to electricity. The village electrification rate in an agro-based country was extremely slow, and the Power Development Board, by the mid ’~OS, found itself overburdened with an absolute monopoly. Against this backdrop, to accelerate the process of rural development and remove urban-rural disparity in standards of living, the Constitution (in 1972) declared rural electrification as one of the “hndamental principles of state policy” (Article 16), and subsequently, after an in-depth feasibility study, an Ordinance was promulgated to establish Rural Electrification Board in 1977. Based on the spirit of the Constitution and the Ordinance, the Polli Bidyut Samities (PBS; Rural Electricity Cooperatives, REC) were instituted. This practice is intended to provide a stable and reliable supply of power (electricity) in the rural areas at a reasonable price, and through that enhance the rural population’s standard of living both in terms of expansion of production-oriented (irrigated agriculture, industry, shopdmarket place) and human development activities (health, education, women’s empowerment etc). Over the last 20 years, the number of PBS established has increased over fivefold. From a low of only 250 villages in 1971, REP covered 39,684 villages by the

Grassroots Participation for Infrastructural Provisioning in Northwest Cameroon: Are Village Development Associations the Panacea?

Abstract: Local communities are the loci of spatial development initiatives as they wrestle with the problem of resource scarcity and to fill the void left by the reduction in state services. This paper explores the gender dimension of grassroots participation in community development in selected localities of the Northwest Province of Cameroon. It outlines the gender roles and biases of grassroots participation through Village Development Associations (VDAs), which have become the prevalent vehicles for the galvanization of indigenous resource and building of social and human capital for project execution. Projects successfully executed include the construction of bridges and community halls, renovation of school buildings and health centres, digging and maintenance of earth roads, and the provision of pipe-borne water. In spite of communitarian efforts, VDAs are finding it difficult to embark on large-scale infrastructural development projects such as rural electrification, road construction, water suppl...

Rural electrification in ethiopia with the Shield Wire Scheme

Abstract: +) E-mail address: francesco.iliceto@uniroma1.it SUMMARY Firstly, the paper briefly describes the technique for 3-phase and single-phase power distribution along HV (115-330kV) transmission lines via the insulated shield wires, energized at MV (20-34.5kV) from the main HV/MV transformer stations, using the ground as a MV phase conductor. A computer program based on phase coordinates is presented, expressly developed for the analysis of this unconventional low cost grid based rural electrification technique, referred to as the "Shield Wire Scheme" (SWS). The paper then describes the SWSs in operation or under construction in Ethiopia. The design criteria and the commissioning results are reported for three "Single-Phase Earth-Return" SWSs, which have been put into operation in 2003. The planning and engineering criteria applied for four "3-Phase" SWSs under construction at the time of writing are then described. These SWSs will provide electricity to 50 villages and small town, to irrigation pumping stations, to two large state owned farms, and to tea, coffee and fruit processing plants employing 7000 workers. Brief information is given on SWSs in operation, under construction and planned in other developing countries.

Capital social das comunidades beneficiadas pelo programa de combate à pobreza rural - PCPR/Projeto São José - PSJ - estado do Ceará

Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify and analyze tangible and intangible social capital of benefited communities by the resources of rural Poverty Reduction Program in the State of Ceara. Data were obtained by interviewing individuals and leaders of communities benefited by projects such as water supply, land reform, rural electrification and agricultural mechanization. A social capital index was built for each type of project. The results indicated that communities have medium level of social capital accumulation and resources supplied by this program contributed to increase social capital in these communities.

Technical and Economic Analysis of a PV/Diesel Hybrid System Applied to Rural Electrification for Isolated Communities in the Northern Brazilian Region

Abstract: A technical and economic feasibility analysis on a hybrid photovoltaic-diesel system is presented for a typical village located in the northern Brazilian rain forest region. A 24 kW photovoltaic system is proposed to be installed on a hybrid configuration with a 150 kVA existing diesel generator. Based on electricity demand profiles and current costs, the analysis shows a payback time which is still too long and not economically attractive without government subsidies. However, with the declining costs of photovoltaic technology predicted for the next few years and the continuously increasing costs of diesel, the hybrid photovoltaic-diesel systems may become economically viable, thus representing a huge potential in the near future. Real electricity demand profiles are also presented for several typical isolated communities located in that region