Solar Energy, Mini-grids and Sustainable Electricity Access

Solar Energy, Mini-grids and Sustainable Electricity Access
Author: Kirsten Ulsrud
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 171
Release: 2018-10-03
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0429783531

This book presents new research on solar mini-grids and the ways they can be designed and implemented to provide equitable and affordable electricity access, while ensuring economic sustainability and replication. Drawing on a detailed analysis of solar mini-grid projects in Senegal, the book provides invaluable insights into energy provision and accessibility which are highly relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Global South more generally. Importantly, the book situates mini-grids in rural villages within the context of the broader dynamics of national- and international-level factors, including emerging system innovation and socio-technical transitions to green technologies. The book illustrates typical challenges and potential solutions for practitioners, policymakers, donors, investors and international agencies. It demonstrates the decisive roles of suitable policies and regulations for private-sector-led mini-grids and explains why these policies and regulations must be different from those that are designed as part of an established, centralized electricity regime. Written by both academics and technology practitioners, this book will be of great interest to those researching and working on energy policy, energy provision and access, solar power and renewable energy, and sustainable development more generally.

Solar Energy, Mini-Grids and Sustainable Electricity Access

Solar Energy, Mini-Grids and Sustainable Electricity Access
Author: Kirsten Ulsrud
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 128
Release: 2020-06-30
Genre:
ISBN: 9780367606701

This book presents new research on solar mini-grids and the ways they can be designed and implemented to provide equitable and affordable electricity access, while ensuring economic sustainability and replication. Drawing on a detailed analysis of solar mini-grid projects in Senegal, the book provides invaluable insights into energy provision and accessibility which are highly relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Global South more generally. Importantly, the book situates mini-grids in rural villages within the context of the broader dynamics of national- and international-level factors, including emerging system innovation and socio-technical transitions to green technologies. The book illustrates typical challenges and potential solutions for practitioners, policymakers, donors, investors and international agencies. It demonstrates the decisive roles of suitable policies and regulations for private-sector-led mini-grids and explains why these policies and regulations must be different from those that are designed as part of an established, centralized electricity regime. Written by both academics and technology practitioners, this book will be of great interest to those researching and working on energy policy, energy provision and access, solar power and renewable energy, and sustainable development more generally.

Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries

Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries
Author: Subhes C. Bhattacharyya
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 411
Release: 2014-05-31
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319048163

In recognition of the fact that billions of people in the developing world do not have access to clean energies, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative to achieve universal energy access by 2030. Although electricity grid extension remains the most prevalent way of providing access, it is now recognized that the central grid is unlikely to reach many remote areas in the near future. At the same time, individual solutions like solar home systems tend to provide very limited services to consumers. Mini-grids offer an alternative by combining the benefits of a grid-based solution with the potential for harnessing renewable energies at the local level. The purpose of this book is to provide in-depth coverage of the use of mini-grids for rural electrification in developing countries, taking into account the technical, economic, environmental and governance dimensions and presenting case studies from South Asia. This book reports on research carried out by a consortium of British and Indian researchers on off-grid electrification in South Asia. It provides state-of-the art technical knowledge on mini-grids and micro-grids including renewable energy integration (or green mini-grids), smart systems for integration with the central grid, and standardization of systems. It also presents essential analytical frameworks and approaches that can be used to analyze the mini-grids comprehensively including their techno-economic aspects, financial viability and regulatory issues. The case studies drawn from South Asia demonstrate the application of the framework and showcase various successful efforts to promote mini-grids in the region. It also reports on the design and implementation of a demonstration project carried out by the team in a cluster of villages in Odisha (India). The book’s multi-disciplinary approach facilitates understanding of the relevant practical dimensions of mini-grid systems, such as demand creation (through interventions in livelihood generation and value chain development), financing, regulation, and smart system design. Its state-of-the art knowledge, integrated methodological framework, simulation exercises and real-life case analysis will allow the reader to analyze and appreciate the mini-grid-related activities in their entirety. The book will be of interest to researchers, graduate students, practitioners and policy makers working in the area of rural electrification in developing countries.

Developing Renewable Energy Mini-Grids in Myanmar

Developing Renewable Energy Mini-Grids in Myanmar
Author: Asian Development Bank
Publisher: Asian Development Bank
Total Pages: 126
Release: 2017-12-01
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9292610619

This guidebook documents the experiences and lessons learned from developing 12 pilot mini-grid systems for off-grid energy access in Myanmar. Unelectrified rural communities typically located 10 kilometers from the national grid and without prospects of being connected to the grid in the next 5 to 10 years have been chosen for the project. This guidebook shares training materials and knowledge on the major aspects of minigrid development for rural electrification. Further, it highlights the importance of community participation and discusses the main renewable energy technologies that are suitable for mini-grid development in Myanmar including solar, hydro, and biomass. This guidebook is intended to serve government officials, renewable energy developers, and potential investors in the development of mini-grid projects in Myanmar.

Designing Sustainable Energy for All

Designing Sustainable Energy for All
Author: Carlo Vezzoli
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 230
Release: 2018-05-17
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319702238

This open access book addresses the issue of diffusing sustainable energy access in low- and middle-income contexts. Access to energy is one of the greatest challenges for many people living in low- income and developing contexts, as around 1.4 billion people lack access to electricity. Distributed Renewable Energy systems (DRE) are considered a promising approach to address this challenge and provide energy access to all. However, even if promising, the implementation of DRE systems is not always straightforward. The book analyses, discusses and classifies the promising Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) business models to deliver Distributed Renewable Energy systems in an effective, efficient and sustainable way. Its message is supported with cases studies and examples, discussing the economic, environmental and socioethical benefits as well as its limitations and barriers to its implementation. An innovative design approach is proposed and a set of design tools are supplied, enabling readers to create and develop Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) solutions to deliver Distributed Renewable Energy systems. Practical applications of the book’s design approach and tools by companies and practitioners are discussed and the book will be of interest to readers in design, industry, governmental institutions, NGOs as well as researchers.

Policies and Regulations for Private Sector Renewable Energy Mini-Grids

Policies and Regulations for Private Sector Renewable Energy Mini-Grids
Author: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2016-09-01
Genre:
ISBN: 9789295111455

The report examines the specificities of mini-grids connected to solar, biomass, wind and small hydropower, or some combination of these with other energy sources, and discusses the key factors influencing investors in mini-grid projects

Transforming Power

Transforming Power
Author: John Byrne
Publisher: Transaction Publishers
Total Pages: 289
Release: 2011-12-31
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1412815967

In 1934, Lewis Mumford critiqued the industrial energy system as a key source of authoritarian economic and political tendencies in modern life. Recent debate continues to engage issues of energy authoritarianism, focusing on the contest between energy-driven globalization (the spread of energy deregulation and the simultaneous consolidation of the oil, coal, and gas industries) and the so-called "sustainable energy" strategy that celebrates the local and community scale characteristics of renewable energy. Including theoretical inquiries and case studies by distinguished writers, Transforming Power is divided into three parts: Energy, Environment, and Society; The Politics of Conventional Energy; and The Politics of Sustainable Energy. It interrogates current contemporary energy assumptions, exploring the reflexive relationship between energy, environment, and society, and examining energy as a social project. Some of these have promised a prosperous future founded upon technological advances that further modernize the modern energy system, such as "inherently safe" nuclear power, environmentally friendly coal gasification, and the advent of a wealthier, cleaner world powered by fuel cells; and the "green technologies," said by advocates to prefigure a revival of human scale development, local self-determination, and a commitment to ecological balance. >br> This volume offers a timely engagement of the social issues surrounding energy conflicts and contradictions. It will be of interest to policymakers, energy and environmental experts, sociologists, and historians of technology.

Mini Grids for Half a Billion People

Mini Grids for Half a Billion People
Author: Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2019
Genre:
ISBN:

Approximately 1.2 billion people will need to gain access to electricity to achieve universal access by 2030. The only way to achieve this is through a combination of the main grid extension, mini grids, and off-grid solar. This report shows that about half a billion people can be cost-effectively provided with electricity through mini grids. The combination of falling costs, dramatic increase in the quality of service, and favorable enabling environments have made modern mini grids a scalable option to complement grid extension and solar home systems. The report is the most comprehensive study on mini grids to date. It takes stock of the global mini grid market and industry; analyzes in detail the solar-hybrid mini grid costs and technological innovations; shows the importance of introducing income-generating machinery and micro-finance early in the planning process; and provides policy makers, investors and developers with insights on how mini grids can be scaled up. Modern mini grids can pave the way for more financially viable future grid expansion, as by the time the main grid arrives, significant demand for electricity already exists and customers have a greater ability to pay. The key is to define-in advance-technical standards and commercial options for integration once the main grid arrives. A win-win situation for both the mini grid developers and national utilities. Mini grids are not a new phenomenon: nearly all electricity grid systems in high-income countries started with isolated mini grids, which gradually interconnected. Over the past several decades throughout the rest of the world, mini grids have grown from a niche solution for electrification to being deployed widely. Globally, at least 19,000 mini grids are installed in 134 countries, representing a total investment of 28 billion US Dollars and providing electricity to about 47 million people. Asia has the most mini grids installed today, while Africa has the largest share of planned mini grids. However, at present, the combined mini grid investment in countries with low levels of electricity access in Africa and Asia totals only 5 billion US Dollars, compared to the 220 billion US Dollars needed to connect 500 million people to 210,000 mini grids in these regions by 2030. Therefore, across the globe, countries need to actively mobilize private sector investment. This can be achieved by setting up policies that support comprehensive electrification programs, promoting viable business models, and providing well-designed public funding, for example through performance-based grants.

Deployment of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Minigrids

Deployment of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Minigrids
Author: Asian Development Bank
Publisher: Asian Development Bank
Total Pages: 137
Release: 2017-10-01
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9292579800

Despite significant economic growth in Asia in recent decades, millions of people in rural Asia still lack access to electricity. In response, the Asian Development Bank is working to foster universal access to energy by developing small hybrid renewable energy systems in rural Asian areas. This publication highlights the experiences of ADB's pilot projects to achieve access to electricity and energy efficiency in five developing countries in Asia. It provides technical guidance and recommendations for the effective deployment of similar systems in minigrids in remote rural locations and small isolated islands.

Renewables for Energy Access and Sustainable Development in East Africa

Renewables for Energy Access and Sustainable Development in East Africa
Author: Manfred Hafner
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 158
Release: 2019-04-03
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3030117359

This short open access book investigates the role of renewable energy in East Africa to provide policy-relevant inputs for the achievement of a cost-effective electrification process in the region. For each country, the authors review the current situation in the domestic power sector, adopt a GIS-based approach to plot renewable energy resources potential, and review currently planned projects and projects under development, as well as the key domestic renewables regulations. Based on such information, least-cost 100% electrification scenarios by 2030 are then modelled and comparative results over the required capacity additions and investment are reported and discussed. The authors also inquire into some of the key technological, economic, policy, cooperation, and financing challenges to the development of a portfolio of renewables to promote energy access in a sustainable way, including a discussion of the challenges and opportunities that might stem from the interaction between local RE potential and natural gas resources currently under development in the region. To conclude, policy recommendations based on the book’s results and targeted at international cooperation and development institutions, local policymakers, and private stakeholders in the region are elaborated.