Search

As energy plays a vital role in the modern lifestyle of any country, understanding how sustainable the energy system of a country remains an important policy issue. This paper reviews the comprehensiveness of existing metrics in tracking and tracing energy sustainability and finds that the existing multi-dimensional indicators do not capture the sustainability dimension adequately. This paper proposes a composite index, SEDI (Sustainable Energy Development Index), to fill the gap. SEDI focuses on establishing the sustainability level of both intra- and inter-generational needs. The paper discusses the methodology, data availability and initial country comparisons. It is found that SEDI has a positive correlation with both the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Energy Development Index (EDI) but provides a better understanding of the different dimensions of energy sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off-Grid energy systems are growing in popularity as an independent source of energy to satisfy electricity needs of individual households or smaller communities, mainly in developing countries where the main grid is either not developed or the grid is uneconomical to extend due to remoteness of the location. The Isle of Eigg in Scotland has been successfully using a hybrid off-grid system for several years to provide a reliable 24-h electricity supply to the islanders. This ex-post analysis of the Isle of Eigg system investigates its performance and explores possible alternative configurations which could work more effectively and efficiently. Simulations were carried out using HOMER software for the existing system and for alternative configurations of energy generation. It is found that the existing overcapacity has been instrumental in ensuring a reliable supply but continued reliance on diesel generators adds to the cost. More wind power capacity addition can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and modular sizing of generators instead of adding large capacities could have reduced the idle capacity. This experience suggests that providing reliable off-grid electricity supply is possible but is costly without suitable capital subsidies. Appropriate system design suited to the local condition is important for developing a viable system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India’s recent macro-economic and structural changes are transforming the economy and bringing significant changes to energy demand behaviour. Life-style and consumption behaviour are evolving rapidly due to accelerated economic growth in recent times. The population structure is changing, thereby offering the country with the potential to reap the population dividend. The country is also urbanising rapidly, and the fast-growing middle class segment of the population is fuelling consumerism by mimicking international life-styles. These changes are likely to have significant implications for energy demand in the future, particularly in the residential sector. Using the end-use approach of demand analysis, this paper analyses how residential energy demand is likely to evolve as a consequence of India’s transformation and finds that by 2030, India’s commercial energy demand in the residential sector can quadruple in the high scenario compared to the demand in 2010. Demand for modern fuels like electricity and liquefied petroleum gas is likely to grow at a faster rate. However, there is a window of opportunity to better manage the evolution of residential demand in India through energy efficiency improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dealing with the climate change externality of the fossil-fuel dominated transport sector, bio-fuels are widely seen as a solution. Through its Bioenergy Policy, Ghana seeks to improve oil supply security, save foreign exchange, create jobs and reduce emissions from the transport sector by integrating 20% biofuels into the transport fuel mix by 2030. This paper systematically analyses the transport fuel demand in Ghana to determine the biofuel supply target in 2020 and 2030 and evaluates the resource input requirements for integration of biofuels into the transport fuel mix. It provides a detailed picture of bio-fuel prospects in Ghana in the 2030 horizon. The research concludes that though significant yield improvement is required to meet the target, the target is achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a local level study of a village off-grid system in Bangladesh. It applies an integrated methodology that identifies the demand in the off-grid village context using alternative scenarios. The techno-economic analysis of the optimal off-grid system architecture is then presented using HOMER software. Three energy resources are considered, namely solar energy, wind and diesel fuel. The optimal configuration suggested for the scenarios consists of diesel generators for the basic level of demand and PV-diesel hybrid for higher demand and reliable supply scenarios. The cost of electricity per kWh remains high for the basic level of supply and decreases as the system size increases. However, the capital and asset replacement costs increased considerably for bigger systems. The business case is then analysed for each scenario and it was found that it is practically impossible to reach grid price parity even with full capital cost subsidy, indicating significant amount of operating cost subsidy requirement that makes the larger systems financially unsustainable. Moreover, the small mini-grid system for the basic level of supply emerges as a cheaper option than providing the consumers with solar home systems. But the monthly electricity bill will become unaffordable for most consumers when demand restrictions are removed. Accordingly, the paper suggests a mini-grid based electricity supply to provide the basic level of provision alongside productive energy use during off-peak hours as the starting point. If the business develops and the demand improves, the system can be expanded subsequently using appropriate technology combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk-based electricity generation and supply has been popularized in South Asia by the Husk Power Systems (HPS) and the Decentralised Energy Systems India (DESI), two enterprises that have successfully provided electricity access using this resource. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the conditions under which a small-scale rural power supply business becomes viable and to explore whether larger plants can be used to electrify a cluster of villages. Based on the financial analysis of alternative supply options considering residential and productive demands for electricity under different scenarios, the paper shows that serving low electricity consuming customers alone leads to part capacity utilization of the electricity generation plant and results in a high cost of supply. Higher electricity use improves the financial viability but such consumption behaviour benefits high consuming customers greatly. The integration of rice mill demand, particularly during the off-peak period, with a predominant residential peak demand system improves the viability and brings the levelised cost of supply down. Finally, larger plants bring down the cost significantly to offer a competitive supply. But the higher investment need and the risks related to monopoly supply of husk from the rice mill, organizational challenges of managing a larger distribution area and the risk of plant failure can adversely affect the investor interest. Moreover, the regulatory uncertainties and the potential for grid extension can hinder business activities in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Renewable energy-based off-grid or decentralised electricity supply has traditionally considered a single technology-based limited level of supply to meet the basic needs, without considering reliable energy provision to rural consumers. The purpose of this paper is to propose the best hybrid technology combination for electricity generation from a mix of renewable energy resources to satisfy the electrical needs in a reliable manner of an off-grid remote village, Palari in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. Four renewable resources, namely, small-scale hydropower, solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines and bio-diesel generators are considered. The paper estimates the residential, institutional, commercial, agricultural and small-scale industrial demand in the pre-HOMER analysis. Using HOMER, the paper identifies the optimal off-grid option and compares this with conventional grid extension. The solution obtained shows that a hybrid combination of renewable energy generators at an off-grid location can be a cost-effective alternative to grid extension and it is sustainable, techno-economically viable and environmentally sound. The paper also presents a post-HOMER analysis and discusses issues that are likely to affect/influence the realisation of the optimal solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides a review of funding needs and financing mechanisms for energy access in general and off-grid electrification in particular to find whether the funding for these activities has been adequate, whether sufficient funding is likely to be available to meet the needs of universal energy access, whether innovative approaches can be used in funding. It finds that in all successful cases the state has played an important role in funding infrastructure investments but many developing countries have neglected the energy access issue for a long time. International donor agencies have provided selective and limited support, while the innovative mechanisms are also unfriendly towards small-scale projects. Weak governance, limited organisational capacity and unfavourable policy environment militate against large-scale mobilisation of financial resources in the poorest countries of the world where energy access is a chronic problem. The challenge of mobilising finance and ensuring its appropriate delivery and use remains a major issue and would require a co-ordinated effort of all relevant stakeholders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the debate on energy access and development, and argues that despite some progress in enhancing energy access, the programmes promoting energy access are neither sustainable nor adequately contributing to development. The paper substantiates this argument by considering the experience of energy access and by performing a simple multi-dimensional sustainability analysis. There has been a disproportionate emphasis on electrification in the past, which can neither resolve the energy access problem nor address the sustainable development issue. Ensuring access to clean energies to meet the demand for cooking and heating energy and providing economically viable and affordable options remains the greatest challenge. The paper suggests that a rebalancing of approaches to energy access provision is required to ensure their sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Off-grid electrification is gaining importance in the developing countries where the access to electricity is often limited. The purpose of this paper is to review alternative methodologies that are used for off-grid electrification projects to identify the features of each methodological approach and to present their strengths and weaknesses. The paper reviews a large volume of relevant literature covering techno-economic feasibility studies, analytical works highlighting methodological applications and practice-oriented literature. The review identifies five methodological options, namely the worksheet-based tools, optimisation tools, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools, system-based participatory tools and hybrid approaches. The paper recommends a hybrid approach that combines two or more options to take advantage of strengths and weaknesses of different options. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates the integration of renewable electricity into the UK system in 2020. The purpose is to find the optimal wind generation that can be integrated based on total cost of supply. Using EnergyPLAN model and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) energy projections as inputs, this paper simulates the total cost of electricity supply with various levels of wind generation considering two systems: a reference and an alternative system. The results show that 80 TWh of wind electricity is most preferable in both systems, saving up to 0.9% of total cost when compared to a conventional system without wind electricity production. The alternative system, with decentralized generation and active demand management, brings relatively more cost saving, and higher wind utilisation, compared to the reference case. The sensitivity analysis with alternative fuel and capital costs again confirms the superiority of the alternative over the reference system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyses the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 15 countries of the European Union between 1990 and 2007 to find out the contribution of different countries. Using the log-mean Divisia index decomposition approach, it identifies the driving factors of emissions related to energy and other industrial activities. It also focuses on two success cases (namely Germany and the United Kingdom) and contrasts the developments with two less successful cases (namely Spain and Italy). A scenario analysis is then used to indicate the emission reduction possibility through cross-learning. The study shows that the emission intensity has reduced significantly in both energy-related activities and other processes at the aggregate level, while the performance varies significantly at the individual country level. Changes in the energy mix, a reduction in energy intensity and a reduction in the emission intensity from other process-related emissions were mainly responsible for the success in the EU-15. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electricity generation in Thailand is highly dependant on natural gas. Recent research has revealed that the Thai economy would become more vulnerable from high gas dependence in the power sector. This paper aims to assess the economic impact of gas dependence in power generation in the coming decades. To fulfil this objective, two scenarios of electricity capacity planning were developed and the results were analysed to understand the changes in gas dependence and the effects on import reliance. It is found that from 2011 to 2025, the average cost of natural gas for power generation will account for 2.41% of gross domestic product (GDP) while high oil price in international energy markets would push this cost to 2.97% of GDP. In addition, reliance on fuel imports for power generation, particularly natural gas and coal, is going to be another crucial concern to the security of energy supply as the costs of these imports during the planning horizon will increase significantly at an average rate of 6.78% per year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: India has been flirting with the idea of power sector reform for more than a decade. However, despite the enactment of a comprehensive legal framework for governing the electricity industry, limited progress has been made in terms of achieving widespread sector liberalisation and privatisation. This paper presents a systematic approach to analysing the sustainability of the reform model and the experience in implementing it. It argues that the reforms to date have not produced desirable political, economic, financial, social or environmental outcomes. Political instability and opportunistic behaviour of political parties in India have reduced the acceptability of reforms, while the poor financial performance of utilities and subsidy burden show little signs of improvement. Reform has not succeeded in rationalising tariffs or balancing supply and demand. Electricity market reform has not increased access levels, and the rise of captive power generation is likely to have an adverse impact upon the natural environment. In conclusion, there are doubts about the sustainability of reform measures, highlighting a need to find policy alternatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Electricity Act 2003, which has come into force in India since mid-June 2003, consolidates and replaces a number of older legislations on electricity that prevailed in the country. The new act has introduced significant changes to the industry structure and provides for a more flexible regulatory regime and stricter penal provisions for dishonest use of electricity. The act puts in place some time bound targets for licensees and for the restructuring of the electricity industry. This paper reviews the changes brought about by the new act and analyses whether the new act would be sufficient to transform the Indian power sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Industrial demand accounts for about 30% of total final energy demand in Thailand, which experienced rapid increases in energy demand in the past two decades. This paper analyzes the changes in industrial energy demand over a period of 20 years from 1981 to 2000 by considering changes in demand pattern, fuel consumption and energy intensities. It identifies the factors affecting the energy consumption by employing the factor decomposition technique using Laspeyres approach. It is found that the share of food and beverage industry declined in terms of value addition and energy demand, while the shares of chemical and non-metallic minerals industries have increased. The energy intensity of industry has followed a U-shaped curve but post-1997, the trend is upward looking. At the overall industry level, the activity effect was the major factor affecting energy demand, followed by the energy intensity effect. Changes in the food and beverage industry and non-metallic industry have significantly influenced the energy demand of the industrial sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cogeneration of heat and power could be an attractive option for meeting electricity demand in Vietnam, which is facing acute shortage in generation capacity due to high demand growth spurred by rapid economic growth of the country. The sugar industry has significant potential for cogeneration. This paper focuses on the cogeneration potential of the sugar industry and estimates, based on avoided cost, the economic rate at which excess power could be sold to the utility. We found that cogeneration would be a financially viable option for medium and large size sugar plants. Time-of-day rates would be the most suitable form of buy-back rate and the IRR ranges between 12% and 15% in this case. The sensitivity analysis indicates that cogeneration plants would be vulnerable to changes in buy-back rates and investment costs. The internal rate of return is more sensitive to changes in buy-back rates than those in investment costs. Medium and large sized plants would be in a better position to withstand such changes in the business environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]