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Globally, rural areas suffer from less infrastructure relative to urban areas. Political and development economists have mainly attributed this disparity in infrastructure distribution to governance. The literature has sufficiently discussed the role that rural-urban infrastructure inequality plays in development outcomes such as poverty. However, not much is known about the effect of the rural-urban infrastructure gap on the environment. To contribute to knowledge and policy discussions, we investigate the impact of rural-urban energy access (in)equality on environmental degradation and the role governance plays using data from 47 sub-Saharan African countries from 2000–2020. Evidence from the heteroskedasticity-based instrumental variable regression consistent with Driscoll and Kraay's estimation revealed that bridging rural-urban energy access inequality is associated with reduction in environmental degradation. We also documented that the direct effect of the governance-related variables used is mixed. The moderation and marginal effect estimates showed that improving governance quality conditions equality in rural-urban energy access to reduce environmental degradation. From a policy perspective, these findings suggest that the implementation of rural electrification policies supported by a good governance system would play a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method for analyzing the triboelectrification process of plastics are proposed. • Effects of initial charge on the triboelectrification are experimentally analyzed. • The initial charge was first released into the control volume for some cases. Plastic recycling is one of the most economical and environment-friendly solutions for effective plastic waste management. Triboelectric separation is one of beneficial methods to accomplish this. A method and device capable of analyzing the triboelectrification of materials with specific initial charges are proposed in this study. The process of triboelectrification is experimentally analyzed for various initial-charge conditions using the proposed method and device. The triboelectrification process can be divided into two groups depending on the initial-charge conditions. For the specific initial conditions, termed Group 2 in this work, it is observed that the initial charge of one material is first released into the control volume, following which the two materials exchange charges, unlike in the conventional triboelectrification process. This study is expected to provide valuable insights into triboelectrification analysis, thereby advancing the multistage plastic-separation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel forecast-based charging strategy for standalone PV battery systems. • Extension of lithium-ion battery life by keeping the SOC low. • Case-study with 14 standalone PV battery systems in Nigeria. • Longer battery life and cheaper operational costs of systems. • Enabler for green rural electrification. Standalone PV battery systems have great potential to power the one billion people worldwide who lack access to electricity. Due to remoteness and poverty, durable and cheap systems are required for a broad range of applications. However, today's PV battery systems do not yet fully meet this requirement. Especially batteries still prove to be a hindrance, as they represent the most expensive and fastest-aging component in a PV battery system. This work aims to address this by prolonging battery life. For this purpose, a forecast-based charging strategy was developed. As lithium-ion batteries age slower in a low state-of-charge, the goal of the operation strategy is to only charge the battery as much as needed. The impact of the proposed charging strategy is examined in a case study using one year of historical data of 14 standalone systems in Nigeria. It was found that the proposed operation strategy could reduce the average battery state-of-charge by around 20% without causing power outages for the mini-grids. This would significantly extend the life of the battery and ultimately lead to a more durable and cheaper operation of standalone PV battery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrids system consisting of single or multiple energy resources and storage is used to provide electricity to remote rural areas. Subsequently, they can be worked in both grid-connected and islanded modes. Microgrids can provide stable energy solutions to areas where grid extension is either costly or not feasible. The system's long-term economic stability and sustainability must be considered throughout the microgrid's design. Renewable energy sources have a variety of objectives and possible restrictions. The current plan suggests a rural microgrid with integrated solar, diesel, and battery systems. The proposed microgrid for the rural area of Uttarakhand (India) is given a techno-economic and feasibility analysis. For the hilly region of India, a standalone microgrid is created to handle the home peak load of 13kW. Moth flam optimization (MFO) is utilized to optimize the proposed energy framework, and the results are compared with those of a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The optimal hybrid system's net current and energy costs are calculated to be $58372.00, with the cost of energy per unit being $0.14/kWh. Sensitivity analysis and robustness viability have been performed for the configuration. The finding suggested that the energy framework using MFO is 18% and 16% less expensive than GA and PSO, respectively. This research adds new direction to critical sustainable development among developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid power systems (HPS) based on photovoltaic (PV), diesel generators (DG), and energy storage systems (ESS) are widely used solutions for the energy supply of off-grid or isolated areas. The main hybridizing challenges are reliability, investment and operating costs, and carbon emissions problems. Since HPS are usually sized to provide energy continuously, it is essential to use the solar energy potential close to full capacity, especially on cloudy days. One of the prominent solutions to overcome these challenges is integrating solar tracking systems (STS). This article focuses on the optimal sizing of HPS based on PV-DG-ESS utilizing STS by analyzing technical, economic, and environmental aspects. Optimization is performed with the MILP solved via Gurobi, considering the net present cost (NPC) and loss of power supply probability (LPSP) objectives. The results indicate that horizontal and dual solar trackers can provide up to 50% better energy harvest performance and reduce NPC by up to 7%. It is also found that there is no significant difference in cost reduction between both systems. Moreover, STS is feasible if the cost is less than 375 USD and 250 USD for Sudan and South Sudan, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An affordable and reliable grid connected hybrid energy system is selected to supply electrical loads in the rural area. • Size of SPV and battery bank are optimized along with grid power sell or purchase. • The available biogas is used to supply the cooking demand. • Batteries such as lead acid, nickel iron and lithium ion are compared during the simulation for their selection as a component of the hybrid energy system. In the developing countries, rural and remote sites are rarely connected with the national grid due to the lack of transmission and distribution infrastructure. The development of hybrid renewable energy model is an alternate solution to provide electricity accessibility in such areas. In the present research work, a grid-connected hybrid system model has been developed based on the available renewable resources. The proposed model consists of local renewable sources i.e., solar and biomass along with batteries for storage purposes. Major objectives of the study are to optimize the sizing of PV panels and batteries with power sales or purchases from the grid. The net present cost of the system has been minimized which is subjected to power reliability, SOC of batteries, upper and lower bound of SPV and batteries. Discrete Harmony Search (DHS) Algorithm has been adopted to optimize the system. Among the various considered scenarios, optimal configuration includes 30 kW biomass, 83.50 kWp solar PV, 78.70 kW converter and 38.40 kWh battery bank. Further, the optimization result yields the minimum cost of energy and net present cost as 4.66 INR/kWh and 13.07 million INR respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to examine the techno-economic viability of both off-grid and on-grid hybrid renewable energy systems for Jordan's Al-Karak governorate. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) Pro software was used in this article to evaluate the carry feasibility to maximize the renewable energy (RE) integration in hybrid energy systems based on different configurations, grid-connected and stand-alone systems of the wind turbine, biogas plant, photovoltaic (PV) panels, flywheel, and batteries while minimizing the net present cost, the Levelized cost of energy and CO2 emissions mitigation. The results showed that the PV/Wind system, connected to the grid with batteries for storage is the optimal configuration for sustainable Al-Karak governorate electrification whilst achieving environmental benefits and guaranteeing reliable and continuous energy access with the lowest net present cost and the Levelized cost, 298,359 USD$ and 0.024 USD$/kWh respectively, and high RE share, 71.8% of electricity is generated from wind and 28.2% is purchased from the grid and emits 220 tons of CO2 per year, 53% less than a grid alone system. Such a system would provide advantages in terms of energy independence and improved environmental quality. • A hybrid renewable energy system for Jordan's Al Karak governorate was optimized. • Six different scenarios of renewable energy systems were examined. • The impact of the optimal configuration on GHG emission was analyzed. • PV/Wind/batteries system, connected to grid was the optimal configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid fall of photovoltaic generation and battery storage costs can pave the way for future distributed power systems. However, transitioning from centralized to distributed systems has economic implications for different power sector stakeholders: incumbent energy firms, new distributed generation investors, and consumers. Consumers can significantly increase demand by adopting electric transport, a crucial component of decarbonization. In turn, investors and firms will need to provide the capital and operating capability to supply more power, even for self-consumption. In this paper, we develop a methodology to assess the future average price of electricity for two fundamentally different systems: one based on utility-scale projects and another based on distributed generation. We also evaluate how prices affect the financial benefits of energy sector investors and transport users that result from transport electrification. We apply the methodology to Costa Rica's transport electrification objectives, a middle-income country with vast renewable generation capacity with pledges to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. We find that the future unit costs of solar and wind generation with energy storage infrastructure affect electricity prices more than other uncertainties. In turn, prices have a high correlation with transport benefits. We also find that low discount rates produce high benefits and low electricity prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores the techno-economic feasibility and viability of a Photovoltaic-Diesel Hybrid system for rural electrification in sub-Sahara Africa with a case study of Chilubi island, a remote district without access to electricity in the Northern Province of Zambia. Using HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables) Pro software, the best and most feasible technical solutions through different hybrid system configurations, combinations and the district's rate of access to electricity were considered based on the least Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) and life cycle costs of the project. The results show that operating diesel generators as stand-alone is not economically sustainable and has a high LCoE. Influencing factors include variability in diesel pump prices, high fuel transportation costs, high cost of operation and maintenance, among other factors of concern. 100% photovoltaic (PV) with a battery system gave the lowest LCoE. However, the initial capital cost of solar energy projects in Zambia is relatively high compared to the equivalent diesel-based plants, as shown herein. It explains why diesel power plants are favoured for off-grid settlements. On the hand, the low operational cost and LCoE of PV power plants favour rural districts as they offset the high initial capital costs. Additionally, the continued downward trend in the cost of PV installations per kWp has opened discussions among policymakers and energy planners in Zambia to favour rural electrification with renewable energy-based power generation. This study contributes to this discussion. • Grid extension is costly for rural electrification in Southern Africa. • Offgrid PV-Diesel generation microgrids are options for cheaper electricity. • Techno-economic analysis herein favours high penetration of PV and storage. • $ 1 increase in fuel increases LCoE by $ 0.283 and vice versa. • PV-hybrids are expensive and may require government interventions to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse gas emissions and PM2.5 pollution from vehicular exhausts and the consequent negative externalities underline the urgency of investigating low-carbon pathways for the freight sector. This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis to determine the implications of a modal shift in the freight sector for the environment, energy systems and the economy. Stakeholder consultations are used to develop the qualitative narratives that are further used to set the parameters in energy-economy optimization models for deriving quantitative pathways. Our analysis includes four scenarios: Current Policy (CPS), Road Focused (FROAD), Rail Technology (TRAIL) and Harmonized Multimodal (HMML). The HMML scenario follows a balanced approach harmonizing the twin goals of reducing imported fuels and carbon emissions that can simultaneously assist in achieving development and decarbonization targets. Our results show that the HMML scenario based on the multimodal approach of creating a level playing field for all modes can reduce fossil fuel imports by 87.6% and CO 2 emissions by 96%, relative to CPS in 2050. The HMML scenario also envisages significant macroeconomic benefits – the cost of logistics as a percentage of GDP falls to 11%, and there are cumulative foreign exchange savings of 3.8 trillion USD from 2016 to 2050. However, electrification, the leading technology for the respective decarbonizing modes, will need policies that enhance research and innovation on batteries and infrastructure investments for charging along national and state highways. The main policy insight from our analysis is that multimodal logistics policy needs to be designed in alignment with clean energy-based electrification policy and national rail plans so that uniform rules from the origin govern all modes to the destination of goods transport. • Modelling energy economy to analyse implications of modal shift. • Combining stakeholder consultations with quantitative evaluations. • Multimodal approach achieves development and mitigation goals at the same time. • Over 80% of savings on imports of fossil fuels are possible by 2050 relative to the current policy scenario. • Cumulative foreign exchange savings of 3.8 trillion USD can be achieved from 2016 to 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The work done in this paper provides the solutions for power access to rural and remote areas in developing nations. • The proposed affordable solution offers many advantages over the traditional central inverters. It provides more output power as compared to traditional central inverters under shading and dusting conditions. The results are validated through experimental investigation with regard to Indian weather conditions. • The proposed solution presents an optimal sizing strategy for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) for the low power rural household application. In literature, this kind of solution is yet not reported which makes this work novel. • This work presents the customized design of solar microinverter based PV System for different power provisioning levels for rural EWS houses. The proposed solution has an added advantage of addition of load in future without change in existing infrastructure. Reliable power supply is the key requirement for developing nations. Most of these nations are trying to modernize the rural lives by electrification in remote areas. Access to electricity is a bare requirement in future ages. This paper discusses the challenges faced by the utility companies in ensuring sustained electricity access to the new consumers followed by the various solutions. The techno – economic aspects of the proposed solution is validated by the experimental study. Based on the results, an optimal low-cost design is proposed in order for everyone to fulfil the minimum power needs. The paper presents an optimal size strategy for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) for the low power rural household application. The solar microinverter based PV System has been designed based on the daily load needs for one of the proposed layout plans of the (Gramin) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna adopted by Government of India. The proposed designs are also applicable for other developing nations. The proposed micro-inverter has been tested under different operating conditions and experimental validation proves its superiority over other inverter types, particularly for a low power application, as is the case for a typical low-income rural household. Economic considerations such as payback period has also been evaluated in this study. In addition, the proposed microinverter technology has also been tested in terms of power quality parameters under various operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate action is the grand challenge of the 21st century. Large reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are needed, with net-zero CO 2 emissions by mid-century a requirement for many scenarios that restrain global warming below 1.5 °C by 2100. This will require massive deployment of renewables such as ground-based solar and wind, increased long-distance grid transmission capacity, and electrification of much of the global economy. Increased electrification, coupled with rising standards of living in developing countries, will drive ever-larger electricity demand to 2050 and beyond. And the intermittency, land-use, and transmission requirements of ground-based solar and wind present challenges to large-scale deployment to meet Net Zero targets. Space-based solar power (SSP) presents an enticing alternative, and with full reusability of upcoming heavy launch vehicles and modular SSP architectures, the economics of deployment are expected to become favorable in the coming decades. Efforts exist today to deploy demonstrators this decade, with initial production systems by 2050. However, deploying SSP at the scale required to address rising, global electricity demand will itself require orders-of-magnitude greater launch frequencies. If heavy launch frequency does not increase quickly enough, due to environmental concerns, launch site competition, or other bottlenecks, the dropping cost of launch will not be sufficient to enable SSP for global impact this century. A space elevator (SE) development program like that proposed by the International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) offers an alternative delivery mechanism for scaling SSP beyond 2050, hedging the risk of reliance on a single delivery system while reducing the time required for large-scale SSP deployment. To de-risk possible futures in which SSP is a major part of the global energy mix this century, a dual space access architecture is proposed, leveraging the strengths of heavy launch and SEs together. Such an architecture would secure the future for green energy on Earth, in 2050 and beyond. • Net-zero CO 2 emissions by 2050 required for many climate scenarios with < 1. 5 °C warming. • Massive deployment of renewables and scale-ups of long-distance transmission required. • Space-based solar power (SSP) is becoming economically viable as an enticing alternative. • Reusable heavy launch must scale-up rapidly to deploy SSP at scale for net-zero. • A space elevator development program would de-risk delivery of SSP at scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant increases in renewable energy are needed in electricity systems in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the face of increasing electricity demand arising from the electrification of heat and transport. Greater flexibility is required in the electricity system to facilitate this, using proven flexibility providers such as batteries and interconnection or new technologies yet to be proven. This paper investigates how the relationship between battery and interconnection development and carbon price can impact carbon dioxide emissions and renewable energy curtailment. The study simulates twenty-eight scenarios and sensitivities using a unit commitment and economic dispatch model of a 2030 European power system that acknowledges that coal will not be fully eliminated from the 2030 generation mix. The results show that interconnection and battery deployment can alleviate renewable energy curtailment by over 2.4 TWh for the basecase, but a high carbon price is critical to ensuring their deployment plays a complementary role in reducing emissions. The paper also examines the impact of batteries and interconnection on solar and wind energy curtailment. It reveals that battery development nearly doubled the solar energy benefits achieved by interconnection development in some cases, while wind energy benefited more from interconnection development. • A high CO 2 price is critical to IC and batteries achieving emissions reductions. • IC can facilitate production of cheaper higher emitting fuels when CO 2 price is low. • Solar energy benefits more from deployment of batteries due to similar timescales. • Diversity of wind profiles can be leveraged with increased interconnection. • Regardless of CO 2 price IC and batteries alleviate renewable energy curtailment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, higher penetrations of renewable energy generations helped persuade sustainable energy and environmental targets, although their intermittent and fluctuated nature raised technical challenges. However, hybrid power system can minimize these technical issues by integrating flexible generation capable renewable energy sources like biomass. This study deals with optimizing grid-integrated and stand-alone biomass-based hybrid power system for the energy demand of a rural region containing poultry farms. Besides solar and wind energy, energy storage integration is evaluated regarding overall technical-environmental-economic performance, considering the actual manure potential using HOMER Pro. In addition, sensitivity analyses are performed, considering the estimated load and inflations using an artificial neural network method. Using biomass and solar hybrid options offers more autonomous, environmentally friendly, and economic advantages. Biomass-based hybrid power system with solar energy reduced net present cost by around 12% and increased renewable fraction by 7%, and grid-connected options can provide 88.9% renewable fraction. In addition, the energy storage integration increased renewable fraction by around 10% and reduced excess energy by 16%. The proposed biomass-based hybrid power system achieves cost-effective sizing of solar or wind-based hybrid systems, empowers the reliability of renewable energy and presents good consistency of decarbonization targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Techno-economic analysis of hybrid solar-wind-biomass-battery system is proposed. • Numerical modelling and varied operational scenarios for the system are formulated. • Evaluating system feasibility across various power loss probabilities is conducted. • Giza Pyramids construction outperformed by $177 saving and 8% less simulation time. The economical electrification of rural settlements extensively utilizes renewable energy sources. In recent years, the deployment of solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and biomass gasifier-based power generation technologies for electricity accessibility in remote regions has received greater prominence. This paper presents an optimal component design of a hybrid solar PV-wind and battery system along with a biomass gasifier to provide continuous electricity for rural communities of Uttarakhand, India. In this study, a recently developed population-based giza pyramids construction (GPC) methodology is applied to determine the optimal component sizing. The findings of the GPC method are contrasted with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) methodology to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method. The annualized system cost and levelized cost of energy of the hybrid renewable energy system have been minimized subject to technical reliability indicators such as loss of power supply probability and renewable fraction. Moreover, a systematic exploration of the system has been conducted to assess its optimal feasibility across different values of power loss probability ranging from (0% to 4%). The simulation indicates that the proposed method adeptly identifies globally optimal values, leading to a $177 decrease in annual cost and 8% reduction in average simulation time compared to PSO. The research reveals that the balanced point (relative attainment), where system reliability and cost-effectiveness intersect optimally, is achieved at a 3% power loss level, resulting in the most significant cost reduction of $199 compared to other probability levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a set of aspirational objectives for the world, addressing interlinked themes including poverty, hunger, and climate action. Meeting these goals requires a similarly integrated and interdisciplinary approach. One component of such an approach may be agrivoltaic systems (AVS): dual use solar and agricultural systems wherein crops are grown beneath and between solar panels. Given their intersectoral nature, AVS will have complex impacts on the achievement of the SDGs. This analysis seeks to evaluate how AVS could impact progress towards the SDGs based on literature around the impacts of agriculture, solar, and AVS, and the indicators measuring progress towards the SDGs. It uses a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) framework and applies it in a unique way to understand the direct and immediate impacts to the SDGs following the installation of an AVS (i.e., strengths and weaknesses), and the potential impacts on the SDGs based on secondary or supplementary actions taken once an AVS is installed (i.e., opportunities and threats). Though the most obvious of AVS' impacts to the SDGs will be on Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), evaluation of individual indicators shows that AVS can quantifiably impact 14 out of 17 SDGs, largely in a positive manner. However, evaluating impacts on the SDGs indicator by indicator also reveals possible negative, and unexpected, consequences of AVS. Yet, impacts on the SDGs will vary by location-specific factors such as climate, and so this analysis concludes with an application of the SWOT framework in Ethiopia for a farm where an AVS is under consideration. Altogether, this work should provide a means for evaluating the impacts of AVS on SDGs and insights into how to mitigate possible detrimental impacts while capitalizing on benefits. • Agrivoltaics measurably impact 13 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. • Impacts of agrivoltaics depend on a reference case: single use agriculture or solar. • Agrivoltaic systems can underpin rural electrification of farms and schools. • Targeted government initiatives can capitalize on the benefits of agrivoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy access is a major challenge in many parts of the world. The paper addresses this challenge by proposing a local electricity market (LEM) design for nanogrids deployed in Madagascar. Each nanogrid shares a solar PV and battery system, and it meets demand locally before trading surplus energy with other nanogrids on a microgrid bus, facilitated through the creation of a LEM. Two distinct market approaches are investigated and compared: central clearing and bilateral trading. Bilateral trading generates trading prices through direct interaction between consumers and producers, whereas central clearing sets a single trading price based on the cost-ordered supply curve. Our study shows that central clearing generates more consumer-friendly prices and facilitates the trading of all technically feasible energy, while bilateral trading may results in unmatched trading capacity. We find an average price for central trading of 0.49 €/kWh compared to 1.24 €/kWh with a bilateral trading mechanism. To promote the low market prices, a bottom-up retail tariff structure is proposed. The aim of this simplified tariff is to promote initial electrification by minimizing entry prices for end-users' first electricity access to 0.89 €/kWh compared to the current average of 2.11 €/kWh. The discussed results were evaluated in consultation with the local company in Madagascar to ensure practical suitability and to achieve maximum significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power generation faces the challenge of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions without shifting the burden to other environmental impacts. Energy and exergy-based environmental indicators have proven to some extent to be effective environmental proxies for the current energy mix but the robustness of this approach has barely been discussed in the frame of energy transition scenarios. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyse their relevance in the context of decarbonisation of industrial heat through electrification. To this end, we investigate the potential relationships between two different energy indicators and environmental indicators using life cycle assessment (Ecoinvent database, 16 environmental indicators, 2 energy indicators) for 28 pairs of energy sources shifting for the production of 1 kWh of electricity. For the reference French case, no similar trends across all sources of energy, for given environmental and energy indicators are found neither between all environmental and energy indicators. The extension to other cases is discussed, leading to the same conclusion. These results highlight the need for a multi-criteria assessment to evaluate the impacts of industrial heat in a context of intensive process electrification, which will be country dependent because of the various strategies in achieving net-zero electricity mix. [Display omitted] • Investigation of correlations between energy, exergy and environmental indicators. • Limited correlations found between energy and environmental indicators for decarbonated energy. • Electrification contributes to decarbonisation, but comes with environmental trade-offs. • Need for a multi-criteria approach for a complete analysis of the impact of electrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the prosumer benefits of a residential photovoltaic system based on a net-benefit analysis. Net present value ranged from 187 to 2811 $/kW in the low-market scenario and 1226–5642 $/kW in the high-market scenario. Net benefits were verified in net metering contexts, while contexts without net metering had break-even points of 31% and 48% self-consumption for the two scenarios, respectively. Policy recommendations are proposed to encourage investment in renewable energy plants in the Palestinian territory to increase energy security while contributing to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 7. • Energy security and rural electrification are targets to reach in Palestine. • Residential PV can support sustainable energy development in Palestine. • The share of self-consumption is a strategic variable in developing markets. • Net Metering is a supportive policy instrument for the PV development. • Regulatory framework supports prosumer deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development of the inherently complex nature of the energy sector requires a comprehensive understanding of its components and their dynamic interactions. In this study, we employ a system dynamics approach to examine the impact of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency on the performance of the energy sector, and apply this, as a case study example, to the Australian energy sector. Our results show that improving only 1% of energy efficiency would result in 101k/331k GWh energy productivity (5% and 14% of total energy consumption) and reduce domestic CO 2 emissions by 15.3/50 Mt CO 2 -e (4% and 10% of total domestic emissions) by 2030/2050. Switching to renewable energy for transportation and therefore saving 5% per year of current oil consumption may decrease dependency on oil to half by 2030 and to zero by 2050, and reduce domestic CO 2 emissions by 74.1/198 Mt CO 2 -e (18% and 41% of total domestic emissions). Switching to renewable electricity by 3% annually may lead to 60.8/129 Mt CO 2 -e reduction in domestic CO 2 emissions (15% and 27% of total domestic emissions) by 2030/2050. Electrification of other sectors, mainly the manufacturing sector, increasing the use of renewable energy by 4% annually, may lead to 43.3/106 Mt CO 2 -e reduction in domestic CO 2 emissions (11% and 22% of total domestic emissions) by 2030/2050. Improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy for transportation, switching to renewable electricity, electrification of sectors that do not currently run on electricity with the use of renewable energy could achieve zero domestic CO 2 emissions by 2050 while energy consumption stays almost stable (0.5%/year). This process may be accelerated by improving energy efficiency by more than 1%. • Energy efficiency increases energy security and reduces emissions. • Switching to renewable transportation reduces emissions and cuts oil dependency. • Switching to renewable electricity is crucial for reducing domestic CO 2 emissions. • Electrification of all sectors using RE is possible. • Synergy between energy efficiency and RE is crucial for a sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS) has been widely used in rural decentralized sewage treatment due to its low cost, low energy consumption, high efficiency, and other advantages. Numerous researches have reported optimizing the SWIS nitrogen removal process, while the relevant mechanisms and optimization methods have not been well summarized. As such, this review aims to fill the above gaps as follows. Firstly, the SWIS nitrogen removal efficiency and mechanism are outlined, and the role of microorganisms is described in detail. Moreover, the issue of N2O emission in nitrogen removal was introduced. Secondly, the usage of different types of fillers in substrate improvement was summarized, highlighting the unique advantages of plants used in SWIS. A clear adjustment range and control method is proposed for system operating parameters such as hydraulic loading rate (HLR), organic loading rate (OLR), carbon-nitrogen ratio (CNR), temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO). Finally, the role of bioaugmentation in nitrogen removal was summarized. The part of conclusion and prospects evaluates the development and application of SWIS in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS) has been widely used in rural decentralized sewage treatment due to its low cost, low energy consumption, high efficiency, and other advantages. Numerous researches have reported optimizing the SWIS nitrogen removal process, while the relevant mechanisms and optimization methods have not been well summarized. As such, this review aims to fill the above gaps as follows. Firstly, the SWIS nitrogen removal efficiency and mechanism are outlined, and the role of microorganisms is described in detail. Moreover, the issue of N 2 O emission in nitrogen removal was introduced. Secondly, the usage of different types of fillers in substrate improvement was summarized, highlighting the unique advantages of plants used in SWIS. A clear adjustment range and control method is proposed for system operating parameters such as hydraulic loading rate (HLR), organic loading rate (OLR), carbon-nitrogen ratio (CNR), temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO). Finally, the role of bioaugmentation in nitrogen removal was summarized. The part of conclusion and prospects evaluates the development and application of SWIS in rural areas. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Assessment of energy management strategy for a PV-battery system and solar-hydro system is conducted. • PSO is used to minimize the Levelized cost of energy at a specific probability of power supply loss. • Probability of power supply loss variation effect on the optimal sizing is determined. • PV-battery and PV-battery-hydro systems are compared at different probabilities of power supply loss. • A standalone electricity generation system is suggested based on minimized LCOE. An optimal energy management strategy is difficult for an efficient operation of hybrid renewable energy systems due to the instability of energy resources. The present study analyzes a hybrid PV-battery integrated with the pump-hydro-storage system (PHSS) utilizing the rainfall potential at various probabilities of power supply loss (PPSL). Two configurations have been studied. Configuration-1 is a PV-battery system, and Configuration-2 is a hybrid PV-battery-PHSS. PPSL are varied between 0.00 and 0.10 in steps of 0.02. The particle swarm optimization technique is used for size optimization based on the Levelized Cost of energy minimization. Configuration-1 and Configuration-2 at PPSL of 0.00 are highly oversized. Configuration-2, compared to Configuration-1, has less excess power due to the integration of PHSS. A decrease in the power supply reliability by just 2% has caused the decrease in the Levelized Cost of energy by about 31.3% for Configuration-1 and 28.8% for Configuration-2. The power system efficiency for Configuration-1 at PPSL of 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 is 34%, 71%, 77%, 79%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. However, for the Configuration-2, the power system efficiency compared to Configuration-1 at PPSL of 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 has increased by about 11.8%, 2.8%, 0.0%, 1.3%, 1.3%, and 1.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This study demonstrates the techno-economic feasibility of a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system to satisfy the electric and hydrogen load for remote rural communities. • In this study, the proposed system is more economical compared with grid extension, and less carbon footprint with CO 2 emission avoidance of around 375.44 t/year. • Sensitivity analysis on annual average hydrogen load growth and system capacity shortfall friction have been performed. Reliable and sustainable energy supply is essential for the development of remote rural areas, especially in the context of stringent carbon emission reduction target. This study aims to demonstrate the techno-economic feasibility of a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) to satisfy the electric and hydrogen load for remote rural communities, where a case study of a village in West China is presented. By performing simulation and optimization, the most cost-competitive system configuration is identified, the net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE) and cost of hydrogen (COH) of which are $1.26M, $0.162/kWh and $12.5/kg, respectively. Compared with grid extension, the proposed system is more economical with a breakeven grid extension distance (BGED) of 16.15 km, and less carbon footprint with CO 2 emission avoidance of around 375.44 t/year. In addition, sensitivity analysis on annual average hydrogen load growth and system capacity shortfall friction have been performed. The results indicated that the implementation of a hybrid power system can be a reliable and economic viable solution for remote rural electrification and decarbonizing local transport sector, whilst social and environmental benefits are also achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off-grid photovoltaic energy systems (PESs) are increasingly being used for the electrification of remote areas in Brazil, owing to the need for carbon emission avoidance, potential approval of solar resources, and cost-effective expansion limits for conventional distribution systems. However, the complex environment, social, economic, and geographical aspects turn the operation and maintenance (O&M) of PES into a logistic and technical challenge in remote areas. Therefore, this study presents an O&M plan for rural electrification of the Pantanal of the Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) region in Brazil. A quasi-dynamic heuristic approach is proposed, which considers not only the PES requirements but also the environmental constraints, given by the consumer locations, the flood period variation, and the different logistical strategies for off-road assessment. The quasi-dynamic O&M plan was designed based on space, time, and costs, with five main goals: task scheduling, transport route planning, team dispatch, inventory, and vehicle estimation. [Display omitted] • A well based framework is needed to overcome the challenges of rural electrification. • Pantanal MS is a large remote area with very low population density. • To entrust preventive maintenance to local residents attenuates logistic challenges. • Battery life cycle has a major impact on Levelized Cost of Energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the social index of access to clean energy, the country of CHAD is one of the least electrified in the world and the last in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with only 11.3% of its population having electricity access. The access is considerably lower in rural areas of CHAD (1.3%), meaning that 98.7% of the Chadian rural population currently depends on the unsustainable and polluting fuels such as wood and charcoal to meet their energy needs. The absence of electricity is also an opportunity to find a new solution for sustainable, clean, affordable and reliable electricity, which is a prerequisite for social and economic growth. This paper proposes an approach for performing a techno-economic, environmental, and social assessment based on optimal modeling of PV/wind/battery/fuel cell systems in both connected to the grid and standalone configurations for delivering electricity to rural areas within the context of CHAD using MATLAB R2023b to implement and run two (2) meta-heuristic optimization methods: Non-dominate Sorting Genetic Algorithm and Cuckoo Search Algorithm. To fulfill this purpose, we used 2 study cases in two (2) regions of the Sahelian zone of CHAD (MASSAKORY in the HADJER-LAMIS region and MAO in the KANEM region) with geographical coordinates of 13°00′N 15°44′E and 14° 7′ 16" N et 15° 18' 37" E, respectively. The hourly load profile data for a whole year, the hourly metrological data and the characteristics techno-economic of the proposed system components are utilized for the same purpose. The Annualized System Cost (ASC) and the System Self-Sufficiency Index (SSSI) were chosen as objective functions. The simulation results demonstrate that the Net Present Cost (NPC) of proposed systems are $2,107,900 (grid connected), $ 512,650 (off-grid), the cost of the grid is $2100, the LCOE is 0.1457$/kWh (grid connected), 0.0538$/kWh (off-grid), and the LCOH is 2.2892 US $/kg. These last two criteria are the lowest in comparison to the findings of previous work conducted in CHAD by HOMER Pro. The yearly equivalent avoided Greenhouse gas (GHG) is 460,480 kg (grid connected system), 463,467 kg (off-grid system), the grid GHG emission is 3400 kg and the renewable energy sources fraction is 99.27%. Each of proposed systems will create four (4) new jobs and improve the HDI by 5.93% (grid connected system HDI = 0.4216) and 25.04% (off-grid system HDI = 0.4991). This study could help designers, companies, investors, policymakers, and the government of CHAD in decision-making during the installation of such a system in specific rural areas and also provide a better practical energy design tool. • A multi-criteria optimal sizing of an off-grid and grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic-wind system with battery and fuel cell storage system was proposed to give access to sustainable, affordable, reliable, and clean energy for rural electrification in CHAD. • Two (2) well-known metaheuristic optimization algorithms, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and the Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA), are implemented in MATLAB 2023b to size the proposed systems optimally. • A techno-economic, environmental, and social analysis was performed for the optimization of the systems sizing considering the two (2) configurations (grid-connected and off-grid) and two study cases in two (2) regions of the Sahelian zone of CHAD. • Results showed significant social, environmental, economic, and system reliability improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effective utilisation of available renewable resources in rural region of Bihar for sustainable rural electrification. • Design of optimal model of on-grid as well as off-grid hybrid configuration of active distribution network (ADN) on integration of PV/biomass resources. • A comparative assessment for effective performance and management of produced energy of both on-grid as well as off-grid active distribution network has been done. • A proper investigation and assessment of proposed active distribution network on several techno-economic attributes has been performed. • Analysis of feasibility and pertinency of active distribution network for selected rural region on environmental concerns has been also done. • Impact of various dependent variable assessment on cost of energy and total net present cost for the practicality of proposed active distribution network has been done. Majority of rural areas in India have already been electrified, yet the disparity between demand and supply is considerably higher and broadened due to which nation's rapid financial growth as well as rising standards of living in both the urban as well as rural areas. Hence, the utilisation of renewable resources is rising steadily for the mitigation of such energy crisis. It has become necessity to use a hybrid sustainable energy system by exploiting the strengths of each source in combination with one another to minimise the dependence on the congested power grid. For the efficient use of readily available renewable energy and sustainable rural electrification, this study proposes an effective Active Distribution Network (ADN). A comprehensive techno-economic analysis has been performed on the design of an ADN system that includes the exploitation of solar and biomass energy as sources of power for sustainable rural electrification. In the proposed work, performance assessment elements such as output responses, component costs, feasibility and sensitivity of the project, emissions, inflation rate, and changing the pricing of integrant have been taken into consideration and analysed. Results shows the improvement in rural electrical system while lowering system energy costs along with consideration of environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, one-sixth of the world's rural population has gained access to energy. However, intensified efforts are needed to meet the goal of universal coverage. Photovoltaic solar systems (PVS) have emerged as significant solutions for addressing last-mile electrification challenges. Nevertheless, the sustainability of PVS-based initiatives has raised concerns, and existing research lacks a long-term, practical and comprehensive program-scale assessment, along with experience-driven approaches to overcome them. This study aims to identify key design strategies to ensure the sustainable operation and impact of off-grid solar electrification programs. This work evaluates the sustainability of the world-wide referral "Luz para Todos" program in Brazil, conducting field assessments in thirty-five rural communities, electrified between 2005 and 2020 in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Bahia. Interviews were held with beneficiaries, community leaders, rural electrification agents and key public sector actors. The quality of electricity access and the level of population's empowerment through electrification are assessed using three operation and impact criteria and two sets of ad-hoc indicators. Results highlight the importance of considering the dynamic character of energy demand and addressing additional remoteness difficulties (such as displacements and communication) to guarantee long-lasting quality PVS. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the disruptive potential of mobile internet and the productive impact of access to water and food refrigeration in strengthening rural empowerment. This analysis serves as a guide for PVS initiative promoters to synergistically address both operational durability and long-term local development challenges. [Display omitted] • Brazilian last-mile rural electrification program is long-term field assessed. • Two objectives are considered: energy quality durability and people's empowerment. • Operation and impact criteria and two sets of ad-hoc indicators are evaluated. • PVS durability relies on adequate maintenance plans, local involvement and tariffs. • Physiological, physical and socio-economic development are the keys to empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we aim to analyse the impact of hydrogen production decarbonisation and electrification scenarios on the infrastructure development, generation mix, CO 2 emissions, and system costs of the European power system, considering the retrofit of the natural gas infrastructure. We define a reference scenario for the European power system in 2050 and use scenario variants to obtain additional insights by breaking down the effects of different assumptions. The scenarios were analysed using the European electricity market model COMPETES, including a proposed formulation to consider retrofitting existing natural gas networks to transport hydrogen instead of methane. According to the results, 60% of the EU's hydrogen demand is electrified, and approximately 30% of the total electricity demand will be to cover that hydrogen demand. The primary source of this electricity would be non-polluting technologies. Moreover, hydrogen flexibility significantly increases variable renewable energy investment and production, and reduces CO 2 emissions. In contrast, relying on only electricity transmission increases costs and CO 2 emissions, emphasising the importance of investing in an H 2 network through retrofitting or new pipelines. In conclusion, this paper shows that electrifying hydrogen is necessary and cost-effective to achieve the EU's objective of reducing long-term emissions. • A new formulation is proposed for natural gas network retrofitting to hydrogen (H 2). • 30% of EU electricity in 2050 will supply 60% of the H 2 needs. • Flexible electricity-based H 2 production boosts renewables by 48%. • Using electricity for H 2 production cuts CO 2 emissions by 35%. • 11% gas network retrofit covers H 2 demand with no new pipelines required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and energy are intimately related, as water is required for energy applications and energy is required for water-based technologies. Two large groups of photovoltaic adoptions have been identified in this review: first, those in which the photovoltaic system is separated from the water technology. In second group, the photovoltaic system is in physical contact with the water technology thereby its performance is affected either in a positive or negative way. The novelty of this review work lies in the classification of photovoltaic system adoption in various water related technologies. Apart from classification, discussions on system configurations, working aspects, performance aspects, economic aspects and scope for further investigations have been presented in detail. Wastewater treatment plants are identified to be the most suitable site for photovoltaic module installation and utilization. Among power sectors, hydro power plants are highly compatible with photovoltaic adoption because it enhances hydro power plant's operation time and utilization. Floating photovoltaic, submerged photovoltaic, agrivoltaic, aquavoltaic and solar photovoltaic + water disinfection are relatively new, highly attractive and have more scope for further improvements. Agrivoltaic and aquavoltaic increases crop & sea food production, enhances farmers' income, encourage clean energy transition and rural electrification. Research works in the area of unmanned photovoltaic based water vehicles, photovoltaic salt harvest and various applications of water based photovoltaic/thermal modules have also been discussed. This review will serve as a guidebook for researchers and policy makers to identify and select suitable configuration of photovoltaic–water related technologies for implementation and further investigations. [Display omitted] • Classification and critical discussions on PV adopted water technologies. • Some adoptions do not make sense, PV losses does not justify the design. • PV adoption in mining, water treatment, irrigation and desalination sectors. • PV adoption in agriculture, aquaculture, heating and unmanned water vehicles. • Economics and scope for further research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to electricity is vital in rural regions of Africa. There is substantial potential to utilise wind energy, yet investment in renewable energy projects is trivial because it has been insufficiently endorsed. As a result, most people living in remote regions of Africa rely entirely on diesel-powered generators, which expel pollutants in substantial amounts. These adversely affect the health of people and the environment. Sudan – one of Africa's largest countries – has a range of resources from which renewable energy could be generated, including favourable wind power generating conditions. This paper represents the first effort in literature to use a strategic perspective to explore how viable wind energy systems are in Sudan. It reports a study using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) across 21 diverse sites in Sudan. It identifies the optimal wind turbine system and best locations and analyses the costs involved and how much pollution could be prevented by implementing wind farms instead of diesel systems. The results establish that the optimal type of wind turbine across the investigated locations is the Enercon E−138 EP3. Wind farm use is expected to avoid almost 49 million kg/year of pollutants and reduce energy cost by US$0.91317/kWh. The optimal sites for utilising wind energy were Wawa, Dongola, Karima, Wadi Halfa and Al-Goled in order of suitability and their low costs of electricity and high wind speed records. Wind turbine pricing is predicted to reduce over time, so the study varied the cost of wind turbines to understand the impact on project economics. A reduction in wind turbine costs by 10 % lowered energy cost to between US$0.03681/kWh and US$0.04052/kWh. A further 25 % price drop reduced the cost of energy to between US$0.03067/kWh and US$0.03376/kWh. This study reveals the significant potential of integrating renewable energy into the energy mix of Sudan and provides an essential reference for wind farms in the energy sector across other developing countries. • Finding the ideal wind turbine system and sites for exploiting wind energy in Sudan. • Exploring the costs and evaded emissions using wind farms over diesel generators. • Investigating the impact of wind turbine price on the project economics. • The optimal wind turbine was determined to be Enercon E−138 EP3. • The best locations for harvesting wind energy are Wawa Dongola, Karima and Wadi Halfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, the emerging trend of hybrid renewable energy sources integration in modern power systems is increasing due to privileged prices and clean electricity supply. However, the optimal planning of rural hybrid systems is a challenging and complex task, especially when different alternatives and sustainability aspects are considered. This paper develops an integrated decision-making approach for the optimal planning of a 100% renewable energy supply system comprising solar, wind, hydro, and biomass sources in a rural area located in Pakistan. An hourly-based design optimization analysis of twelve on/off-grid electrification alternatives is performed. The optimization model simultaneously addresses five sustainability criteria related to economy, reliability, ecology, society, and topography aspects. Furthermore, a novel hybrid decision-making model has developed to identify the unique best configuration with on-grid and off-grid options. The proposed model combines fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution, and evaluation based on distance from average solution methods. The results reveal that the solar-hydro-biomass battery with a life cycle cost of 10.9 M$ is the top-ranking off-grid system. When the hybrid system is connected to the grid, the solar-hydro-battery has found the most appropriate design with a life cycle cost of 12.96 M$. Both scenarios have a negligible capacity shortage of 0.09%. Ecologically, the optimal off-grid system produces only 408.37 kg/yr of CO 2 due to the significant energy share of solar and hydro sources (99.3%). The optimal on-grid system produced the minimum CO 2 with 29,177.89 kg/yr compared to other alternatives. Also, employing the optimal on/off-grid designs require land area and jobs of 96.6 m2, 14 jobs, and 118 m2, 15 jobs, respectively. Overall, the developed approach with the presented case study offers a valuable benchmark and guidelines for investors and stakeholders to create realistic investment plans for the energy industry looking to push efficient inducements to encourage the high dissemination of renewables. [Display omitted] • 100% renewable energy system is established for on/off grid rural electrification. • Twelve distinctive solar/wind/hydro/biomass-based hybrid energy alternatives are optimized. • An integrated fuzzy-AHP/TOPSIS/EDAS/MOORA decision-making model is proposed. • Cost, reliability, emission, social, and topographical criteria are simultaneously considered. • Results prove the long-term sustainability of 100% renewable in rural Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of providing electricity to rural sectors in developing countries has been approached by using a variety of strategies, with varying degrees of success. Governments with determination and resources have implemented a utility-led model to pursue or achieve rural electrification. In countries with fewer resources, Governments have opted for the concession-led model, in which rural areas are divided into zones or concession areas and offered to private companies for the provision of electricity. In developing countries, the concession-led model for the electrification of rural areas faces the serious hurdles of the abject poverty of farmers in many rural communities and the large number of small sized villages or highly dispersed settlements. This is the case of Senegal, which adopted the concession-led model, resulting in a rural electrification rate still under 40%. The current study first provides a detailed analysis of the challenges and achievements of the rural electrification program in Senegal. Secondly, we present our model for the creation of universal access to electricity, using the example of a pilot project in Coure Matar, a small village in Senegal. Our model is suitable for small villages, demonstrating the potential generation of job opportunities for small sized companies and the opportunity to achieve 100% rural electrification at a fraction (less than 16%) of the cost of the Senegalese Government's initial estimates to provide just 50% of rural electrification. In this study, the pilot project puts forth a model that could make the realization of universal access to basic electric services in rural areas, even in the poorest countries of the world, a reality. • We present the rural electrification models in developing countries. • We analyze different factors that can impact rural electrification policies. • We present the agency-led policy in Senegal and its structural limits. • We compare policies in Morocco, Senegal, and ECOWAS. • We present a model for universal access to electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for energy in rural and remote areas is increasing, and it is exacerbated in developing countries. The wellbeing of communities and citizens depends on access to clean electricity to improve quality of life. An uninterrupted supply of electricity is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that has highlighted the needs and challenges in remote areas. The complexity of designing strategies and solutions is further augmented for villages located in protected areas, national parks, and wildlife refuges, the conservation of which is fundamental to achieving climate, environmental, and ecologic objectives. Fossil fuel-based electricity generation and large-scale transmission networks pose a potential threat to the achievement of SDGs in such areas. This research investigated the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology as a renewable energy source (RES) that can cover energy needs of rural areas in a continuous, secure, and sustainable manner. In this study, the feasibility of using solar energy to electrify remote settlements located in protected areas of Iran (Khorasan-e-Razavi) was evaluated using a multi-criteria, GIS-based methodology. A set of criteria was selected to evaluate the suitability of solar PV, including solar irradiance and duration, aspect, temperature, precipitation, and humidity as well as proximity to faults, roads, and rivers. Using the best worth method (BWM), the relative weight of the selected criteria was calculated. The results showed that almost 2% of the region's area is very highly suitable and another 23.5% is highly suitable. This 25% represents an area of 1500 km2 and includes 63 villages. Evaluation of census data showed that available building areas can cover the villages' residential demand using rooftop PV systems. Nonetheless, local and national government support is necessary to develop an effective strategy that results in successful implementation. • A fuzzy approach was used to evaluate influential factors of solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment. • The Best-Worth Method (BWM) was employed to calculate the relative weights of selected factors. • Build-up areas can cover villages' residential demand using rooftop PV systems. • Integrating GIS and BWM proved to be an effective technique to create suitability maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined operation of renewable energy and pumped storage unit (PSU) has become an important researching tendency in rural electrification, for handling the variable characteristics of power as well as load demand, particularly in standalone applications. Recently, adjustable-speed pumped storage unit (ASU) has been developed as an evolutionary version of fixed-speed pumped storage unit (FSU) due to its adjustable power in pumping mode, larger output range and higher efficiency in generating mode, but presents an increased capital outlay in terms of equipment. Therefore, it is a meaningful topic to appraise the economic benefit of using ASU as energy storage device for the hybrid system, which has rarely been studied quantitatively. In this paper, a scheduling model composed of a photovoltaic generator, a wind turbine, a diesel generator and a PSU, is presented and the technical features of two different PSUs are analysed. The main purpose of the proposed model is to highlight the potential of the ASU to reduce the operation cost for the developed hybrid system. The simulations have been carried out using Cplex called by Matlab. Two scenarios are investigated, including a summer and a winter case. The results show that using the ASU for the developed hybrid system, 46.7% fuel can be saved on a summer day and 11.24% fuel saving can be achieved on a winter day compared to the case where the FSU is used as the energy storage device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The tolerable water probability shortage threshold is the key parameter. • About 10% of the total power is used to fulfill the yearly water needs. • To fulfill the water needs, no need to maximize the annual electric production. • Minimizing the overall size of the PV array may not minimize the cost of the system. • Minimizing the selected PV panel power may not minimize the cost of the system. The United Nations estimates that about 25% of the earth's population will live in countries where access to water will be a recurrent problem by 2025. This article proposes a methodology and open-access software tool for rural off-grid communities and users with little knowledge about solar photovoltaic water pumping systems (SPVWPS) to provide access to safe water for consumption. The proposed methodology assists in all stages of the project: conducting a prefeasibility study, sizing and optimizing, maintenance and financial analysis. It includes components selection, optimal dimensioning of the SPVWPS, behavior prediction, yearly distribution of the water shortage probability (WSP) and a basic financial analysis. The tool suggests a water tariff to help ensure the project's financial viability. The most interesting findings of this research is that the size – hence the feasabilty – of a project depends mostly on the population tolerance to water shortage. The concept of water shortage probability (WSP) is introduced to help in defining the appropriate size and cost of the systems. This WSP is calculated for each day of the year. A comprehensive literature review is presented and two case studies were used to validate its potential. It is found that only about 10% of the total energy produced by the PV modules is effectively used to fulfill the water needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrokinetic energy conversion refers to the conversion of kinetic energy in moving water to electricity. It offers an alternative to conventional hydropower, with benefits of modularity and scalability, in addition to being environmentally and socially less impactful. This study aims to determine the theoretical global riverine hydrokinetic resource. We use a 35 year modelled daily discharge data set and vectorised representation of rivers, with near-global coverage and suitable spatiotemporal resolution, to determine the mean annual energy yield of 2.94 million river reaches. The mean global resource (excluding Greenland) is estimated to be 58 400 ± 109 TWh yr−1 (6.660 ± 0.012 TW). Consideration of global spatial distribution, by river reach, illustrates regional variation and shows a tendency for potential to be concentrated along major rivers and in areas of significant elevation change. China, Russia and Brazil are found to be the countries with the greatest potential. After normalisation by total river length, Bhutan, Nepal and Tajikistan also show great potential. Hydrokinetic energy conversion can benefit isolated communities currently without access to electricity. We consider how the specific advantages of this particular technology have the potential to be combined with and complement other established forms of renewable energy technology, providing the means to support the reduction of energy poverty. • Method developed for global riverine hydrokinetic resource assessment. • Theoretical global riverine hydrokinetic resource estimated to be 58000 TWh/yr. • Mean power of global rivers over the period 1979–2013 estimated to be 6.7 TW. • China, Russia, Brazil, Bhutan, Nepal and Tajikistan offer great potential. • Hydrokinetic energy conversion can benefit isolated communities in energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off grid electrification is key to achieving universal electricity access. Despite the potential of biomass gasifiers as a clean technology to ensure reliable systems, they are not as well looked upon as their advantages suggest. In particular, the software HOMER, which researchers and technicians use the most to simulate and design Microgrids, does not include biomass gasification among its simulation technologies. Although some authors did simulate biomass gasifiers in HOMER, the necessary parameters and procedures to calculate and include them in the tool remain unclear, non-replicable, and leave open research questions as regards modelling. Using the inbuilt Biogas power plant modules in HOMER, this paper presents a set of steps to include the technical and economic parameters to simulate fuelling an electric generator through the syngas produced in a downdraft biomass gasification plant. Two case studies of isolated rural communities in Honduras and Zambia show the viability of the procedure. These case studies also confirm the technical and economic viability of islanded biomass-photovoltaic hybrid renewable energy microgrids. In both cases, the energy demand supplied and distributed by the microgrid had a Levelized Cost of Energy lower than the alternative of extending the electric grid to the communities. • HOMER can model modify gasifiers with the presented methodology. • Technical and economic parameters need to be edited. • Two case studies of rural communities in Honduras and Zambia. • Dry biomass and agricultural waste are the main energy sources of most rural areas. • Gasifiers help to optimise HRES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to electricity has been linked to improved livelihood, education, health, economic growth and overall poverty reduction. Yet, most people living without electricity or with unreliable electricity access are in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Whilst the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria suffers from severe power outages, forcing many residents to seek self-generation options. By far the most adopted option has been diesel generators which have a relatively low initial investment cost but carry health and environmental risks. Solar photovoltaic systems are a viable alternative, but the higher initial investment is a barrier for many Nigerians. This paper addresses making cleaner electricity through solar PV more attainable, increasing access to more reliable power, and reducing or eliminating the use of diesel generators. It proposes a pathway for securing residential solar PV systems at no additional cost through fuel savings and effective policy. Leveraging real data from a monitoring campaign in Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, results show an opportunity to reduce or eliminate the use of diesel generators. Furthermore, financial analysis of the home solar PV option shows a cost savings of 60–65% over the project life compared to the traditional use of diesel generators for backup power generation. • Solar PV can greatly reduce or eliminate the use of diesel generators in Nigeria. • Financing based on fuel savings is a practical and implementable approach. • Replacing diesel generators with solar PV leads to savings as high as 65%. • Effective government policy is key to the adoption and diffusion of solar PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries revolutionize portable electronics and enable vehicle electrification. However, the excessive binders and additives are often involved in their fabrications with delicate yet complicated assembly procedures. This work reports a universal layer-by-layer assembly method to prepare the integrated electrodes by continuous carbon nanotube socks and active materials. Carbon nanotubes are not only the excellent conductive networks and the current collector but also the effective binder materials to efficiently net the active materials. The pouch cell assembled by the integrated hybrid electrodes shows a high specific capacity (141 mA h g−1 on the Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 cathode), remarkable rate capability (135.2 mA h g−1 at 10 C), adequate safety, and flexibility. This work provides a facile approach for fabricating integrated electrodes, which holds great potential in advancing future design and assembly of hybrid materials for energy storage technologies. A universal layer-by-layer assembly strategy is reported for the facile fabrication of integrated hybrid electrodes to achieve high-rate lithium-ion batteries by CNT socks. [Display omitted] • The integrated electrodes fabricated by assembling active materials and CNTs socks. • The interconnected CNTs act as the conductive agent to net the active materials. • The approach can be universally extended to many available anode/cathode materials. • The pouch cell assembled by the integrated electrodes show a high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off-grid electrification of remote areas using a hybrid renewable energy scheme is a requirement to achieve the goals of sustainable development. However, the optimization and sizing for the capacity of such systems are challenging. In this regard, this study targets an improved optimization algorithm with high efficiency for optimization and long-term capacity planning of an off-grid hybrid renewable energy scheme composed of wind, fuel cell, and hydrogen storage schemes. The suggested methods are three improved versions of the global dynamic harmony search to do pitch adjustment mechanism. The objective function of this study is to reduce the total net annual cost of the system and the loss of power supply probability to a minimum. The performance of this hybrid system is examined via a simulation study, which had been performed on a remote area located in eastern Iran over a long period. The results of the three improved proposed algorithms are compared with the original global dynamic harmony search algorithm. Also, sensitivity analysis is proposed to showcase the influence of uncertainties on the system and input parameters on the algorithm. The simulation results indicate that three improved versions of the global dynamic harmony search algorithm find more promising results than the original algorithm, and confirm the superior accuracy, convergence speed, and robustness of the global dynamic harmony search-II. Also, reliability level and iteration values have a considerable impact on the total net annual cost of the optimal hybrid energy system based on wind and hydrogen energy. • Hybrid wind/hydrogen system is optimized based on reliability and economic and technical constraints. • Three improved versions of global dynamic harmony search (GDHS) are presented in term of best fitness function. • GDHS-II yields the most promising results in terms of convergence speed, robustness, and accuracy. • Off-grid hybrid system based on wind and hydrogen energy reduces system costs and increase reliability. • Reliability level and iteration values have a considerable impact on each component and TNAC of the optimal hybrid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to design a renewable energy system that can meet the desired electrical load of households with low energy cost, high renewable energy fraction and low CO 2 emissions. Photovoltaic solar power systems used to electrify typical households in Iraq were investigated through simulation and optimisation. One-minute resolution simulations and optimisations were performed to determine the performance and net present cost of two photovoltaic power system configurations, namely (i) off-grid and (ii) on-grid solar photovoltaic power systems. Results show that the two systems exhibit excellent performance, but the on-grid photovoltaic power system requires cheaper cost compared with the off-grid photovoltaic power system. The total energy generated from the off-grid photovoltaic power system meets the desired electrical load of households and recharges the batteries, whereas the excess electricity from the on-grid photovoltaic power system feeds the grid. The two designed systems are environmentally friendly and economically viable. The total net present cost of the off-grid solution is $6,244, and its energy cost is $0.196/kWh. By contrast, the total net present cost of the on-grid system is $6,115, with energy cost equal to $0.183/kWh. The obtained results confirm the suitability of photovoltaic power systems for electrifying single households in addition to feeding the national grid. • Photovoltaic power system for household application. • Simulation-based economic optimisation approach. • Local weather resources highly influence on the optimal design. • Established optimal Off/On grid photovoltaic systems configurations. • Promising solution to decrease CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of Solar Home Systems (SHSs) have been progressively installed in rural areas of developing regions, usually in isolated locations that lacked access to electricity, clean water and/or sanitation. Monitoring has been identified as a one of the factors that contribute in rural electrification program success due to these actions increase the system lifetime and reduce the failure of operation of the PV system, improving confident level of the users on the system. This work focuses on the study of the current challenges for the mass scale SHSs monitoring in developing countries, highlighting the weaknesses and the strengths of the applicable methods available. Monitoring systems applicable to SHSs are reviewed, including conventional dataloggers and the novel attempts that apply new technologies based on open source tools and the Internet of Things (IoT). Sensor distributions applicable to SHS monitoring have been reviewed. Main shortcomings related to conventional monitoring systems such as the elevated cost or the dependency on external hardware have been identified, issues that hinder their application of the mass-scale monitoring. Low-cost IoT-based monitoring systems are reviewed and presented as a potential solution to the mass-scale monitoring of SHSs. • Millions of Solar Home Systems (SHSs) were installed in developing regions. • Monitoring of SHSs is a key factor in rural electrification program success. • The integration of IoT allows to monitor SHSs remotely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-income communities face a causality dilemma: A lack of energy services hampers income growth and insufficient income hampers energy service provision. Interventions delivering cost-effective energy services can address this dilemma, triggering a virtuous cycle of economic upliftment. While several studies have investigated cost-effective energy supply to low-income communities, a gap exists regarding holistic optimization of energy service deployment at different levels of economic development. Hence, a novel energy system model of a South African village is presented to optimize deployment and hourly dispatch of energy supply and energy services to recover time lost to poverty-related activities (e.g., gathering wood and water). Results showed that an optimized technology rollout can save each person over 1500 productive hours per year at an average cost below 0.2 $/hour. The model also identified the optimal order of technology deployment for driving economic development. Interestingly, an electrical grid connection was of minor importance because local mini-grids could economically supply the modest power demands of lighting, refrigeration, water pumping, and cleaning, while energy-intensive cooking and water heating can be economically performed using fuels and solar heaters. Detailed studies of individual low-income communities are recommended to outline optimal technology deployment strategies and reveal the low costs involved. • Modern energy services are essential for the upliftment of low-income communities. • Optimal energy service deployment saves >1500 h/person/year for <0.2 $/hour. • Mini-grid electricity, cooking fuels, and solar water heaters drive >90 % of savings. • A grid connection only makes a significant positive impact on the last 10 %. • About 40 % of time savings are indirect (health, productivity, crime reduction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The economic development of rural areas depends on three-phase networks, which are characterized by serving loads with greater power than single-phase networks. • Demonstrates, based on several scenarios, the economic viability of three-phase two-wire (TPTW). • Proposes to reuse materials and convert SWER networks into TPTW (Three-Phase Two-Wire) networks reducing environmental impact. This paper presents a methodology to support the hypothesis that the Three-Phase Two-Wire (TPTW) system is an excellent economic alternative for rural properties that do not have their electricity needs met by single-phase systems. It is necessary to convert these networks into three-phase systems so that the rural areas can offer new opportunities for economic development. However, the costs of such investments represent a great challenge to be overcome. In an early assessment, it may seem trivial that the TPTW offers a lower cost because of the reduction in construction elements; however, the choice of a distribution system is a task that involves a complex analysis of factors. To evaluate the costs involved, four main scenarios are examined, which are compared to the conventional three-phase system. This paper is unprecedented because there are no works in the technical literature that compare the choice of these technologies in terms of costs, especially as regards the TPTW system, whose technical issues are not yet fully established. The results of confirm that the TPTW system can overcome the economic challenges when the investments made in previous installations are considered or when the purpose is to take three-phase electricity to places without centralized generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Standalone DC microgrid for remote off-grid locations. • 380 V DC Community grid with 72 V DC nanogrid members. • Roof-top solar PV installed homes with battery form nanogrid members. • Distributed renewable energy tapping and power management for rural electrification. • Flexible and scalable configuration. Roof-top solar PV and battery systems at individual homes form standalone DC nanogrids to electrify off-grid remote locations. To improve the reliability and sustainability of these installations, interconnections are required, forming a DC Community Grid (DCCG). A novel 380 V DCCG with 72 V nanogrid (home) members is proposed for this low voltage standalone DCCG. It is also proposed to adopt a decentralized power management strategy which utilizes the concepts of DC bus signaling and adaptive droop control. Power flow algorithm based on adaptive droop equations are developed for individual converter interfaces so that each of the subsystems operate independently but in coordination. Only local measurements of input/output currents and voltages of the particular interface are required. Therefore, these are applicable to any of the converter topologies used as an interface for the renewable sources, batteries and nanogrid interconnections. The decentralized approach will mitigate the dependencies of DCCG on the communication network. With the proposed architecture and power management strategy, addition or removal of loads, sources, or storage units at nanogrid level or community level can be done as plug-and- play without modifying the existing system. The system has been extensively simulated and analyzed using MATLAB/Simulink R2021b and further experimentally verified with closed loop operation using Spartan – 6 XC6SLX25 FPGA in FTG256 package. The experimental verification proves that the bus voltage variation is within the limits set by the power management algorithm while desired power sharing is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrivoltaic systems have attracted considerable attention for increasing the renewable energy share in the Philippines while also focusing on decarbonizing electric power systems. Given the vast rice farming areas in the Philippines and their archipelagic geological location, the use of batteries was considered instead of extending transmission lines. The available locations of the rice farm areas and power grid constraints were considered in the power system. Through linear programming, the optimization of the power generation mix model uses the existing capacities of each generator and transmission line in each area of the Philippines, with a temporal resolution of 8760 h per year. The simulation suggests an optimal integration of power generation from agrivoltaics and/or batteries. A total of 11.04 TWh and 95.75 TWh could contribute to the energy mix by using 1% and 10% of agrivoltaics subjected in the rice farmlands, respectively. By simultaneously using batteries with 10% agrivoltaics, carbon emissions can be decreased by 85%, which is higher than the country's official target. This is the first study that provides a technically feasible picture of the large-scale integration of agrivoltaics into the Philippines' power sector. • First study of the large-scale application of agrivoltaics in an archipelagic country such as the Philippines. • Minimizing the total power costs and decarbonization of the power grid with agrivoltaics in the rice field. • Intensifying electricity access through rural electrification. • Reducing output suppression in the power grid system by utilizing battery storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopia's electric grid relies mostly on hydropower for electricity generation. Compared to metropolitan regions, rural areas have only 5% access to power, and 83% of remote areas rely on traditional biomass energy for lighting and cooking. Close to 60% of the land area in Ethiopia is pastoral, and electrifying from the main grid is a major challenge due to economic, technical, and nomadic reasons. This paper explores the feasibility analysis, design, and simulation of an off-grid solar Photovoltaic system in addition to discussing the complete engagement of national energy policy and a strategic plan for electrifying a pastoral Communities' in Borena. Using solar radiation base data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a case study is performed at Moyale, Yabelo, and Dire, which have 454 households, 367 households, and 379 households, respectively. Through the HOMER software simulation, the optimization determines the inverter, battery size and number, and solar array's capacity. The daily energy usage and peak power demand in the pastoral communities of Moyale, Yabelo, and Dire were 498.102 kWh/day, 447.114 kWh/day, and 454.02 kWh/day, or 36.89 kW, 35.41 kW, and 35.68 kW, respectively. Due to the country's subsidizing of all clean energy costs, off-grid solar Photovoltaic systems are more economically feasible than diesel generators, which have a level cost of electricity of 0.4 US$/kWh. National energy strategic plans and policies ultimately support the full involvement of off-grid solar Photovoltaic electrification at remote sites. • The design, simulation, and feasibility study of an off-grid solar PV system are investigated. • The inverter, battery size, number of batteries, and solar array's capacity are determined by optimization using HOMER software. • The three locations, Moyale, Yabelo, and Dire, have significant solar resource potential. • The nation subsidizing electricity prices, solar PV systems are preferred, especially for pastorals living in remote places. • Off-grid solar PV electrification for selected sites was fully supported and viable by a national strategic plan and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A popular theme in the literature is the examination of a variety of factors that contribute to energy poverty, but little is known about the connection between public debt and energy poverty, particularly for developing regions of the world. This study clearly illustrates the nexus between public debt and energy poverty, focusing on thirty SSA nations from the years 2007–2018. In conjunction with disaggregated energy poverty variables such as urban electrification, national electricity access, rural electrification, access to clean cooking fuels, renewable energy utilization and output, a composite energy poverty index was developed using the principal component analysis and estimated in relation to public debt via the Instrumental Variable Generalized Method of Moments approach. Additionally, the effects of a debt threshold are taken into account and their implications for the region's energy poverty are assessed. The main finding of the study reveals that public debt has a positive and significant linear effect on the energy poverty index, national electricity access, urban electrification, rural electrification and access to clean cooking fuels while it reduces renewable energy production and utilization. Thus, our research contributes to the body of knowledge and offers policy recommendations for SSA's targeted reduction in energy poverty through sustainable public debt management. • The influence of public borrowing on energy poverty is examined. • IV-GMM is used to account for potential endogeneity and autocorrelation. • Public debt drives national electricity access and urban electrification. • Public debt reduces renewable energy production and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a non-conventional voltage-transforming system that extracts energy from transmission line (TL) electrical field. The generation system consists in a 20 km collector line built within the right-of-way of a 230 kV transmission line to attend a 100 kW load. A non-conventional substation is conceived to provide adequate voltage regulation. This voltage-transforming system can be replicated at both sides of the TL to feed small remote loads or become an additional supply source for existing rural systems. No intervention on the existent line is necessary. Important results regarding transient, quality and reliability indexes cost evaluation of the system are provided. • A non-conventional system extracts energy from transmission line electrical field. • The layout behaves as a band-pass filter that resonates for the fundamental frequency. • A substation with two transformers and a series reactor is used to voltage regulation. • Steady and transient state results are satisfactory for rural loads. • The system can provide non-weather dependent energy 24 h per day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]