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Theme Editorial:Low-cost electrification - the need for access to energy services
[top] [end]Introduction: Lack of accessRural areas in developing countries have limited access to all types of services – health, clean water supplies, communication and roads. This is also true for the provision of energy services, for domestic use, communications, agriculture and income generating activities.It is estimated that around two billion people do not have access to grid electricity; in sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that the percentage of the population that is connected to the grid is between 4% and 25%, and the majority of those live in urban areas. [top] [end]Why electricity?Electricity can provide some of the fundamental energy services required by rural communities:
[top] [end]Options for supply of electricityElectricity can be supplied through the grid or through decentralised schemes, where the source of the electrical power is located in a specific community or even in an individual household. In the latter case, renewable energy sources provide the most attractive means of providing this energy, through hydro, solar or wind power. However if such resources are not available, then the use of diesel generators is another option. In terms of the services provided, off-grid options are often limited to lighting and communication, especially for solar PV and systems that use batteries to supply electricity, as the amount of power they can produce is limited.[top] [end]Critical success factorsThere are various constraints in providing electricity to rural areas. Grid extension has traditionally been seen as the only way to deliver electricity to the population. However, low population density, hard terrain and low levels of demand make it uneconomic to extend the grid to many areas. Harper gives an example, where even though the grid has been extended to villages in Orissa, problems have been experienced with non-payment and electricity theft.De-centralised schemes are one alternative, and there are a number of success stories all over the world, as shown in many of the articles in this issue. However, there are a number of aspects that have to be addressed for an off-grid scheme to be sustainable and successful. These are highlighted by Costa and Eck who give an overall view of what is required for a successful de-centralised electrification scheme, drawing on their experience in North East Brazil. These aspects for success include: [top] [end]Integration with other development projectsAs described in the article by McMenemy the most successful energy projects are those that are integrated with other development priorities and projects.- electricity tends to stimulate development projects rather than initiate them. For instance a hydropower scheme can often be built on the back of a water supply project and provide greater benefits.[top] [end]Needs assessment and energy managementIrvine Halliday et al look at the importance of carrying out a proper energy needs assessment within a community, looking at consumption, demand and needs and also how to deal with users wanting more electricity than they can afford to pay for.[top] [end]Financing options and institutional supportRural Electrification schemes do require support at national, local and intermediary level. McMenemy supports this assumption in his paper and looks at how energy projects have a greater chance of sustainability if concerted effort is placed on developing and supporting Institutions at all levels.[top] [end]Community participationThe ownership of the plant can be by the community, by a small private business or through an individual. The management, operation and maintenance of the scheme is vital. Rai gives examples of good community participation in Nepal and highlights the importance of involving all members of the community. Gitonga et al give a detailed case study of the steps involved in setting up a community hydro scheme in Kenya.Harper makes an interesting comparison by looking at how community participation in grid connected villages has led to increased access to supplies. [top] [end]Ability to pay and tariff levelsThe amount that the community is able to pay is crucial in ensuring the sustainability of the scheme. Mills sets the scene by discussing how much is already spent on lighting in rural areas, with the conclusion that electricity is safer, cheaper and a higher quality light than traditional fuel alternatives. Prasad adds an interesting discussion point by agreeing that electricity is cheaper but asking why people still do not opt for electrical lighting.Foley discusses various tariff structures that have been used and Forssman illustrates the importance of appropriate end use appliances such as energy efficient lightbulbs. The articles all highlight the need for access to energy services in the developing world, and Piggott turns it full circle by talking about his de-centralised electrification scheme in the Western World, the steps he took and the reasons why it is successful. [top] [end]Download the original article here Theme Editorial: Low-cost electrification - the need for access to energy services by Rona Wilkinson (25 KB)[top] [end]Contents: Boiling Point 45: Low-cost electrification for household energy
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10 July 2007; Last edited:
10 July 2007; Version: 1 | |||||||||||
Pagename: Low-costElectrification-TheNeedForAccessToEnergyServices @HEDON: GRFA | |||||||||||
