Energy consumption levels and technical approaches for supporting development of alternative energy technologies for rural sectors of developing countries

Abstract

The delivery of modern energy services in developing countries (DCs) remains a pressing challenge. The traditional energy choices of 2.67 billion people most of whom living in rural areas of DCs have far-reaching implications to health, the environment and economies. Rural areas in DCs have renewable energy resources, which are largely untapped due to lack of energy demand information of requisite load centres. This article formulates indicative energy consumption data to support the design and development of novel alternative energy technologies for rural off-grid areas in DCs. The study examines energy demand/consumption through an extensive literature review of quantified energy needs in rural sectors of DCs including households, institutions, infrastructure and productive sectors. Various energy needs are identified and their typical consumption levels analysed. The study will stimulate further research and support the design and development of alternative energy supply technologies to mitigate energy poverty, trigger development and support sustainable energy for all (SE4All).