Abstract
The role of the private sector is essential in providing energy access to all by 2030. However, private investors often face the decision problem of deciding where to implement off-grid projects. This selection process can be considered a multifactorial task because it requires accounting not only for local conditions, technical constraints, and economic-financial feasibility but also for socio-cultural dynamics and environmental consequences. In this paper, we implemented a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method based on the Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH) to assist in the selection of the most suitable location to implement off-grid solar PV projects in South America. Following a participatory process with the input of a decision-maker representing the private sector, we combined 13 criteria, within 5 dimensions, to evaluate the performance of three potential sites, namely Bolivia, Peru and Colombia. Based on an overall score associated with each alternative, we grouped them into three categories: highly sustainable, sustainable, and unsustainable. As a result, Colombia represents the highest sustainable option for a potential private investor. This methodology provides guidance not only to investors but also to local utility companies and policymakers assessing off-grid locations with electricity access deficits, in developing countries.
Highlights
Accepted: 29 June 2021Rural Electrification (RE), the process of delivering electricity to rural and remote areas, has become a priority in the agenda of developing countries [1]
By using the MACBETH approach and software we could provide an overview of the performance profiles of the assessed options, rank each site alternatives according to a sustainability scale, identify the main factors influencing the site selection process and show the remaining challenges that investors and policymakers need to overcome to guarantee the sustainability of off-grid solar PV projects in developing countries
Selecting the most appropriate site for implementing off-grid solar PV projects, is one of the key decisions that private investors face within the rural electrification sector
Summary
Accepted: 29 June 2021Rural Electrification (RE), the process of delivering electricity to rural and remote areas, has become a priority in the agenda of developing countries [1]. In some parts of the world, such as in rural and peri-urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, the population without access to electricity is growing in line with population growth. This means that the access rate will have to more than triple between and 2030 to reach universal access. As a result, according to the 2021 energy progress report tracking SDG 7, the world is falling behind to reach this goal and 660 million people will still lack access to electricity by 2030 [2].
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