Energy Availability Research Articles

Impact of the WELLBASED urban programs on health, well-being, and energy poverty

Abstract Background The WELLBASED project developed and implemented urban programs across six pilot sites to tackle energy poverty. This study aimed to evaluate these programs’ effectiveness on a broad range of health, well-being, and energy poverty indicators. Methods a controlled study was performed in six European pilot sites. Participants in the intervention condition receive the 12-month WELLBASED urban program. Participants were recruited via different methods and provided informed consent to participate in the 18-month study. Self-report questionnaires were completed at baseline, 6-, 12 and 18 months in both research conditions. In the intervention group, monthly health monitoring of e.g. heart rate and blood pressure, and continuous monitoring of indoor CO2, temperature and humidity were performed. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses are performed to assess the impact of the urban programs on health, well-being and energy poverty-indicators Results In the baseline sample (n = 1350; n = 661 intervention group, n = 689 control group) the mean age was 49 years (SD 16), 15.6% was >65 years, 65% were women, and 42% was married. At baseline people reported not feeling comfortable warm in winter (58%) or cool in summer (70%), 43% reported damp or leak. Preliminary findings at 6-month follow-up indicate changes in HR-QoL, subjective well-being and depression/anxiety differ strongly per pilot site location (p < 0.01). In summer 2024 all data will be available for analysis. Conclusions the comprehensive urban programs developed in the WELLBASED project may support public health to tackle energy and improve health and well-being of vulnerable citizens.

Valencia and the Right to Energy approach

Abstract Background Valencian (Spain) vulnerable households are suffering both winter and summer energy poverty. An increasing number of families have difficulties paying energy bills and are being forced to cut consumption, consequently reducing their well-being and quality of life. This study presents the development and implementation of the Right to Energy urban program in the Valencia pilot city, as part of the larger European WELLBASED project. Methods The interventions were designed based on the social ecological model, aiming at impacting the different layers influencing individuals’ health, following co-creation sessions with 6-9 stakeholders from policy, citizens and practice. Implementation efforts were monitored using administration of participation. The experience of the Energy Office was also valuable for the design and implementation phase. Results The program consisted of bill optimization and advice, socio-energetic audit at home and the installation of an efficiency kit. On top of that, the Valencia pilot has created the Citizen School for the Right to Energy [CSRE] to empower households and improve their health through education activities. In total, 130 vulnerable households with different profiles were supported. The CSRE has carried out 28 workshops to train people in energy and health topics: energy rights, healthy diet, mental health, sleep quality or preparation for heat waves. These were an opportunity to share experiences among participants, fighting stigmatization and isolation by creating a community. The CSRE has also organized capacity-building sessions for professionals who can identify energy poverty such as healthcare and social workers, teachers or NGO’s. Conclusions Energy poverty, both winter and summer, is a major public health issue that impacts people’s health. The CSRE is an innovative way to tackle it and promote the Right to Energy across society by supporting and training people to improve their wellbeing.

Transitions in heating systems and impact on perceived wellbeing: a qualitative study

Abstract Background as part of the larger European WELLBASED project an urban program focusing on transitions in heating to tackle energy poverty, is implemented in 4 disadvantaged, predominantly Roma neighborhoods of Edirne, Türkiye. These neighborhoods have high levels of vulnerability, aid dependency, and energy poverty. This study investigated the impact on perceived wellbeing of implementing the heating system transition. Methods A qualitative methodology was applied; data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews among participants in the intervention group of the larger WELLBASED evaluation study. Diversity was ensured regarding gender, age, education level, and working status. Participants were 13 individuals from 13 households in which energy-efficient heating systems were installed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcript verbatim and coded; thematic analysis was conducted. Results 3 main themes and 7 sub-themes (st) emerged in the preliminary analysis with regard to impact on well-being: perceived changes in living conditions (st: physical changes, financial implications, domestic burden), perceived effects on health (st. mental health, physical health), and expectations versus reality (st. insulation, efficiency). Experiences differed as per housing condition, type of energy used, usage proficiency, and income level. Conclusions Energy efficient heating system transition to tackle energy poverty at homes may not be sufficient to realize impact on perceived wellbeing. Housing conditions (ie. insulation), supported energy sources and management of expectations need to be considered as part of the program.

Innovation in distributed energy services for sustainable development: case studies from sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract In this work, we explore how locally led innovations can advance sustainable energy access in low-income regions of Africa. Given the emphasis of the Sustainable Development Goals on the importance of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, we critically assess how local innovations can address the unique challenges of regions characterized by informality and low purchasing power and where existing grid-based electricity supply is weak. Through case studies, we highlight successful initiatives in expanding energy services access, including product bundling, pay-as-you-go financial models, leveraging existing supply chains, and securing strong funding support. Our findings underscore the importance of local ownership, contextual knowledge, and the adaptation of innovations to specific socio-economic and cultural conditions. By comparing the case studies, we identify common strategies that can contribute to the effectiveness of local innovations in improving energy access and sustainability that can inform efforts to replicate and scale up such initiatives. We conclude by identifying common elements contributing to the success of these cases and their significance, focusing on those crucial for achieving speed, scale, and impact.

Adoption of clean energy cooking technologies in rural households: the role of women

Abstract Ensuring energy access for rural households is crucial for global sustainable development. Technologies like liquefied petroleum gas, biogas, and efficient cookers are touted as solutions, yet their adoption remains limited despite their potential health, economic, and environmental benefits. We conducted a meta-analysis of 50 studies in developing countries, integrating contextual factors to explore gender and other determinants impacting rural energy transition. Our findings underscore socioeconomic status, social capital, environmental concerns, and gender dynamics as pivotal factors. Notably, women's involvement boosts adoption rates by 7.90 per cent, yet cultural barriers often sideline them from these processes. Thus, our recommendations stress addressing women's roles as energy technology users to foster inclusive energy transitions.

Effect of Foreign Direct Investment, Energy Consumption and Unemployment on Income Distribution in Malaysia

The paper analyses the relationships between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Energy Consumption, Unemployment, and their effects on Income Distribution in Malaysia from 1990-2022. Despite economic growth, Malaysia faces income inequality, especially among ethnic groups. The study uses ARDL regression to find that FDI promotes income distribution by creating jobs and facilitating technology transfer. Increased energy availability boosts industrial production, which is crucial for equitable income distribution. High unemployment, particularly among graduates, exacerbates income inequality. Government initiatives aim to address unemployment through skills enhancement and entrepreneurship. The study concludes that FDI and energy consumption positively influence income distribution, while unemployment has a negative impact. The findings are valuable for policymakers in fostering inclusive growth and equitable income distribution in Malaysia. As Malaysia is an export-oriented country, these insights can lead to impactful improvements in the export sector, further boosting employment opportunities and economic resilience.

Low energy availability surrogates are associated with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport outcomes in male athletes

ObjectivesTo determine the association between surrogates of low energy availability (EA) and proposed health and performance outcomes of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) in a clinical sample of adolescent...

Impact of the macroeconomic factors on the level of energy poverty-case of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia

Energy poverty is a socio-economic topic that is not only related to the sustainability problem of natural resource extraction but also human activities. It reflects a situation in which households are unable to fully meet their energy needs. It mainly affects countries with a lower level of development, as well as those whose energy mix is largely based on non-renewable sources (such as coal). These undoubtedly include the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. Investigations are still being conducted to explain the causes of the problem of energy poverty. The paper’s main aim is to assess the impact of selected macroeconomic factors on the level of energy poverty. A backward stepwise regression procedure was used to achieve this aim. Models have been developed for each of the three countries: the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia separately and for all of them together. These models are intended to identify the most prominent macroeconomic factors across all three countries. Results from all four models have highlighted two prominent variables which may impact the level of energy poverty in selected countries. They are following: electricity prices for household consumers with all taxes and net electricity imports. In three of the four developed models, they explained the level of energy poverty in a statistically significant manner. In conclusion, it can be suggested that the governments of these countries take action on these variables, which can help manage energy poverty. Their identification and subsequent impact may help to reduce this problem in the analysed post-coal economies.

An overview of machine learning applications in elastic power systems

Abstract. With the development of economy and the access of renewable energy, the power system is facing new challenges. Machine learning provides a new way for the intelligent management of power system through big data analysis, pattern recognition and predictive modeling. This paper reviews the application of machine learning technology in elastic power system, including load forecasting, transient stability assessment, intelligent scheduling and fault diagnosis. Machine learning will better improve the stability, reliability and economic benefit of the system. Future research will focus on algorithm optimization, model adaptability improvement and integration with traditional power system knowledge to promote the development of power system to a higher level of intelligence and automation.

Multidimensional energy poverty and its effects on household consumption and savings: Evidence from Nepal

This study examines the impact of multidimensional energy poverty (MDEP) on household consumption and savings, with a focus on potential differences by the gender of the household head. Using data from the Household Risk and Vulnerability Survey (HRVS) 2016–2018, a three-year panel dataset from Nepal covering 6000 households, we apply pooled OLS, dynamic panel fixed effects (FE), panel instrumental variable (IV), and Lewbel's (Lewbel, 2012) 2SLS methods. Our findings reveal that MDEP significantly reduces both household consumption and savings, with more pronounced effects on savings. The corresponding coefficients range from −0.376 to −0.092 for consumption and from – 0.722 to −3.213 for savings, suggesting that fully transitioning out of MDEP could increase household savings by 72.2 %–321.3 %. The effects of MDEP are consistent across households, regardless of the gender of the household head. This study underscores the importance of addressing MDEP to enhance household welfare and recommends that policymakers focus on expanding reliable and affordable energy access as part of broader economic development strategies to improve overall living standards in developing countries.

Social and spatial determinants of energy ageism: Calibrating social policy towards older people under the conditions of energy transition in Polish society

The article aims to identify the problems and challenges faced by senior citizens in the context of energy transition and also to develop a framework of social policy that would respond to senior citizens' concerns and is necessary for the effective implementation of the goals of the European Union's (EU) climate and energy policy. The authors focus on the analysis of the challenges of energy transition faced by older people who live in Poland in various types of buildings and use different sources of home heating. The article shows how various types of buildings constructed using different technologies and in different historical periods and located in various social and geographical spaces divide people in terms of class and also create challenges for older people related to home heating. The type of building and its place in the urban space may be a determinant of the energy poverty of its inhabitants, and the area where specific types of buildings are clustered together may affect the air quality in this part of a city. The authors suggest taking specific local and national actions as part of social policy towards older people during energy transition. The material was collected in the winter of 2024 using focus group interviews for eight groups of senior citizens differing in place of residence, type of building inhabited and source of home heating.

Energy Poverty and Environmental Quality Nexus: Empirical Evidence from Selected South Asian Countries

South Asian countries are included in the economies of developing Asia. The region of South Asia is predominantly affected by energy poverty issues due to a heavy reliance on conventional energy and unpredictable access to energy services. It has about a quarter of the world's population and is home to three of the world's ten most populated countries: India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This study investigates environmental sustainability dynamics in South Asian countries from 2000 to 2021, utilizing the Cross-sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) and Dumitrescu-Hurlin (D-H) causality methods. The research offers insights into the long-term trends and causal relationships that shape environmental outcomes in South Asian nations. Based on empirical findings, in the long-term, it is revealed that increases in energy poverty, economic growth, income inequality, and capital formation raise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while renewable energy and labor reduce GHG emissions. On the other hand, the error correction term shows the speed of adjustment toward equilibrium at 0.75%. Furthermore, the D-H panel causality reveals a directional link between variables. These findings highlight the urgent need for South Asian countries to implement policies to address energy poverty, promote renewable energy adoption, and reduce income inequality to mitigate GHG emissions and achieve long-term environmental sustainability effectively.

Scales of accountability: Solar mini-grids and clean energy for all in Uganda

There is great hope pinned on solar mini-grids to fulfil universal rural electrification targets and enable clean energy access, especially in low-income African countries such as Uganda. Yet Ugandan realities are complex, with many unelectrified households in villages the electric grid serves, and varied experiences with the few solar mini-grids implemented in recent years, indicating limited downward accountability. Crucially, large solar plants have arrived, making it timely to resolve the dilemma of just clean energy provision both in and from rural areas. Yet little research on energy transitions in this context exists to explain its political economic complexity. We draw on field visits to three solar mini-grids with contrasting performances, to Uganda's largest 20 MW solar plant, through dozens of villages, and on meetings with the regional utility and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. This is supplemented by knowledge of Uganda's energy policy through document analysis and lived experience. We adapt accountability analysis to deploy a novel ‘scales of accountability’ framework at multiple spatial scales of solar deployment. Our analysis offers insights on the challenges Uganda must address to achieve the potential associated with solar mini-grids and multi-scalar solar energy transitions to achieve universal clean energy access.

Exploring the effect of energy transition on energy poverty in the european union: Empirical evidence

ABSTRACT During the past few years, the risk of energy poverty has become a reality for an increasing number of households in the European Union and worldwide. Institutions react to this problem basically by introducing new policy measures. However, their efforts collide with two significant issues: (1) the difficulty of objectively measuring energy poverty among countries and (2) the understanding of the cause-effect relationship among policy measures and their impact on energy poverty. In this study, we propose a composite measure of energy poverty alternative to the existing approaches in order to make more effective time comparisons across member states of European Union. Then, we verify whether the investments to support energy transition implemented so far has been able to affect energy poverty among European Union countries. Outcomes reveal that energy transition can be considered a means to alleviate energy poverty, supporting the efforts of policymakers who propose measures toward the energy transition.

Utilization of Biomass Waste Through Small-Scale Gasification Technology in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Towards the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Number 7

Despite being resource-richly endowed with various energy sources, and despite the connection of 89.8% of the households to the grid in South Africa, the Eastern Cape province, as compared to other provinces, has the lowest level of grid connection of about 64.5%. Some of the rural poor households in the Eastern Cape province supplement their free basic electricity with unclean energy alternatives. Using unclean energy alternatives is not only detrimental to the environment and health of the people, but it is a sign of energy poverty and among the contributing factors to depesantization, deagrarianization, and deindustrialization which prolongs the underdevelopment in rural areas. Innovation in energy technologies is a key ingredient in meaningful rural development. The utilization of small-scale biomass gasification technologies can be a solution to the South African energy crisis in rural areas, and it is in line with sustainable development goal number 7, which is about ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Alternative renewable energy sources cannot be ignored when dealing with the energy crises in South Africa. Renewable energy sources in the country include biomass, solar, wind, and hydropower. Despite its low utilization in the Eastern Cape province, small-scale biomass gasification technology remains pivotal in reducing energy crisis by producing electricity. However, the affordability of biomass gasification technology also plays a role in whether people will accept small-scale biomass gasification technology. The purpose of this paper is to determine the possibilities of using small-scale biomass gasification technology. This paper gives a comprehensive review of small-scale biomass gasification technology potential in the Eastern Cape province and the link between acceptance of small-scale gasification technology and affordability by evaluating the availability of biomass sources in the province and achievements with regards to small-scale biomass gasification. This paper also covers the impact of biomass gasification technology integration in the energy grid, what needs to be taken into consideration before its installation, its benefits and the barriers to its development in Eastern Cape province.

Space–Time Forecasting of Heating & Cooling Energy Needs as an Energy Poverty Measure in Romania

Lack of access to basic energy services, known as energy poverty, remains felt in the country, with seasonal changes and an economic divide. The frameworks to measure energy poverty differ spatially and temporally, with climate change and behavioral culture being the essential influencing factors. This paper is focused on heating and cooling energy demands, which can be defined as an energy poverty metric for the propensity to be at risk of energy poverty caused by climate regime. Employing sophisticated statistical space–time forecasting tools, we build a model incorporating spatial and temporal energy consumption volatility across Romanian regions at the NUTS3 level. The model considers climatic conditions and raw data from 45 years (1979–2023) of cooling and heating degree days to determine local trajectories for the next nine years. Identifying high-energy-poverty-risk areas in our research can provide valuable insights for policymakers, enabling them to develop targeted plans for eliminating energy poverty and ensuring equitable access to heating and cooling. The results underline the necessity of differentiated approaches in energy policies and add value to the general understanding of energy poverty issues and conditions, considering the Romanian climatic and socio-economic context.

Impacts of Solar Home Systems in Rural Areas: A Case Study in Bangladesh

Access to electricity is important for development in general, but access at low costs is a vital tool of economic and social development, especially for those locations that lie very far from the grid. The present study investigates the impacts of solar home systems in a rural area of Bangladesh, focusing on the ways in which the adoption of SHS transforms household livelihoods. It has improved the lives of the community members through an affordable and reliable source of electricity that allowed enhanced lighting and security, increased educational opportunities, empowerment of women, reduced reliance on harmful energy sources, increased economic productivity, environmental sustainability, human relationships and well-being. These studies emphatically underscore the fact that the biggest challenge remains affordability: in most instances, SHS is accessed through family savings or loans from NGOs. In spite of these barriers, SHS has conventionally been portrayed as an empowering tool that enhances the quality of life and aids in fulfilling the goals of sustainable development in rural areas. The paper concludes by relating conventional energy sources with a comparison, emphasizing broader benefits and possible long-term potentials for SHS in tackling energy poverty within rural Bangladesh.

Air Pollution and Energy Poverty: Evidence From Chinese Households

We estimate the causal effect of air pollution on energy poverty using Chinese panel data. Exploiting exogeneous variations in PM2.5 concentrations due to atmospheric thermal inversions to proxy air pollution, we find that poor air quality increases energy poverty at both the intensive and extensive margins. Specifically, we find that a one-standard-deviation increase in PM2.5 concentrations (22.06 μg/m3) increases the share of income spent on energy by 1.01 percentage points, accounting for 15.71 percent of the income share that a representative Chinese household spends on energy. The probability of being into energy poverty, in response to the same change, increases by 4.19 to 8.38 percentage points, which corresponds to a 22.57 to 34.01 percent increase in the proportion of households in energy poverty evaluated at the mean. Our results are robust to numerous checks. We find that the channels through which air pollution causes energy poverty are via people spending more time indoors, air pollution impairing health, and air pollution having an adverse effect on household income. Back-of-the-envelope calculations suggest that reducing PM2.5 emissions to the annual standard of 35 μg/m3, which is mandated by the central government, would lift 9.30 to 18.59 million households out of energy poverty. JEL Classification: I32; O13; Q53; R20

Role of industrial growth on economic development: A comparative analysis of developed and developing countries

Industrialization has played a pivotal role in shaping economic transformation, influencing growth patterns globally across different stages of development. This study investigates the role of industrialization on economic development by controlling labor force, capital formation, school enerollment, and institutional quality. The panel data of 62 developing and 96 developed countries are collected from World Bank from 1990 to 2023. The empirical results are estimated by using the Panel Quantile Regression (PQR), and its robustness is checked through the Method of Moverment-Quantile Regression (MM-QR) approach. The empirical results found the U-shaped relationship between industrialization and economic development in both samples. The labor force significantly increases economic development in developed countries while declines in developing countries. Gross capital formation and preprimary education also significantly enhance economic development. The institutional quality surges economic development in developed countries and declines in developing countries. The MM-QR approach also shows similar results, proving the PQR approach's robustness. This study recommends that all countries should focus on industrial diversification, improving infrastructure and energy access, strengthening institutions, building a skilled workforce, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Utility-Scale Grid-Connected Microgrid Planning Framework for Sustainable Renewable Energy Integration

Microgrids have emerged as a crucial focus in power engineering and sustainable energy research, with utility-scale microgrids playing a significant role in both developed and developing countries like the Philippines. This study presents a comprehensive framework for utility-scale microgrid planning, emphasizing the sustainable integration of renewable energy resources to the distribution grid. The framework addresses the operational modes of grid-connected and islanded microgrids, emphasizing the seamless transition between these modes to ensure a continuous power supply. By leveraging local distributed energy resources, the microgrid aims to reduce dependence on the main transmission grid while enhancing resilience and reliability. The proposed planning framework not only eases the economic burden of constructing renewable energy sources but also aids distribution utilities in maximizing local resources to achieve sustainable energy goals. Through a detailed network analysis and modeling, the framework provides a robust foundation for optimizing the energy mix and enhancing the overall system performance. This research contributes to advancing microgrid technology as a key driver towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting clean and affordable energy access.