Present Value Cost Research Articles

An analytical approach for evaluation of conveyor exit strategies in open-pit mines

Transportation is the most expensive task in deep open-pit mining operations. An In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC) system, as an alternative to the conventional shovel-truck system, requires precise planning to avoid wasting high capital expenditures on trucks. The decision to fit a conveyor system into the pit design is challenging and needs to be addressed in the literature. Further optimisation of the IPCC system requires choosing an appropriate conveyor exit strategy. Conveyor exit schemes include a Dedicated Ramp Slot (DRS), an Existing Ramping System, an inclined tunnel and High-Angle Conveyors (HAC). This paper provides an analytical approach to compare the cost of different conveyor exit strategies in open-pit mines. The results indicate that for a depth up to 100 m, the Present Value of Cost (PVC) for the DRS is the least. For the cases deeper than 300 m, the HAC has the least PVC. Sensitivity analysis showed that for the depths between 100 and 300 m, a more accurate and detailed definition of parameters is needed. Besides, in most cases, the HAC provides the lowest payback period and the highest internal rate of return among the alternatives.

Strategic integration of national grid or solar photovoltaic power with the on-site hydrogen vehicle refueling station at the hydrogen energy laboratory, BCSIR, Bangladesh

The country's first on-site hydrogen refueling station (HRS) is installed at the Hydrogen Energy Laboratory, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), and its performance is studied to penetrate and prepare the hydrogen refueling network for the future. The study fills the power conditioning and integration information gap to HRS and refueling performances of on-site HRS in the particular conditions of the country. Strategic integration of grid power to the HRS is materialized and its adaptation with on-site HRS. Low-cost frequency & voltage conversion (conversion of 50 Hz, 420 V, or 220 V to stable 60 Hz, 220 V, or 110 V) and its stabilization are successfully made. An initial pressure of 5 MPa and 10 MPa of the vehicle tank (two-time refueling conditions) at 25 °C fills with the hydrogen at the APRR of 5.07 & 6.39 by 5.91& 7.5 min accordingly whereas the target pressure is 35 MPa. Hydrogen transfer to the vehicle tank at the pressure established by SAE J2799 according to the APRR during refueling time. The system consumes 52.71 kW and 3.73 kW of power to produce and compress 1 kg of hydrogen. The temperature profile shows that at the maximum hydrogen flow rate of 20 g/s, the temperature rose to 56 °C maintaining the fueling protocol. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOHP) of on-site hydrogen production is $6.68 and the LCOHS&D of storage & dispensing of hydrogen is $1.07 using the grid electricity whereas it gets down to $3.74 and $0.76 for the case of solar PV. Hydrogen vehicles reduce 43% fuel cost (using grid power) as compared to diesel engines. The study also depicts that a solar-powered hydrogen fleet is a better option for replacing fossil fuels and in shaping a sustainable transport system. The economic analyses provide the net present value (NPV20) and benefit and cost ratio (BCR) of the on-site HRS are 0.09 million and 1.18 at the discount rate of 9.5% which corresponds to the investment to the on-site HRS is feasible and free of risk.

Assessment Wind Energy in the Central Region of Thailand

This study evaluates the wind energy potential in the central region of Thailand by using data from seven wind measurement stations (Ayutthaya, Bangna, Chainat, Kamphaeng Saen, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, and Pathum Thani) and two wind turbines, namely AN Bonus 1300/62 and Vestas Wind System A/S. The analysis was conducted using the Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program (WAsP) to examine the collected wind speed data over three years from the seven stations. The objective was to identify the top three areas with the highest annual energy production (AEP). Additionally, the study included an economic analysis using various metrics, such as the present value of costs (PVC), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), payback period (PBP), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The results indicate that the AN Bonus 1300/62 model provides higher values in areas with high wind speeds and relatively high electricity demand, whereas the Vestas V52 model is suitable for areas with low wind speeds and lower investment requirements. Based on these findings, the authors recommend prioritizing wind energy development in the provinces of Ayutthaya, Nakhon Sawan, and Lopburi using the AN Bonus 1300/62 model, as these areas have high wind speeds and relatively high electricity demand. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers and investors, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding renewable energy investments in Thailand.

Cost-Benefit Methodology in Public Investment in the Peruvian Educational Sector of Invierte.Pe. a Practical Case

Objective: The purpose of the research is to show a specific process to perform the cost/benefit analysis in the social evaluation of public investment projects in the education sector, applying the net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) profitability indicators, taking into account that the approach of the National System of Multiannual Programming and Investment Management (Invierte.pe) applies a different methodology as the cost/efficiency analysis, where it uses criteria such as the Present Value of Costs (PVC) and the Cost Efficiency Indicator (CEI). Theoretical framework: In order to present our proposal, we used as a theoretical framework, mainly the directives, instructions, procedures, and methodological guides proposed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Peru, which can be improved by considering the results of investment in education. Method: The research proposes a technique to evaluate investment projects in the education sector through the cost/benefit methodology instead of the cost/effectiveness methodology. Within the materials and methods, an education sector investment project approved by Invierte.pe was used, and we added cost/benefit analysis to estimate the profitability indicators NPV and IRR to carry out the social evaluation of the project. Results: The results show that the education project has a net present value of S/. 794,874.30 at social prices, and an internal rate of social return of 9.56%. Finishing the research, it can be concluded based on the results obtained that it is possible to incorporate the cost/benefit methodology in the formulation and evaluation of standard, simplified technical sheets and studies at the profile level of public investment projects in the education sector. Conclusions: It can be concluded that it is feasible the social evaluation of investment projects in the educational sector of the Peruvian state, through the cost/benefit methodology in the region and the country, by means of the profitability indicators NPV and IRR, obtaining a higher internal rate of return.

Cost Benefit Analysis of Chaudhary Bakery Udhyog

The research aims to explore the cost analysis and cost-benefit analysis with the help of Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return in Chaudhary Bakery Udhyog (CBU). The research attempted to show the relationship between cost and benefit of the Chaudhary Bakery Udhyog. It followed descriptive cum analytical research design. The present re­search work covered a time period of five years 2017 to 2021. The presentation and analysis of benefit (net profit), benefit cost ratio (BCR), net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).
 Benefit cost ratio (BCR) has been found greater than 1. Hence it can be concluded that this BCR greater than 1 may be due to the longer experience and good managerial ability. BCR is greater than 1 is represents the ratio of total benefits over total costs. It has been found that the bakery udhyog is running in profit. In the analysis NPV is greater than zero in every year. NPV is greater than zero is indicate that the total discounted value of benefit is greater than the total discounted value of costs. It is represent the udhyog performance is well. So, it is generating satisfactory profit in study period. The udhyog has a internal rate of return is 10.19%. It represents the discount rate at the NPV of Chaudhary Bakery Udhyog is equal to zero. It means present value of benefits equal to present value of costs of the udhyog. The IRR is greater than discount rate. It can be concluded that the udhyog is running well and performance is better.

Introducing Gliricidia sepium as a Fuel Wood in Rubber Smallholdings of Sri Lanka: A Case Study in Kalutara District


 A pilot project has been initiated to introduce Gliricidia sepium with Hevea brasiliensis under three different spatial arrangements ((i.)8'×27', (ii.)8'×40, and (iii.)88'×60’) as a fuel wood to improve the income status of rubber smallholders in Kalutara District by Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka in 2018. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey and field observations. The financial analysis was done for one hectare of smallholding. Certain assumptions were made in the financial feasibility analysis as financial analysis was done for 30 years giving consideration to the 30 year life span of rubber. Costs and benefits were discounted at 10% discount rate as practiced by the Department of National Planning to obtain 2019 market prices. The farm gate prices of 1kg of rubber and Gliricidia were considered as LKR 280.00 and LKR 4.00. The cost for hired labour was considered LKR 1,500.00 per day. Period of intercropping of Gliricida under rubber in the 88'×40' and 88'×60' models was considered as 30 years and in the 88'×27' model, it was considered as eight years. Financial feasibility of models was tested using the indices of Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). A qualitative SWOT was conducted to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relevant to introduction of Gliricidia as an intercrop in rubber plantations based on a thorough documentation review and on the opinions of Rubber Extension Officers. From the three models introduced, the highest fuel wood value can be obtained by intercropping Gliricidia with rubber under the spacing of 88'×60'. NPV for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be LKR 0.74 million, LKR 5.47 million and LKR 5.89 million respectively. The values obtain for BCR for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be 1.37, 2.26 and 2.27, respectively. All fuel wood growing models indicated positive NPV and BC Ratios were greater than one, suggesting that these introduced models are economically viable. Although there are no established market channels available for fuel wood especially in the smallholder rubber sector of Sri Lanka, there is a demand for Gliricidia which is fulfilled through adhoc markets. Also, development of sustainable supply chains through setting up of Pilot Biomass Energy Terminals with the objective of collection and distribution of fuel wood under the Project of Promoting Sustainable Biomass Energy Production and Modern Bio-Energy Technologies has widened the opportunity of using Gliricidia as a promising fuel wood species Gliricidia with rubber has the potential to improve income generation of rubber smallholders substantially especially during the immature stage of rubber and provide a solution to overcome uncertainty in rubber prices and low productivity of rubber lands.
 
 Keywords: Fuel wood growing models, Rubber farming

Socioeconomic per-case costs of stroke, myocardial infarction, and preterm birth attributable to air pollution in Sweden.

Incident cases of stroke, myocardial infarction, and preterm birth have established exposure-response functions associated with air pollution. However, there are no studies reporting detailed costs per case for these health outcomes that are adapted to the cost-benefit tools that guide the regulation of air pollution. The primary objective was to establish non-fatal per-case monetary estimates for stroke, myocardial infarction, and preterm birth attributable to air pollution in Sweden, and the secondary objective was to ease the economic evaluation process of air pollution morbidity effects and their inclusion in cost-benefit assessments. Based on recommendations from the literature, the case-cost analysis considered direct and indirect medical costs, as well as production losses and informal costs relevant for the calculation of the net present value. A literature search was conducted to estimate the costs of each category for each incident case in Sweden. Informal costs were estimated using the quality-adjusted life-years approach and the corresponding willingness-to-pay in the Swedish population. The total average per-case cost was estimated based on specific health outcome durations and severity and was discounted by 3.5% per year. Sensitivity analysis included varying discount rates, severity of health outcome, and the range of societal willingness to pay for quality-adjusted life years. The average net present value cost estimate was €2016 460k (185k-1M) for non-fatal stroke, €2016 24k (16k-38k) for myocardial infarction, and €2016 34k (19k-57k) for late preterm birth. The main drivers of the per-case total cost estimates were health outcome severity and societal willingness to pay for risk reduction. Varying the discount rate had the largest effect on preterm birth, with costs changing by ±30% for the discount rates analysed. Because stroke, myocardial infarction, and preterm birth have established exposure-response functions linking these to air pollution, cost-benefit analyses should include the costs for these health outcomes in order to adequately guide future air pollution and climate change policies.

Economic assessment of nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk and enhance co-benefits

Flooding is expected to increase due to climate change, urbanisation, and land use change. To address this issue, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are often adopted as innovative and sustainable flood risk management methods. Besides the flood risk reduction benefits, NBSs offer co-benefits for the environment and society. However, these co-benefits are rarely considered in flood risk management due to the inherent complexities of incorporating them into economic assessments. This research addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive methodology that integrates the monetary analysis of co-benefits with flood risk reduction in economic assessments. In doing so, it aspires to provide a more holistic view of the impact of NBS in flood risk management. The assessment employs a framework based on life-cycle cost-benefit analysis, offering a systematic and transparent assessment of both costs and benefits over time supported by key indicators like net present value and benefit cost ratio. The methodology has been applied to the Tamnava basin in Serbia, where significant flooding occurred in 2014 and 2020. The methodology offers valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and planners seeking to assess the co-benefits of NBS and integrate them into economic assessments. The results show that when considering flood risk reduction alone, all considered measures have higher costs than the benefits derived from avoiding flood damage. However, when incorporating co-benefits, several NBS have a net positive economic impact, including afforestation/reforestation and retention ponds with cost-benefit ratios of 3.5 and 5.6 respectively. This suggests that incorporating co-benefits into economic assessments can significantly increase the overall economic efficiency and viability of NBS.

Transitioning from coal to solar: A cost-benefit analysis for sustainable power generation in Indonesia

<abstract> <p>The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contribution from power generation in Indonesia reaches 40% of the total (GHG) emissions in the energy sector because of the use of fossil fuels. The government aims to minimize GHG emissions in the power generation sector, one of which is the phase-out of coal power plants and replacing them with integrated photovoltaic (PV) power plants with battery energy storage systems (BESS). A cost-benefit analysis compared two development scenarios for 2023–2060. The base scenario continues developing coal power plants, and the phase-out scenario replaces coal power plants with integrated PV power plants and BESS. The analysis is solely focused on the financial costs and benefits for power plant investors. The results indicate that the present value of costs for the base scenario from 2023–2036 is initially lower compared to the phase-out scenario. However, in the long term, the costs of the phase-out scenario will gradually decrease and become more affordable. The benefit-cost ratio for the phase-out scenario is 2.36, while the base scenario is 2.12, indicating that the phase-out scenario is more prospective for future development. Additionally, the phase-out scenario has the advantage of achieving the net-zero emissions target by 2056 compared to the base scenario.</p> </abstract>

LNG 추진선박 도입 전망에 관한 연구

Purpose - This research aims to forecast the scale of LNG-fueled ships from 2020 to 2035 based on an economic performance analysis.
 Design/Methodology/Approach - This research compares the present value of costs for three alternatives (using low-sulfur fuel, installing scrubbers, and LNG-fueled ships). According to the two scenarios set in this study, the scale of LNG- fueled ship introduction was predicted from 2020 to 2035.
 Findings - The result showed that the proportion of LNG-fueled ships (based on DWT) will be 34.9% in 2035 by Scenario 1, and 20.1% in 2035 by Scenario 2. A one-year delay in global LNG bunkering infrastructure construction would reduce the introduction of LNG-fueled ships by about 2% in 2035. As a result of comparing the current situation with the results of this study, it was found to show a pattern similar to Scenario 2 assuming a pessimistic outlook.
 Research Implications - In order to activate the introduction of LNG-fueled ships, it is necessary to expand the LNG bunkering infrastructure, which is considered the most important factor hindering the introduction of LNG-fueled ships. Also, it would be a meaningful task to try forecasting considering the volume of goods transported. In addition, it would be interesting to evaluate the performance on climate change and the environment following the introduction of LNG-fueled ships.

Electric Vehicle Battery Replacement Costs Under Realistic Fast Charging Behaviors

Fast charging networks are being constructed in the United States based on the assumption that electric vehicles can sustainably fast charge. However, fast charging has been shown to shorten calendar and cycle life across multiple lithium-ion battery chemistries. Public information on degradation is limited for realistically fast charged commercial cells and extensions from academic work on commercial-adjacent chemistries is difficult. Here, we model realistic consumer charging behavior by cycling commercial NCA 21700 and LFP 26650 cells under 20 different fast charging behaviors, mixing fast charging (2C) and Level 2 charging (C/6|C/5) under different voltage bounds and under well-ventilated thermal conditions. The degradation observed in these tests were used in an economic model to estimate the number and present value cost of battery pack replacements over an electric vehicle’s lifetime, in which results map to a worst case, upper bound scenario. Overall, the tested LFP cells showed extremely low rates of degradation compared to the tested NCA cells. Cycling the NCA cells under the most aggressive charging scenario (2.5-4.2V, 100% of charging at 2C) showed more than 100 pack replacements over 8 years and a present value cost of more than $1M. Cycling the LFP cells under equivalent conditions (2-3.65V, 100% of charging at 2C) showed only 0-1 pack replacements.

HOMER-Based Multi-Scenario Collaborative Planning for Grid-Connected PV-Storage Microgrids with Electric Vehicles

One of the crucial methods for adapting distributed PV generation is the microgrid. However, solar resources, load characteristics, and the essential microgrid system components are all directly tied to the optimal planning scheme for microgrids. This article conducts a collaborative planning study of grid-connected PV-storage microgrids under electric vehicle integration in various scenarios using HOMER 1.8.9 software. To be more specific, in multiple scenarios, we built capacity optimization models for PV modules, energy storage, and converters in microgrids, with several scenarios each accounting for the cleanliness, economic performance, and overall performance of microgrids. For multiple scenarios, this paper used the net present value cost and levelized cost of electricity as indicators of microgrid economics, and carbon dioxide emissions and the fraction of renewable energy were used as indicators of microgrid cleanliness. The optimal capacity allocation for economy, cleanliness, and a combination of economy and cleanliness were separately derived. Finally, on a business park in Wuhan, China, we conducted thorough case studies to compare and debate the planning performance under various scenarios and to undertake sensitivity analyses on the cases. The sensitivity analyses were conducted for the optimal configuration of microgrids in terms of the EV charging scale, carbon dioxide emissions, PV module unit cost, and storage unit cost. The results of the simulation and optimization show that the optimization approach could determine the ideal configuration for balancing economy and cleanliness. As the EV charging demand increased, the energy storage capacity required in the microgrid gradually increased, while the carbon dioxide emission limit was negatively correlated with the energy storage capacity demand. The unit investment cost of PV module units had a greater impact on the optimal system configuration than the cost of batteries.

Analisis Kelayakan Investasi Pemasangan Sensor Level Pada Clearator Tank PDAM Surya Sembada Surabaya

The occurrence of problems in the production process is something that must be resolved immediately so it to disrupt the smooth protracted production process, as is the case with process disturbances that occur in the clean water production process at PDAM Surya Sembada Surabaya. In the process of water flow being processed from the filter tank to the clearator tank, water overflow often occurs due to a sudden increase in water discharge without monitoring. As a result of this overflow of water, production materials are wasted and of course also results in wasted costs. This problem was tried to be solved by installing a level sensor on the tank clearator so that the water level could be monitored by the monitoring team. Warning when the water level approaches the threshold will help the operator to immediately reduce the water discharge coming out of the tank filter so that there is no wasted overflow of water. Feasibility analysis of investing in the installation of level sensors carried out to find out for sure whether from an economic point of view this level sensor provides benefits for the company. By calculating the Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), it will be known how the investment feasibility of installing the level sensor.

Techno-economic feasibility of two onshore wind farms located in the desert area: a case study

ABSTRACT Onshore wind energy technology has the potential to solve major energy and climate change problems through clean generation, as well as drive economic development and job creation. This study aims, through a technical and economic analysis, to reveal the wind potential of two terrestrial sites of the province of Tantan, characterized by an average wind speed higher than 5 m/s. Technical analysis is performed to estimate annual energy production, while the economic viability of these two onshore wind farms is discussed using the Present Value Cost method. The results recorded over a period of 5 years of wind speed data gave power density values of 74.62 W/m2 for Tantan−1 and 149.89 W/m2 for Tantan−2. Accordingly, with a commercial wind turbine named NORDEX N90, the production cost in Tantan−1 and Tantan−2 for 1 kWh is approximately 3.45 US Cent/kWh and 3.87 US Cent/kWh, respectively. To confirm these results, a comparative analysis with the costs of the various national technologies for the production of thermal or solar energy was carried out. The calculations showed very competitive costs for the two sites studied at the national level, knowing that, this region will host one of the world’s largest green energy export and storage projects.

Estimated Therapy Costs and Downstream Cost Consequences of iBASIS–Video Interaction to Promote Positive Parenting Intervention vs Usual Care Among Children Displaying Early Behavioral Signs of Autism in Australia

The growing global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with increasing costs for support services. Ascertaining the effects of a successful preemptive intervention for infants showing early behavioral signs of autism on human services budgets is highly policy relevant. To estimate the net cost impact of the iBASIS-Video Interaction to Promote Positive Parenting (iBASIS-VIPP) intervention on the Australian government. Infants (aged 12 months) showing early behavioral indicators of autism were recruited through community settings into the multicenter Australian iBASIS-VIPP randomized clinical trial (RCT), a 5- to 6-month preemptive parent-mediated intervention, between June 9, 2016, and March 30, 2018, and were followed up for 18 months to age 3 years. This economic evaluation, including cost analysis (intervention and cost consequences) and cost-effectiveness analyses of iBASIS-VIPP compared with usual care (treatment as usual [TAU]), modeled outcomes observed at age 3 through to 12 years (13th birthday) and was conducted from April 1, 2021, to January 30, 2023. Data analysis was conducted from July 1, 2021, to January 29, 2023. iBASIS-VIPP intervention. To project the diagnostic trajectory and associated disability support costs drawing on the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the main outcome was the differential treatment cost of iBASIS-VIPP plus TAU vs TAU and disability-related government costs modeled to age 12 years, using a clinical diagnosis of ASD and developmental delay (with autism traits) at 3 years. Costs were calculated in Australian dollars and converted to US dollars. Economic performance was measured through the following: (1) differential net present value (NPV) cost (iBASIS-VIPP less TAU), (2) investment return (dollars saved for each dollar invested, taking a third-party payer perspective), (3) break-even age when treatment cost was offset by downstream cost savings, and (4) cost-effectiveness in terms of the differential treatment cost per differential ASD diagnosis at age 3 years. Alternate values of key parameters were modeled in 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the latter identifying the likelihood of an NPV cost savings. Of the 103 infants enrolled in the iBASIS-VIPP RCT, 70 (68.0%) were boys. Follow-up data at age 3 years were available for 89 children who received TAU (44 [49.4%]) or iBASIS-VIPP (45 [50.6%]) and were included in this analysis. The estimated mean differential treatment cost was A $5131 (US $3607) per child for iBASIS-VIPP less TAU. The best estimate of NPV cost savings was A $10 695 (US $7519) per child (discounted at 3% per annum). For each dollar invested in treatment, a savings of A $3.08 (US $3.08) was estimated; the break-even cost occurred at age 5.3 years (approximately 4 years after intervention delivery). The mean differential treatment cost per lower incident case of ASD was A $37 181 (US $26 138). We estimated that there was an 88.9% chance that iBASIS-VIPP would deliver a cost savings for the NDIS, the dominant third-party payer. The results of this study suggest that iBASIS-VIPP represents a likely good-value societal investment for supporting neurodivergent children. The estimated net cost savings were considered conservative, as they covered only third-party payer costs incurred by the NDIS and outcomes were modeled to just age 12 years. These findings further suggest that preemptive interventions may be a feasible, effective, and efficient new clinical pathway for ASD, reducing disability and the costs of support services. Long-term follow-up of children receiving preemptive intervention is needed to confirm the modeled results.

Economic Outcomes of Hexaminolevulinate Blue-Light Cystoscopy in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A 5-Year, Medicare-Based Model.

Bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat on a per-patient basis. Blue light cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate (BLC) has demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy compared with white light cystoscopy (WLC) in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). With higher upfront costs, questions remain about long-term BLC cost outcomes. This study seeks to investigate the 5-year cost comparison of BLC and WLC from the Medicare payer perspective. A representative 5-year NMIBC management model was constructed and Medicare reimbursement values were overlaid. The primary outcome was mean year-over-year cumulative cost discounted to present value at a 3% annual percentage rate. The secondary outcome was the rate of clinical events. Patients in the BLC cohort experienced fewer recurrences. On a cumulative present value cost basis, BLC was more expensive per patient in years 1, 2, and 3 than WLC, however, in years 4 and 5, BLC was economically favorable. Year 5 BLC mean cumulative cost savings was $1,172 per patient. Overall, 31.6% of all patients in the BLC group generated cumulative cost savings compared to WLC at year 1 compared with 50.9% at the end of year 5. Despite a higher initial annual cost, a slight cumulative economic advantage of BLC is realized after surveillance year 3. Additionally, a greater proportion of patients who received BLC achieved cost savings at the end of year 5. As novel technology emerges, economic models can help health care systems predict associated costs and quality improvements.

Wind Energy Resource Potential Evaluation based on Statistical Distribution Models at Four Selected Locations in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, and particularly in the Amhara region, the government as well as the concerned organization would not give special attention to establishing wind energy plants. Lack of scientific research inputs about potential assessment can be one of the reasons behind it. In this paper, a wind energy potential assessment for Debel, Malawa, Enwari, and Ayba Eyesus sites in the Amhara region has been investigated. Five statistical distribution methods namely Weibull 3P, Weibull 2P, Rayleigh 2P, Normal, and Lognormal are used to fit the data to the probability density function and cumulative distribution function. The proposed parameter estimation method, to precisely predict the values of the shape parameter, scale parameter, and location parameter, was the Maximum Likelihood Estimation Method (MLE). To analyze the goodness of fit of the models, Kolmogorov, Andersen Darling, and Chi-Square have been used. The test indicated that Weibull 3P is the best fitting method, except for Ayba Eyesus, which is suited to Weibull 2P. For Debel, Malawa, Enwari, and Ayba Eyesus, the maximum annual average wind power density was found to be 74.291 W/m2, 19.183 W/m2, 68.972 W/m2, and 49.221 W/m2 correspondingly. The evaluations show that VENSYS 87 turbine model has better performance in all three sites except Enwari, where Inox Wind DF 100 is favored. With their best performance turbine, the capacity factor of the sites is determined as 14%, 7%, 12%, and 14% for Debel, Malawa, Enwari, and Ayba Eyesus respectively. Furthermore, Economical analysis by initial cost, lifetime, operation, and maintenance cost, has been carried out to estimate the cost of energy. With VENSYS 87 turbine model, the three sites' present value costs are $5,479,586, while it costs $7,306,115 in Enwari with Inox Wind DF 100 turbine. The cost of electricity per kWh is estimated to be $0.00231, $0.00455, $0.00391, and $0.00312 for Debel, Malawa, Enwari, and Ayba Eyesus respectively, and it is significantly lower than the cost from Ethiopian electric utility (EEU), which is around 0.009$/kwh. Access to electricity in Ethiopia was reported at 45% in 2019. This indicates there is a shortage of energy in the country. This kind of study can help authorities and policymakers in taking into account wind power to mitigate energy poverty in the country.

Redesigning a Solar PV Kiosk in High-Temperature Environments of Burundi, Africa

Solar PV systems in Africa are installed in high-temperature environments ranging from 25 °C to 40 °C. Experience and the literature note that these systems frequently fail a few years after installation and require the replacement of essential components such as PV panels, inverters, or batteries. In Burundi, batteries operating in high-temperature environments with a designed shelf life of 15 years are being replaced every 4 years due to thermal runaway. The motivation of this paper was to redesign a 45 kWh/day multi-use solar PV kiosk in Ruhoro, Burundi, Africa, so as to improve its sustainability. Using original primary field data, the project calculated a mean energy demand at the Ruhoro PV kiosk of 14.50 kWh/day in 2022 and a forecasted demand of 16.50 kWh/day in 2025. The kiosk is designed to supply 20.25 kWh/day after losses, which is sufficient for the current and future demand. The paper reviewed the impact of high-temperature environments on both solar PV panels and batteries. Results indicated only a 13% reduction in power output in the solar PV panels and a 60% reduction in the shelf life of acid gel batteries from 15 years to 6 years when exposed to temperatures of between 25 °C to 40 °C. To improve the shelf life of the batteries, the paper researched different cooling technologies for batteries. These included water cooling, fan cooling, and refrigeration cooling. Using engineering modelling formulae, the paper observed that the application of a fan cooling system resulted in an improvement in the product life of the batteries by 4 years and a refrigeration cooling system by 9 years. The paper concluded that using a refrigeration cooling system in the Ruhoro solar PV kiosk was appropriate and requires an additional 5.28 kWh/day. Factoring in this additional demand, the refrigeration cooling still reduced the lifecycle CAPEX cost from USD 94,625 to USD 72,875 over a 15-year period. The inclusion of a refrigeration cooling system also improved the net present value (NPV) cost effectiveness over a 15-year period from USD—62,481 to USD 4893. This is a net profit of almost USD 5000 if a refrigeration unit is installed. The paper therefore recommends the use of refrigeration cooling systems as appropriate for high-temperature environments such as the Ruhoro solar kiosk. It concludes that the refrigeration system is a cost-effective option for long-term sustainable use for communities in Africa living in high-temperature environments.

Reducing CO2 emissions in the copper smelting process by using high-temperature solar heat: Tecno-economic assessment

The work explores the idea of using high-temperature solar heat in the copper smelting process; a Hybrid Central Tower system is analyzed to supply the high-temperature air for this process. The methodology was built based on the equilibrium of the smelting reactions; therefore, this analysis only account for the reactions’ energy demand. Two process schemes (process with/without using high-temperature air) and five off-gas scenarios were evaluated. Using Hybrid Central Tower systems with 13 h of Thermal Energy Storage leads to significant reductions in the annual equivalent energy consumption of the reactions (up to 22.61 %) and in the CO2 emissions of the smelting process (up to 61.4 %). The scheme that doesn’t use high-temperature air is the lower-cost option; however, with a 15 % reduction in the capital expenditure and using a discount rate of 5 %, the scheme that uses Hybrid Central Tower systems with 13 h of Thermal Energy Storage shows the similar present value costs. If a carbon price of 25 USD/tCO2e is included, the latter scheme represents the lower-cost option and the most cost-effective solution to avoid CO2 emissions.

The Investment Case for E-Government Procurement: A Cost–Benefit Analysis

AbstractIn almost every country, government is the largest buyer of works, goods, and services from the private sector. Through the laws and practice of public procurement, governments create competition among firms, thus optimizing public expenditure. However, public procurement is often associated with inefficient allocation of resources and corruption. One method to reduce inefficiencies and abuse in public procurement is the use of e-government procurement (e-GP) platforms. Yet nearly 40% of countries—mostly low- and lower-middle income countries—do not have functioning e-GP platforms. Cost–benefit analysis is used to make the investment case for the development and integration of e-procurement systems in low- and lower middle-income countries. The costs of setting up an e- GP system include an initial investment of $9.03 million, on average, for the planning, design, and build phases spread over a 5-year period. Annual operating and maintenance expenses during pilot and deployment phases are estimated at $1.1 million annually. In total, it is estimated that the net present value of costs to design, build, test, deploy, and operate a robust e-GP system is $16.7 million for a typical low- and middle-income country (at an 8% discount rate). While there are many tangible benefits of e-GP, the benefit assessed here is the reduction in the prices of goods, works, and services paid by government buyers. Using the average percentage reduction in procurement prices of 6.75%, the savings from an e-procurement system are valued at $637.9 million and $5.2 billion for low- and lower middle-income countries, respectively. The benefit–cost ratio of implementing an e-GP system in the average low-income country ranges from 8 to 58 and is 142 to 473 for a lower middle-income country. The size of the procurement market, the reduction in procurement prices, the duration of the implementation process, and the penetration rate of e-GP throughout government are principal determinants in the return on investment.