Access To Sustainable Energy Research Articles

Penerapan Standarisasi Instalasi Listrik Skala Rumah Tangga bagi Kelompok PKBM Ingin Maju Kabupaten Bantaeng Sulawesi Selatan

Community service activities were implemented to enhance the understanding and application of electrical installation standards in Bantaeng Regency, Indonesia, by supporting the achievement of SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. In this regard, a series of activities, such as presentations, field audits, and practical training, were conducted for the residents of Bantaeng Regency on the importance of compliance with PUIL. The findings showed that there is a big difference between the existing practice of electrical installation and the recommended standard. This project seeks to address this issue in pursuit of better energy efficiency, safety, and reliability for local households. These activities also profiled several challenges to the promotion of electrical safety, such as inequalities in public awareness and resource limitation. Despite these challenges, such activities show how community-based initiatives could be applied to broader goals of sustainable energy access. Future activities might consider the long-term impact of such interventions and identify ways in which these efforts may be scaled up.

Optimal planning for hybrid renewable energy systems under limited information based on uncertainty quantification

Developing hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) is crucial for ensuring affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy access in remote rural and island regions. Rich and detailed data play a pivotal role in the optimal design of HRES. However, remote areas often face data limitations due to inadequate metering infrastructure, which further increases uncertainties in HRES design. This paper proposes a planning optimization method that quantifies multiple uncertainties, requiring only limited information for the optimal HRES design. First, uncertainties in HRES planning are classified into different types based on intrinsic randomness, data availability, and impact level. Then, by integrating uncertainty quantification with credibility theory, knowledge-based scenario generation models are developed to leverage limited available information to generate extreme and typical operating conditions for a tailored HRES design. Finally, a fuzzy credibility-constrained stochastic-robust optimization model is proposed to optimize the design of HRES. A practical case facing significant data scarcity and gaps is used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed approach reduces the loss of load probability for HRES to 0.02% and lowers the levelized cost of energy to $0.16/kWh—33% lower than that of the deterministic method and 79% lower than that of the traditional stochastic method.

Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa: Advancing Climate Resilience and Carbon Reduction Strategies

This paper explores the potential of reducing carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions in climate-sensitive regions of Sub-Saharan Africa by integrating traditional knowledge with modern renewable energy technologies. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative energy data and qualitative insights from expert interviews and policy reviews, the study analyzes the implementation of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. Data from global organizations, including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Bank, supports the investigation. The findings highlight renewable energy's transformative potential for emissions reduction, energy security, and economic growth, with solar energy demonstrating exceptional promise for rural electrification. Despite its benefits, adoption is hindered by financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory challenges. The study underscores the need for climate resilience strategies such as energy storage integration and grid upgrades to support reliable access to renewable energy. By linking renewable energy with sustainability and resilience theories, the research emphasizes the role of adaptive infrastructure in fostering economic development and environmental health. Key recommendations include improving financing mechanisms, enacting supportive policy frameworks, strengthening regional partnerships, and prioritizing energy storage and grid modernization. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers, energy stakeholders, and development organizations, emphasizing that overcoming barriers to renewable energy adoption is critical for achieving sustainable energy access, reducing emissions, and aligning with global climate goals.

Designing effective policy frameworks for the implementation of microgrids in developing countries: Opportunities, challenges and pathways to sustainable energy access

Designing effective policy frameworks for the implementation of microgrids in developing countries is crucial for advancing sustainable energy access. Microgrids offer a decentralized and resilient solution to energy challenges, particularly in regions with limited grid infrastructure. However, the successful deployment of microgrids requires a nuanced understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and pathways to integration within the unique contexts of developing nations. This study explores the key factors influencing the design and implementation of microgrid policies, including regulatory environments, financial incentives, and technological innovations. It highlights the potential of microgrids to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic development. At the same time, it addresses the challenges related to financing, regulatory compliance, and the need for capacity-building in local communities. By analyzing case studies from various developing countries, the study identifies best practices and strategic recommendations for policymakers to create supportive frameworks that encourage the adoption of microgrids. The research underscores the importance of international collaboration, public-private partnerships, and adaptive policy mechanisms that can respond to the evolving needs of the energy sector. Ultimately, the study provides a roadmap for leveraging microgrids as a key component of sustainable energy strategies in developing countries, contributing to broader goals of energy equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

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.

Breaking barriers, building resilience: Leveraging knowledge to mitigate energy vulnerability in Africa

Addressing energy vulnerability can unlock economic potential and create pathways for inclusive and sustainable development. Knowledge creation and use are essential components of efforts to promote sustainable energy access and support development goals. This paper scrutinizes the effect of knowledge on energy vulnerability in Africa. Using data from 27 countries from 2000 to 2019, findings from feasible generalized least squares, panel-corrected standard errors, and fixed-effects with Driscoll and Kraay (1998) standard errors demonstrate that the three components of knowledge creation and use (education quality, ICT penetration, and innovation) mitigate energy vulnerability in Africa. Moreover, findings from the quantile regression confirm that the effect of knowledge is negative but heterogeneous across the conditional distribution of energy vulnerability. Finally, economic globalization incurs energy vulnerability, while urbanization has a negative and statistically significant effect. Thus, policymakers and governments should actively invest in education and training programs and provide incentives for ICT development and energy innovation to alleviate energy vulnerability in Africa.

Mapping biomimicry research to sustainable development goals

This study systematically evaluates biomimicry research within the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to discern the interdisciplinary interplay between biomimicry and SDGs. The alignment of biomimicry with key SDGs showcases its interdisciplinary nature and potential to offer solutions across the health, sustainability, and energy sectors. This study identified two primary thematic clusters. The first thematic cluster focused on health, partnership, and life on land (SDGs 3, 17, and 15), highlighting biomimicry's role in healthcare innovations, sustainable collaboration, and land management. This cluster demonstrates the potential of biomimicry to contribute to medical technologies, emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral partnerships and ecosystem preservation. The second thematic cluster revolves around clean water, energy, infrastructure, and marine life (SDGs 6, 7, 9, and 14), showcasing nature-inspired solutions for sustainable development challenges, including energy generation and water purification. The prominence of SDG 7 within this cluster indicates that biomimicry significantly contributes to sustainable energy practices. The analysis of thematic clusters further revealed the broad applicability of biomimicry and its role in enhancing sustainable energy access and promoting ecosystem conservation. Emerging research topics, such as metaheuristics, nanogenerators, exosomes, and bioprinting, indicate a dynamic field poised for significant advancements. By mapping the connections between biomimicry and SDGs, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the field's trajectory, emphasizing its importance in advancing global sustainability efforts.

Estimating and forecasting suppressed electricity demand in Ghana under climate change, the informal economy and sector inefficiencies

Suppressed demand arises from inadequate energy access, resulting in unmet basic needs. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of the informal economy, rising temperatures, and electricity transmission losses on suppressed demand in Ghana from 2000 to 2020, using a quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) approach. The study forecasts suppressed demand using Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios, offering insights for energy system planning. The results indicate that all the variables significantly affect suppressed demand in the mid-quantiles. Notably, transmission losses and growth of informal economy variables significantly impact suppressed demand within the 50th to 75th quantiles but have minimal impact before the 50th and after the 75th quantiles in the long run. Additionally, rising temperatures substantially increase suppressed demand by increasing electricity demand for cooling. All future scenarios project this growth trend will continue through 2050, albeit at varying rates. In the business-as-usual (BAU) case, suppressed demand is expected to steadily increase from 1782 MW in 2020 to 8636 MW in 2050. This trajectory aligns well with historical growth trends, which saw suppressed demand increase from 659 GWh to 1782 GWh between 2000 and 2020. SSP scenarios suggest that suppressed demand could grow substantially through 2050, driven by high losses and informal sector growth. Despite sustainable development narratives like SSP1, suppressed demand remains high without major grid and governance improvements. Comparing the results with past studies shows that our findings align with previous research but provide more nuanced insights by incorporating the effects of the informal economy and using advanced forecasting techniques. Practical policy implications include investing in green infrastructure, upgrading grid infrastructure, and formalising the informal economy to alleviate suppressed demand. These actions are critical for sustainable energy access and meeting future electricity needs effectively.

Infrastructure for sustainable energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa: Leveraging social factors and natural capital

This study investigates the impact of infrastructure development on energy poverty in 28 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 2010–2021. Utilizing the Africa Infrastructure Development Index (AIDI) as a comprehensive measure, the research examines both linear and nonlinear effects of infrastructure development on energy poverty reduction, while also exploring its influence on renewable energy production, underscoring its contribution to achieving sustainable development goals. The findings reveal that enhanced infrastructure significantly improves electricity access and alleviates energy poverty. The results further suggest that infrastructure development is only effective in alleviating energy poverty when a certain level of social development and environmental quality is achieved. Employing sensitivity analyses with alternative energy poverty indicators as well as physical infrastructure indicators confirms the stability of these results. This study underscores the importance of integrated infrastructure policies that consider social and environmental factors to effectively address energy poverty and support sustainable development goals in SSA.

Assessing the drivers of energy supply and demand in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ensuring reliable and sustainable energy access in sub-Saharan Africa requires exploring alternatives to traditional biomass and fossil fuels, crucial for overcoming challenges related to limited electricity and clean cooking energy access. Within this background and to assess the factors affecting energy supply and energy consumption, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) was applied across 48 sub-Saharan countries and adapted to the regional context considering energy access indicators.Key results showed that economic activity significantly influences both supply and demand growth. However, this growth is restricted by outdated infrastructure, resulting in inefficiencies and increased conversion losses. Policymakers thus face a dual challenge of promoting economic growth while modernizing energy infrastructure to sustain development.Moreover, targeted policies are essential, particularly in energy-intensive in energy-intensive sectors like wholesale and retail, while advocating for a comprehensive approach in the residential sector. This approach involves socioeconomic considerations, energy access enhancement, and the promotion of energy-efficient and renewable technologies to meet rising demand amid population growth and evolving consumption patterns.Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of enhancing both energy access levels and energy efficiency in the residential sector. Unlike the industrial sector, energy intensity is crucial for improving efficiency without compromising the level of access. Enhancing energy efficiency can significantly reduce energy consumption in households, which is important given the high reliance on energy-intensive practices such as cooking with traditional biomass.

Unveiling determinants of household lighting preferences in rural Tanzania: insights for sustainable energy access

This paper investigates the determinants and prospects of household lighting choices in rural Tanzania using a Multinomial Logit Regression Model. The analysis is based on data from 4671 households, focusing on three lighting options: electricity, solar energy, and candle lighting. The results reveal significant factors influencing these choices, including household head characteristics, household size, marital status, education, employment status, number of rooms, and income. Key findings indicate that the age of the household head negatively influences the likelihood of choosing grid-electricity, while having a male head of household significantly reduces the probability of opting for any lighting option. Larger household size is negatively associated with choosing electricity and candle lighting. Marital status shows that married households are more likely to use candle lighting. Employment status positively impacts the likelihood of adopting all three lighting options, with employed household heads being more likely to choose modern lighting solutions. Income levels are crucial, as higher income significantly increases the probability of selecting electricity and candle lighting, but not solar energy. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to enhance sustainable energy access in rural Tanzania. It highlights the importance of addressing socio-economic factors to promote the adoption of modern and sustainable lighting technologies.

Solar Power and the Struggle for Electrification in Africa

Off-grid solar technologies have emerged as one of the remedies to Africa’s severe lack of access to electricity. Evidence from Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya suggests that these systems positively affect income generation, education, health, and safety and security. Despite its potential, off-grid solar power’s technical limitations, combined with concerns about durability and environmental impact, underscore the need for more comprehensive solutions. Addressing Africa’s electrification crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy access.

A critical evaluation of DC microgrid implementation in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges

This study thoroughly investigates the potential of direct current (DC) microgrids to enhance electricity access in rural and remote areas of Indonesia that continue to face significant obstacles despite ongoing national electrification efforts. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research comprehensively evaluates socio-economic and technical factors that influence the adoption of DC microgrids. The results indicate that DC microgrids offer significant potential for enhancing energy access, reliability, and sustainability, particularly when combined with renewable energy sources. This aligns with Indonesia’s move towards renewable energy. Nevertheless, the analysis identifies significant obstacles, such as the substantial initial investment, the requirement for complete regulatory frameworks, and the technological complexities that need to be conquered. In conclusion, DC microgrids present a promising solution for rural electrification. However, the implementation requires a strategy that emphasizes strategic investments, policy innovation, and capacity-building initiatives. This research significantly contributes to the study of sustainable energy by evaluating the criticality of integrating policies and technology for implementing DC microgrids as a key factor in achieving sustainable energy access in Indonesia.

Comprehensive energy solution planning (CESP) framework: an evidence-based approach for sustainable energy access projects in developing countries

Access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy remains a critical goal under the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, especially in remote areas of developing countries. Based on traditional engineering approaches, many energy solution planning tools have been developed to identify the optimal solution in these areas to assess the competition across different technological options. Nevertheless, these approaches, based on an economic optimum, do not necessarily grant long-term sustainability of the solution in specific local contexts, since they are not able to capture the social implications within the Energy-Development nexus. Moreover, also in light of the 2030 Agenda, scientific and grey literature on energy access highlights how energy solutions planning methodologies developed in the last decades need to be complemented by a more comprehensive view, able to integrate evidence from various disciplines, especially engineering and social sciences. Based on the above considerations, this paper introduces a novel framework under the name of CESP, where three social sciences-based phases complement three engineering phases, each one characterized by specific tools, to offer an informed decision framework for the local planner. CESP encompasses a set of techno-economic and socio-technical actions to prevent potential failure as evidenced by a counterfactual analysis used to identify the reasons behind past project failures. The CESP framework presents a sequential and iterative structure that underlines the cyclic perspective of a holistic decision process where social sciences feed the engineering analysis and vice versa. Finally, CESP emerges as a practical and applicable framework for supporting energy access planning in critical areas.

The potential impact of digital economy on energy poverty in the context of Chinese provinces

This study focused on exploring the impact of the digital economy (DE) on energy poverty (EP) across Chinese provinces from 2004 to 2018, motivated by the critical need to understand how technological advancements in the digital sector influence energy accessibility and sustainability. Conducted against the backdrop of global digital transformation, the research aimed to dissect the nuanced ways in which the DE contributes to mitigating EP, employing dynamic panel threshold and indirect effect models to capture both the direct and nuanced, and intermediate effects of digital progress on energy deprivation. Key findings revealed a significant reduction in EP attributed to the advancements in DE, with the most notable improvements observed in Eastern China where strategic energy policies and management practices enhanced the positive impacts of digitalization. The study highlighted the DE's role in improving energy access, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, although it also pointed out the potential for regressive effects in areas with lower levels of technological advancement. These findings are of substantial value as they offer empirical evidence of the DE's capacity to alleviate EP, underlining the importance of integrating digital strategies into energy policy planning. The research provides critical insights for policymakers, stakeholders in the energy sector, and scholars interested in the synergies between digital innovation and energy security, suggesting that leveraging digital technologies could accelerate efforts towards achieving sustainable energy access and combating energy poverty in China and potentially in other contexts facing similar challenges.

Navigating energy and climate justice in Southeast Asia: perspectives and pathways

This research explores the multi-faceted challenges and opportunities of achieving climate and energy justice in Southeast Asia, particularly in ASEAN. By examining three distinct yet interrelated studies, it provides a comprehensive account of energy access development that intertwines regional electrification strategies, localised energy solutions in the Philippines, and an in-depth analysis of just transitions in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The research presented here delves into the complex dynamics of electrification efforts, showcasing the role of diverse stakeholders, the importance of contextually grounded business models, and the implications of socio-political factors on climate justice, energy justice, energy access and sustainability. Emphasis here is on the need for an integrative approach to energy policy that considers not only technological innovation but also the social, economic, and cultural dimen-sions of sustainable development. The findings presented herein offer significant insights into the pursuit of equitable and sustainable energy access in Southeast Asia, highlighting the region’s unique challenges and opportunities in the global context of climate change and sustainable development.

Empowering rural electrification in the Philippines: a case study

The paper describes the application of micro hydro power to improve the quality of life of people in rural areas. In this paper, two case studies in the Philippines are presented. One case study is a micro hydro power plant located in Parina in the north of the Philippines developed by an academic institution, De La Salle University; it utilises simple technology. In contrast to Parina, another micro hydro case study developed by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), YAMOG, is located in Timodos in the southern region of the Philippines; it implements more sophisticated technology. Even with differences in technology, similarities in terms of community dynamics, preparation, development, and impact on the community are evident in both case studies. The implementation phases for the two case studies were analysed to determine the characteristics for a successful micro hydro project in conjunction with its social impact. It is shown that micro hydro is a potential solution for clean and sustainable energy access for rural areas.

Local electricity market designs for interconnected nanogrids: Impact on rural electrification in Madagascar

Sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy access is a major challenge in many parts of the world. The paper addresses this challenge by proposing a local electricity market (LEM) design for nanogrids deployed in Madagascar. Each nanogrid shares a solar PV and battery system, and it meets demand locally before trading surplus energy with other nanogrids on a microgrid bus, facilitated through the creation of a LEM. Two distinct market approaches are investigated and compared: central clearing and bilateral trading. Bilateral trading generates trading prices through direct interaction between consumers and producers, whereas central clearing sets a single trading price based on the cost-ordered supply curve. Our study shows that central clearing generates more consumer-friendly prices and facilitates the trading of all technically feasible energy, while bilateral trading may results in unmatched trading capacity. We find an average price for central trading of 0.49€/kWh compared to 1.24€/kWh with a bilateral trading mechanism. To promote the low market prices, a bottom-up retail tariff structure is proposed. The aim of this simplified tariff is to promote initial electrification by minimizing entry prices for end-users’ first electricity access to 0.89€/kWh compared to the current average of 2.11€/kWh. The discussed results were evaluated in consultation with the local company in Madagascar to ensure practical suitability and to achieve maximum significance.

Assessment of the association between health problems and cooking fuel type, and barriers towards clean cooking among rural household people in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries, households mainly use solid fuels like wood, charcoal, dung, agricultural residues, and coal for cooking. This poses significant public health concerns due to the emission of harmful particles and gases. To address these issues and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopting cleaner cooking fuels like electricity and gas are acknowledged as a viable solution. However, access to these cleaner fuels is limited, especially in rural areas.MethodsThis study conducted a face-to-face survey with 1240 individuals in rural Bangladesh to explore the link between health issues and cooking fuel type, as well as barriers to transitioning to clean cooking. Using a convenient sampling technique across four divisions/regions, the survey gathered socio-demographic and health data, along with information on clean cooking barriers through a semi-structured questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were then employed to identify significant associations between cooking fuel type and health problems.ResultsThe study revealed that a majority of participants (73.3%) relied on solid fuel for cooking. The use of solid fuel was significantly correlated with factors such as lower education levels, reduced family income, location of residence, and the experience of health issues such as cough, chest pressure while breathing, eye discomfort, diabetes, asthma, and allergies. Economic challenges emerged as the foremost obstacle to the adoption of clean cooking, accompanied by other contributing factors.ConclusionThe use of solid fuel in rural Bangladeshi households poses substantial health risks, correlating with respiratory, eye, cardiovascular, and metabolic issues. Lower education and income levels, along with specific residential locations, were associated with higher solid fuel usage. Economic challenges emerged as the primary obstacle to adopting clean cooking practices. These findings emphasize the need for implementing strategies to promote clean cooking, address barriers, and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal targets for health and sustainable energy access in Bangladesh.

Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of a Hydrogen-Based Micro Hydro-Solar Hybrid Energy System for Sustainable Energy Access: A Case Study in Sri Aman, Sarawak

Several rural areas in Sarawak do not have access to electricity. In Sarawak, most investigations prioritize conventional sources despite the emergence of technology such as fuel cells. Furthermore, diversified investigations on stand-alone hybrid renewable energy systems in Sarawak are lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the feasibility of a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system for rural applications in Sarawak, with a specific focus on the potential benefits of incorporating hydrogen. Different configurations, namely A: Photovoltaic, hydrogen, micro-hydro, B: hydrogen, micro-hydro, C: micro-hydro, D: photovoltaic, and micro-hydro was explored, each with its results, and comparisons were performed between them. By analyzing the system under various load patterns and conducting a sensitivity analysis, the researchers found that scenario A was the most cost-effective and reliable option for a longhouse in Sri Aman, with a net present cost of $148,687, cost of energy of $0.19/kWh, and initial capital of $107,207. Simultaneously, scenario A has the highest annual generating capacity of up to 116521kWh annually. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the electrolyzer could impact the cost of the system. The electrolyzer is the third and second most expensive in scenarios A and B. This research demonstrates the potential of alternative energy sources to improve access to electricity in rural areas. It highlights the importance of continued exploration into emerging technologies to ensure everyone can access safe and reliable electricity.