scholarly journals Financing renewable energy projects in the Dominican Republic: an empirical study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelines Daihana Donastorg ◽  
Suresh Renukappa ◽  
Subashini Suresh

Purpose Currently, renewable energy (RE) sources represent a crucial pillar in obtaining sustainable development, one of the global goals for all countries. However, this presents a unique challenge for emerging and developing countries. As the technical and financial issues remain a significant barrier in implementing RE projects, several mechanisms are available to aid the financial aspect of investing and implementing clean energy projects. This paper aims to discuss new and traditional trends in the financial area of renewable investment, focusing on the Dominican Republic (DR), identifying the gaps in the financial area regarding RE. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was conducted in the DR. This country is located at the heart of the Caribbean. Given the complexity of RE and developing countries issues and the scarcity of comparable research in the area, an interpretivist research paradigm along with the qualitative methodology was adopted. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The study sample includes: directors, chief executive officers and managers responsible for the implementation of RE strategies in their respective departments/organisations. NVivo software was used for data management and the collected data was analysed using content analysis. Findings The research highlighted several severe financial handicaps regarding RE in the DR: The lack of RE assets recognition; lack of RE investment loans; perceived RE risk; and lack of financial guarantor. After extensive interviews with critical actors in the RE sector in the DR, the possible solutions and recommendations for avoiding locking the energy and economic sector in fossil fuel debt are: (a) diversification of RE technology assets recognition, (b) implementation of government RE fund, (c) RE education on all actors and (d) introduction and adoption of new financial trends such as green bonds, bank pooling, cooperatives and more. Originality/value This paper provides information and knowledge related to financial tools and policies that are available for the RE projects in the DR. The results have a socio-economic impact. This research provides a better understanding of the key financial tools to be explored by RE project developers in the developing countries. This study shows the gaps that exist between the knowledge that the stakeholders should possess and the actual knowledge that exists in the country regarding the financial aspect of an RE project.

Similar to other business projects, clean energy projects also has orientation for profit maximization in developing countries. Environmental problems caused by industrial wastes have been becoming serious issues in developing countries. Hence, recycling industrial wastes, in order to create more renewable and clean energy, has been recognized as one of ways to reduce adverse impact of global warming and negative effect of greenhouse gases. According to statistics, Viet Nam discharges about 400,000 tons of waste tires annually and this number in the US is estimated about 4,200,000 tons per year (source: vnu.edu.vn). This creates many environmental issues. Hence, this paper aims to propose a business model to solve problems mentioned below in the paper. Building a tire shredding plant in California, USA (for example) to cut the whole tires into small shredded tires then export to developing countries like Vietnam is one method to convert wastes into clean energy and protecting our environment. This is one main objective of this research paper. Another purpose of this study is to find out a financial model to evaluate socio-economic values of renewable energy projects that help to protect our environment, as well as a modern viewpoint of not including or adding (+) new debt issuances to increase net cash flow when estimating FCFE cash flow. Using pyrolysis technology to crack carbon linkage into smaller linkages, and then convert waste tires into renewable energy (FO-R oil, carbon black and steel). This is an application of chemical engineering. Through the economic and technical analysis of this model, we can see the practical benefits of the energy project in terms of economic efficiency, profitability, which bring surplus value for investors, effective solutions for customers and a quality energy product for the society. And it also suggest the relevant government of developing countries to consider proper policies to encourage environment protection and businesses in the field of converting industrial wastes such as tires into clean energy.


Subject Morocco renewables. Significance Morocco showcased the progress it has made with the development of renewable energy at the COP21 climate change conference in Paris. At the conference, Morocco pledged to increase the renewable contribution to its electricity mix to 52% by 2030. The government has already set a target of 42% of its electricity generating capacity based on renewables by 2020: 14% each from hydro, wind and solar plants. Impacts Morocco can derive political and diplomatic benefits by projecting itself as a leading global force in developing clean energy. It will have an even better opportunity to do so when it hosts the COP22 meeting in Marrakech in November 2016. Morocco's renewable energy projects have been underpinned by subsidies, but these are likely to diminish as costs fall. Depending on technology, Morocco could export electricity generated from renewables to Europe and countries in north and west Africa.


Subject Energy improvements. Significance In the first quarter of 2018, the Dominican Republic launched construction of two renewable energy projects as part of its long-term plan to diversify away from over-reliance on heavy fuels. This forms a key part of the Pacto Electrico, which plans to transform the country’s energy sector over the next decade with the aim of improving the Dominican Republic’s investment competitiveness and boost long-term economic growth. Impacts Improved electricity generation could also benefit Haiti, which relies on the Dominican Republic for much of its supply. More reliable supply will boost business growth by improving productivity and investor sentiment. The Dominican Republic’s large economy gives it the opportunity to become a regional leader in renewables.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Igwe ◽  
Fuzhan Nasiri ◽  
Amin Hammad

PurposeThis study highlights the findings of an empirical study to investigate waste factors (WFs) affecting the performance and delivery of construction projects in developing countries. The objectives of this study are to identify non-physical WFs in developing nations and rank the identified factors based on their degree of influence on the key performance indicators (KPIs) of cost, quality and time.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 34 WFs were identified through a detailed literature review and consolidated using semi-structured interviews with construction practitioners. The statistical analysis involved a normality test using the Shapiro–Wilk test to determine if sample data have been drawn from a normally distributed population, ranking the WFs using the Frequency Index (FI), Severity Index (SI) and Importance Index (IMPI), ranking the WFs based on their effect on the project KPIs of cost, quality and time, and identify clustering structures for the identified WFs to using factor analysis (FA).FindingsThe results revealed ineffective planning and scheduling, rework/repair of defective work and resource quality problems (human, material and equipment) as the three most important WFs affecting construction projects. The factor analyses showed that WFs can be grouped into five interrelated components, suggesting the need for integrated and holistic strategies to overcome the identified WF.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the effects of WFs on construction projects is a first step towards designing holistic solutions to ensuring projects deliver value to the clients and other stakeholders. The findings of this study provide direction to construction practitioners on where to focus appropriate strategies to manage the identified WFs effectively and, therefore, improve the productivity of construction projects.Originality/valueThis study provides the first holistic analysis of WFs affecting the productivity of construction projects in developing countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei Boar ◽  
Erola Palau Pinyana ◽  
Marc Oliveras-Villanueva

PurposeThis paper takes a critical view of synergies and trade-offs and discloses the practices that countries and companies should apply to achieve sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers a systematic literature review of 408 papers to find models of sustainable development goals (SDGs) interaction with the aim of shedding light on the existing synergies and trade-offs and finding solutions to enhance these synergies and minimize the trade-offs.FindingsBoth rich and developing countries should follow multiple strategies to improve the quality of life of their citizens. Developing countries should focus on eradicating poverty. Rich countries should apply new economic models that are more likely to be environmental-friendly. Finally, the topic of SDGs should be revisited by the United Nations.Practical implicationsBoosting the quality of education and providing clean energy are two of the most relevant actions that should to be taken by countries, as they will accelerate the fulfilment of all the other SDGs. The use of circular economic models or new business models, such as the sharing economy, is essential to the achievement of sustained economic growth without negative environmental impact.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes SDG interactions and offers a critical vision of practices that countries and companies should adhere to for achieving sustainable development.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 368-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noore Alam Siddiquee

Purpose Since 2009, e-government has been high on governmental agenda in Bangladesh. Seen as a vehicle for improving governance and service delivery, it is also presented as a key to fighting poverty and achieving the millennium development goals. Thus, the goals of e-government remain broad and ambitious. Can a developing country such as Bangladesh realize its e-government vision? The purpose of this paper is to explore this and other related questions seeking to draw lessons that the Bangladesh experience may offer. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws primarily on secondary information, complemented by primary data gathered from various sources. In addition to an extensive review of secondary sources, necessary information was derived from websites of relevant government departments/agencies and through interviews and conversations with selected government officials having intimate knowledge on e-government projects at the field and local levels. Findings The paper demonstrates the ways in which various e-initiatives have transformed traditional administrative systems and practices, notwithstanding the nation’s limited overall e-development. It also shows how e-innovations have helped tackle some complex challenges, thereby adding to convenience and benefits to service users. A major conclusion of the paper is that although e-government is yet to make a breakthrough in governance and service delivery, it has set the wheels of change in motion. Practical implications E-government must be seen as a long term project, it must attract high-level political support and it requires fruitful collaboration between the public, private and non-governmental actors. Originality/value This paper adds to the limited knowledge in the field. Lessons learned from the Bangladesh experience have much relevance to other developing countries with similar socioeconomic circumstances. The policymakers and practitioners are expected to benefit from the insights of the paper.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Rialp-Criado ◽  
Seyed Meysam Zolfaghari Ejlal Manesh ◽  
Øystein Moen

Purpose This paper aims to elaborate on the crucial effects that a seemingly detrimental policy change in Spain has had on the international entrepreneurial activities of domestic renewable energy (RE) firms. Design/methodology/approach Primary data were collected from nine RE companies in Spain and then triangulated with secondary data and interviews from informants in other local institutions. Findings Domestic RE firms, due to an institutional scape driver action, reacted to an increasingly uncertain and generally more adverse renewable energy policy framework in this country by preferring to internationalise towards foreign markets that had lower political uncertainty than the domestic one. Research limitations/implications This paper complements previous research primarily on firm-specific factors that enhance internationalising firms’ survival and growth through a focus on the impact of a changing institutional-political environment at the home country-level. Practical implications Practitioners in the RE sector should analyse the risk of focusing only on the home market, as it can be too dependent on uncontrolled variations in domestic energy policy. Social implications The findings indicate that a more stable and supportive, long-term perspective in the domestic RE policy is essential for the sustained growth and development of this emerging industry. Originality/value To analyse the strategy by which a number of purposefully selected companies were able to use international expansion as a survival-seeking strategy against a drastic policy-level change in the domestic RE market.


2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 373-392
Author(s):  
Felix Amenumey ◽  
Melissa Pawlisch ◽  
Okechukwu Ukaga

The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is a project designed to give local citizens and other stakeholders a voice in planning and determining their energy future. In total, there are seven CERTs operating in seven regions across Minnesota, USA. CERTs connect citizens with technical expertise to facilitate planning and implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy projects. These technical resources are helping the teams identify and prioritize the most appropriate and cost-effective opportunities within their regions. This paper will describe one of these energy teams (the Northeast CERT) and its efforts in promoting clean energy production and conservation. A key product of the Northeast CERT is a strategic energy plan that highlights the region's top energy priorities. As part of its project priorities, the Northeast Minnesota CERT is working to set up demonstration projects at every school and community in the region. Toward this goal, the team is currently collaborating with two schools in the region to set up renewable energy projects such as wind and solar, which in turn would help students to understand that renewables and conservation can and should be an integral part of our energy system.


Author(s):  
Kenneth Otieno Odhiambo ◽  
Charles Rambo ◽  
Stephen Lucas Okelo

In spite of the rise in the global adoption of public private partnerships, developing countries have failed to attract private investments in equally measure as their developed partners. This has impacted on infrastructural financing in developing countries. The current study sought to establish how market risks influence the performance of public private partnership renewable energy projects. The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm and employed a mixed methods approach, correlational and descriptive survey design. Quantitative data was collected by use of a self-administered questionnaire and while an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data after piloting and reliability established. A sample size of 263 respondents was drawn from a target population of 769 using the Yamane formula. For descriptive statistics the study used the mean and standard deviation. For inferential statistics the study used Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (r) and Multiple Regression while the F-tests were used in hypothesis testing. The study established a significant influence of market risks on the performance of public private partnerships renewable energy projects F (1,204) =104.689, P=0.000˂ 0.05.  H0 was consequently rejected. Based on this finding the study recommends hedging measures to promote public private partnerships


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