Africa's energy future will pose challenges

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Mobile Banking ◽  
Rapid Population Growth ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Electricity Infrastructure

Subject The social and environmental implications of Africa's rising energy demand. Significance Africa’s energy development poses fundamental social and environmental challenges. Rapid population growth combined with industrialisation and urbanisation imply large increases in energy demand, much of which is expected to be met by fossil fuels, undermining sustainability goals. Yet increased energy use is critical for the economic development of a continent much of which still has to move away from a dependence on traditional biomass and gain modern levels of access to electricity. Impacts The poor state of electricity infrastructure will retard large-scale electrification, encouraging recourse to off-grid renewables. Weak infrastructure will also increase the degree to which future energy demand is met by fossil fuels. Distributed solar and micro-solar use will expand most rapidly where mobile banking has already penetrated.

Impact of urbanization on per capita energy use and emissions in India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuti Haldar ◽  
Gautam Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Intensity ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Per Capita

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of urbanization on per capita energy consumption and emissions in India. Design/methodology/approach The present study analyses the effects of urbanization on energy consumption patterns by using the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology in India. Time series data from the period of 1960 to 2015 has been considered for the analysis. Variables including Population, GDP per capita, Energy intensity, share of industry in GDP, share of Services in GDP, total energy use and urbanization from World Bank data sources have been used for investigating the relationship between urbanization, affluence and energy use. Findings Energy demand is positively related to affluence (economic growth). Further the results of the analysis also suggest that, as urbanization, GDP and population are bound to increase in the future, consequently resulting in increased carbon dioxide emissions caused by increased energy demand and consumption. Thus, reducing the energy intensity is key to energy security and lower carbon dioxide emissions for India. Research limitations/implications The study will have important policy implications for India’s energy sector transition toward non- conventional, clean energy sources in the wake of growing share of its population residing in urban spaces. Originality/value There are limited number of studies considering the impacts of population density on per capita energy use. So this study also contributes methodologically by establishing per capita energy use as a function of population density and technology (i.e. growth rates of industrial and service sector).

Numerical and experimental analysis of parallel-pass forced convection solar air heating wall with different plenum and absorber configurations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ataollah Khanlari ◽  
Adnan Sözen ◽  
Faraz Afshari ◽  
Azim Doğuş Tuncer ◽  
Ümit Ağbulut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Outlet Temperature ◽  
Heating Wall ◽  
Average Deviation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Applications ◽  
Air Heating ◽  
Simulation Results

Purpose Over the recent years, solar energy has received outstanding attention from researchers. Solar energy applications and related large-scale projects are increasing to meet growing global energy demand as an economical, non-polluting and renewable energy source. The purpose of this study is investigating different plenum and absorber configurations of solar air heating wall (SAHW) experimentally and numerically. Design/methodology/approach In this study, various configurations of SAHW have been numerically simulated to determine the most effective design. According to the simulation results, two SAHWs with various plenum thicknesses have been fabricated and tested at different conditions. Findings Numerical simulation results indicated that parallel-flow SAHWs exhibited better performance in comparison with other placements of absorber plate. Regarding to the experimentally attained results, the highest thermal efficiency was reached to 80.51%. Also, the average deviation between experimentally and numerically obtained outlet temperature is 5.5%. Originality/value Considering the obtained results in the present study, designed SAHW has admissible efficiency to be used in various industrial and residential applications such as; air preheating, space heating and drying.

scholarly journals A novel simulation framework for crowd co-decisions

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-16
Author(s):  
Xia Yao ◽  
Hongbo Sun ◽  
Baode Fan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Voting Rule ◽  
The Social ◽  
Crowd Intelligence ◽  
Large Scale Simulations ◽  
Public Decision ◽  
Public Decision Making

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to aim mainly at social public decision-making problems, studies the corresponding relationship between different voting rule combinations and the final results, and discusses the quantitative relationships between group intelligence (final votes) and individual intelligence (everyone) to defend democracy under the circumstance of rapid development of network technology, and crowd intelligence becomes more complicated and universal. Design/methodology/approach After summarizing the crowd co-decisions of related studies, the standards, frameworks, techniques, methods and tools have been discussed according to the characteristics of large-scale simulations. Findings The contributions of this paper will be useful for both academics and practitioners for formulating VV&A in large-scale simulations. Originality/value This paper will help researchers solve the social public decision-making problems in large-scale simulations.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Environmental Performance of Solar Energy Systems Through a Combined Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Milousi ◽  
Manolis Souliotis ◽  
George Arampatzis ◽  
Spiros Papaefthimiou
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Environmental Implications

The paper presents a holistic evaluation of the energy and environmental profile of two renewable energy technologies: Photovoltaics (thin-film and crystalline) and solar thermal collectors (flat plate and vacuum tube). The selected renewable systems exhibit size scalability (i.e., photovoltaics can vary from small to large scale applications) and can easily fit to residential applications (i.e., solar thermal systems). Various technical variations were considered for each of the studied technologies. The environmental implications were assessed through detailed life cycle assessment (LCA), implemented from raw material extraction through manufacture, use, and end of life of the selected energy systems. The methodological order followed comprises two steps: i. LCA and uncertainty analysis (conducted via SimaPro), and ii. techno-economic assessment (conducted via RETScreen). All studied technologies exhibit environmental impacts during their production phase and through their operation they manage to mitigate significant amounts of emitted greenhouse gases due to the avoided use of fossil fuels. The life cycle carbon footprint was calculated for the studied solar systems and was compared to other energy production technologies (either renewables or fossil-fuel based) and the results fall within the range defined by the global literature. The study showed that the implementation of photovoltaics and solar thermal projects in areas with high average insolation (i.e., Crete, Southern Greece) can be financially viable even in the case of low feed-in-tariffs. The results of the combined evaluation provide insight on choosing the most appropriate technologies from multiple perspectives, including financial and environmental.

Action for increasing energy-saving behaviour in student residences at Rhodes University, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Ancha Lindelwa Bulunga ◽  
Gladman Thondhlana
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Behaviour ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In response to increasing energy demand and financial constraints to invest in green infrastructure, behaviour change energy-saving interventions are increasingly being considered as a tool for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour in campus residences. This paper aims to report on a pilot programme aimed at reducing energy consumption via behaviour change interventions, variably applied in residences at Rhodes University, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via structured questionnaires, energy consumption records and post-intervention programme focus group discussions. Findings Participant residences that received a mix of different interventions in the forms of pamphlets, face-to-face discussions, incentives and feedback recorded more energy reductions of up to 9 per cent than residences that received a single or no intervention. In post-experiment discussions, students cited personal, institutional and structural barriers to pro-environmental energy-use behaviour. Practical implications Overall, the results of this study suggest that information provision of energy-saving tips combined with regular feedback and incentives can result in energy-use reductions in university residences, which may yield environmental and economic benefits for universities, but addressing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour might maximise the results. Originality/value Given the lack of literature on energy conservation in the global South universities, this study provides the basis for discussing the potential for using behavioural interventions in universities for stirring pathways towards sustainability.

Measuring electric energy efficiency in Portuguese households

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Weyman-Jones ◽  
Júlia Mendonça Boucinha ◽  
Catarina Feteira Inácio
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – There is a great interest from the European Union in measuring the efficiency of energy use in households, and this is an area where EDP has done research in both data collection and methodology. This paper reports on a survey of electric energy use in Portuguese households, and reviews and extends the analysis of how efficiently households use electrical energy. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate household electrical energy efficiency in different regions using econometric analysis of the survey data. In addition, the same methodology was applied to a time-series data set, to evaluate recent developments in energy efficiency. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the application to Portuguese households of a new approach to evaluate energy efficiency, developed by Filippini and Hunt (2011, 2012) in which an econometric energy demand model was estimated to control for exogenous variables determining energy demand. The variation in energy efficiency over time and space could then be estimated by applying econometric efficiency analysis to determine the variation in energy efficiency. Findings – The results obtained allowed the identification of priority regions and consumer bands to reduce inefficiency in electricity consumption. The time-series data set shows that the expected electricity savings from the efficiency measures recently introduced by official authorities were fully realized. Research limitations/implications – This approach gives some guidance on how to introduce electricity saving measures in a more cost effective way. Originality/value – This paper outlines a new procedure for developing useful tools for modelling energy efficiency.

Agricultural Energy Demand and Use

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Roland-Holst
Keyword(s):  
Technological Change ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Energy Services ◽  
Carbon Pathways ◽  
Lower Carbon

This overview article examines the historical and technical relationship between agrifood supply chains and energy services. Because agriculture is the original environmental science, all technological change in food production has environmental implications, but these are especially serious in the context of conventional energy use. Agrifood sustainability is of paramount importance to us all, and this will require lower carbon pathways for agriculture.

The level of individual social capital and social activity among librarians and managerial personnel

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 132-148
Author(s):  
Maja Dorota Wojciechowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The One

PurposeThe purpose of this paper i to determine which group – the managerial personnel or the directors of libraries – had a more extensive social network and were more eager to engage in cooperation, in other words – had the qualities believed to be important in managerial positions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the results of research on the levels of individual social capital, as well as the social activity among librarians in 20 countries across the world, which are important for integration with the local community and development of library services.FindingsThe research confirmed that library directors are more active than managerial personnel or line workers, although there were areas in which line workers and managers scored higher than directors. In some areas of civic activity, line workers and managers, rather than directors, led the way.Research limitations/implicationsThis is the first research into the social capital and social activity of the managerial personnel of libraries conducted on such a large scale – in 20 countries across the world. The electronic survey resulted in the total of 6,593 valid responses, which were analysed statistically. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics were calculated, and the chi-square test of independence and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied. The level of individual social capital was calculated on the basis of a resource generator – Questionnaire for the Measurement of Individual Social Capital (KPIKS).Originality/valueThis is the first research into the social capital and social activity of the managerial personnel of libraries conducted on such a large scale – in 20 countries across the world. The electronic survey resulted in the total of 6,593 valid responses, which were analysed statistically. The one-way ANOVA statistics were calculated, and the chi-square test of independence and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied. The level of individual social capital was calculated on the basis of a resource generator – Questionnaire for the Measurement of Individual Social Capital (KPIKS).

Energy use in horticulture.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynette Morgan
Keyword(s):  
World War Ii ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Human Labour ◽  
Increase Food Production

Abstract Horticultural production requires the use of many different forms of energy. These energy sources range from natural energy such as light, heat and human labour to the widespread use of fossil fuels, electricity and natural gas, which dominate large scale, modern agriculture systems. Energy has been a vital input for efficient production ever since man first began to cultivate crops. Initially, the only energy sources available were human labour to cultivate, sow, weed, fertilize, irrigate, maintain and harvest crops. However, domesticated animals became a major energy source, replacing some of the heavy work required in early horticultural systems. With the development of modern horticultural systems, machinery and equipment, new, energy-intensive technologies in the post-World War II era began to dramatically increase food production (Pelletier et al., 2011). In the second half of the 20th century global food production more than doubled (Khan and Hanjra, 2009). It is projected to continue to increase until 2050 to meet the demands of continued growing populations. This requirement for ever-increasing volumes of food production, coupled with growing societal affluence and demand for a wide and diverse range of horticultural products exported around the globe, will see energy use become even more of a significant factor within the horticultural industry.

Social marketing and systems science: past, present and future

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitry Brychkov ◽  
Christine Domegan
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Systems Science ◽  
Marketing Theory ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Science Integration ◽  
The Social ◽  
Deep Integration

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present retrospective, current and prospective aspects of social marketing and systems science integration. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a periodization methodology, based on turning points of conceptual integration between social marketing and systems science. Findings The paper identifies three periods of integration between social marketing and systems science: initialization of marketing and systems science integration; further conceptualization of the link between marketing and systems science, coupled by permeation of systems thinking into social marketing; and deep integration of social marketing with systems science. The latter period is ongoing and focuses on the origination of strategic systems-based theories and practices for sustainable social change. Research limitations/implications The use of a periodization methodology might be biased by subjectivity, as chronological sequences of conceptualization-related events can be hard to decipher and can be reluctant to structural analysis. The necessity to examine the link between marketing and systems science, in so far as social marketing draws upon marketing theory regarding integration with systems science, has social marketing overshadowed by marketing at some points in time. Practical implications Historical research of social marketing and systems science integration provides a robust platform for large-scale practical manifestation of system-based strategic projects in social marketing. Originality/value This paper demonstrates that the permeation of systems thinking into the social marketing paradigm is gaining momentum and describes the trends, prospects and complexities associated with the accelerating integration.

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