scholarly journals Renewable Energy: The Key to Achieving Sustainable Development of Rural Bangladesh

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 9-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
MS Islam ◽  
AMHR Khan ◽  
S Nasreen ◽  
F Rabbi ◽  
MR Islam
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Environmental Degradation ◽  
Underdeveloped Country ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Rural Bangladesh ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Global Initiative ◽  
Over Exploitation

Renewable energy technologies (RETs) can help reduce poverty, energy shortage and environmental degradation such as desertification, biodiversity depletion and climate change effects in Bangladesh. The country is short of gas and electricity supply. Over-exploitation of biomass in meeting energy needs of the rural people has caused environmental degradation. RET can help solve those problems if it is widely used in the rural Bangladesh where people primarily depend on biomass energy. Bangladesh has enough renewable to mitigate such energy crisis and its adverse consequences. Bangladesh being an underdeveloped country, global initiative would be helpful in transferring RETs for the village households. This paper describes the glimpses of RETs in Bangladesh in terms of its policy issues, implementation, dissemination, marketing, and research and development activities. Modern RETs are still in the research, development and demonstration phase in the country. Like most of the developing countries, there is a niche market for new RETs and several private sector entrepreneurs and NGOs have tried to explore this market. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10175 JCE 2011; 26(1): 9-15

Design of Carbon-Neutral Residential Communities in Kuwait

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baqer Ameer ◽  
Moncef Krarti
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Efficiency Measures ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Residential Communities ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Carbon Neutral

In this paper, a general methodology for designing carbon-neutral residential communities is presented. Both energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies are considered in the design approach. First, energy end-uses for the buildings within the community are optimized based on a set of cost-effective energy efficiency measures that are selected based on a life-cycle cost analysis. Then, renewable energy technologies are considered to meet the energy needs for the residential community and ensure carbon-neutrality on an annual basis. The methodology is applied to design optimal and carbon-neutral hybrid electrical generation systems for three Kuwaiti residential communities with different sizes and energy efficiency designs. For Kuwait, it is found that wind turbines can cost-effectively generate significant electricity to meet most of the energy needs for the residential communities and thus reducing the country's reliance on fuel-based power plants. Specifically, it is found that wind turbines can generate electricity at a cost of $0.068/kWh well below the current grid power production costs of $0.103/kWh. Moreover, the analysis indicates that concentrated solar power (CSP) can be utilized to achieve carbon-neutral residential communities but at a levelized energy cost of $0.13/kWh slightly lower than the current grid power generation and distribution costs of $0.133/kWh.

scholarly journals A Review of a Successful Unsubsidized Market-Based Rural Solar Development Initiative in Laikipia District, Central Kenya

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Wambuguh
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Investment Capital ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Central Kenya

The development of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in many areas far from grid-based electricity have primarily involved solar photovoltaics (SPVs) which tap solar radiation to provide heat, light, hot water, electricity, and cooling for homes, businesses, and industry. A study on RETs took place in the Wiyumiririe Location of Laikipia District (north-central Kenya), a rich agricultural region. To explore this solar initiative in such a remote part of the country, a purposive randomized convenience sample of 246 households was selected and landowner interviews conducted, followed by field visits and observations. Although more than half of the households visited had SPV installations, solar energy was found to contribute only 18% of household estimated total energy needs; most residents still primarily relying on traditional energy sources. Several types of solar panels of different capacities and costs were utilized. Many landowners had at least one or two rooms using solar energy for household lighting, for appliance charging and to power radio and television. Almost all respondents appreciated that solar energy was clean renewable energy that greatly improved household living conditions; gave them some prestige; was easy to use and maintain; and was available year around. Although such significant benefits were associated with SPVs, only about 40% of residents interviewed were somehow satisfied with its development. Respondents expressed specific developmental initiatives that were closely associated with the availability of solar energy. Nevertheless, a number of challenges were raised associated with SPVs primarily investment capital and equipment costs and maintenance. As solutions to capital building will not solely rely on subsidies or individual farmer inputs, strategies must be found to mobilize the essential and tested tools for success including sustainable capital generation, building local institutions and capacities that integrate rural people, local participation in rural development activities and public education and training. Keywords: appliance charging,battery,development initiatives, household lighting, landowners,solar energy, SPVs, solar equipment and accessories

Research Opportunities for Renewable Energy Electrification in Remote Areas of Costa Rica

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 553-563
Author(s):  
Gustavo Richmond-Navarro ◽  
Rolando Madriz-Vargas ◽  
Noel Ureña-Sandí ◽  
Fabian Barrientos-Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Costa Rica ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Efficient Solutions ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Wind Power Plants ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Electricity Access

Abstract Most countries around the world are politically driven to move toward a low-carbon future by embracing renewable energy technologies for electricity generation. With abundance of renewable energy resources, Costa Rica produces over 95 percent of its electricity from hydro, geothermal, and wind power plants. Only one percent of its population live without electricity, mainly in remote territories where rural off-grid electrification is very challenging. The purpose of this research is to contribute to enhancing the opportunities to reach universal electricity access in Costa Rica by studying some cases. A comparison with the African situation is made in order to find common points of benefit and learning. This article highlights that a greater level of engagement is needed from local leaders to develop efficient solutions in Costa Rica, and brings a relevant comparison with Africa’s energy needs as well.

scholarly journals ASSESSING THE CARBON EMISSION REDUCTION BY GRID-TIED PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) TECHNOLOGY FOR BUILDINGS IN SRI LANKA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.H. Ganegodage ◽  
◽  
K.G.A.S. Waidyasekara ◽  
H. Mallawaarachchi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Carbon Emission ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Carbon Reduction ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Needs

Energy related carbon emission of buildings is a major cause of global warming. In order to mitigate energy related carbon emission, buildings tend to adopt renewable energy technologies. Amongst renewable energy technologies, grid-tied PV technology has gained the interest of building energy consumers as an alternative energy source. Nevertheless, there is considerably low implementation of grid-tied PV technology in Sri Lanka, especially as a carbon reduction strategy. A key reason for lack of implementation of grid-tied PV system is that majority of buildings still depend on traditional energy sources for their total energy needs. Hence, there is a need of highlighting the importance of grid-tied PV system to penetrate the existing traditional energy market. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the possible energy related carbon reduction of grid-tied PV system for buildings in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, total of four (4) buildings were selected as case studies, including two buildings with grid-tied PV technology and two other buildings that are totally dependent on traditional energy sources. Subsequently, carbon footprint assessment was conducted to four (4) buildings specifying to energy related carbon emitting activities. And research findings revealed that selected two buildings with grid-Tied PV technology achieve an average reduction of carbon by 3379.77kg and 3013.06kg respectively per month compared to traditional-energy buildings. Consequently, this work has successfully identified that buildings with grid-tied PV technology achieve a reduction in energy related carbon emission compared to buildings with traditional energy sources.

scholarly journals GREEN ENERGY: AN ANALYTICAL DISCOURSE

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Baluch ◽  
S. Mohtar ◽  
A. S. Ariffin
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
To Come

The climate change, the global warming, the population growth and the continuous demand on energy and electricity in specific made renewable energy one of the most appropriate and fitting to answer all these changes of our environment. However, the vested interested groups belonging to the fossil fuel cartel continue working tirelessly to discourage the use of renewable energy and renewable energy solutions in the world. Despite the recusant efforts of the Oil Cartel, renewable energy use has grown much faster than anyone anticipated. This paper: defines green and renewable energy; highlights its benefits; and illustrates that clean energy technologies are prepared for accelerated and widespread expansion in the global power sector. The paper critically examines the recusant efforts of the Oil Cartel undermining green renewable energy sector by bankrolling the production of unconventional oil and gas; and demonstrates that over-reliance on fossil fuels for power generation has significant health, environmental, and economic risks and is not a long-term solution to our energy needs. The paper concludes that a global transition to renewable energy is already underway. Renewable Energy offers an alternative to conventional sources and grants us greater control over future energy prices and supply. The energy choices we make during this pivotal moment will have huge consequences for our health, our climate, and our economy for decades to come.

scholarly journals Balancing Politics and U.S. Energy Supply: One Renewable Energy Resource Gets Support from Both Sides of the Aisle

2002 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Tara Nielson
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Federal Budget ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Budget Process ◽  
Hydrogen Energy ◽  
Political Climate ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
State Programs

The debate over the U.S. Department of Energy’s fiscal year 2002 budget for the renewable energy Hydrogen Program demonstrates how industry, state programs, and government officials can affect policy making through the federal budget process. Funding for energy programs is controversial, as Democrats and Republicans typically disagree over the use of fossil versus renewable resources to satisfy the country’s energy needs. The Hydrogen Program, which funds research and development for renewable hydrogen energy technologies, receives support from both sides of the aisle. This article explains the reasons behind the unusual circumstances of this bipartisan support and discusses ways in which the current political climate may shape Hydrogen Program funding in the future.

Renewable Energy on Tribal Lands: A Feasibility Study for a Biomass-to-Energy Plant on the Cocopah Reservation in Arizona

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Lauren K. D’Souza ◽  
William L. Ascher ◽  
Tanja Srebotnjak
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
The United States ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Plant ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Alternative Investment

Native American reservations are among the most economically disadvantaged regions in the United States; lacking access to economic and educational opportunities that are exacerbated by “energy insecurity” due to insufficient connectivity to the electric grid and power outages. Local renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass offer energy alternatives but their implementation encounters barriers such as lack of financing, infrastructure, and expertise, as well as divergent attitudes among tribal leaders. Biomass, in particular, could be a source of stable base-load power that is abundant and scalable in many rural communities. This case study examines the feasibility of a biomass energy plant on the Cocopah reservation in southwestern Arizona. It considers feedstock availability, cost and energy content, technology options, nameplate capacity, discount and interest rates, construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, and alternative investment options. This study finds that at current electricity prices and based on typical costs for fuel, O&M over 30 years, none of the tested scenarios is presently cost-effective on a net present value (NPV) basis when compared with an alternative investment yielding annual returns of 3% or higher. The technology most likely to be economically viable and suitable for remote, rural contexts—a combustion stoker—resulted in a levelized costs of energy (LCOE) ranging from US$0.056 to 0.147/kWh. The most favorable scenario is a combustion stoker with an estimated NPV of US$4,791,243. The NPV of the corresponding alternative investment is US$7,123,380. However, if the tribes were able to secure a zero-interest loan to finance the plant’s installation cost, the project would be on par with the alternative investment. Even if this were the case, the scenario still relies on some of the most optimistic assumptions for the biomass-to-power plant and excludes abatement costs for air emissions. The study thus concludes that at present small-scale, biomass-to-energy projects require a mix of favorable market and local conditions as well as appropriate policy support to make biomass energy projects a cost-competitive source of stable, alternative energy for remote rural tribal communities that can provide greater tribal sovereignty and economic opportunities.

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