scholarly journals Long-term variability of solar irradiance and its implications for photovoltaic power in West Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Neher ◽  
Susanne Crewell ◽  
Stefanie Meilinger ◽  
Uwe Pfeifroth ◽  
Jörg Trentmann
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Solar Irradiance ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Negative Trend ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Data Record ◽  
The Impact

<p><span><span>West Africa is one of the least developed regions in the world regarding the energy availability and energy security. Located close to the equator West Africa receives high amounts of global horizontal irradiance (GHI). Thus, solar power and especially photovoltaic (PV) systems seem to be a promising solution to provide electricity with low environmental impact. To plan and to dimension a PV power system climatological data for global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and its variability need to be taken into account. However, ground based measurements of irradiances are not available continuously and cover only a few discrete locations.</span></span></p><p><span><span>Data records of surface irradiance based on satellite measurements have the advantage of covering wide spatial regions and being available over long time periods. The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring (CM SAF) provides the Surface Solar Radiation Data Set-Heliosat, Edition 2.1 (SARAH-2.1), a 35 year long climate data record in an half hourly resolution, covering the whole of Africa and Europe.<br></span></span></p><p><span><span>In this study, the SARAH-2.1 data record (1983-2017) is used to analyze the impact of 35 years atmospheric variability and trend on GHI and PV yields over West Africa (defined as the region from 3°N to 20°N and 20°W to 16°E). The trend and the variability of solar irradiance is analyzed separately for the wet and dry season as well as for annual data. Furthermore, a simplified model provides high-resolution potential PV yields. </span></span></p><p><span><span>According to the SARAH-2.1 data record, solar irradiance is largest (with up to 300 W/m 2 daily average) in the Sahara and the Sahel zone with a positive trend (up to 5 W/m</span></span><sup><span><span>2</span></span></sup><span><span>/decade). Whereas, the solar irradiance is lower in southern West Africa with a negative trend (up to -5 W/m</span></span><sup><span><span>2</span></span></sup><span><span>/decade). The positive trend is mostly connected to the dry season, while the negative trend occurs during the wet season. PV yields show a strong meridional gradient with lowest values around 4 kWh/kWp in southern West Africa and reach more than 5 kWh/kWp in the Sahara and Sahel zone.</span></span></p><p><span><span>T</span></span><span><span>his poster will discuss the long-term trend and variability analysis of solar irradiance and highlight the implications for photovoltaic-based power systems in West Africa.</span></span></p>

scholarly journals Photovoltaic power potential in West Africa using long-term satellite data

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (21) ◽  
pp. 12871-12888
Author(s):  
Ina Neher ◽  
Susanne Crewell ◽  
Stefanie Meilinger ◽  
Uwe Pfeifroth ◽  
Jörg Trentmann
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Temporal Variability ◽  
Solar Irradiance ◽  
Negative Trend ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Regional Variability ◽  
Surface Solar Radiation ◽  
Data Set

Abstract. This paper addresses long-term historical changes in solar irradiance in West Africa (3 to 20∘ N and 20∘ W to 16∘ E) and the implications for photovoltaic systems. Here, we use satellite irradiance (Surface Solar Radiation Data Set – Heliosat, Edition 2.1 – SARAH-2.1) and temperature data from a reanalysis (ERA5) to derive photovoltaic yields. Based on 35 years of data (1983–2017), the temporal and regional variability as well as long-term trends in global and direct horizontal irradiance are analyzed. Furthermore, a detailed time series analysis is undertaken at four locations. According to the high spatial resolution SARAH-2.1 data record (0.05∘×0.05∘), solar irradiance is largest (up to a 300 W m−2 daily average) in the Sahara and the Sahel zone with a positive trend (up to 5 W m−2 per decade) and a lower temporal variability (<75 W m−2 between 1983 and 2017 for daily averages). In contrast, the solar irradiance is lower in southern West Africa (between 200 W m−2 and 250 W m−2) with a negative trend (up to −5 W m−2 per decade) and a higher temporal variability (up to 150 W m−2). The positive trend in the north is mostly connected to the dry season, whereas the negative trend in the south occurs during the wet season. Both trends show 95 % significance. Photovoltaic (PV) yields show a strong meridional gradient with the lowest values of around 4 kWh  kWp−1 in southern West Africa and values of more than 5.5 kWh  kWp−1 in the Sahara and Sahel zone.

scholarly journals Long-term variability of solar irradiance and its implications for photovoltaic power in West Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Neher ◽  
Susanne Crewell ◽  
Stefanie Meilinger ◽  
Uwe Pfeifroth ◽  
Jörg Trentmann
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Solar Irradiance ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Regional Variability ◽  
Surface Solar Radiation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Photovoltaic Power

Abstract. This paper addresses long-term changes in solar irradiance for West Africa (3° N to 20° N and 20° W to 16° E) and its implications for photovoltaic power systems. Here we use satellite irradiance (Surface Solar Radiation Data Set-Heliosat, Edition 2.1, SARAH-2.1) to derive photovoltaic yields. Based on 35 years of data (1983–2017) the temporal and regional variability as well as long-term trends of global and direct horizontal irradiance are analyzed. Furthermore, at four locations a detailed time series analysis is undertaken. The dry and the wet season are considered separately. According to the high resolved SARAH-2.1 data record (0.05° x 0.05°), solar irradiance is largest (with up to 300 W/m² daily average) in the Sahara and the Sahel zone with a positive trend (up to 5 W/m²/decade) and a lower variability (

scholarly journals Effects of agricultural credit on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 592-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Ali Chandio ◽  
Yuansheng Jiang ◽  
Feng Wei ◽  
Xu Guangshun
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Farms ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Agricultural Credit ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of short-term loan (STL) vs long-term loan (LTL) on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The econometric estimation is based on cross-sectional data collected in 2016 from 18 villages in three districts, i.e. Shikarpur, Sukkur and Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The sample data set consist of 180 wheat farmers. The collected data were analyzed through different econometric techniques like Cobb–Douglas production function and Instrumental variables (two-stage least squares) approach. Findings This study reconfirmed that agricultural credit has a positive and highly significant effect on wheat productivity, while the short-term loan has a stronger effect on wheat productivity than the long-term loan. The reasons behind the phenomenon may be the significantly higher usage of agricultural inputs like seeds of improved variety and fertilizers which can be transformed into the wheat yield in the same year. However, the LTL users have significantly higher investments in land preparation, irrigation and plant protection, which may lead to higher wheat production in the coming years. Research limitations/implications In the present study, only those wheat farmers were considered who obtained agricultural loans from formal financial institutions like Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited and Khushhali Bank. However, in the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan, a considerable proportion of small-scale farmers take credit from informal financial channels. Therefore future researchers should consider the informal credits as well. Originality/value This is the first paper to examine the effects of agricultural credit on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan. This paper will be an important addition to the emerging literature regarding effects of credit studies.

Impacts of national parks on tourism: a case study from a prominent alpine national park

2009 ◽  
pp. 103-120
Author(s):  
Michael Getzner
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Overnight Stays

-National parks and other categories of protected areas are often assumed to enhance regional economic development due to park tourism. The current study attempts to estimate the impact of the Hohe Tauern national park (Austria) on tourism by exploring whether and to what extent the national park may have had an influence on tourism development. For most national park communities, the results suggest that the establishment of the national park had some impact by enforcing an already positive trend or by weakening or reversing a negative trend of tourism. However, breakpoint tests exhibit turning points up to several years after the establishment of the park, indicating that taking a national park as the basis for tourism development is a medium to long term development strategy. In the short term, the impact of a national park on tourism is not measurable. Tourism increased by 1 to 3% annually after the breakpoint, indicating that the establishment of a national park has to be incorporated into the tourism and development strategy of a region right from the start. The causal relationship between the establishment of the national park and tourism development may be weak, in particular in communities where the difference between the actual and the forecast numbers of overnight stays is small. Marketing national park tourism and building up a brand or distinctive label may therefore contribute to regional development particularly in the long term.Key words: Tourism, national park, protected area, time series, stationarity, breakpoint test, ARIMA.JEL classifications: R110, L830, C220.Parole chiave: Turismo, parco nazionale, area protetta, serie temporale, stazionarietŕ, test di breakpoint, ARIMA.

scholarly journals Output Growth Volatility and Remittances: The Case of ECOWAS

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Deekor Leelee Nwibari ◽  
Gbanador Clever A.
Keyword(s):  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Output Growth ◽  
Set Covering ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Output Volatility ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Growth Volatility

The study on output growth volatility and remittances: the case of ECOWAS is to determine the impact of remittances on output growth volatility. To achieve this, the study adopts the theory of altruism which posits that the migrant derives a positive utility from the well-being of the family left behind. A panel annual data set covering 15 remittances recipient ECOWAS member nations for the period ranging from 1995 to 2015 were utilized. The study utilizes a panel system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique and both the static and dynamic panel estimation approaches to examine the impact of remittances on growth volatility. Results show that remittances appear to be inducing output volatility in ECOWAS member countries. As a result, the study suggests among others, the encouragement of policies that will foster increasing influx of remittances to the region by the concern authorities in order to stabilize volatility of any form in the region.

scholarly journals The impact of air–sea coupling and ocean biases on the seasonal cycle of southern West African precipitation

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 7027-7044
Author(s):  
Caroline M. Wainwright ◽  
Linda C. Hirons ◽  
Nicholas P. Klingaman ◽  
Richard P. Allan ◽  
Emily Black ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Global Ocean ◽  
Cmip5 Models ◽  
Rainfall Regime ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The biannual seasonal rainfall regime over the southern part of West Africa is characterised by two wet seasons, separated by the ‘Little Dry Season’ in July–August. Lower rainfall totals during this intervening dry season may be detrimental for crop yields over a region with a dense population that depends on agricultural output. Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models do not correctly capture this seasonal regime, and instead generate a single wet season, peaking at the observed timing of the Little Dry Season. Hence, the realism of future climate projections over this region is questionable. Here, the representation of the Little Dry Season in coupled model simulations is investigated, to elucidate factors leading to this misrepresentation. The Global Ocean Mixed Layer configuration of the Met Office Unified Model is particularly useful for exploring this misrepresentation, as it enables separating the effects of coupled model ocean biases in different ocean basins while maintaining air–sea coupling. Atlantic Ocean SST biases cause the incorrect seasonal regime over southern West Africa. Upper level descent in August reduces ascent along the coastline, which is associated with the observed reduction in rainfall during the Little Dry Season. When coupled model Atlantic Ocean biases are introduced, ascent over the coastline is deeper and rainfall totals are higher during July–August. Hence, this study indicates detrimental impacts introduced by Atlantic Ocean biases, and highlights an area of model development required for production of meaningful climate change projections over the West Africa region.

The impact of biomass consumption on CO2 emissions

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salih Turan Katircioglu
Keyword(s):  
Error Correction ◽  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fossil Fuel Consumption ◽  
Equilibrium Relationship ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term equilibrium relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and total biomass consumption (BC) in Turkey, which has a rich diversity of ecological conditions prevailing throughout its regions. Design/methodology/approach – Bounds tests and conditional error correction models under the autoregressive distributed lag approach have been applied to annual data that cover the 1980-2010 period. Findings – Results suggest that CO2 emissions are in a long-term equilibrium relationship with total BC in Turkey. BC has a negative effect on CO2 emissions; 1 per cent increase in total BC would lead to 0.029 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. Long-term coefficient of fossil fuel consumption for CO2 emissions is positive and elastic, 1.247. Finally, conditional error correction model of the present study reveals that CO2 emission in Turkey converges to its economic long-term equilibrium very quickly by 93.7 per cent speed of adjustment through the channel of BC and fossil fuel consumption. Originality/value – Although there have been a considerable number of studies investigating the link between total energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the literature, searching the contribution of components of energy to CO2 emissions deserves attention. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature by investigating the effect of BC on CO2 emissions in the case of Turkey.

The colonial exports pattern, institutions and current economic performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania El Kallab ◽  
Cristina Terra
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Resource Curse ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Run ◽  
French Colonies ◽  
Colonial Institutions ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper explores the role of colonial heritage on long-term economic development from a resource-curse perspective. The authors investigate the impact of colonial exports on long-term economic development through two channels: (1) a direct impact of the economic dependency on natural resources and (2) an indirect impact via its effect on colonial institutions, which persisted over time and influenced current economic development.Design/methodology/approachTo address this issue, the authors use an original data set on French bilateral trade from 1880 to 1912. The authors use partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in the empirical analysis, so that the authors are able to construct latent variables (LVs) for variables that are not directly observable, such as the quality of institutions.FindingsThe authors find that exports of primary goods to France had a negative impact on colonial institutions and that for French colonies, this impact was driven by minerals exports. Despite its impact on colonial institutions, exports of French colonies had no significant indirect impact on their current institutions. The authors find no significant direct impact of colonial trade on current development for French colonies. Finally, colonial exports of manufactured products had no significant impact on colonial institutions among French colonies and a positive impact among non-French ones.Research limitations/implicationsResearch implications regarding the findings of this paper are, namely, that the relative poor performance within French colonies today cannot be attributed to the extraction of raw materials a century ago. However, human capital and institutional development, instead of exports, are more relatively important for long-term growth. Some limitations in trying to determine the simultaneous relationship among colonial trade, institutions and economic performance are the relation between colonial trade and the extent of extraction from the colonizer, which is hard to quantify, as well as its precise mechanism.Practical implicationsSince the initial institutions set in those former colonies presented a strong persistence in the long run, their governments should focus now on building sound and inclusive political and economic institutions, as well as on investing in human capital in order to foster long-term growth. Once a comprehensive set of institutional and human resources are put in place, the quality and quantity of exports might create a positive spillover on the short-run growth.Social implicationsOne social implication that can be retrieved from this study is the ever-lasting effect of both human capital investment and introduction of inclusive political and economic institutions on the long-run impact of growth.Originality/valueThe paper uses an original primary data set from archival sources to explore the role of colonial heritage on long-term economic development from a resource-curse perspective. It applies a relatively new model partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) that allows the construction of LVs for variables that are not directly observable, as well as channeling the impact on growth through both direct and indirect channels. Finally, it allows for the simultaneous multigroup analysis across different colonial groups.

scholarly journals Observation of the Diurnal Cycle in the Low Troposphere of West Africa

2008 ◽  
Vol 136 (9) ◽  
pp. 3477-3500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Lothon ◽  
Frédérique Saïd ◽  
Fabienne Lohou ◽  
Bernard Campistron
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Water Vapor ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Planetary Boundary Layer ◽  
Diurnal Cycle ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Nocturnal Jet ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Made In

Abstract The authors give an overview of the diurnal cycle of the low troposphere during 2006 at two different sites, Niamey (Niger) and Nangatchori (Benin). This study is partly based on the first observations of UHF wind profilers ever made in West Africa in the context of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) project. Also used are the radiosoundings made in Niamey and ground station observations at Nangatchori, which allow for the study of the impact of the dynamics on the water vapor cycle and the turbulence observed at the ground. Profiler measurements revealed a very consistent year-round nocturnal low-level jet maximal around 0500 UTC and centered at 400-m above the ground, with wind speed around 15 m s−1. This jet comes either from the northeast during the dry season or from the southwest during the wet season, in relation with the position of the intertropical discontinuity. The radiosoundings made in Niamey highlight both the role of the nocturnal jet in bringing water vapor from the south during the night when the intertropical discontinuity has reached the vicinity of the considered area at the end of the dry season and the role of the daytime planetary boundary layer in mixing this water vapor within a larger depth of the troposphere. The planetary boundary layer processes play a large role in the diurnal cycle of the position of the intertropical discontinuity itself. The observations of turbulence made at the ground in Nangatchori showed that the best signature of the nocturnal jet close to surface can be seen in the turbulent kinetic energy and skewness of the air vertical velocity, rather than on the mean wind itself. They reveal the downward transport of momentum from the jet core aloft to the surface.

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