Energy Development in Rural Areas

Amanda Wiggins

University of Texas

Department of Chemical Engineering

ChE 379 Fall 2005

Outline

Problem and Background Progress Cooking Methods Fuel Sources for Electricity Programs Government and U.S. Roles

Rural Energy Crisis

Dependent upon biomass 1/3 of all consumed energy in the developing areas

Grid extension costly Rural areas have sporadic energy needs

Require a small amount of energy

Primary areas of concern China (largest amount of success) India Latin America (Brazil) Africa

Progress

1970’s 23 % of rural population have access to electricity Major concern on energy crisis, not rural areas

1980’s 33 % have access to electricity

1990’s 44 % have access to electricity

33% if Chinese efforts excluded

Cooking Methods

All from biomass Animal dung Crop residues Wood Charcoal

Low efficiency Biomass: 10%, LPG: 65%

Alternatives (move away from raw biomass) Biogas (animal waste biomass) Producer Gas (crop residue biomass)

Fuel Sources for Electricity

Diesel-engine generators Small-scale biopower and hydropower Photovoltaics Wind LPG (only viable in specific situations)

Diesel-Engine Generators

2-3 times the cost of implemented grid electricity Less than cost of grid extension

Assists in general energy needs and agricultural needs

Small-Scale Biopower and Hydropower

Biopower replaces the diesel needed Use producer gas

Improves economic growth Micro, mini, and small hydropower

Mini is the most common Unreliable

Droughts, slow river speeds

Photovoltaics

Small-scale electricity Largest use in Kenya Joint venture with Shell and Eskom (South

Africa) Leasing methods

>90% collection rate

Wind

Standalone and hybrid systems Hybrids in densely populated areas

Decrease air pollution Standalone systems manufactured in house

to reduce costs Hybrids eliminate some diesel fuel Hybrid technology in industrialized countries

Imports raise the price Joint ventures

Energy Extension Programs

Chinese National Improved Stoves Program Largest program to date Biomass stoves

Kenyan charcoal stove movement Did not require chimneys Indoor CO pollution

Bangladesh rural cooperatives Government supported take-over Rapid expansion of grid-based electricity

Current Policy

Free-enterprise Credit/rental program for renewable energy

equipment Private sectors very successful

Government subsidies Hurts the situation in most areas

U.S. government has little involvement Technology development