energy development in rural areas amanda wiggins university of texas department of chemical...
TRANSCRIPT
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