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Barriers
against the development of renewable energies in rural areas
Renewable energies in rural areas:
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Investments costs: often very high
=> subsidies may be required
Necessity to train local people on technique and management
operation
There are still few private companies specialized in renewable
energies in developing countries. |
Traditional
use of the energy in rural areas
Wood: for cooking, lighting
Diesel: for lighting and generators
Problems:
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Increasing fuel costs: rural population
can no more afford buying fuel
Difficulties of supply: long distance, high prices
Limited life time of generators
Negative impacts on the environment
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Choice of the source
of energy. Assets of the renewable options
The choice of the source of energy depends on the following points:
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renewable energies resources available
on site (sun, water stream, wind…)
demand of electricity expressed by the population (in terms
of energy consumption and power)
services required (continuous or intermittent)
ability and willingness to pay the electricity services of the
population
number of inhabitants
houses are scattered or grouped together
facility of access to the village
village topography
special climatic conditions |
Assets of renewable energies for rural electrification:
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Operation costs are cheaper than
for generating set
The electricity is produced locally, so there is no problem
of supplying
The electricity is managed locally, so it can create an economic
activity in the village
There is no risk for the health |
Specificities of each Renewable: Biomass, Hydro, Wind and
Solar photovoltaic.
Soon available
Solar Home systems are especially adapted
to scattered villages in mountainous areas, to meet the need of
lighting, radio and TV for rural population.
Hydro training session in Oudomxay : measurements
of flow and height. May 2007
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