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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.
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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