1
|
Wang C, Wang S. Does digital financing influence renewable energy performance in China? Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:85708-85720. [PMID: 37392296 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine how digital finance influences renewable energy performance in China. Empirical data from China between 2007 and 2019 is used to evaluate the relationship among these variables. The study uses two techniques, quantile regression (QR) and generalized methods of moments (GMM), to draw empirical conclusions. The results reveal that digital finance significantly influences the renewable energy performance, ecological growth, and financial performance of cities in China. Specifically, digital finance accounts for 45.92% of the variation in renewable energy indicators, 27.60% in ecological growth, and 24.39% in the improved financial performance of renewable energy at the city level. The study also observes that the city-level score for digital finance, renewable energy, and other indicators is heterogeneous in movement. Factors contributing to this heterogeneity include high population (16.05%), access to digital banking (23.11%), province-level renewable energy performance (39.62%), household financial stability (22.04%), and household renewable energy literacy (8.47%). Based on these findings, the study recommends practical implications for key stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chong Wang
- School of Finance, Henan Institute of Economics and Trade, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| | - Shubing Wang
- School of Business, Henan Institute of Economics and Trade, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Valarezo A, Dávila L, Bejarano ML, Nolivos I, Molina E, Schlesinger SB, Gould CF, Jack DW. Resilient clean cooking: Maintaining household clean cooking in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy Sustain Dev 2023; 74:349-360. [PMID: 37143764 PMCID: PMC10070780 DOI: 10.1016/j.esd.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Decades of government subsidies for LPG and electricity have facilitated near-universal clean cooking access and use in Ecuador, placing the nation ahead of most other peer low- and middle-income countries. The widespread socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the resilience of clean cooking systems globally, including by altering households' ability to purchase clean fuels and policymakers' considerations about continuing subsidy programs. As such, assessing the resilience of clean cooking in Ecuador during the pandemic can offer important lessons for the international community, especially other countries looking to ensure resilient transitions to clean cooking. We study household energy use patterns using interviews, newspaper reports, government data on household electricity and LPG consumption, and household surveys [N = 200 across two rounds]. The LPG and electricity distribution systems experienced occasional disruptions to cylinder refill delivery and meter reading processes, respectively, which were associated with pandemic-related mobility restrictions. However, for the most part, supply and distribution activities by private and public companies continued without fundamental change. Survey participants reported increases in unemployment and reductions in household income as well as increased use of polluting biomass as a secondary fuel. Ecuador's LPG and electricity distribution systems were resilient throughout the pandemic, with only minimal interruption of the widespread provision of low-cost clean cooking fuels. Our findings inform the global audience concerned about the resilience of clean household energy use on the potential for clean fuel subsidies to facilitate continued clean cooking even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Valarezo
- Institute for Energy and Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lissete Dávila
- Institute for Energy and Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - M Lorena Bejarano
- Institute for Energy and Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Iván Nolivos
- Institute for Energy and Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Emilio Molina
- Institute for Energy and Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Carlos F Gould
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Darby W Jack
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aemro YB, Moura P, de Almeida AT. Energy access during and post-COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan countries: the case of Ethiopia. Environ Dev Sustain 2023; 25:1236-1257. [PMID: 35002482 PMCID: PMC8723911 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-02090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic causes hundreds of thousands of deaths and has created a catastrophic economic and health crisis around the World. Transportation, manufacturing industries, business and people's movement came to almost a halt and sharp oil and gas prices reduction were observed. The impact of the pandemic for sub-Saharan countries like Ethiopia, which was already struggling with many economic and social welfare problems, is more evident than in other wealthy nations around the World. In Ethiopia, the general energy access rate is 44% and in healthcare facilities is only about 10%. Therefore, the response for the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging, since activities such as information sharing, communication with health centers, diagnosis and medical treatment require electricity access. This paper aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on energy access plans during and post-pandemic. The paper analyzed, the status of the current COVID-19 outbreak in Ethiopia, the energy access situation in health facilities, and the impacts of COVID-19 on energy access during and post-pandemic periods. Data related to the universal energy access plan of Ethiopia, the impact of energy access on healthcare services and the impact of the pandemic were reviewed for the assessment. The analysis indicates that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopian healthcare facilities and on the overall universal energy access plan is immense and to minimize the global impact short and long-term policy responses are identified and urgently recommended. Furthermore, powering healthcare facilities with microgrids composed of solar panels and battery storage systems could be one cost-effective and sustainable solution for the speedy and effective response of the pandemic challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Biru Aemro
- Energy for Sustainability Initiative, University of Coimbra, Polo II, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Institute of Systems and Robotics, University of Coimbra, Polo II, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Moura
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Institute of Systems and Robotics, University of Coimbra, Polo II, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Aníbal T. de Almeida
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Institute of Systems and Robotics, University of Coimbra, Polo II, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nix E, Betang E, Baame M, Abbott M, Saligari S, Shupler M, Čukić I, Puzzolo E, Pope D, Mbatchou B, Anderson de Cuevas R. Complex dynamics in sustaining clean cooking and food access through a pandemic: A COVID-19 impact study in peri-urban Cameroon. Energy Sustain Dev 2022; 71:167-175. [PMID: 36193045 PMCID: PMC9519385 DOI: 10.1016/j.esd.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Access to clean energy for cooking is central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7. Latest predictions suggest that this goal will not be met by 2030, with further setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on household cooking fuel, practices and dietary behaviours in a peri-urban community in Central Cameroon. Using surveys (n = 333) and qualitative semi-structured interviews (n = 12), we found negative financial impacts and high levels of food insecurity, with 83 % and 56 % of households reporting reduced income and insufficient food, respectively. Households reduced food intake and cooking frequency and relied more heavily on local sources (e.g., farmland) to feed their families. Changes in primary cooking fuel were less pronounced and fuel choice was inherently linked to cooking behaviours, with some households utilising LPG more often for simple tasks, such as reheating food. Local systems were key in sustaining food and fuel access and households demonstrated resilience by employing numerous mechanisms to overcome challenges. Our findings underline the vulnerability of households in maintaining sufficient food intake and sustaining clean cooking, highlighting how policy needs to take a nuanced approach considering food-energy dynamics and strengthening local systems to ensure access to clean energy is resistant to system shocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Nix
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Michael Abbott
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Serena Saligari
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Shupler
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Iva Čukić
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Puzzolo
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Global LPG Partnership (GLPGP), New York, United States
| | - Daniel Pope
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ketuama CT, Mazancová J, Roubík H. Impact of market constraints on the development of small-scale biogas technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:65978-65992. [PMID: 35902523 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22262-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The sustainable production and use of small-scale biogas energy are required to ensure clean household energy access in developing countries, including the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. This is influenced by market risks, which can be identified as political, economic, social, technical, legal, and environmental (PESTLE). This study examines peer-reviewed and grey literature for the period from 2000 to 2020 to identify the PESTLE constraints and assess their impact on the sustainable development of the technology in the SSA region. The production of biogas with small-scale plants is commonly done by rural and peri-urban households. Results show that economic constraints are the most dominant and reducing at a slow pace. This is followed by political constraints, which have received much attention in the last two decades. Despite the policy improvements, broader national bioenergy policies and interventions are still to make significant gains, especially in the Central African region. In order of significance, the Southern, East, and West Africa regions have made greater progress in reducing the constraints. To achieve the sustainable development of the technology, there is a need to further address the PESTLE constraints at national and regional levels. This study partly deduces that the unsustainable production, use, and inadequate regulation of the small-scale biogas sector are delaying its transition in the SSA region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chama Theodore Ketuama
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Department of Sustainable Technologies, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, Prague-Suchdol, 16500, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Mazancová
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Department of Sustainable Technologies, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, Prague-Suchdol, 16500, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Roubík
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Department of Sustainable Technologies, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, Prague-Suchdol, 16500, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nasrudin R, Quarina Q, Dartanto T. Revisiting the Energy-Happiness Paradox: A Quasi-Experimental Evidence of Electricity Access in Indonesia. J Happiness Stud 2022; 23:3549-3576. [PMID: 35991945 PMCID: PMC9380978 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00567-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study revisits the energy-happiness paradox hypothesis using the context of a developing nation. We used Indonesia as a case study, a unique archipelagic country with sparse subnational energy infrastructure, leading to the persistent regional energy access gap. We employed an instrumental variable technique to obviate conventional bias in the happiness regression. The model utilised a newly available national-level household survey on life satisfaction and historical data on digital maps of Indonesia's electricity infrastructure conditions in 1985. Unlike the phenomena known as the energy-happiness paradox found mainly in the developed countries that suggest the null relationship between having energy access and people's happiness, our finding reveals a positive effect of electricity access on people's happiness. We also show that the mechanism in which the effect operates is through individuals' satisfaction with housing conditions. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of electricity access on happiness is more prominent in the lagging region. It justifies the placed-based policy strategy by the government in developing countries for expanding electricity access in favour of disadvantaged areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rus’an Nasrudin
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java 16424 Indonesia
| | - Qisha Quarina
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55281 Indonesia
| | - Teguh Dartanto
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java 16424 Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Neto-Bradley AP, Rangarajan R, Choudhary R, Bazaz AB. Energy transition pathways amongst low-income urban households: A mixed method clustering approach. MethodsX 2021; 8:101491. [PMID: 34754763 PMCID: PMC8563469 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on clean energy transition amongst low-income urban households in the Global South use an array of qualitative and quantitative methods. However, attempts to combine qualitative and quantitative methods are rare and there are a lack of systematic approaches to this. This paper demonstrates a two stage approach using clustering methods to analyse a mixed dataset containing quantitative household survey data and qualitative interview data. By clustering the quantitative and qualitative data separately, latent groups with common characteristics and narratives arising from each of the two analyses are identified. A second stage of clustering identifies links between these qualitative and quantitative clusters and enables inference of energy transition pathways followed by low-income urban households defined by both quantitative characteristics and qualitative narratives. This approach can support interdisciplinary collaboration in energy research, providing a systematic approach to comparing and identifying links between quantitative and qualitative findings.•A mixed dataset comprising of quantitative survey data and qualitative interview data on low-income household energy use is analysed using hierarchical clustering to detect communities within each dataset.•Interviewees are matched to quantitative survey clusters and a second stage of clustering is performed using cluster membership as variables.•Second stage clusters identify common pairs of survey and interview clusters which define energy transition pathways based on socio-economic characteristics, energy use patterns, and narratives for decision making and practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruchi Choudhary
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK.,Data Centric Engineering, Alan Turing Institute, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Thomas PJM, Rosenberg-Jansen S, Jenks A. Moving beyond informal action: sustainable energy and the humanitarian response system. J Int Humanit Action 2021; 6:21. [PMID: 38624740 PMCID: PMC8566662 DOI: 10.1186/s41018-021-00102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Energy and humanitarian action have long been uneasy bedfellows. In the field, many humanitarian practitioners lack the time or remit to engage with a complex issue such as energy, and the topic to date has received relatively little attention from the private, development and academic sectors. This paper hopes to provide more clarity on energy in forced displacement settings by analysing how energy is interwoven with the humanitarian cluster system. This paper has two aims: (1) to assess existing evidence in the sector and explain the links between energy and each of the humanitarian clusters and (2) to provide recommendations on how humanitarian response efforts can transition from informal action to a comprehensive response on sustainable energy provision. This paper is the first to investigate the role of energy using the cluster system as a framework and contributes to a rapidly evolving field of research and practice on energy in humanitarian contexts. Our analysis demonstrates that energy is not fully integrated within humanitarian programme planning. Further, it highlights pathways for improving humanitarian outcomes enabled by improved energy practices. We identify ten ways clusters can integrate action on energy to support crisis-affected communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aimee Jenks
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bender A, Moner-Girona M, Becker W, Bódis K, Szabó S, Kararach A, Anadon L. Dataset for multidimensional assessment to incentivise decentralised energy investments in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data Brief 2021; 37:107265. [PMID: 34377755 PMCID: PMC8327156 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this data article, we present datasets from the construction of a composite indicator, the Photovoltaic Decentralised Energy Investment (PV-DEI) index, presented in detail in [1]. This article consists of a comprehensive energy-related data collected in practice from several sources, and from the outputs of the methodology described in [1]. The PV-DEI was designed and developed to measure the multidimensional factors that currently direct decentralised renewable energy investments. The PV-DEI index includes 52 indicators and was constructed because factors stimulating investment cannot be captured by a single indicator, e.g. competitiveness, affordability, or governance [1]. The PV-DEI index was built in alignment with a theoretical framework guided by an extensive review of the literature surrounding investment in decentralised Photovoltaic (PV), which led to the selection of its indicators. The structure of the PV-DEI was evaluated for its soundness using correlational assessments and principal component analyses (PCA). The raw data provided in this article can enable stakeholders to focus on specific country indicators, and how scores on these indicators contributed to a countries overall rank within the PV-DEI index. The data can be used to weight indicators depending on the specifications of several different stakeholders (such as NGOs, private sector or international institutions).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Bender
- University of Cambridge, Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Victoria University of Wellington, Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, New Zealand
| | - M. Moner-Girona
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - W. Becker
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - K. Bódis
- Institute of Advanced Studies (iASK), Kőszeg, Hungary
| | - S. Szabó
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
- European Institute of Innovation and Technology, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - L.D. Anadon
- University of Cambridge, Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kapsalyamova Z, Mishra R, Kerimray A, Karymshakov K, Azhgaliyeva D. Why energy access is not enough for choosing clean cooking fuels? Evidence from the multinomial logit model. J Environ Manage 2021; 290:112539. [PMID: 33990056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The transition to sustainable energy requires an assessment of drivers of the use of clean and dirty fuels for cooking. Literature highlights the importance of access to clean fuel for switching from dirty fuels to clean fuels. Though access to cleaner fuels, such as electricity promotes clean fuel use, it does not necessarily lead to a complete transition to the use of clean fuels. Households continue using traditional fuels in addition to the clean fuels. The main objective of this paper is to explain the choice of dirty cooking fuels even when access to electricity is provided. We use nationally representative household survey data to study the household energy use decisions in three middle-income countries, namely, India, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. The study discusses the role of access to natural gas, free fuel, convenience or multi-use of fuels featured by the heating system installed, built-in environment, and other socio-economic factors in household fuel choice for cooking. The results show that access to natural gas increases the likelihood of opting for clean fuel, while the availability of free fuel in rural areas and the coal-based heating system promote the use of solid fuels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanna Kapsalyamova
- Department of Economics, EREC, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
| | | | - Aiymgul Kerimray
- Center of Physical and Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bose D, Saini DK, Yadav M, Shrivastava S, Parashar N. Review of Sustainable Grid-Independent Renewable Energy Access in Remote Communities of India. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021; 17:364-375. [PMID: 33210800 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade India has seen an increase in the adoption of solar energy-based technologies by consumers, which has been supported by various government efforts and policies. The rural areas and low-income households that lack a proper electricity supply have emerged as a market for solar off-grid technologies, with private developers increasing their market base slowly in this group. This has promulgated the need to restructure the decentralized energy sector. Existing literature points out the suitability of solar off-grid in such markets; the present study investigates the challenges that have hindered its growth. The study reviews the concept of poverty with respect to the energy sector and analyzes methods of determining poor energy access in the present scenario. It emphasizes the need to understand and reconceptualize policy instruments in order to make solar off-grid a powerful tool in tackling energy demand and providing adequate energy access. It further explores the causes of energy disconnects and how grid-independent solar energy is a technological solution of utmost relevance and in consonance with the idea of sustainable development. For a successful venture, both consumer behavior and marketer objectives are important determinants. The work also provides insights into various models, tools, factors, and social constructs that affect consumer perception and subsequently demand. Over the course of the study, it has been revealed how private players and entrepreneurs are tapping the wrong solar market, leading to misappropriation of solar energy technologies. The suggested improvements and recommendations of the present study from the analysis can serve as a guide for policy makers, technological innovators, and financial stakeholders. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:364-375. © 2020 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debajyoti Bose
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Devender K Saini
- Department of Electrical and Electronics, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Monika Yadav
- Department of Electrical and Electronics, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Saurabh Shrivastava
- Department of Electrical and Electronics, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nitish Parashar
- Department of Electrical and Electronics, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alva-Araujo JP, Escalante-Maldonado O, Cabrejos Ramos RA. Design of a point-of-care facility for diagnosis of COVID-19 using an off-grid photovoltaic system. Environ Dev Sustain 2021; 23:11990-12005. [PMID: 33424428 PMCID: PMC7779334 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-01153-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is one of the biggest public health issues in the last years. The WHO has reported more than 50,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,000,000 confirmed deaths around the world. Early diagnosis is essential for an appropriate patient care and infection control, so laboratory where molecular tests are held plays a main role. However, laboratory facilities for testing are limited in rural areas. Therefore, it is important to have an effective and practical point-of-care diagnostic system in order to be implemented in developing countries with limited energy access. The objective of this research is to develop an energetically autonomous point-of-care diagnostic system for molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2. This design consists of a retractable system with an area of 15.79 m2 and 3 well-distributed interior areas to guaranty appropriate sample processing. Our point-of-care diagnostic system can be installed at a fixed place (stationary), and it can also be transported to various strategic places (itinerant). The off-grid photovoltaic system feasibility was evaluated using the PVsyst software, presenting an installed capacity of 2.79 KWp, consisting of 4 monocrystalline photovoltaic modules, a 45 A charge regulator and 4 batteries (6 V, 453 Ah). The results showed a performance ratio of 0.522, with higher losses by the full battery (31.77%). This research determines that the proposed point-of-care diagnostic system meets all requirements to set and operate molecular techniques to diagnose infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, with good laboratory conditions, secure and eco-efficient energy, supporting the health scheme to prevent and control the spread of the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Poll Alva-Araujo
- Departamento de Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM), Av. La Molina s/n, 15024 Lima, Perú
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zaman R, van Vliet O, Posch A. Energy access and pandemic-resilient livelihoods: The role of solar energy safety nets. Energy Res Soc Sci 2021; 71:101805. [PMID: 33106771 PMCID: PMC7577862 DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Lack of energy access undermines the socio-economic conditions of households, reducing their resilience, particularly in the face of disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of millions of poor rural households, who live in remote and difficult-to-reach areas, are still without access to energy. Solar energy safety nets, in the form of targeted social assistance programs and off-grid technological solutions, do not only advance energy access but also develop capacities of households to prepare for, respond to, and recover from specific threats like pandemics. We discuss ongoing solar energy safety net programs in the largest off-grid solar markets of Bangladesh, India, Kenya, and Nigeria, and how such programs are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that solar energy safety net programs should be maintained and updated to emphasize their potential for building pandemic-resilient livelihoods. These programs can be supported with efforts to build local value chains and economies based on clean electricity. Well-designed solar energy safety net policies generate multiple co-benefits, including the resilience of households to pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafia Zaman
- University of Graz, Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research, Merangasse 18, AT-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Oscar van Vliet
- ETH Zürich, Department of Environmental Systems Science, Climate Policy group, Universitätsstrase 22, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Posch
- University of Graz, Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research, Merangasse 18, AT-8010 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gebreslassie MG. COVID-19 and energy access: An opportunity or a challenge for the African continent? Energy Res Soc Sci 2020; 68:101677. [PMID: 32839698 PMCID: PMC7373677 DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic gains ground in the African continent, it will create havoc and unprecedented health and economic crisis. The crisis has exposed the robustness and resilience of the economies and services such as health systems around the world and it is disaster in the making while the pandemic is spreading fast to the African continent. This is alarming mainly because the continent has weak health system compounded by low access to modern and reliable electricity. It is also anticipated that the crisis will be brought ample opportunities and the African governments and the people should make coordinated and concerted effort in developing conducive business environment and exploit the opportunities presented to facilitate energy access focusing on clean and renewable energy technologies. This is a big test for the continent and thus it will either brought prosperity through facilitating universal energy access by effectively utilizing the opportunities brought by the crisis or the lack of energy access will continue affecting communities the ability to improve their livelihoods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mulualem G Gebreslassie
- Center of Energy, Ethiopian Institute of Technology-Mekelle, Mekelle University Endayesus Main Campus, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bensch G, Peters J. The intensive margin of technology adoption--Experimental evidence on improved cooking stoves in rural Senegal. J Health Econ 2015; 42:44-63. [PMID: 25841214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Today, almost 3 billion people in developing countries rely on biomass as primary cooking fuel, with profound negative implications for their well-being. Improved biomass cooking stoves are alleged to counteract these adverse effects. This paper evaluates take-up and impacts of low-cost improved stoves through a randomized controlled trial. The randomized stove is primarily designed to curb firewood consumption, but not smoke emissions. Nonetheless, we find considerable effects not only on firewood consumption, but also on smoke exposure and, consequently, smoke-related disease symptoms. The reduced smoke exposure results from behavioural changes in terms of increased outside cooking and a reduction in cooking time. We conclude that in order to assess the effectiveness of a technology-oriented intervention, it is critical to not only account for the incidence of technology adoption - the extensive margin - but also for the way the new technology is used - the intensive margin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunther Bensch
- Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI), Essen, Germany
| | - Jörg Peters
- Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI), Essen, Germany; AMERU, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vitali F, Parmigiani S, Vaccari M, Collivignarelli C. Agricultural waste as household fuel: techno-economic assessment of a new rice-husk cookstove for developing countries. Waste Manag 2013; 33:2762-2770. [PMID: 24064375 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2013.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In many rural contexts of the developing world, agricultural residues and the organic fraction of waste are often burned in open-air to clear the lands or just to dispose them. This is a common practice which generates uncontrolled emissions, while wasting a potential energy resource. This is the case of rice husk in the Logone Valley (Chad/Cameroon). In such a context household energy supply is a further critical issue. Modern liquid fuel use is limited and traditional solid fuels (mainly wood) are used for daily cooking in rudimentary devices like 3-stone fires, resulting in low efficiency fuel use, huge health impacts, increasing exploitation stress for the local natural resources. Rice husk may be an alternative fuel to wood for household energy supply. In order to recover such a biomass, the authors are testing a proper stove with an original design. Its lay-out (featuring a metal-net basket to contain the fuel and a chimney to force a natural air draft) allows a mix of combustion/gasification of the biomass occurring in a completely burning fire, appropriate for cooking tasks. According to results obtained with rigorous test protocols (Water Boiling Test), different lay-outs have been designed to improve the performance of the stove. Technical and economic issues have been addressed in the development of such a model; building materials have been chosen in order to guarantee a cost as low as possible, using locally available items. The feasibility of the introduction of the stove in the studied context was assessed through an economic model that keeps into account not only the technology and fuel costs, but also the energy performance. According to the model, the threshold for the trade-off of the stove is the use of rice husk to cover 10-15% of the household energy needs both with traditional fireplaces or with improved efficiency cookstoves. The use of the technology proposed in combination with improved woodstove would provide householders with an appropriate and convenient cooking technology portfolio, increasing the opportunities of choice of the preferred energy system for the user and allowing significant savings for the family budget (up to 50% of the total annual cooking energy expenditure). The proposed model may be used also as a tool for the evaluation of the affordability or for the comparison of different cooking technologies also in other similar contexts, given their specific techno-economic parameter values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vitali
- CeTAmb, Department DICATAM, University of Brescia, via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|