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