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The challenges to attain the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals, particularly universal access to modern and clean energy, persist in urban households. This paper examines energy transition pathways for urban households in the least developed countries. Although the literature extensively discusses transition pathways in the global north, a knowledge gap on gendered energy transition pathways exists in the global south. Further, the debates seldom take a holistic perspective considering location-specific context and not merely decarbonisation. Using an integrative literature review, this paper addresses this gap by developing gendered energy transition pathways for a least developed country. The research applies the developed framework in the Mozambique case study. The results highlight three groups of energy transition enablers: (i) market rules, (ii) government, and (iii) civil society. The analysis reveals that the degree to which these groups intervene and interact results in business- as -usual, differentiated or disruptive transition pathways. This paper finds that government leadership can foster modern energy uptake and mainstream gender into national energy strategies and policy. This approach can improve households' well-being, especially for women who culturally perform the most energy-intensive services at the household level. While the government-led path is the most appropriate for the least developed countries, there is a need to implement risk assessment of the pathways considering location-specific evaluation and monitor the impact that each has on achieving the fifth sustainable development goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the banner of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), governments, industry, and civil society organisations have supported many energy access projects since 2015. Notably, funding and investments allotted to renewable energy are regarded not only to provide 'energy for all' but also support the delivery of other SDGs related to climate change, food security, health, and poverty reduction, among others. With less than 10 years left to meet the SDG 7 targets, it is timely to take stock and examine how the provision of access to energy is driving development initiatives, impacting local communities, and influencing governance processes. This paper offers a critical review and analysis of the impact of access to energy projects based on empirical work from eight country case studies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It interrogates how these projects contribute towards achieving SDG 7 and other sustainable development goals, highlights challenges, and then draws lessons for research, policy, and development practice. To advance SDGs, it recommends action in four areas: addressing rural-urban disparities, ensuring that energy is linked to sustainable outcomes, balancing top-down and bottom-up agendas, and appraising implications of techno-economic factors. [Display omitted] • Energy access has been constrained by multiple factors outside of policy decisions. • Governance decisions have overlooked local actors who are key to project sustainability. • Improved efficiency is more vital to energy security and access than increased generation. • Alignment between policies, governance processes, and institutional commitments is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature has highlighted the existence of a gap in clean fuel usage between the social groups in most emerging nations across the world, which is detrimental to global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 (access to clean energy) and SDG 10 (reducing inequalities) and just energy transition with recognition justice. This paper, assesses the clean fuel gap across social groups in India using three rounds of representative data (2004, 2014, and 2018) by applying the logit model, exogenous switching treatment effect regression (ESTER), and the Blinder–Oaxaca Decomposition Model. Such an analysis is instrumental in identifying the clean energy usage gap and its causes, thereby providing insight to policymakers to design policies to achieve just energy transition and carbon neutrality by 2060. The results show a substantive clean fuel gap between social groups in India, which is a cause of concern for just energy transition. Clean energy utilization gaps among social groups are alarming across geographical locations and consumption quartiles, highlighting the importance of recognition justice for just energy transition. The results show that in rural areas, only 19.6 % of the General Caste households and 14.5 % of the disadvantaged social groups (Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Class) in quartile one use clean energy, while in urban areas, the shares are 60.4 % and 46.3 %, respectively. To achieve a just distribution of the benefits of energy transition, energy policies should focus on disadvantaged social groups and simultaneously target General Caste households from a lower economic status and those residing in rural areas, indicating the need for targeting the neglected regions. [Display omitted] • Clean energy use has steadily increased among all social groups in India, indicating some improvement in energy justice. • Clean energy access gap among social groups has declined, but this gap still persists. • Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are the most disadvantaged social groups in terms of clean energy. • All social groups from low-income families have limited access to clean energy. • All social groups from households with low education have limited access to clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the 2005 Kyoto protocol, developed countries made commitments to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, mostly by integrating renewable energy technologies into their power production systems. It is a more challenging procedure for third world countries, including Lebanon, that have limited means and potential to achieve such goals. This paper assesses the status of renewable energy systems in developing countries, and concentrates on the solar photovoltaic energy production due to its abundant availability in these countries relatively to other clean energy production methods. Comparisons of developing countries׳ achievements and goals each according to their economical, political and social considerations are conducted. Projects ranging from small scale standalone systems such as microgrids and minigrids to large scale energy production stations will be presented by dividing the countries into categories that share similar constraints and limitations in the integration of such installations. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the state of energy generation based on photovoltaic systems in Lebanon in contrast to other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing countries, including Nigeria, aim to achieve industrialisation and sustainable development. However, there are few empirical studies that examined the impact of industrialisation-led economic transformation on carbon emissions in developing countries. This is the focus of this study. The paper investigates the impact of industrial value-added on CO 2 emissions in Nigeria using the Kaya Identity framework and Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF), Johansen׳s cointegration technique and vector error correction model (VECM). The data spans from 1980 to 2011. The result of the ADF test indicates that continual long term policies that exert permanent shocks on the variables are required to achieve economic development, industrialisation and CO 2 reduction. The result of the analysis shows that industrial value-added has an inverse and significant relationship with CO 2 emissions, which suggests that there is no evidence that industrialisation increases carbon emissions in Nigeria. GDP per capita and population has positive and significant impacts on CO 2 emission. Energy intensity and carbon intensity has positive but very weak significant impact (at 10% level) on CO 2 emission. The paper recommends that policy makers in Nigeria should pursue pragmatic industrialisation policies coupled with modest decarbonisation and energy-efficiency measures in order to ensure long term industrial, economic and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to electricity is widely recognized as an important factor for economic and social development. Low rates of access, particularly in remote rural areas in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, have led developing nations and international organizations to set ambitious goals to expand the reach of electricity. Decentralized solutions such as microgrids have been proposed as cost effective solutions to reaching communities located far from central grid infrastructure. Lack of capital from public and donor sources has severely impeded achieving access goals, leading to calls for greater private sector participation in electrification activities. However, due to the high level of risk associated with decentralized electrification projects in low-income areas, marginal expected returns on investment, and a lack of clear and effective public policy, the private sector has not shown significant interest in participating in such projects. The purpose of this paper is to review barriers to private sector participation in decentralized electrification projects and to identify solutions that have been implemented and proposed to overcome these barriers. The barriers discussed include unsecure revenue streams, inability to finance projects, and long-term project risks such as grid encroachment. The range of interventions and business models reviewed include methods to secure reliable demand, subsidy models, risk guarantees, and different revenue models. This paper does not include an analysis of the effectiveness of the different interventions described. Future research should evaluate the relative costs and benefits of these interventions in order to provide robust policy guidance to decision makers in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private investments are critical enablers to achieving energy access for over 770 million people worldwide. Despite decreasing capital costs, investments in renewable energy (RE) projects in developing countries are low due to unattractive risk-return profiles. Through understanding key risks drivers and their interactions, actionable insights can be drawn to mitigate investment risks, making energy more accessible. This paper reviews RE risks and methods used for risk assessment and mitigation for developed and developing countries with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa countries (SSA). The review finds that while risk analysis and evaluation mainly employed semi-quantitative multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and system dynamics (SD) methods for developing countries, qualitative methods were used to identify mitigations. The methods assessed technical and economic risks at a minimum, while MCDA and SD methods can assess social, political, and policy risks. The efficacies of mitigations were tested using SD and quantitative methods such as agent-based modelling and Monte Carlo simulation. The paper further introduces a 'holistic multi-dimensional investor risk management framework' which can be used to identify actions to improve investment risks in a structured manner. The framework addresses four fundamental limitations observed in the existing literature, recognising that RE risks are complex and involve multidisciplinary perspectives having interactions and feedbacks with other risks, actors, and their actions. This review provides a valuable reference to investors, policymakers, and researchers, providing a catalogue of risks, methods deployed in literature, including a framework to identify impactful actions to improve risk levels. • Previous review of RE risk management methods has been fragmented. • A holistic critical review of risk assessment and mitigation methods is presented. • A holistic 'multi-dimensional investor risk management framework' is introduced. • The framework addresses four fundamental limitations observed in the existing literature. • This framework is further applied from a Sub-Saharan Africa perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To stop the spread of COVID-19, governments have implemented confinement measures unprecedented in modern society. One of the main consequences has been the paralysis of commercial and industrial sectors worldwide, primary electricity consumers. This paper examines the impact of these measures on the electricity sector through a literature review accompanied by fieldwork on the impact of COVID-19 in Ibero-America and its energy regulatory response. First, we will review the causes of the reduction in electricity demand due to the confinement measures and their technical and financial consequences in the electricity sector. Second, we will examine the impact of COVID-19 on the wind and solar PV energy sectors, mainly affected by the paralysis of production and export of materials and components. Third, we will revise the regulatory measures implemented by the countries to avoid the interruption of electricity supply to households. This paper will end by reviewing economic recovery plans and their relationship to the energy transition. Although there are no fundamental differences between developed and developing countries in their regulatory reaction to this crisis in the energy sector, there are significant differences in economic recovery planning. While developed countries aim for a green economic recovery and the creation of green jobs, developing countries are allocating least resources to social protection and general economic stimulus programs, postponing climate objectives. In Latin America, this adds to the high levels of debt faced by utilities and the possible resurgence of social crises that were stopped by the COVID-19 outbreak, making a green recovery even more difficult. [Display omitted] • The reduction in electricity demand has caused technical challenges in the grid. • Electric utilities are facing growing and long-term financial problems. • Renewable energy projects have been delayed and financially harmed. • The measure to ban disconnection for non-payment has been implemented worldwide. • Latin American social crisis tempered by COVID-19 could hinder economic recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shortage of electricity supply and other forms of modern energy is serious in most of the developing countries, contributing to low economic and social development. The situation is worse in rural communities, which are often marginalised from grid-based electricity supply because of economic and technical reasons. Currently, development agencies involved in rural power supply in developing countries recommend microhydropower (MHP) as the most robust and reliable source of off-grid power generation. However, in scholarly articles, MHP technology is not popular compared to other renewable energy technologies. This may have contributed to its limited application in off-grid power supply in some countries. Availability of scholarly literature on MHP as the case with wind and solar energies can therefore help to scale-up the level of discourse on the technology among both technical and non-technical stakeholders. In this paper, the MHP technology has been reviewed in general and the turbines in particular. General description of the technology including challenges and factors for successful implementation of the technology has been given. It has been found that technological issues are among the major challenges and that the turbine is one of the critical technological components of the MHP project. The paper has reviewed common MHP turbines, focusing on their operating principles, merits and demerits with respect to MHP and suitable operating conditions. Factors to consider when selecting suitable turbine for the site and procedure for selecting the turbine have also been outlined in the paper. The paper has been written in a tutorial manner so that the discussions therein, though technical, are shared with stakeholders of different professional backgrounds. It is hoped that the paper provides additional knowledge on MHP technology and in particular on turbines that are used in MHP supply. This can lead to better practical implementation of the technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite the rapid decline in the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the past five years, even recent academic research suggests that the cost of generating PV electricity remains too high for PV to make a meaningful contribution to the generation of grid electricity in developing countries. This assessment is reflected in the views of policymakers throughout Africa, who often consider PV as a technology suited only to remote locations and small-scale applications. This paper therefore analyzes whether, in contrast to conventional wisdom, PV is already competitive with other generation technologies. Analytically, the paper is based on a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) model to calculate the cost of PV electricity in Kenya, which serves as a case study. Based on actual technology costs and Kenya's solar resource, the LCOE from PV is estimated at USD 0.21/kWh for the year 2011, with scenario results ranging from USD 0.17–0.30/kWh. This suggests that the LCOE of grid-connected PV systems may already be below that of the most expensive conventional power plants, i.e. medium-speed diesel generators and gas turbines, which account for a large share of Kenya's current power mix. This finding implies that researchers and policymakers may be mistaken in perceiving solar PV as a costly niche technology, rather than a feasible option for the expansion of power generation in developing countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper examines the mitigating effect of social capital on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for CO2 emissions using a panel data of 69 developed and developing countries. Adopting generalised method of moments (GMM) estimators, the paper finds evidence substantiating the presence of EKC. Moreover, the evidence suggests that the pollution costs of economic development tend to be lower in countries with higher social capital reservoir. Surprisingly, there is also evidence to indicate that the income threshold point beyond which CO2 emissions decline is higher in countries with higher social capital. These results are robust to addition of alternative controlled variables in the EKC specification. Thus, in addition to policy focus on investments in environmentally friendly technology and on the use of renewable energy, investments in social capital can also mitigate the pollution effects of economic progress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves and environmental concerns with their combustion necessitate looking for alternative sources for long term sustainability of the world. These concerns also appear serious in developing countries who are striving for rapid economic growth. The net biomass growing potential on the global land surface is 10 times more than the global food, feed, fiber, and energy demands. This study investigates whether the developing countries have sufficient land resource to meet the projected energy demand towards 2035 by planting energy crops on surplus agricultural land after food and feed production. The annual yields of four commonly grown energy crops specifically jatropha, switchgrass, miscanthus, and willow have been used to make scenarios and estimate land requirements against each scenario. This paper first performs literature reviews on the availability of land resource, past and future trends in land use changes, demand of lands for food production, and potential expansion of croplands. The energy demands towards 2035 are compiled from energy scenarios derived by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the British Petroleum (BP). This paper also reviewed bio-physiological characteristics of these energy crops to determine whether they are cultivable under tropical climatic conditions in developing regions. This paper found that projected energy demand through 2035 in developing regions could be provided by energy crops grown on a portion of surplus croplands or upgraded grasslands (27% and 22% respectively for miscanthus scenario). Sustainable land management practices, improved agricultural productivity, and adopting suitable energy crops cultivation can potentially supply increasing energy demands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Through a case study investigation, this paper critically reviews and explores the impact of a number of projects within developing and emerging economies that are advancing low carbon technologies. It is in response to the challenge of better understanding the broad effect of imperfections and barriers that may alter the acceleration of such technologies. In analysing the impact of a number of projects, it highlights the challenges that projects are encountering and attempts to provide some valuable guidance for policy makers. The paper considers the realms of regulatory, institutional, financial and information frameworks that may prevent the accelerated development of markets for low carbon technologies. It concludes that such barriers have implications for energy policy and presents some lessons and potential actions that can aid policy makers, market actors and technology innovators in understanding the transfer and deployment of low carbon technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sustainable energy is required for any national development. This paper has reviewed and documented energy situation and small-scale hydropower potential and application status in Malawi. The country's energy sector is dominated by traditional forms of biomass. Level of modern forms of energy supply is low. In particular, electricity supply is unreliable and small in capacity. Decentralised energy supply systems like small-scale hydropower are some of the recommended energy projects for developing countries. The paper adds knowledge on small-scale hydropower in Malawi. The study has reviewed Government reports and other documents. Informants were also consulted. Information from documents and informants was confirmed through site visits. The analysis of the small-scale hydropower potential sites indicates that the country has considerable potential for decentralised hydropower generation, which if fully exploited, can contribute to the country's electricity and power supply especially for rural electrification. Most of the identified potential sites are located in the northern parts of the country. From the information on the assessed sites, a proven potential of 7.6MW can be harnessed. An inventory of small-scale hydropower systems shows there is an installed capacity of 5.8MW with most of the plants not functioning due to various reasons. Challenges and opportunities towards popularisation of the technology have been identified and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As the largest developing country, China has abundant wind, biomass and solar energy resources. Under the large demand for electricity and the shortage of fossil energy, it is essential to develop renewable energy generation in China. This paper analyzes the resources, scale, market operation, profitability and policies of China’s wind, biomass and solar power generation and gives a discussion of the investment risks in the current situation. It is expected that the analysis in this paper could be helpful for the potential investors to make decision. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cooking is the prime requirement for people all over the world. It accounts for a major share of energy consumption in developing countries. Solar energy is contributing major energy requirements of the world''s population particularly in developing countries. Among the different energy end uses, energy for cooking is one of the basic and dominant end uses in developing countries. There are number of solar energy based cooking appliances has been design, developed and tested for various applications across the globe. In this paper attempt has been made to provide comprehensive view on standard testing approach of solar cooker, energy and exergy analysis approach and economic evolution of different types of solar cooker. Thermal performance of box type and concentration type solar cookers in both laboratories and actual field conditions also rigorously reviewed and presented in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Off-grid electrification is gaining importance in the developing countries where the access to electricity is often limited. The purpose of this paper is to review alternative methodologies that are used for off-grid electrification projects to identify the features of each methodological approach and to present their strengths and weaknesses. The paper reviews a large volume of relevant literature covering techno-economic feasibility studies, analytical works highlighting methodological applications and practice-oriented literature. The review identifies five methodological options, namely the worksheet-based tools, optimisation tools, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools, system-based participatory tools and hybrid approaches. The paper recommends a hybrid approach that combines two or more options to take advantage of strengths and weaknesses of different options. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Worldwide, more than a billion rural dwellers live without electricity. Billions more endure awfully intermittent service even when connected to the grid. Most of these access challenged communities are in the Global South and may benefit from surging spread of distributed energy resources. However, associated investment necessity is large and so is the time required to address infrastructural bottlenecks. Recognising criticality of universal access to affordable, eco-friendly and reliable electricity in inclusive human development, the United Nations adopted 'affordable and clean energy' as one of the Sustainable Development Goals. To treasure electricity access, measurement of the same is important. The evolution of electricity access measurement has given rise to multi-tier, multi-parameter matrix. This improved measurement framework has facilitated researchers and policymakers in capturing various electricity access parameters in order to script focused energy strategy for the common man. This paper studies electricity availability, consumer aspiration and prevailing consumption in an impoverished, isolated, high-altitude valley, nestled in the Himalayas in India. It outlines evolving technology-aided, access measurement supported innovative access tier advancement opportunities in the valley. The result underscores the importance of consumer-focused approach for improving infrastructure utilisation. Consumer collaboration may result in fast, economical access advancement. Supply reliability may transform from abrupt complete disruption to gradual, cognisant decay. Such transition may encourage consumers to avoid costly, individual backup and instead use available resources sensibly. Embedding aspiration-supporting nudge in electricity regulation may promote co-operation, helping empowered consumers in scaling access tier affordably. • Electricity metering has advanced since comprehensive consumption reporting. • Metering advances can at present support inexpensive consumer Collaboration. • Collaborative consumption may help consumers scale access tier inexpensively. • Improved resource use may favourably impact affordability and consumer utility. • Participative consumption may promote equity, inclusivity and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Smart meter is an advanced energy meter that measures consumption of electrical energy providing additional information compared to a conventional energy meter. Integration of smart meters into electricity grid involves implementation of a variety of techniques and software, depending on the features that the situation demands. Design of a smart meter depends on the requirements of the utility company as well as the customer. This paper discusses various features and technologies that can be integrated with a smart meter. In fact, deployment of smart meters needs proper selection and implementation of a communication network satisfying the security standards of smart grid communication. This paper outlines various issues and challenges involved in design, deployment, utilization, and maintenance of the smart meter infrastructure. In addition, several applications and advantages of smart meter, in the view of future electricity market are discussed in detail. This paper explains the importance of introducing smart meters in developing countries. In addition, the status of smart metering in various countries is also illustrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A modern form of energy, in particular electricity for household use, is an important vehicle in alleviating poverty in developing countries. However, access and costs of connecting to this service for most poor in these countries is inconceivable. Policies promoting electricity connection in rural areas are known to be beneficial in improving the socio-economic and health well-being for households. This paper examines willingness to pay (WTP) for rural electrification connection in Kisumu district, Kenya, using the contingent valuation method (CVM). A nonparametric and a parametric model are employed to estimate WTP values for two electricity products: grid electricity (GE) and photovoltaic (PV) electricity. The results indicate that respondents are willing to pay more for GE services than PV and households favoured monthly connection payments over a lump sum amount. Some of the policies suggested in this paper include: subsidizing the connection costs for both sources of electricity, adjusting the payment periods, and restructuring the market ownership of providing rural electricity services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the review of the development and application of the thermally activated desiccant cooling technologies. The paper first introduces the global problem of energy and the environment related to the consumption of the carbon-based energy sources (gas, oil and coal). The contribution of the building sector to the above problem so as to maintain indoor environment providing human thermal comfort is shown. In this paper, the alternative methods for the provision of the human thermal comfort through thermally activated desiccant cooling technologies are discussed—solid desiccant, liquid desiccant and hybrid desiccant cooling systems. These technologies are potential alternatives to the mechanical vapor compression cooling technologies in the provision of human thermal comfort conditions. However, the development and application is mostly in developed and advanced developing countries. For a global scale solution to the problem of energy and environment contributed by the building sector for maintenance of comfortable conditions, dissemination of ideas and technologies to the developing world (Africa, South and South East Asia, South America) enhances the applicability and practicability of these technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Access to clean and affordable modern energy services has been widely recognised as a significant factor for enabling social and economic development. Stand-alone systems and mini-grids are presumed to play an important role in the provision of sustainable energy to those people who currently lack access. Accordingly, an increasing number of small-scale energy projects are being implemented in developing countries and emerging economies. However, despite the large number of energy development projects, only limited evidence exists about the actual contribution they make to sustainable development. This paper addresses this research gap by providing a systematic assessment of three selected impact pathways based on the evaluation of over 30 small-scale sustainable energy projects. Applying a theory-based evaluation approach in the form of a contribution analysis, the aim of this research is to better understand if and how these types of technical interventions can create development outcomes and impacts. The results show that technological issues are often not the most decisive factor in achieving development effects, but that embedding the technology in a set of actions that address social, cultural, economic and environmental aspects is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global firms are increasingly adopting greenhouse gas mitigation targets in response to climate change. These targets serve as a spur for carbon mitigation initiatives, provide guidelines to select appropriate mitigation actions, and set the standards to measure the progress of the mitigation efforts. Despite their important functionalities, firm-level mitigation targets have rarely been studied. In this paper we aim to provide a comparative view on mitigation targets set by global firms across different countries and industrial sectors. The analysis focuses on four dimensions, i.e., adoption, metric, scope, and stringency. We find Japan far leads the other major countries in terms of target adoption, but the targets of Japanese firms are generally less stringent. Canadian firms are laggards in both target adoption and target stringency. The mitigation targets are also considerably uncommon among Australian firms. Firms in developing countries fall behind in target stringency and display a significantly greater divergence than developed countries in sectoral adoption rate. The European Union firms are most likely to cover the emissions in their supply chains in targets. Target stringency has substantially tightened from 2005 to 2012. For all the countries in this study, around 95% of the firm-level targets are more stringent than the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions submitted to the Paris Agreement. Setting mitigation target has a significant positive impact on both the likelihood of investing in renewable energy and the amount of investment in renewable energy. However, there is no evidence that more stringent targets lead to higher investment. These findings point to the most pressing issues with regard to corporate mitigation target-setting that policymakers and corporate management should address. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Renewable energy sources and technologies have potential to provide solutions to the long-standing energy problems being faced by the developing countries. The renewable energy sources like wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy, biomass energy and fuel cell technology can be used to overcome energy shortage in India. To meet the energy requirement for such a fast growing economy, India will require an assured supply of 3–4 times more energy than the total energy consumed today. The renewable energy is one of the options to meet this requirement. Today, renewable account for about 33% of India''s primary energy consumptions. India is increasingly adopting responsible renewable energy techniques and taking positive steps towards carbon emissions, cleaning the air and ensuring a more sustainable future. In India, from the last two and half decades there has been a vigorous pursuit of activities relating to research, development, demonstration, production and application of a variety of renewable energy technologies for use in different sectors. In this paper, efforts have been made to summarize the availability, current status, major achievements and future potentials of renewable energy options in India. This paper also assesses specific policy interventions for overcoming the barriers and enhancing deployment of renewables for the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Against the background of global climate change and increasing prices of fossil fuel, the importance of producing sustainable renewable energy increases significantly. CO2-neutral energy generation using biomass or organic waste is an alternative option that deserves attention particularly in developing countries. Aim of this paper is to provide an integrated framework for the preparation of feasibility studies for the renewable energy sector there, considering technical, environmental, economic, socio-cultural, legal and institutional aspects which are particular applicable for developing countries. Such a feasibility framework involves a definition of the scope, which reflects the aims and objectives of the target groups (supplier, operator, etc. of renewable energy supply) and the methodologies and tools involved. All relevant aspects are covered: data collection, selection of sites and assessment of options. Furthermore, methods and tools for risk assessment and decision-making are presented and a practical plan of procedures is last provided. The proposed framework is then applied to a selected area in Vietnam and certain results of the study, showing that the implementation of a biogas plant utilizing organic waste would be feasible, are presented in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The wind and solar energy are omnipresent, freely available, and environmental friendly. The wind energy systems may not be technically viable at all sites because of low wind speeds and being more unpredictable than solar energy. The combined utilization of these renewable energy sources are therefore becoming increasingly attractive and are being widely used as alternative of oil-produced energy. Economic aspects of these renewable energy technologies are sufficiently promising to include them for rising power generation capability in developing countries. A renewable hybrid energy system consists of two or more energy sources, a power conditioning equipment, a controller and an optional energy storage system. These hybrid energy systems are becoming popular in remote area power generation applications due to advancements in renewable energy technologies and substantial rise in prices of petroleum products. Research and development efforts in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies are required to continue for, improving their performance, establishing techniques for accurately predicting their output and reliably integrating them with other conventional generating sources. The aim of this paper is to review the current state of the design, operation and control requirement of the stand-alone PV solar–wind hybrid energy systems with conventional backup source i.e. diesel or grid. This Paper also highlights the future developments, which have the potential to increase the economic attractiveness of such systems and their acceptance by the user. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Sierra Leone energy sector suffers from multiple problems of inadequate capacity and finance. Most of the population does not have access to electricity, and supply is often unreliable. At the same time the country has been trying to implement significant structural and economic reforms, aimed both at government policy objectives and more market-driven operation. The focus of this paper is to achieve a better understanding of current decision-making processes and issues in terms of their impact on inception, planning, implementation and operation of projects. This should assist consideration of organisation and governance for the sector. The method has been to apply the Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed (RACI) matrix with surveys of key actors in the sector including ministries, utilities and regulatory bodies, development partners and independent power producers. These were predominantly middle or senior managers most closely associated with the electrification. An initial online survey with 11 key informants allowed us to identify important linkages in decision-making processes. A further 16 face-to-face interviews with 30 interviewees added depth and helped identify weaknesses and challenges. Key findings relate to the conflicting frameworks of market driven pressures and government or policy driven objectives, and the lack of a clear pathway for change. Resulting problems include misaligned goals, unclear or inconsistent communication channels and ambiguous responsibilities. At the same time the sector is hindered by a lack of capacity, insufficient finance and threats from 'briefcase organisations'. The paper also discusses some key remedies for these issues which include streamlined decision-making processes, clearly defined stakeholder roles and improved communication channels. • Use of RACI matrix to map the decision-making powers of identified stakeholders. • Actors with knowledge and influence in Sierra Leone's energy sector are identified. • Interviews with 30 identified core stakeholders in 16 face-to-face interviews. • Decision-making in the electricity sector is influenced by varying actors' interests. • Study finds a need to define key roles and improve communication and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper conducts a discrete choice experiment among 167 households in the Delhi region in India, to study the acceptability of demand response (DR) programs among upper-income households. Attributes include rate types, rate bands, reductions in power outages, and expected monthly savings. Results indicate a preference for time-of-use pricing over real-time pricing, and a preference for three rate slabs per day over two. Respondents prioritize reductions in power outages and minimizing potential expenses, reflecting the financial sensitivity and energy poverty relative to other countries. Respondents' ages and incomes further affect the value that they attach to reductions in power outages. The paper proposes various structures of DR programs that could achieve high predicted enrollment and concludes by estimating the potential benefits of implementing such programs. Overall, the analysis indicates that a DR program could be feasible in a developing country context, particularly if it is designed keeping in mind local socio-economic considerations. This may be supported through further confirmatory research. • We conduct a choice experiment to design a demand response program in Delhi. • Results indicate a preference for time-of-use pricing over real-time pricing. • People care about the reductions in power outages and the potential expenses. • Ages and incomes affect the value that respondents attach to reducing power outages. • 90% of the sample can be predicted to enroll for savings of under $10 per month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the great successes in improving rural electrification and reducing poverty, China's small hydropower (SHP) development is expected to provide a good example for other developing countries. However, recently, nearly all new SHP development plans have been halted, and many plants have been urged to shut down or even be removed. The SHP industry in China is now in a dilemma. This paper presents a review of the status of SHP development in China and explores the challenges troubling this industry. It was revealed that SHP resources in many provinces have been intensively exploited, with an exploration rate over 0.80, while untapped resources are primarily located in remote western provinces, such as ecologically fragile Tibet. This intensive and disordered SHP development has caused serious dewatering of rivers and affected local agricultural and household water access, which arouses fierce controversy. Moreover, the role of SHP has been gradually weakened by the extension of power grids and diversified electricity sources. Therefore, the transition and upgrade of the SHP industry has become critical to enhance its sustainable development and to provide a solid example for the world. A divergence management strategy for SHP should be adopted to achieve low-impact development, as opposed to blind large-scale development or rigidly discontinuing all projects. Future transition strategies are proposed in this paper that include delicate management of existing plants and construction of new plants with higher standards, as well as pathways for the development benefits to be shared by a wider range of local residents. • This study investigated the history and status quo of SHP development in China. • SHP resources in most provinces are intensively developed except some western areas. • Growing challenges that trouble the SHP industry in China were identified. • Future transition strategies for the SHP industry in China were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuel production stands out on an international level because of its environmentally sustainable characteristics and the potential to promote rural development in developing countries. Introducing waste cooking oil (WCO) into the biodiesel chain holds the potential to promote social inclusion in urban areas in developing countries as well. In this sense, this paper examines the opportunity for biodiesel production from WCO as a potential source for future energy supply, particularly for biodiesel, and in this case, we will analyze the Brazilian scene. Several related aspects are covered, such as the physical and chemical properties of the WCO and the biodiesel made from it. The process of production is also presented. Lastly, the potential of the supply for this chain and the potential of social inclusion in developing countries, especially in Brazil, are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the need to use remote devices against the traditional wall-mounted fan regulators to switch and control the speed of fans, this review paper conveys the fundamental theory that governs the operation of remote-controlled fan regulators. From state-of-the-art in the research, the basic steps in the design and construction of remote controlled fan regulator were presented. Upon implementation of the circuit using locally available materials, discussions based on its working principle, applications and cost breakdown of the work were provided. A number of research goals which guided the work were executed based on an experimental research design. Findings reveal that the factory installed speed regulation of a ceiling fan can be easily duplicated upon implementation of the remote control device, with a digital display unit incorporated for precise speed control. To maintain sustainable production of the remote-controlled fan regulator, it is recommended that there should be a reduction of the size and weight of the set-up for greater marketability by using a triac instead of an autotransformer in the set-up. Moreover, improving the capability for omnidirectional speed control as against the unidirectional control of existing schemes is another way. In all of these, the advantage for commercialization is greatly advanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in reducing household energy consumption and indoor air pollutants has increased. Simple devices such as cookstoves are important items in the reduction of the amount of domestic energy consumed in developing countries. This paper summarizes the literature available on biomass cookstoves used in villages of underdeveloped countries to determine their holistic performance, including efficiency and emissions. This is a detailed discussion on gasification, biomass fuel characteristics and heat output control of cookstoves. It reviews cookstove design, performance considerations, materials and geometric parameters along with the impact of supplementary tools on efficiency and emissions. Mathematical modeling and simulations are included and evaluation criteria consisting of testing protocols and performance parameters are compared. An efficiently designed pot can reduce domestic energy consumption, although its impact has been overlooked. Literature concerning the effects of materials and geometrical variables versus heat transfer efficiency of cookware is also discussed. The review addresses the gaps in the literature to pave the way for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the selection of suitable renewable energy policy is very significant issue that could affect on environment and economic development. To address the issue, some researchers have focused on choosing the best renewable energy alternative by utilizing the decision-making analysis and fuzzy sets theory. In this paper, a new decision model based on modified elimination and choice translating reality (ELECTRE) is presented under a hesitant fuzzy environment for solving the multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems in energy sector. Hesitant fuzzy set (HFS) is a powerful tool to cope with uncertainty in case of hesitant and incomplete information by considering some membership degrees for an energy alternative versus an evaluation criterion (attribute) under a set. In this model, a group of energy experts is provided to assess the potential alternatives among the conflicted attributes or criteria. Also, the decision matrix and relative importance of each attribute are considered by linguistic terms that can be transformed to hesitant fuzzy elements. In addition, the relative importance of each energy decision maker (DM) or expert is computed by proposed hesitant fuzzy modified preferences selection index (HF-M-PSI) method. Also, the significance of attributes is determined by an extended maximizing deviation method which is motivated by hesitant fuzzy Euclidean-Hausdorff distance measure. In this regard, opinions of each energy expert are applied to extend maximizing deviation method. Then, weights of attributes and experts are considered in the proposed hesitant fuzzy modified-ELECTRE (HF-M-ELECTRE) model. In the proposed decision model, the hesitant fuzzy effective outranking matrix may not help to rank the energy candidates. Thus, the proposed soft computing approach takes account of the thresholds as indifference, preference and veto for each attribute to compare the equivalent alternative. Finally, two real case studies in developing countries on renewable energy policy selection problem are presented to indicate the suitability and feasibility of the proposed HF-M-ELECTRE model in imprecise situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we explain the effectiveness of green policies on the basis of development stage of countries. The analysis conducted on developing and developed countries in the time span 2004–2011, following a two-step approach: in the first step, we consider the green policy sectors (regulatory policies, fiscal incentives, and public investments) while in the second step we analyze individually the policies adopted by countries. Results confirm that not all policies promote the investments in Renewable sources and their effectiveness depend by the stage of development of the countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy sector situation in Palestine is highly different compared to other countries in the Middle East due to many reasons: non-availability of natural resources, unstable political conditions, financial crisis and high density population. Furthermore, Palestine depends on other countries for 100% of its fossil fuel imports and for 87% of its electricity imports. In addition high growth of population, increasing living standards and rapid growth of industrial have led to tremendous energy demand in Palestine in recent years. The total energy consumption per habitant in Palestine is the lowest in the region (0.79 MW h/inhabitant) and costs more than anywhere else in the Middle East countries. The primary goal of this paper is to analyze the current energy sector situation in Palestine and to highlight the status of the potential of renewable energy as an essential future energy source sector in Palestine. Regarding the main possibilities of RE, the wind speed averages (m/s) for main 5 cities were: Tubas 4.97, Salfeet 4.26, Ramallah 3.09, Hebron 2.90 and Jericho 1.32. With these data, Palestine can be considered as a country of moderate wind speeds. By the other hand, Palestine has a high solar energy potential about 3000 sunshine hours per year with a solar radiation (kW h/m 2 /day) for year 2013 of 8.27 in Ramallah, 7.51 in Hebron, 6.86 in Salfeet and 6.15 in Tubas. These values are encouraging to exploit the solar energy for different applications. This study highlights that the main renewable energy sources in Palestine are solar energy, wind energy and biomass, thereby the energy dependence on neighbouring countries may significantly decrease, when Palestine uses the available renewable energy sources. The renewable energies in Palestine open new perspectives for energy sector in order to prompt practices for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper cumulates the findings from a review of the challenges faced by renewable energy entrepreneurs in developing countries. To date, research that could facilitate the success of renewable energy entrepreneurs in the world׳s developing regions has been fragmented across two main bodies of literature – management (specifically, entrepreneurship) and renewable energy. By conducting a qualitative review of the extant literature, I propose that the findings from both bodies of research may be distilled to six (6) key challenges: inadequate access to institutional finance; the price of renewable energy technologies (RETs); the lack of skilled labour; underdeveloped physical infrastructure and logistics; power/dominance of incumbents; inadequate government or policy support. Through this research, I not only advance a unified conceptualisation of the challenges faced by renewable energy entrepreneurs in developing countries, but also highlight a number of the revealed opportunities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing cost-competiveness of renewable energy (RE) technologies, competitive auction schemes have increasingly been adopted in recent years across various developed and developing countries. Local content requirements (LCRs) are frequently used as part of RE auction schemes to promote local industrial development. In this paper, we present a review of the literature on the effectiveness of LCRs in fostering local industrial development across various developing countries focusing on South Africa, Brazil, India and China. Specifically, this paper analyses the effectiveness of LCRs in promoting the establishment of local manufacturing facilities of onshore wind turbine and solar PV components in these countries. Further, the paper provides a review of the main determining factors stressed in the literature to account for variations in the effectiveness of LCRs. We have found that the literature generally ascribes importance to the role of LCRs in stimulating local component production in developing countries. However, previous research on the effectiveness of LCRs in establishing local component manufacturing differs across the technologies and the countries analysed. The variation in the effectiveness of LCRs can be explained by a framework that combines the following four determining factors: (i) market size and stability; (ii) policy design and coherence; (iii) the restrictiveness of the LCRs; and (iv) the domestic industrial base. The paper highlights a lack of systematic approaches and rigour in existing research, thus proposing the development of a common framework and set of indicators to assess the efficiency of LCRs. • Review of the use of local content requirements (LCRs) in renewable energy auction schemes in developing countries. • Study of the effects of LCRs in localising production of wind and solar components in South Africa, Brazil, India and China. • Finds that the effectiveness of LCRs in promoting local industrial development differs across countries and technologies. • Determinant factors is suggested to explain the variations in the effectiveness of LCRs across countries and technologies. • Concludes by suggesting more rigour and development of a common methodology in research on LCRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on climate change impacts on renewable energy is becoming increasingly relevant due to the vulnerability of the sector and to the continual development of methodologies and availability of data. Public and private decision-making needs specific research. However, many gaps still exist in certain geographical regions and technologies. Providing economic estimates with a value chain perspective are also missing from most papers. This paper addresses the most relevant studies that project quantitative estimates of climate change impacts on solar, wind, hydro and other renewable generation technologies. Summary tables of impacts and projections are provided so that researchers, governments and the private sector may have an accurate view of the state-of-the-art on this topic. • The impacts of climate change on renewables make up a growing area of research. • Despite uncertainties, climate models are the most well-trusted method. • Comparing projections is complex due to scopes, methodologies and variables. • Hydro and solar are more frequently analysed than other technologies. • Main gaps are lack of economics assessments and projections in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is considered as a key source for the future and plays a pivotal role in its socioeconomic development by raising the standard of living and the quality of life. It is critical to achieving virtually all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and today, all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether, it is electricity for schools or clinics, energy for the delivery of health, education and sanitation, services, clean fuel to reduce indoor pollution, energy for pumping water or heat for cooking and water boiling, energy in all its forms will be required to achieve these ends. This paper examines the relationship between renewables and living conditions of poor rural households in developing countries with a particular focus on Cameroon. Its goal is threefold: first, analyzing the energy situation of the country and the living standard of its rural households; second, promoting renewables usage; and third, formulating consolidated policy recommendations to foster the diffusion of profitable renewable structures. It globally aims to encourage decision-makers to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix and to integrate into their development policies the concept of Sustainable Development, thrifty in resources and low carbon content. From this study, we found that in national average, the solar radiation received in Cameroon along the year is 4.2824 KWh m −2 d −1 . This allows us to evaluate its solar potential at 7.431×10 8 GWh per year, representing 128,988 times the total electric production of the country estimated in 2014 at 5.761 billion kWh. In sub-Saharan Africa region, Cameroon has the second largest biomass potential (with 21 million hectares of forest) and the second largest hydroelectric potential (with 294 TWh/year). In spite these enormous potentials, poverty affects more than 50% of rural households in Cameroon and less than 10% of them have access to modern energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the large-scale and centralized development of the wind power industry in China, wind power curtailment has become increasingly serious. In order to promote wind power consumption in China, this paper designs four kinds of feed-in tariff (FIT) mechanisms: a double-track FIT mechanism based on a ratio, a time-of-use benchmarking tariff mechanism, a net back pricing mechanism based on the inter-provincial wind power consumption market, and an FIT mechanism based on negotiation. Then, we establish a benefit distribution model to analyze the wind power stakeholders’ benefits. Finally, based on the four kinds of FIT mechanisms and the benefit distribution model, we propose the best FIT mechanisms for the various electricity market circumstances in China, in order to provide a reference to formulate wind FIT, to promote the consumption of wind power and to advance the sustainable development of renewable energy in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper analyses the potential environmental impacts and economic viability of producing biofuel from lignocellulosic biomass resources in various countries of the world. In many developed and developing countries, lignocellulosic biomass is a significant feedstock for bioenergy used in industrial sector for power generation but the fact remains that the detail study on current status of lignocellulosic utilization for bioenergy industry is still estimated and partial. In this context, the present study focuses its efforts to have country based database able to provide a detail and comprehensive information on country specific agricultural policies, residue production and their utilization in different energy sectors. Much more information will have to be gathered on the use and availability of residues, and also, taking into consideration the strong need for R&D on lignocellulosic resources based biofuel production, a comprehensive survey of innovative technologies based on both thermochemical and biochemical processes, able to convert lignocellulosic biomass resources into green biofuel, is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing countries like India face a lot of problems in the disposal of waste every day, as a result of unregulated and increased disposal rates. This causes an increase in global warming and a severe threat to the environment. Recycling is one of the methods to reduce waste disposal and also produce energy and value added chemicals. Pyrolysis is one of the recycling methods encouraged in the waste recycling, and is in practice in many developed countries. India is still finding a way to effectively reduce the disposal problems. This paper discusses the research and development activities that have taken place in India towards the growth of pyrolysis technology in the last three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical power is essential in commercial, economic and social investments especially in emergent countries. Hydropower energy has become one of the most suitable and efficient sources of renewable energy, though it has taken more than a century of experience to actually generate efficient electricity for supply. Nowadays, most rural areas in developed and developing countries use cheap and effective micro-hydropower plants for producing electricity. To achieve more efficiency, researchers are looking forward to using simple turbines for achieving good performance with minimum initial and running cost, for utilization especially in poor countries. This paper presents a review of low head micro-hydropower turbines; focusing on categories, performance, operation and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to sustainable and affordable energy services is a crucial factor in reducing poverty in developing countries. In particular, small-scale and community-based renewable energy projects are recognized as important forms of development assistance for reaching the energy poor. However, to date only a few empirical evaluations exist which analyze and compare the impact of these projects on local living conditions and their sustainability ex-post implementation. To better understand the impacts and the conditions that influence sustainability of these projects, the research presented in this paper evaluated 23 local development projects post implementation. By applying an standardized evaluation design to a cross-sectional sample in terms of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, hydro), user needs (electricity, food preparation, lighting, productive uses), community management models, finance mechanisms and geographical locations, the review results provide valuable insights on the underlying conditions that influence the success or failure of these small-scale local energy interventions. The empirical evidence suggests that the sustainability of small-scale energy implementations (≤100 kW) in developing countries is determined by the same factors, independent of the socio-cultural, political and ecological context. These findings allow to better predict the long-term success of small sustainable energy projects in developing countries, this can help to improve project designs and increase the certainty for future investment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of access to safe drinking water remains a present concern in many developing countries, particularly in rural locations. Membrane water treatment technologies have the potential to remove microbiological and chemical contaminants reliably and simultaneously from a wide range of water sources. When powered by renewable energy, these systems are autonomous and have the ability to ‘leapfrog’ over installation of traditional infrastructure for electricity and water supply to reach remote communities. In this paper, current estimated costs for water, membrane plants and infrastructure are compared to indicate the window of opportunity for these exciting renewable energy powered membrane (RE-membrane) technologies. General estimated costs for decentralized membrane systems are within the range of some untreated water costs in developing countries. Specific system costs, however, are very process and location dependent. The appropriateness of a successful approach thus depends partially on careful examination of these parameters. In view of the comparisons made here, the biggest hurdle to adoption of the RE-membrane technology in a remote location may not be cost, but rather sustainability issues such as the lack of skilled personnel for operation and maintenance, service networks, availability of spare parts, socio-economic integration and adaptive capacity of communities to transfer and develop technology appropriate to local needs and circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Government support in the form of so-called feed-in tariff policies (FITs), which combine long-term, fixed-price electricity purchase agreements and guaranteed grid-access, has attracted large private-sector investments in sustainable electricity generation in the industrialized world. In an effort to replicate these experiences globally, a number of international organizations, NGOs, banks and donor countries are proposing mechanisms to cover part of the cost of FITs in developing countries. This paper reviews these proposals for supported FITs and then uses a case study of Thailand’s Alternative Energy Development Plan 2013–2021 to investigate the opportunities and challenges of supporting FITs at a global scale. The review highlights that these proposed mechanisms foresee different roles for national governments and supporting entities, particularly in terms of who is responsible to balance fixed FIT payments with uncertain revenues and savings from carbon markets, donors and avoided fuel consumption. The case study results then show that the uncertainty about the actual cost of supported FITs is so significant that the responsibility to balance the FIT budget has to be considered carefully in the design of any mechanism that is to be employed at scale. To a considerable extent, the uncertainty is driven by the counterfactual analysis, i.e., by assumptions about the future savings from avoided fossil fuel consumption: for example, depending on the fossil fuel price scenario the FIT may result in a cost of USD 17bn or savings of 23bn. Unlike uncertainty about the necessary level of FIT payments, uncertainty about the avoided fossil fuel cost materializes only over the course of the policy’s lifetime, making it politically challenging. This suggests that an international support mechanism that differentiates the allocation of responsibility depending on the income-level of the recipient country is more suitable for global-scale support than a one-size-fits-all approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper investigates the unit root properties of coal consumption per capita for the 47 developed and developing countries for 1965–2010 period. To examine the stationary properties of coal consumption per capita, Lagrange multiplier (LM) unit root test with one break and two breaks Crash model has been utilized. According to empirical results, the coal consumption is stationary in almost all the countries analyzed. Thus, if the coal consumption is mean (or trend) reverting, then it follows that the series will return to its mean value (or trend path) and it might be possible to forecast future movements in the coal consumption based on past behaviors of the series. For the policy makers, it is not necessary to pay attention to coal consumption excepting for Indian and Italian. However, for the researchers it is important to take into account the stationarity property of coal consumption and also structural breaks (should be modeled) in their future studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy is an indispensable part of modern society and can serve as one of the most important indicators of socio-economic development. Despite advancements in technology, however, some three billion people, primarily in the rural areas of developing countries, continue to meet their energy needs for cooking through traditional means by burning biomass resources (i.e., firewood, crop residues and animal dung) in crude traditional stoves. Such practices are known to be the source of significant environmental, social, economic and public health issues. To achieve sustainable development in these regions, it is imperative that access to clean and affordable (renewable) energy is made available. Within this context, upgrading existing biomass resources (i.e., animal manure, crop residues, kitchen waste and green wastes) to cleaner and more efficient energy carriers (such as biogas from anaerobic digestion) has unique potential to provide clean and reliable energy, while simultaneously preserving the local and global environment. In spite of its significant potential to serve developing nations, however, the high costs and lack of expertise in installation and maintenance of biogas technology preclude widespread adoption in geographically isolated communities. Concerted efforts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors are absolutely essential in facilitating modernization and dissemination of biogas technology to harness the inherent potential that is currently underutilized and unexploited. The intent of this paper seeks to highlight the present status, challenges, and potential of biogas technology to advocate for further research, development and dissemination of the concept in developing countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy poverty is widespread in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Pacific. It is estimated that 70 percent of Pacific Islander households do not have access to electricity, which is equivalent to access rates in sub-Saharan Africa and slightly below the average for low income countries. Pacific SIDS face unique challenges in expanding access to electricity, given that their populations are spread across tens of thousands of islands. Governments and development partners in Pacific SIDS continue to prioritise development of electricity grids, as is evident in ongoing subsidisation of grid-based power consumption and the establishment of ambitious (grid-based) renewable energy targets. This paper argues that traditional approaches to rural electrification which prioritise grid extension are not suited to the Pacific islands region. Increased funding should be directed by both governments and development partners towards rural electrification, especially in off-grid areas where isolated systems are more appropriate. Institutional reform is also important. Regulatory reform is needed for power utilities to extend electricity grids into rural areas. Institutional arrangements that facilitate the sustainable operation and maintenance of off-grid systems also need to be established. Past donor and government-funded off-grid rural electrification projects have rarely been sustainable. Alternative approaches involving payment of output-based subsidies to energy service companies are worth exploring, although will only succeed where sound regulatory arrangements are in place. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fog is a potential source of water that could be exploited using the innovative technology of fog collection. Naturally, the potential of fog has proven its significance in cloud forests that are thriving from fog interception. Historically, the remains of artificial structures in different countries prove that fog has been collected as an alternative and/or supplementary water source. In the beginning of the 19th century, fog collection was investigated as a potential natural resource. After the mid-1980s, following success in Chile, fog-water collection commenced in a number of developing countries. Most of these countries are located in arid and semi-arid regions with topographic and climatic conditions that favour fog-water collection. This paper reviews the technology of fog collection with initial background information on natural fog collection and its historical development. It reviews the climatic and topographic features that dictate fog formation (mainly advection and orographic) and the innovative technology to collect it, focusing on the amount collected, the quality of fog water, and the impact of the technology on the livelihoods of beneficiary communities. By and large, the technology described is simple, cost-effective, and energy-free. However, fog-water collection has disadvantages in that it is seasonal, localised, and the technology needs continual maintenance. Based on the experience in several countries, the sustainability of the technology could be guaranteed if technical, economic, social, and management factors are addressed during its planning and implementation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]