scholarly journals The Impact of Policy and Technology Parameters on the Economics of Microgrids for Rural Electrification: A Case Study of Remote Communities in Bolivia

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munir Husein ◽  
Hyung-Ju Kim ◽  
Il-Yop Chung
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Rural Electrification ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Operating Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Throughout the developing world, most remote and isolated communities are still without reliable electricity in the twenty-first century, and this is primarily due to the high cost of grid extensions. In communities that do have electricity, they usually rely on diesel generators, though these have high operating and maintenance costs, while also polluting the environment. A more sustainable approach is to deploy microgrids, however, microgrids have a high upfront cost, which is a major obstacle, especially in rural areas of developing countries. This study aims to investigate the parameters that can be influenced to make microgrids more economical for rural electrification. Through sensitivity analyses, five key policy and technology parameters were identified. They include real discount rates, diesel prices, grants, battery chemistry, and operating strategies. The system was then redesigned using scenarios formulated by varying these parameters. Results show that the parameters affect the configuration, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), renewable energy penetration (REP), and pollutant emissions. The study uses three remote communities in the Beni Department of Bolivia as case studies. MDSTool was used as a modeling framework to design the microgrids. The unique insights and lessons learned during the design process are discussed at length because these may be valuable for future microgrid designs for remote communities.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned from Rural Electrification Experiences with Third Generation Solar Home Systems in Latin America: Case Studies in Peru, Mexico, and Bolivia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 7139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea A. Eras-Almeida ◽  
Miguel Fernández ◽  
Julio Eisman ◽  
José G. Martín ◽  
Estefanía Caamaño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Rural Electrification ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Home Systems

There are 17 million people without access to electricity services in Latin America. This population lives in small isolated and scattered communities with low incomes where it is difficult to achieve 100% access to electricity by the grid extension. Therefore, it is necessary to create market mechanisms and promote off-grid electrification in which photovoltaic (PV) technology plays a fundamental role. This research assesses successful projects developed in Peru, Mexico, and Bolivia, where 3rd Generation Solar Home Systems (3G-SHSs) are being introduced to support off-grid initiatives. To do so, we applied a mixed-methods approach including a comparative case study analysis, an extensive literature review, focus group discussions, and field research. Thereby, the lessons learned reveal that confidence, commitment, and flexibility are the main pillars of rural electrification. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the combination of various business models—an energy service company, fee-for-service, pay-as-you-go, and a microfranchising—with 3G-SHSs is powerfully effective in terms of sustainability. Our findings are useful to policy makers, researchers, promoters, and other stakeholders to rethink intervention strategies in rural areas. Access to electricity must be a state policy to facilitate the participation of new actors, especially of the private sector and communities, and the introduction of innovative business models and high-quality technology.

scholarly journals Maximizing and evaluating the impact of test-trace-isolate programs: A modeling study

PLoS Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. e1003585
Author(s):  
Kyra H. Grantz ◽  
Elizabeth C. Lee ◽  
Lucy D’Agostino McGowan ◽  
Kyu Han Lee ◽  
C. Jessica E. Metcalf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
R Package ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Reproductive Number ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Online Application ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Background Test-trace-isolate programs are an essential part of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) control that offer a more targeted approach than many other nonpharmaceutical interventions. Effective use of such programs requires methods to estimate their current and anticipated impact. Methods and findings We present a mathematical modeling framework to evaluate the expected reductions in the reproductive number, R, from test-trace-isolate programs. This framework is implemented in a publicly available R package and an online application. We evaluated the effects of completeness in case detection and contact tracing and speed of isolation and quarantine using parameters consistent with COVID-19 transmission (R0: 2.5, generation time: 6.5 days). We show that R is most sensitive to changes in the proportion of cases detected in almost all scenarios, and other metrics have a reduced impact when case detection levels are low (<30%). Although test-trace-isolate programs can contribute substantially to reducing R, exceptional performance across all metrics is needed to bring R below one through test-trace-isolate alone, highlighting the need for comprehensive control strategies. Results from this model also indicate that metrics used to evaluate performance of test-trace-isolate, such as the proportion of identified infections among traced contacts, may be misleading. While estimates of the impact of test-trace-isolate are sensitive to assumptions about COVID-19 natural history and adherence to isolation and quarantine, our qualitative findings are robust across numerous sensitivity analyses. Conclusions Effective test-trace-isolate programs first need to be strong in the “test” component, as case detection underlies all other program activities. Even moderately effective test-trace-isolate programs are an important tool for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and can alleviate the need for more restrictive social distancing measures.

scholarly journals Outcomes from the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program for Adults With Opioid Use Disorders in Rural Colorado

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia R. Amura ◽  
Tanya R. Sorrell ◽  
Mary Weber ◽  
Andrea Alvarez ◽  
Nancy Beste ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Addiction Severity Index ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Pilot Program ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background. As Colorado ranked among the top nationally in non-medical use of opioids, a pilot medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) program was developed to increase the number of NPs and PAs providing MOUD in order to bring this evidence based treatment 2 counties showing disproportionally high opioid overdose deaths. Over the first 18 months, the MOUD Pilot Program led to 15 new health care providers receiving MOUD waiver training and 1,005 patients receiving MOUD from the 3 participating organizations. Here we evaluate the impact of the pilot MOUD program implemented in 2 rural counties severely affected by the opioid crisis on patient centered clinical and functional outcomes. Methods. Under state-funded law, three rural agencies submitted patient-level data at baseline (N = 1005) and after 6 months of treatment (N = 190, 25%) between December 2017 and January 2020. The Addiction Severity Index with McNemar-Bowker and t tests were used to measure program impact. Results. Patients in treatment reported using less heroin (13.0 vs. 3.7 days), opioids (3.7 vs. 1.9 days), and alcohol (3.2 vs 0.7 days, all P < 0.01). Patients reported improved health (53.4% vs. 68.2%, P = 0.04), less days of disability (8.69 vs. 6.51, P = 0.02), symptoms (29.8% vs 21.3%), pain (67.5 % to 53.6), worry (45.3% vs 62.3%), anxiety (49.7% vs 23.2%), depression (54.1% vs 23.3%, all P < 0.02) after treatment. Conclusions. This study shows decreased substance use, improved physical and mental health, and reduced symptoms after 6 months of MOUD. Although more research on retention and long-term effects is needed, data shows improved health outcomes after 6 months of MOUD. Lessons learned from implementing this pilot program informed program expansion into other rural areas in need to address some of Colorado’ major public health crises.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Implementation of Rural Electrification Programme in Kenya: A Case of Kieni East Sub County, Nyeri County

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (21) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
Rosemary Kareithi ◽  
George Muhua
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Rural Electrification ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
The Government ◽  
Alternative Sources

The Government of Kenya through numerous policies and programmes have come up with the rural electrification programmes which is to play a crucial role in the provision of electricity to rural areas in a bid to spur human, social and economic development in the Country. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing the implementation of rural electrification programme in Kieni East Sub County, Nyeri County. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study was 4289 households and 10 Rural Electrification Authority Team in Kieni East Sub County. Simple random sampling and Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 94 households and 5 Rural Electrification Authority Officials. The data was collected through structured questionnaires. Reliability of the questionnaires and validity was tested through piloting. Ethics in research was observed and responses were handled with utmost confidentiality, while the study ensured fair gender representation of respondents. The data was analyzed using through descriptives and presented through tables and graphs. The study found that funding, cost of electricity, alternative sources of power and demand affected implementation of Rural Electrification Programme to a great extent. Thus, these factors play a key role in determining the success of the implementation of Rural Electrification Programme in Kieni East Sub County. The study recommended that subsidizing of consumer connections cost, wiring material cost and unit cost of energy should be lowered and also provision of incentives for investments in alternative power sources such as allocation of sufficient funds and timely disbursement for implementation of grid extension in Kieni East should be encouraged by involving policy makers and the government in formulation of policies favorable for the implementation of Rural Electrification Programme in rural areas of Kenya. The study suggests that further studies should be carried out on the influence of institutional factors on the implementation of rural electrification programs in Kenya.

scholarly journals Sustainability of Renewable Off-Grid Technology for Rural Electrification: A Comparative Study Using the IAD Framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heksi Lestari ◽  
Maarten Arentsen ◽  
Hans Bressers ◽  
Budhi Gunawan ◽  
Johan Iskandar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Rural Electrification ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Successful Operation ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Grid Connection ◽  
Sustainable Electricity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Iad Framework

This paper analyses the implementation of renewable off-grid technologies in rural areas, especially where an extension to the national electricity grid was not considered economically feasible. Implementation of remote, stand-alone, electricity technologies as alternatives to a grid connection to provide sustainable electricity access have often failed with many planned projects not realised or abandoned. Our initial assumption was that stand-alone electricity project exhibiting higher scores on sustainability indicators would benefit communities more and make their endurance more likely. However, the impact of the stand-alone technology was often overruled or its quality weakened by government preferences wishing to realise a connection to the central electricity grid. Empirically, the study compares three cases of stand-alone micro-hydropower projects and three cases of stand-alone solar photovoltaic projects in Bogor Regency, Indonesia. It is based on qualitative document analysis, complemented by multiple rounds of semi-structured interviews and observations. The paper assesses the extent to which each project met indicators of technical, economic, social, environmental, and institutional sustainability. The paper tries to explain the endurance of the project from these sustainability scores and uses additional explanations from Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. The findings show that, for the studied local communities, the attractiveness of a grid connection overrules the virtues of a stand-alone electricity project, despite its quality, successful operation and impact. Our research also shows that government policy priorities changed in the rural electrification programme for some communities. In these situations, the off-grid rural electrification programme predominantly provided only temporary access to sustainable electricity for remote local communities that remained waiting and hoping for a grid connection to connect them to fossil fuel-dominated electricity.

scholarly journals Maximizing and evaluating the impact of test-trace-isolate programs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyra H Grantz ◽  
Elizabeth C Lee ◽  
Lucy D'Agostino McGowan ◽  
Kyu Han Lee ◽  
C. Jessica E. Metcalf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
R Package ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Reproductive Number ◽  
Dynamical Process ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Online Application ◽  
The Impact

Background: Test-trace-isolate programs are an essential part of COVID-19 control that offer a more targeted approach than many other non-pharmaceutical interventions. Effective use of such programs requires methods to estimate their current and anticipated impact. Methods and Findings: We present a mathematical modeling framework to evaluate the expected reductions in the reproductive number, R, from test-trace-isolate programs. This framework is implemented in a publicly available R package and an online application. We evaluated the effects of case detection, speed of isolation, contact tracing completeness and speed of quarantine using parameters consistent with COVID-19 transmission (R0=2.5, generation time 6.5 days). We show that R is most sensitive to changes to the proportion of infections detected in almost all scenarios, and other metrics have a reduced impact when case detection levels are low (<30%). Although test-trace-isolate programs can contribute substantially to reducing R, exceptional performance across all metrics is needed to bring R below one through test-trace-isolate alone, highlighting the need for comprehensive control strategies. Formally framing the dynamical process also indicates that metrics used to evaluate performance of test-trace-isolate, such as the proportion of identified infections among traced contacts, may be misleading. While estimates of program performance are sensitive to assumptions about COVID-19 natural history, our qualitative findings are robust across numerous sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Effective test-trace-isolate programs first need to be strong in the "test" component, as case detection underlies all other program activities. Even moderately effective test-trace-isolate programs are an important tool for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, and can alleviate the need for more restrictive social distancing measures.

scholarly journals (A152) Is There a Need to Reconsider the Policy of Evacuating All Casualties from Remote Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) to the Closest Hospital? Lessons Learned from a Rural MCI

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s53-s53
Author(s):  
B. Adini ◽  
R. Cohen ◽  
E. Glassberg ◽  
B. Azaria ◽  
D. Simon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Mass Casualty ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Local Hospital ◽  
Minimal Trauma ◽  
Primary Hospital ◽  
Trauma Surgeons ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundInappropriate distribution of casualties in mass casualty incidents (MCIs) may result in patient overload in primary medical facilities.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to review the consequences of evacuating casualties from a bus accident to a single rural hospital and lessons learned regarding policy of casualty evacuation.MethodsHospital medical records of all casualties from primary and tertiary hospitals were independently reviewed by two senior trauma surgeons. In addition four senior trauma surgeons reviewed the impact of treatment provided in the primary hospital on patient outcomes.Results31 survivors from the accident were transferred to the closest local hospital; 4 died en route to the hospital or within 30 minutes of arrival. 27 casualties were air evacuated from the local hospital within 2.5 to 6.15 hours to level I and II hospitals. Under-triage of 15% and over-triage of 7% were noted. 4 casualties did not receive treatment at the local hospital that might have improved their condition.DiscussionOver and under-triage might have been due to minimal trauma related experience of primary hospital personnel. Evacuation of casualties from an MCI to a limited capacity hospital may overwhelm the facility and affect its ability to provide appropriate medical care.ConclusionsIn MCIs occurring in rural areas, only immediate unstable casualties should be transferred to the closest primary hospital. On-site Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be administered to non-severe casualties until they can be evacuated directly to tertiary care hospitals. First responders must be trained to provide ALS to non-severe casualties until evacuation resources are available.

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Mini-grid in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
pp. 10-29
Author(s):  
Tausif Ali ◽  
Hongzhong Ma ◽  
Ahmed Jaudat Nahian
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Battery System ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Using Data ◽  
System Sustainability ◽  
The Impact

A techno-economic analysis of a hybrid PV-Diesel mini-grid system in rural Bangladesh is presented in this study. The case-study is done using data from Patar Char village in Patuakhali district of Bangladesh, considering non-electrified households. HOMER simulation compares three system designs: Hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery, PV-Battery, and Diesel-Battery. Hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery system yielded optimum results in terms of the lower cost of energy (COE) of around USD 0.182/kWh. Overall carbon emission of this system is around 307 kg/year, which is lower than the Diesel-Battery system, but higher than PV-Battery system. A sensitivity analysis of PV-Diesel-Battery system is performed, by considering and varying some of the indicators to prove system sustainability and feasibility. The impact of price variability in diesel price, discount rate on COE, and total net present cost (TNPC) showed that PV-Diesel-Battery system is the most feasible option. Finally, a SWOT analysis is also presented to address participatory planning strategy of developing the hybrid energy system.

A PROPOSED EVALUATION PLAN TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF A YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FACILITATED BY THE STATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AGENCY (SITA) IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-181
Author(s):  
Maura Mbunyuza-deHeer Menlah
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The State ◽  
State Information ◽  
Evaluation Plan ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Slow Development ◽  
The Impact

This article reports on a proposed evaluation plan that has been developed to assess the work done by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA). The SITA programme was implemented in response to the South African government’s call to improve the lives of the populations in some rural areas through technology. The programme was meant to address slow development in  rural  areas  that  lack  technological  innovations  and  advances.  In  the proposed evaluation plan a review is made of secondary data, deciding how strategic priorities are to be determined, as well as analysis of the rural context environment. The researcher gives an account of how the evaluation strategies are to be piloted and rolled out thereafter. Lessons learnt are recorded and reported upon. A proposed evaluation plan will be developed, based on the lessons learnt in line with the objectives of the project.

Characteristics of Physician Relocation Following Hurricane Katrina

2009 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-12
Author(s):  
Kusuma Madamala ◽  
Claudia R. Campbell ◽  
Edbert B. Hsu ◽  
Yu-Hsiang Hsieh ◽  
James James
Keyword(s):  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Introduction: On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Gulf Coast of the United States, resulting in the evacuation of more than 1.5 million people, including nearly 6000 physicians. This article examines the relocation patterns of physicians following the storm, determines the impact that the disaster had on their lives and practices, and identifies lessons learned. Methods: An Internet-based survey was conducted among licensed physicians reporting addresses within Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated disaster zones in Louisiana and Mississippi. Descriptive data analysis was used to describe respondent characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with physician nonreturn to original practice. For those remaining relocated out of state, bivariate analysis with x2 or Fisher exact test was used to determine factors associated with plans to return to original practice. Results: A total of 312 eligible responses were collected. Among disaster zone respondents, 85.6 percent lived in Louisiana and 14.4 percent resided in Mississippi before the hurricane struck. By spring 2006, 75.6 percent (n = 236) of the respondents had returned to their original homes, whereas 24.4 percent (n = 76) remained displaced. Factors associated with nonreturn to original employment included family or general medicine practice (OR 0.42, 95 percent CI 0.17–1.04; P = .059) and severe or complete damage to the workplace (OR 0.24, 95 percent CI 0.13–0.42; P &lt; .001). Conclusions: A sizeable proportion of physicians remain displaced after Hurricane Katrina, along with a lasting decrease in the number of physicians serving in the areas affected by the disaster. Programs designed to address identified physician needs in the aftermath of the storm may give confidence to displaced physicians to return.

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