scholarly journals Energy Transition toward Cleaner Energy Resources in Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4243
Author(s):  
Pokharel Tika Ram ◽  
Rijal Hom Bahadur
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Electricity Use ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Cooking Fuels

Energy is an important input for socioeconomic development and human well-being. The rationality of energy transitions toward cleaner energy resources is not only to improve individual living conditions, but also to enhance the economic growth of a nation. Nepal is considered to be one of the countries with a low per-capita electricity use, heavily relying on traditional energy resources such as firewood and agricultural residues. The country is rich in hydropower resources. However, various economic and socioeconomic constraints have left the significant potential for hydroelectricity untapped. This study describes the energy transition patterns in Nepal based on a literature review and field survey of household energy use in the winter. We collected data from 516 households in the Solukhumbu, Panchthar, and Jhapa districts of Nepal. The rate of per-capita electricity consumption was 330 kWh/capita/year, which is significantly lower than that of other contemporary global societies such as India 1000 and China 4900 kWh/capita/year. The increasing trend in hydroelectricity production has optimistically transformed the energy sector toward cleaner resources; this correlates with the GDP per capita. Solar home systems, mini- and micro-hydropower plants, biogas technology, and improved cook stoves have been widely used, which has lowered the health and environmental burdens in rural areas. By analysing the survey data, we found that 25% of the households only relied on traditional cooking fuel, while 67% and 8% of the households relied on mixed and commercial cooking fuels, respectively. Moreover, 77% and 48% of traditional and mixed-fuel-using households were unhappy with current cooking fuels while 40% and 66% of these households preferred to use clean cooking fuels. The share of traditional energy resources decreased from 78% to 68%, while that of commercial energy resources increased from 20% to 28% from 2014/15 to 2019/20. This study suggests that future energy policies and programs should acknowledge the reality of energy transition to achieve sustainability by establishing reliable and clean sources of energy.

scholarly journals Study on Household Energy Usage Patterns in Urban and Rural Areas of Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-410
Author(s):  
Dinesh Kumar Shahi ◽  
Hom Bahadur Rijal ◽  
Masanori Shukuya
Keyword(s):  
Rural Area ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Income Level ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Electricity Use

In the last decades, the household’s energy demand has increased significantly in various countries including Nepal. In the case ofNepal, 94% of energy use is in the domestic sector. There is a possibility of a huge increase in electricity production, but we are stillsuffering from load shedding due to the high electricity demand. Electricity use is an important factor for the quality of life anddevelopment of a nation. There is not a sufficient number of researches done about electricity consumption in different climaticregions of Nepal which are analyzed by the income level of residents. This study gives descriptive information on the household’senergy uses patterns and investigates the electricity use rate, using electrical appliances in households. This study also identifies themajor source of energy use and awareness of energy use. The data were collected from 442 households in three regions in the winterseason of 2018. Kalikot is a rural area, Chitwan is a semi-urban, and Kathmandu is an urban area. We have collected electricity bills,family income, and family size, electricity using appliances, expenditure for energy and energy use for heating/cooling, cooking, andlighting. The electricity was used only for lighting purposes in the rural area, but other electrical appliances were used in semi-urbanand urban areas. The amount of electricity use has not affected by household income level in the rural area, but it has affected in semi-urban and urban areas. The level of education affects the use of the LED significantly. This study would be helpful to know theelectricity use patterns which is useful for energy saving and energy management of the rural and urban areas of Nepal.

scholarly journals Energy-Sufficiency for a Just Transition: A Systematic Review

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2444
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
Maximum Quantity ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Range Of Values

Efforts to achieve an energy transition often neglect to account for the levelling of benefits realizable with higher levels of energy use, despite knowledge of a saturation effect and recognition of increasing harms of use. This research examines energy sufficiency as a maximum quantity of energy associated with improvements in human well-being to inform a recalibration of energy targets among high-energy societies. A systematic review of recent research was performed to identify the point at which increasing levels of energy use no longer correlate with meaningful increases in well-being. For selected studies (n = 18), energy sufficiency values range from 60–221 gigajoules per capita per year with a mean of 132 gigajoules per capita per year for associated measures of well-being. The review finds agreement in a pattern of saturation and provides a range of values for energy sufficiency maximums, suggesting that a relatively modest amount and a diverse quality of energy is needed to support high levels of human well-being. Beyond the conventional emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable energy, energy sufficiency therefore offers a necessary and complementary approach for supporting just and ecological energy transitions.

scholarly journals Situation analysis of energy use and consumption in Cambodia: household access to energy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Korkeakoski Mika ◽  
Mentula Minna ◽  
Vähäkari Noora ◽  
Luukkanen Jyrki ◽  
Kaivo-oja Jari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Rural Districts ◽  
Electricity Use ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Starting Point

AbstractThe aim of this article is to analyse the current situation of access to energy (in relation to SDG 7) and energy usage behaviour in households in two provinces in Cambodia, namely Pursat and Kampong Cham. The analytical framework is based on the energy ladder model and the energy stacking model as a starting point for assessing the current household energy profiles. A quantitative survey carried out in late 2015 in 970 households revealed differences in access to electricity between urban, electrified rural, and non-electrified rural districts. In urban areas, households are using multiple (3–4) energy sources compared to rural areas (2–3). The use of electricity through batteries in the non-electrified rural areas remains notable (43%) despite no access to the national grid. The dependence on traditional biomass, especially firewood, remains high (91% of all respondents) for all the sampled households, especially so in rural non-electrified households. The study confirms that households’ energy mix is composed of various energy sources, even when modern energy sources are available as opposed to complete fuel switch. The results also show that electricity use does not automatically lead to increased household income, but is much more complex process than discussed in existing research. The article further discusses the possible causes behind the phenomenon, proposes recommendations for better-informed energy policy, and provides important insights towards sustainable energy transition in Cambodia in the future.

scholarly journals The Impact of Lack of Clean Cooking Fuels on Sustainable Development in Developing Countries

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifeoluwa Garba ◽  
Richard Bellingham
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The World ◽  
Cooking Fuels ◽  
The Impact

Access to energy is crucial in tackling many of the current global development challenges that impact on people’s economic, health and social well-being as well as the ability to meet the commitments of reducing carbon emissions through clean energy use. Despite increased attention from multiple governments and agencies, energy poverty remains a serious sustainable development issue in many developing countries. To date, most research have focused on general access to electricity and the generation of clean energy to replace fossil fuels, failing to address the lack of basic access to clean energy for cooking and heating. More people in the world lack access to clean cooking fuels than to electricity. This issue is one aspect of a broader research which investigates the impacts of optimized energy policy and energy business models on sustainable development in developing countries.

Energy Consumption, Carbon Emission, and Well-Being in Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-318
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Adesoji Olubiyi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Infant Mortality ◽  
Carbon Emission ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Infant Mortality Rate ◽  
Coal Consumption ◽  
Human Welfare

The link among energy use, human welfare, and carbon emission has been a topical issue in the literature. In Africa, energy consumption has been on the increase owing to the production and consumption of sophisticated consumer goods and home appliances. Increased energy use triggers carbon emission that is detrimental to human welfare. This study investigates this puzzle in emerging African countries by utilizing panel vector autoregressive and system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) in the context of a mix of theories. The results indicate a unidirectional causality running from FUEL, COAL to per capita income (PCI). A unidirectional causality running from mortality rate (MOR) to COAL and CO2 was observed. There is a bidirectional relationship between MOR and energy use. The SYS-GMM results show that the effects of energy consumption on well-being are diverse. Increase in coal consumption reduces unemployment rate while electricity consumption reduces infant mortality rate. Fuel consumption aggravates incidence of mortality rate. CO2 reduces unemployment but worsens infant mortality rate. Electricity consumption reduces infant mortality rate. Hence, for the purpose of policy harmonization tailored toward improving well-being in the emerging economies of Africa, it is recommended that more of coal consumption and efficient use of electricity must be encouraged.

Generational Gaps and Paradoxes Regarding Electricity Consumption and Saving

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luísa Schmidt ◽  
Ana Horta ◽  
Augusta Correia ◽  
Susana Fonseca
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Household Energy ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Agents Of Change ◽  
Depth Interviews

In a time of economic crisis the need to adopt energy conservation practices comes to the fore. It is helpful to evaluate the role of young people as both consumers and potential agents of change bridging the gap between school and family to encourage lower household energy consumption. Based on two surveys of parents and students of a secondary school in Lisbon, plus in-depth interviews with parents, this article analyzes the complexity of this challenge, highlighting adults' perceptions of their children's contribution to energy saving. Results show that parents see young people as major energy consumers. Young people's engagement with electronic equipment as essential components of their lifestyles and their belief in technology as a solution to energy problems thwart them from being promoters of energy saving. In this context of scarcity, parents try to protect their children's well-being and opportunities in life by accepting their children's unrestricted energy use.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Household Energy Consumption in Ibadan Region; A Spatio-quantitative Approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-46
Author(s):  
Oyeleke Oluwaseun Oyerinde
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Household Energy ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Household Energy Consumption ◽  
Urban Households ◽  
End Use ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Understanding locational variations in household energy consumption is critical to ascertaining dichotomies of energy use, need and wellbeing. In recognition of this, the study compares quantities of household energy consumption among urban, peri-urban and rural areas in Ibadan region, Nigeria using Net Heating Value (NHV). It employs a stratified random sampling of 166 households across the three zones. Results show that electricity, majorly used for appliances is dominant in the urban in contrast to fuelwood at the peri-urban and rural areas where cooking is the major end use. Though the quantities of total household energy consumption do not vary significantly at p < .05, electricity consumption is however significantly higher in urban households than in peri-urban and rural households. The Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicate that socioeconomic characteristics significantly influenced the quantity of household energy consumption at the urban area only. Major variations between locations appear to be in energy types and end uses rather than quantity consumed.

scholarly journals Creation of Zero CO2 Emission Plants Due to Energy Use: A Case Study in Crete, Greece

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
John Vourdoubas
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Co2 Emission ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Intensity ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Tree Plantation ◽  
Electricity Use ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic System

Creation of zero CO2 emission enterprises due to energy use in Crete, Greece has been examined with reference to an orange juice producing plant (Viochym). Energy intensity at Viochym has been estimated at 1.66 KWh per € of annual sales. Oil used for heat generation has been replaced with solid biomass produced locally in Crete and resulting in zero CO2 emissions due to the use of heat. Offsetting CO2 emissions due to grid electricity use has been proposed with two options. The first includes the installation of a solar photovoltaic system with nominal power of 417 KWp, according to net metering regulations, generating annually 625 MWh equal to annual grid electricity consumption in the plant. Its capital cost has been estimated at 0.5 mil € which corresponds to 1.07 € per kg of CO2 saved annually.The second option includes the creation of a tree plantation in an area of 107 hectare resulting in carbon sequestration equal to carbon emissions in the plant due to electricity use. Both options for offsetting CO2 emissions in Viochym have various advantages and drawbacks and they are considered realistic and feasible, resulting in the elimination of its carbon emissions due to energy use. Improvement of the energy intensity of various processes in Viochym could result in lower CO2 emissions and smaller sizing of the required renewable energy systems for eliminating them.

scholarly journals Analysis of Methodology for Scaling Up Building Retrofits: Is There a Role for Virtual Energy Audits?—A First Step in Hawai’i, USA

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (18) ◽  
pp. 5914
Author(s):  
Mark B. Glick ◽  
Eileen Peppard ◽  
Wendy Meguro
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Existing Building ◽  
Electricity Use ◽  
Energy Audits

Energy audits are a time-consuming and expensive initial step in the building retrofit process. Virtual energy audits purport to be an alternative that remotely identifies energy efficiency measures (EEMs) that may reduce electricity consumption and offset operational costs to businesses operating during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This case study reviews virtual energy audits as a means to benchmark energy use and estimate cost savings from future EEMs. A novel feature was the estimation of energy costs associated with increasing ventilation to improve indoor air quality. The authors analyzed ten virtual energy audits performed in Honolulu, Hawai’i, over a two-week period that used existing building information and electricity use data to estimate a potential 9% to 41% annual electricity use reduction per building and a 24 MWh to 1195 MWh reduction, respectively. This paper makes a significant contribution through its assessment of virtual energy audits as a step beyond benchmarking, which has merit as an educational tool to motivate business owners to reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality. Further evaluation and improvements are suggested to study how often the virtual energy audits instigate action, how they compare with in-person audits, and their potential for use at a large scale.

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