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Integration of large-scale variable renewable energy (VRE) generation resources-wind and solar-into national grids has been gaining importance as costs of these technologies, especially that of solar, continues to fall rapidly. However, there continues to be a lack of a framework to systematically analyze the role played by large-scale VRE integration for most developing countries. This study develops such a framework and applies it to analyze VRE policies in Bangladesh. The study uses a least-cost planning approach to assess the volume of solar and wind that can technically and economically be integrated in the power system, accounting for spinning reserve generation capacity requirements and adequacy of transmission capacity. The study shows that solar and wind can provide a significant share of the 13 to 21 GW of new capacity needed by 2025 to meet rapidly growing electricity demand, although most of it does not pass the cost/benefit test in the near term till 2022. Efforts are also required to cope with what otherwise would be a large and costly increase in on-demand ("spinning") reserve capacity. The analysis demonstrates how an investment strategy to cover peak demand, and prudent changes in system operational practices, allow for the system to provide the needed reserve capacity without a prohibitive increase in system costs. In addition, the study examines the adequacy of transmission capacity for the first large-scale solar and wind project in Bangladesh.

Electricity --- Energy --- Energy and Environment --- Energy Demand --- Energy Policies and Economics --- Energy Policy --- Health and Poverty --- Health, Nutrition and Population --- Power --- Power and Energy Conversion --- Renewable Energy --- Rural and Renewable Energy --- Rural Development --- Solar Energy --- Wind Power

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Uganda's power sector structure is among the most sophisticated in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Uganda is one of only a handful of countries in the region where tariffs are close to being cost reflective. While reforms were swift and comprehensive, following the 1999 Electricity Act, significant difficulties were encountered along the way that prevented the benefits of reform from materializing until much later. The failed first attempt with the Bujagali Hydropower independent power producer left the country heavily exposed to the 2005/06 and 2010/12 droughts, which in turn created difficulties for the new private distribution utility, Umeme, and led to a relaxation of the regulatory performance targets for the concession. This situation led to a buildup of frustration with the new operator and the launch of two public enquiries, which recommended termination of the concession. In 2012, with the easing of drought conditions and the completion of the Bujagali Hydropower Project following a second independent power producer arrangement, there was improvement in the availability of power. This made it possible to set more demanding performance targets for the concessionaire, Umeme, which fed through into substantial improvements in operational efficiency and accelerating service coverage. Although the reform model was eventually able to deliver results, the associated cost was comparatively high. Furthermore, the extension of the private concession model to financially unviable rural areas did not prove to be successful. Access rates began to pick up only following the adoption of a revised approach in 2012, built around government-led and donor-funded expansion of rural networks.

Electric Utility --- Electricity Pricing --- Energy --- Energy Access --- Energy and Environment --- Energy Demand --- Energy Efficiency --- Energy Policies and Economics --- Energy Sector Regulation --- Hydro Power --- Power Generation --- Power Sector Reform --- Regulation --- Renewable Energy --- Rural and Renewable Energy --- Rural Development --- Rural Energy --- State-Owned Enterprise --- Water and Energy --- Water Resources

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This study examines the importance of enhancing the cross-border transmission interconnections and regional electricity trade to promote hydropower in the South Asia region and quantifies the potential of hydropower development and trade under alternative scenarios. While South Asia is endowed with large (> 350 gigawatts) hydropower potential, only around 20 percent has been exploited so far. This study shows that development of regional electricity markets through expanded cross-border transmission interconnections and regional electricity trade agreements is needed to benefit the region from the exploitation of the untapped hydropower resources. It also finds that development of hydropower in the region would increase by 2.7 times over the next two decades if the region could facilitate an unconstrained flow of electricity across the borders in South Asia. If a moderate carbon tax is added on top of that, hydropower capacity in 2040 could be more than three times as high as the current level.

Climate Change Mitigation and Green House Gases --- Cross-Border Transmission --- Electricity --- Electricity Generation --- Electricity Trade --- Energy --- Energy Policies and Economics --- Energy Supply --- Environment --- Hydro Power --- Hydropower --- International Economics and Trade --- International Trade and Trade Rules --- Power and Energy Conversion --- Renewable Energy --- Rural and Renewable Energy --- Rural Development --- Water and Energy --- Water Resources