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Energy resources in rural developing countries --- Rural energy in developing countries

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This paper presents results from a randomized field experiment that examined the effects of mass media campaigns informing about a new technology on the adoption decisions of households in rural Senegal. While some communities were exposed to a campaign broadcasted on national radio that informed households about the general benefits and quality of solar lamps, other communities were exposed to the same radio campaign complemented with information that singled out the most suitable lamp type for all main technological applications. The authors exploit the difference between the two campaigns to examine the extent to which certain information characteristics matter for the uptake of the technological innovation. Results from our experiment show that information on optimal lamp types was required to increase adoption of solar lamps on the extensive margin (more people investing in lamps). However, the type-unspecific information increased adoption on the intensive margin (existing users investing in more lamps). These findings can be explained by a simple learning model of selective attention that the authors adjusted to the study setting, where households engage in home production and spend time as well as mental energy to learn about technological features that maximize returns.

Electric Power --- Electricity --- Energy --- Renewable Energy --- Rural Development --- Rural Energy --- Solar Energy

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Rapid urbanization in emerging markets has created new challenges for economic development and poverty reduction. The need for more buildings, transport and other infrastructure has boosted demand for construction materials and especially cement, making it the centerpiece of the urban development agenda. In Sub-Saharan Africa, consumption of cement is expected to continue to grow over the coming decade. To meet this demand, over a dozen new kilns were launched in Africa in recent years. At the same time, increasing output poses challenges for cement producers, who invest significantly in sourcing energy and fuel, primarily coal or natural gas. An alternative approach is to improve efficiency and implement new technologies, such as waste heat recovery and renewable energy, and utilize alternative fuels, which are already used by major players in the cement sector globally. In IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, we have an investment portfolio in cement and construction materials of over USD 4.2 billion, and vast global experience in developing innovative solutions and leveraging best practices. For instance, we identify waste heat recovery opportunities as well as international best practices in the use of alternative fuels at cement plants. This report summarizes the outcomes of the assessment of alternative fuel opportunities in the country, with a focus on sourcing energy from municipal, commercial and similar waste, tires, sewage sludge and agricultural residue. It outlines the total potential as well as possible project models, involving linkages between the cement and waste management sectors. IFC has also assessed market barriers and offered measures that will increase the uptake of the use of alternative fuels.

Energy --- Energy Policies and Economics --- Fuels --- Industrial Economics --- Industry --- Renewable Energy --- Rural Energy

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Agriculture and energy. --- Agriculture --- Farmers --- Rural industries --- Energy conservation. --- Energy consumption --- Cost control. --- Rural Energy for America Program (U.S.)

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Over the past 15 years, Ethiopia has focused on raising electrification rates, mainly by extending the national grid system to more villages and towns. The World Bank funded Electricity Access Rural Expansion Project (Phase 2) was implemented since 2007 to assist the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to develop a sustainable program for expanding access to electricity in rural communities. As part of the project, a GPOBA grant was provided to the national utility to make the adoption of electricity more affordable for rural populations. The national utility agreed to allow customers to pay for the connection charge over time, thus lowering the financial barrier to adopting electricity. The results of an impact assessment analysis reported in this study show that increasing numbers of households adopted electricity because they could spread out the connection cost over time. Because more households connected to the electricity supply, they were able to take advantage of the many benefits of electricity. Connection-charge programs are an important component of strategies for rural electrification. However, they are not a panacea for all that ails the power companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Complementary programs to encourage greater use of electricity would include providing credit for new businesses and incentives for households to adopt efficient electric appliances.

Electric Power --- Electricity --- Energy --- Energy Demand --- Energy Policies & Economics --- Rural Communications --- Rural Development --- Rural Electrification --- Rural Energy