Renewable Energy and Inclusive Economic Development: An African Case Study
Denis Nfor Yuni,
Ndubuisi Ezenwa,
Nathaniel E. Urama
et al.
Abstract:Climate change constitutes a major challenge to economic growth and development across the globe as it negatively affects most sectors of the economy. Hence, there has been a global clamour for countries to invest in climate change mitigations. In developing regions like Africa, however, there are high resource limitations, and as such, there is a general opinion that funding climate change mitigation will have a huge opportunity cost of low investment in other development infrastructures, with the likelihood … Show more
“…There is a widespread belief that because of limited financial resources for expanding renewable energy in isolated island communities and some developing regions, that prioritizing climate mitigation might lead to a significant trade-off in other crucial infrastructures, potentially reducing overall economic development prospects. Yuni et al, (2023) [9] investigated the impact of renewable electricity production and consumption in Africa and concluded that it does not only mitigate climate change but could also contribute marginally to the economic growth and development of African countries.…”
The impact of the transition to energy autonomy on two geographical island’s local economies, through maximising renewable energy generation and storage, is assessed. The different sectors and activities that impact employment and income generation in the local economies of each of the islands are described. An empirical assessment approach based on the Keynesian Income Multiplier (KIM) is developed and applied using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Data for AHP was collated through interviews with local experts and stakeholders on each island. Gender employment and wage data was used to calculate the impact on female waged employment within the islands’ economic sectors. The analysis conducted showed that the induced local economic impact per unit of electrical energy due to the new RES-based autonomy in all sectors for male waged employment for both islands, exceeds its unit cost (LCOE). While the profits from per unit of electrical energy for the female waged employment only exceeded the unit cost (LCOE) in tourism for La Graciosa, and three other sectors in Gotland. The local economic impact from decarbonisation and 100% energy autonomy is significantly influenced by how the income from this renewable energy is recirculated within the island’s economic sectors, most essentially, tourism. Our findings suggest that strategies for community ownership and training local people to manage renewable energy facilities is necessary to maximise the benefits of the transition to energy autonomy on local communities.
“…There is a widespread belief that because of limited financial resources for expanding renewable energy in isolated island communities and some developing regions, that prioritizing climate mitigation might lead to a significant trade-off in other crucial infrastructures, potentially reducing overall economic development prospects. Yuni et al, (2023) [9] investigated the impact of renewable electricity production and consumption in Africa and concluded that it does not only mitigate climate change but could also contribute marginally to the economic growth and development of African countries.…”
The impact of the transition to energy autonomy on two geographical island’s local economies, through maximising renewable energy generation and storage, is assessed. The different sectors and activities that impact employment and income generation in the local economies of each of the islands are described. An empirical assessment approach based on the Keynesian Income Multiplier (KIM) is developed and applied using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Data for AHP was collated through interviews with local experts and stakeholders on each island. Gender employment and wage data was used to calculate the impact on female waged employment within the islands’ economic sectors. The analysis conducted showed that the induced local economic impact per unit of electrical energy due to the new RES-based autonomy in all sectors for male waged employment for both islands, exceeds its unit cost (LCOE). While the profits from per unit of electrical energy for the female waged employment only exceeded the unit cost (LCOE) in tourism for La Graciosa, and three other sectors in Gotland. The local economic impact from decarbonisation and 100% energy autonomy is significantly influenced by how the income from this renewable energy is recirculated within the island’s economic sectors, most essentially, tourism. Our findings suggest that strategies for community ownership and training local people to manage renewable energy facilities is necessary to maximise the benefits of the transition to energy autonomy on local communities.
“…Currently, Iraq heavily relies on large-scale thermal energy derived from gases released into the atmosphere [12]. However, concerted efforts to develop and harness renewable resources could significantly impact the country's future energy landscape [13][14][15][16][17]. Fossil fuels account for over 80% of Iraq's electricity generation.…”
This study investigates the economic and environmental feasibility of implementing a 7 kW grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system in Aqrah, Duhok Iraq. Economic analysis reveals a net present value (NPV) of 42,213.7 ($) and a payback period of 6.91 years, indicating the system's commercial viability despite a longer payback duration compared to alternatives. The region's low electricity cost of $0.0159/kWh further enhances the project's economic attractiveness. In an environmental context, RETScreen software estimates a significant annual reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a maximum reduction of 7.4523 (tCO2). These findings underscore the positive impact of the PV project on mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability in the area.
“…International organizations acknowledge the urgency of combating climate change [1], leading to global efforts, stringent policies, and ambitious carbon neutrality targets. As governments and industries unite in their commitment to combat climate change, the transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) emerges as a pivotal step towards achieving sustainable and environmentally responsible transportation systems.…”
This paper explores the intricate challenges that are impeding the widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and explores the concerted efforts of the research community towards addressing these obstacles. The surge in interest surrounding EVs as a sustainable transportation alternative is undeniable, yet several hurdles persist in hindering their mass acceptance. From limitations in battery technology and charging infrastructure to concerns over range anxiety and manufacturing sustainability, these challenges form a multifaceted barrier. However, the research community has been actively engaged in tackling each issue with innovative solutions. Advancements in battery chemistry and energy storage, coupled with improvements in charging networks and smart grid integration, are poised to reshape the EV landscape. Moreover, studies on user behavior, public policy, and lifecycle analysis are contributing to the development of holistic strategies for enhancing EV adoption. By delving into these challenges and the ongoing research endeavors, this paper sheds light on the evolving pathway towards a future where EVs can thrive as a mainstream mode of transportation. Also, an analysis is conducted to evaluate the economic viability of EVs based on daily range considerations, with the objective of determining which category of users would benefit most from adopting EVs. Furthermore, policies are proposed that are aimed at establishing a harmonious and balanced EV ecosystem.
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