The benefits of geospatial planning in energy access – A case study on Ethiopia

Abstract

Access to clean and affordable modern energy is crucial to fostering social and economic development and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Efficient policy frameworks and effective electrification programs are required in order to ensure that people are electrified in a sustainable manner. These programs differ from country to country depending on geographic and socioeconomic conditions. Electrification planning process must consider the geographical characteristics of the resources as well as the spatial dimension of social and economic drivers of energy demand in order to find the most optimal energy access solution. Geographical theory and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in particular can play a significant role in electrification planning, since they are capable of managing the data needed in the decision making process and may integrate and assess all possible options. This paper focuses on considering these characteristics by applying a recently developed GIS based methodology to inform electrification planning and strategies in Ethiopia. The paper illustrates two major aspects of energy planning; 1.) how the optimal electrification mix is influenced by a range of parameters -including population density, existing and planned transmission networks and power plants, economic activities, tariffs for grid-based electricity, technology costs for mini-grid and off-grid systems, and fuel costs for consumers and 2.) how the electrification mix differs from location to location. For a certain level of energy access, ongrid connections would be optimal for the majority of the new connections in Ethiopia; grid extension constitutes the lowest cost option for approximately 93% of the newly electrified population in this modelling effort with 2030 as time horizon. However, there are some remote areas with low population density where a mini-grid (ca. 6%) or a stand-alone solution (ca. 1%) are the most economic options. Depending on local resource availability, these systems deploy varied combinations of solar, wind, hydro and diesel technologies.

The Long Road to Universal Electrification: A Critical Look at Present Pathways and Challenges

“…The contemporary tools used to quantitatively evaluate the most economically viable solution are usually based on population density and techno-economic feasibility. However, these are limited to specific locations and case-studies, as seen in the studies presented in [8] (Kenya), [9] (Ethiopia), and [10] (Ghana). On the other hand, this article compares the electrification pathways at a qualitative level, while additionally discussing the requirements from an ideal electrification pathway.…”

A Geospatial Assessment of Small-Scale Hydropower Potential in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Recent studies indicate that the decentralization (typically of a scale less than 10 MW) of energy systems can help in addressing energy poverty [9][10][11][12][13][14]. Off-grid or mini-grid systems can be a viable near-term alternative to grid extension in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa [15].…”

Assessment of Hydropower Potential Using Geospatial Technology in a Case Study of Guna-Tana Landscape Upper Abay Basin, Ethiopia

“…Recent advances in remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) provide realistic, up-to-date and useful information for the assessment of hydropower potential. Guna-Tana landscape as the other part of country the energy assessment has been done by different researchers (Mentis, D., et al, 2016), but the study is not detail enough and the assessments done are not updated to the changes due to continuously changing world climate change. The collection and analysis of accurate information on topography, land use pattern, river morphology and geology is easier in the GIS environment than by conventional eld survey, as GIS can manage all variables with reference to location, and can provide a clear picture about the hydropower project area and its impact zone (Pathak, M., 2008).…”