This paper examines the role of advanced biofuels in promoting energy access and economic growth in rural areas, with a focus on developing countries. Advanced biofuels, produced from non-food biomass sources such as agricultural residues, algae, and waste, have the potential to reduce rural energy poverty while creating economic opportunities. Through case studies of successful initiatives in countries like India and Brazil, this study highlights how decentralized biofuel production has improved energy access, created local employment, and enhanced agricultural value chains. Notable findings include the establishment of community-led biofuel plants that reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels and generated sustainable incomes for farmers by utilizing crop residues. The study also identifies key challenges such as limited infrastructure, access to financing, and policy support, while offering actionable recommendations to scale advanced biofuel adoption. Overall, advanced biofuels present a promising pathway to sustainable rural development by enhancing energy security, reducing environmental impact, and fostering economic growth.
Abstract Nigeriaâs urban areas continue to face unreliable electricity supply, rising demand, and dependence on costly, polluting petrol and diesel generators. Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) â integrating solar, wind, and battery technologies â offer a viable pathway to provide clean, decentralized, and resilient power. This review critically examines the policy, institutional, and governance factors shaping HRES deployment in urban Nigeria, identifying the key barriers and reforms required to scale adoption. Findings reveal that expansion is constrained by fragmented regulation, weak institutional coordination, limited access to affordable finance, and fossil-fuel subsidies that distort energy prices and discourage renewable investment. Institutional overlap among the relevant agencies further constrains implementation. Technical barriers, such as limited local expertise, high component import costs, and poor grid integration, further elevate project risks and reduce system reliability. The study recommends regulatory harmonization under the new Electricity Act (2023), implementation of performance-based fiscal incentives, and expansion of green financing mechanisms to lower investment risk. Strengthening local manufacturing, research and development, and workforce capacity will be essential to reduce dependence on imports and sustain long-term growth. Finally, promoting gender equity, community participation, and inclusive business models can enhance social acceptance and promote fair distribution of the benefits associated with HRES across all urban populations. Collectively, these measures can accelerate Nigeriaâs transition toward a cleaner, more reliable, and climate-resilient urban energy future.
Chinonso Nwanevu, Segun Samuel Oladipo, Abidemi Obatoyinbo Ajayi
Designing effective policy frameworks for the implementation of microgrids in developing countries is crucial for advancing sustainable energy access. Microgrids offer a decentralized and resilient solution to energy challenges, particularly in regions with limited grid infrastructure. However, the successful deployment of microgrids requires a nuanced understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and pathways to integration within the unique contexts of developing nations. This study explores the key factors influencing the design and implementation of microgrid policies, including regulatory environments, financial incentives, and technological innovations. It highlights the potential of microgrids to enhance energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic development. At the same time, it addresses the challenges related to financing, regulatory compliance, and the need for capacity-building in local communities. By analyzing case studies from various developing countries, the study identifies best practices and strategic recommendations for policymakers to create supportive frameworks that encourage the adoption of microgrids. The research underscores the importance of international collaboration, public-private partnerships, and adaptive policy mechanisms that can respond to the evolving needs of the energy sector. Ultimately, the study provides a roadmap for leveraging microgrids as a key component of sustainable energy strategies in developing countries, contributing to broader goals of energy equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.
Abstract Energy geography has not scrutinized the role of energy infrastructures and market design for decentralized energy production and local development. The paper addresses this research gap by looking at the emerging greenâhydrogen market in Germany. We argue, first, that the capacity and geography of infrastructures and associated bottlenecks determine how supply and demand can be matched at different scales. Second, market design and associated controversies over infrastructure bottlenecks are important for understanding the greenâhydrogen market and its geography and financing. Conceptually, we draw on the geographyâofâmarkets literature. Empirically, we show how infrastructure bottlenecks and market design link the greenâhydrogen to the renewableâelectricity market. As long as the market design requires greenâhydrogen production in geographical and temporal correlation with renewableâelectricity generation, the geography of greenâhydrogen production follows the geography of renewableâelectricity generation. Moreover, bottlenecks in transportation infrastructures offer a window of opportunity for decentralized production and local development.
Abstract: This book critically investigates the evolving landscape of energy innovation as a foundational driver for sustainable development, climate resilience, and equitable socio-economic transformation. Centered on the imperative transition away from fossil fuel dependence, the work constructs a comprehensive conceptual framework that integrates technological advancement, infrastructural decentralization, and policy-driven systemic change. It addresses a core research problem: how to accelerate the global shift toward low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient energy systems amidst institutional inertia and socio-economic disparity. Methodologically, the book employs a multidisciplinary approach combining empirical analysis, comparative case studies, and strategic foresight tools such as scenario planning and transition roadmapping. The six-chapter structure systematically examines advancements in renewable technologies, storage systems, smart grid integration, decentralized infrastructure, policy instruments, and just transition frameworks. Key findings highlight the convergence of digitalization, decentralization, and decarbonization as critical enablers of sustainable energy futures. Innovations such as AI-optimized microgrids, blockchain-based peer-to-peer energy markets, and green finance mechanisms emerge as pivotal in overcoming conventional grid limitations and socio-political constraints. The bookâs implications are far-reaching: it provides scholars, practitioners, and policymakers with actionable insights for navigating energy transitions at both macro and community scales. By bridging technological and policy domains, this research offers a robust, evidence-based roadmap for designing resilient, efficient, and just energy systems by 2050 and beyond. Keywords energy innovation, renewable energy systems, energy storage, smart grids, decentralized infrastructure, energy transition, climate policy, just transition, green finance, sustainable development, systems thinking, energy equity, digital energy platforms, global energy governance, strategic foresight
Climate change persists as a pressing global issue due to high greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based energy sources. A transition to a greener energy matrix combined with carbon offsetting is imperative to mitigate the rate at which global temperature ascends. While countries have deployed faith in green hydrogen to accelerate worldwide decarbonization efforts, the concurrent rise of blockchain-operated crypto-applications, such as bitcoin, has exacerbated climate change concerns. In this study, we propose technological solutions that combine the green hydrogen infrastructure with bitcoin mining operations to catalyze environmental and socioeconomic sustainability in climate change mitigation strategies. Since the present state of crypto-operations undeniably contributes to worldwide carbon emissions, it becomes vital to explore opportunities for harnessing the widespread enthusiasm for bitcoin as an aid toward a sustainable and climate-friendly future. Our findings reveal that green hydrogen production, paired with crypto-operations, can accelerate the deployment of solar and wind power capacities to boost conventional mitigation frameworks. Specifically, leveraging the economic potential derived from green hydrogen and bitcoin for incremental investment in renewable energy penetration, this dynamic duo can enable capacity expansions of up to 25.5% and 73.2% for solar and wind power installations. Therefore, the proposed technological solutions that leverage green hydrogen and bitcoin mining, bolstered with appropriate policy interventions, can not only strengthen renewable power generation and carbon offsetting capacities but also contribute significantly to achieving climate sustainability.
Michael M. Santos, Ana Teresa Vaz Ferreira, JoĂŁo Lanzinha
Africa has abundant solar resources but only 2% of its current capacity is generated from renewable sources. Photovoltaics (PV) offer sustainable, decentralized electricity access to meet development needs. This review synthesizes the recent literature on PV in Africa, with a focus on Mozambique. The 10 most cited studies highlight the optimization of technical components, such as storage and bifacial modules, and challenges in integrating large-scale PV. Case studies demonstrated Mozambiqueâs potential for PV applications in water heating, irrigation, and rural electrification. These benefits include reduced emissions and energy access. However, barriers, such as high costs, lack of infrastructure, and training, exist. While solar cookers are insufficient, thermal systems have unrealized potential. Mozambiqueâs urban and rural electrification rates are 57% and 13%, respectively, despite its energy resources. Targeted policies, financing, and community engagement are essential for promoting adoption. While PV can sustainably expand electricity access, coordinated efforts must address costs, infrastructure, maintenance, and social factors for successful implementation. Mozambique has immense solar potential, but strategic planning and support are critical to unlocking these benefits. This review provides insights into optimizing PV systems and policy frameworks for a clean and inclusive energy production future in Africa, to synthesize the 10 most cited studies on photovoltaic solar energy in Africa, and to deeply reflect upon the current energy needs in Mozambique, the benefits of employing PV and solar thermal systems, and the challenges of implementing such systems within the Mozambican context.
Sufyan Yakubu, Ravi Samikannu, J. Lydia, S. Leones Sherwin Vimalraj ¡ 6 authors
This study examines the development of distributed Photo Voltaic (PV) systems for rural communities in Ghana. This study reviews the present situation of distributed PV systems in Ghana, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with their implementation. The review draws on several key studies that analyze the policy landscape, potential for co-benefits, barriers to development, and economic feasibility of distributed PV systems. The findings indicate that while distributed PV systems offer numerous benefits, including increased access to electricity and reduced carbon emissions, several significant barriers to their development include financial constraints, limited private sector involvement, and unfavorable policies. The review concludes by suggesting that further research is needed to explore innovative financing mechanisms, effective policy frameworks, and improved public-private partnerships, which could accelerate the deployment of distributed PV systems and improve energy access for rural communities in Ghana.
Hydrogen has recently been proposed as a versatile energy carrier to contribute to archiving universal access to clean cooking. In hard-to-reach rural settings, decentralized produced hydrogen may be utilized (i) as a clean fuel via direct combustion in pure gaseous form or blended with Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), or (ii) via power-to-hydrogen-to-power (P2H2P) to serve electric cooking (e-cooking) appliances. Here, we present the first techno-economic evaluation of hydrogen-based cooking solutions. We apply mathematical optimization via energy system modeling to assess the minimal cost configuration of each respective energy system on technical and economic measures under present and future parameters. We further compare the potential costs of cooking for the end user with the costs of cooking with traditional fuels. Today, P2H2P-based e-cooking and production of hydrogen for utilization via combustion integrated into the electricity supply system have almost equal energy system costs to simultaneously satisfy the cooking and electricity needs of the isolated rural Kenyan village studied. P2H2P-based e-cooking might become advantageous in the near future when improving the energy efficiency of e-cooking appliances. The economic efficiency of producing hydrogen for utilization by end users via combustion benefits from integrating the water electrolysis into the electricity supply system. More efficient and cheaper hydrogen technologies expected by 2050 may improve the economic performance of integrated hydrogen production and utilization via combustion to be competitive with P2H2P-based e-cooking. The monthly costs of cooking per household may be lower than the traditional use of firewood and charcoal even today when applying the current life-line tariff for the electricity consumed or utilizing hydrogen via combustion. Driven by likely future technological improvements and the expected increase in traditional and fossil fuel prices, any hydrogen-based cooking pathway may be cheaper for end users than using charcoal and firewood by 2030, and LPG by 2040. The results suggest that providing clean cooking in rural villages could economically and environmentally benefit from utilizing hydrogen. However, facing the complexity of clean cooking projects, we emphasize the importance of embedding the results of our techno-economic analysis in holistic energy delivery models. We propose useful starting points for future aspects to be investigated in the discussion section, including business and financing models.
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to 75% of the worldâs unelectrified population, and approximately 500 million of these live in rural areas. Off-grid mini-grids are being deployed on a large scale to address the regionâs electrification inequalities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the research on the off-grid renewable mini-grids in SSA. The study covers the current status of the level of deployment of off-grid mini-grids. It also reviews multi-criteria decision-making models for optimizing engineering, economics, and management interests in mini-grid siting and design in SSA. The statuses of financing, policy, and tariffs for mini-grids in SSA are also studied. Finally, the current status of energy justice research in respect of mini-grids in SSA is reviewed. The study shows the important role of decentralized renewable technologies in the electrification of SSAâs rural population. Within a decade since 2010, the rural electrification rate of SSA has increased from 17% to 28%, and 11 million mini-grid connections are currently operational. Despite these gains, the literature points to several injustices related to the present model by which SSAâs renewable mini-grids are funded, deployed, and operated. Hence, several recommendations are provided for the effective application of the energy justice framework (EJF) for just and equitable mini-grids in SSA.
Abstract The transition to âSDG7 -modern and sustainable energy for allâ may reconfigure the lives of citizens who live âoutside the gridâ in the rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The decentralization approach for developing renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa has constantly been promoted as a means to rural electrification. This paper reviews the barriers to private sector participation in decentralized electrification projects and the solutions that have been proposed and implemented. It is not only the economic approaches that are analysed but also some of the solutions or drivers that have contributed to rural electrification. There are specific technological pathways which have proven fruitful in sub-Saharan Africa that are unique to its economic and demographic settings and that otherwise would not be adopted or used in developed countries. This paper finally analyses these technological pathways with the objective of matching the drivers and obstacles to potential solutions. Long term energy planning with the integration of regional power pools is instrumental to reduce CAPEX as well as to increase the market size. Blended financing together with already working technologies such as pay-as-you-go, and mobile money will be the pillars to meeting SDG7 goals.
As part of the Kyoto Protocol, several Sub-Saharan Africa countries vowed to use more renewable energy sources, and the number of Sub-Saharan Africa countries that have undertaken renewable energy initiatives has expanded considerably over the preceding decade. However, assuring demand while reducing climate change has always been one of the most significant difficulties confronting the global energy sector. This review looks at the state of practical renewable energy interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa countries over the last decade (2010-2020), focusing on infrastructure development and accessibility, decentralization, distribution, and communal acceptance, donor funding and private sector involvement, and the role of state political influence in renewable energy strategies. This study's findings suggest that renewable energy interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa are based on mature and commercialized technologies, that natural resources for energy generation have not been fully explored, and that ongoing research and development on raw material or feedstock availability will benefit regional and national projects. The findings also show that off-grid technology interventions exist in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the adoption of a decentralized approach to renewable energy generation, particularly in rural areas, financing, and the need for integrated project design and implementation, which includes factors such as community mobilization, social, economic, institutional, and technical engagement, have all hampered the implementation of such technologies.
Karen Mould, FĂĄbio Silva, S. Knott, Brian OâRegan
Solar and wind energy technologies, due to their nature of weather dependency, have been recognized as not the complete solution for the renewable energy transition. Creating a solution for the short fall is empirical if we are to remove the dependency on fossil fuels and reach net zero targets. The production of hydrogen, biogas and other gases can be produced sustainably, which can also allow for the utilization of waste materials or the ability to store energy and allow a greater positive impact on our environment. However, production of these gases is not always as transparent or environmentally friendly as perceived, so with the aid of certification and blockchain, we can create a system that can guarantee their environmentally positive origin, and ultimately help assist the transition to a greener future. This paper explores the varying production methods, with consideration to their environmental impact, and the implications of the use of certificates and blockchain to monitor production, trade and usage.
Sabrina Lee Chartier, Vinod Kumar Venkiteswaran, Shriram S. Rangarajan, E.R. Collins ¡ 5 authors
Microgrids are emerging throughout the world as a means of integrating decentralized, renewable energy power generation. The flexibility of this customer-driven, behind the meter solution allows it to address unique challenges. This variability that drives microgrid adoption is the same thing that keeps them from being categorized and repeatable. This lack of specific modeling leads to a stalling in financing and wide-scale adoption. By analyzing the microgrid system development, evolution, architecture, integration zones, technological advances, and business models, a clearer picture of how these entities are intertwined emerges. Several case studies of deployed microgrids will showcase the cutting-edge solutions they apply. The future implications of this new energy revolution will be highlighted and shown to create an energy generation equilibrium and the significant role played by microgrids in this new energy revolution. Although many compilations of research work on microgrids have been previously presented by various reviewers, most of them are specific to an electrical or power quality-related issue, which addresses a discrete audience. This work only includes within its scope a general outlook of microgrids and the present-day challenges in its use of rural/urban renewable energy production and distribution. The results allowed for the researchers to conclude that microgrids have emerged as a great solution in situations where energy has to be transmitted from a decentralized system to a centralized system. Challenges will arise in the microgrid management and government laws and regulations if rectified microgrids can lead to an equilibrium between decentralized and centralized bulk energy networks.
Abstract Since the early beginnings of the electricity system, storage has been of high relevance for balancing supply and demand. Through expanded electricity production by variable renewable technologies such as wind and photovoltaics, the discussion about new options for storage technologies is emerging. In addition, the electricity markets were subject to remarkable alterations. Some developments which describe these changes are increasing electricity generation from variable renewables and the continuing decentralization. These developments have led, among other required transformations, to demands for additional capacities of storage technologies. However, their economics will play a crucial role in their effective market penetration in the following years. The core objective of this work is to conduct a review on the relevance of storage options for electricity and its costs, economics, welfare effects, and on issues of electricity market design. In addition, based on expected Technological Learning prospects for future economics are derived. The major result is that the perspectives of electricity storage systems from an economic viewpoint are highly dependent on the storage's operation time, the nature of the overall system, availability of other flexibility options, and sector coupling. All marketâbased storage technologies have to prove their performance in the large electricity markets or if applied decentralized, the (battery) systems compete with the electricity prices at the final customers level when the battery costs are also taken into consideration. Yet, new storage capacities should only be added when it is clear that electricity generation from variable renewables will also be expanded in a way that excess generation is expected. This article is categorized under: Policy and Economics > Green Economics and Financing Energy and Power Systems > Energy Infrastructure Emerging Technologies > Energy Storage
One of the promising directions for finding solutions to the problems of regimes management and commercial electricity accounting in electric power systems is the application of distributed ledger technologies - Blockchain, which is due to increased availability of renewable energy sources. Currently, in the Russian Federation, the use of Blockchain technology is difficult for electric power systems operating in parallel with regional or unified power system due to the legislative restrictions imposed on operations in the retail and wholesale market for electrical energy. However, based on the distributed ledger technologies, the principles of the functioning of the electric energy market can be applied within the framework of small isolated electricity systems - microgrids. Mathematical modeling and calculation of the microgrid electric regimes were performed in the RastrWin3 program with the aim of accounting for losses in the electric power system. During the simulation it was obtained dependence of the power at the slack node from the number of load nodes for a different ratio of own generation to consumption in the node. In the case of positive power, there was a shortage of actual power in the system at the slack node, and in the case of a negative one, there was an excess of it. The use of distributed generation is economically justified in small isolated electricity system: the payback period of distributed generation devices is much less than their lifetime. It is possible to use Blockchain technology to organize mutual settlements between owners of small generation facilities in microgrid.
L. V. Nefedova, Alexander Alexsvitch Solovyev, Olena Popova
The prospects of increasing access to electricity for the population of rural areas of Africa are considered. The main international funds and organizations aimed at sustainable energy development in Africa are described. An analysis of the state and possible options for using renewable energy sources for this purpose in decentralized energy supply through the creation of mini-grids or stand-alone systems is given. The risks by developing renewable energy sources in rural areas and modern mechanisms for financing in solar energy are presented.
Alexander Ryota Keeley, Shunsuke Managi, 2 World Bank Disaster Risk Management Hub, Tokyo, Japan
Still a lot of Indonesia's population lacks access to electricity, and a large number of those people live in remote areas or on islands. Traditionally, electrification of areas not yet connected to the main electricity grid and too remote for grid extension has mainly been achieved through installation of decentralized generation units with diesel generators. However, with decreased cost of renewable energy technologies, renewable hybrid mini-grid systems are becoming economically viable options in an ever-increasing number of places. This paper analyzes the economic viability of renewable hybrid mini-grid systems with solar Photo-Voltaic cells, batteries, and diesel generators in a typical un-electrified village in Indonesia employing local data. The analysis is conducted by utilizing HOMER simulation techniques to design the optimal renewable hybrid mini-grid systems and the economic viability assessment of the system is performed by comparing the levelized cost of energy of the system with that of the conventional diesel system under different financial scenarios. Further financial analyses, such as Internal Rate of Return and Net Present Value, are performed for the hybrid systems to investigate what kind of financial scenarios (debt/equity ratios) and public aid (international aid and government fund), would make the hybrid systems attractive to private investors. The analysis has clarified that even at the most conservative scenario with 100% equity finance, the levelized cost of energy of the renewable hybrid mini-grid system is lower than that of the diesel system. Further analysis has shown that grant finance that covers 35% of the total project cost could make the hybrid system a profitable investment project for private investors even in the most conservative scenario. The paper also demonstrates that the profitability of renewable hybrid mini-grid systems is highly affected by financial scenarios (debt/equity ratios) in comparison with that of diesel systems, concluding with policy recommendations.
Using a variety of solar power plants is one of the solutions governments use to respond to energy and sustainable development needs. While Iran has a strong potential for using solar energy, the application of solar energy, especially through PV technology, has been limited due to the countryâs richness of fossil fuels and their low prices. Therefore, it is important to adopt effective strategies and policies to promote the development and application of this technology. The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the use of photovoltaic technology in Iran. To this end, 142 factors were first identified through a comprehensive review of the literature. Then, all of these factors were prioritized and categorized by âsemi-structured interviewâ with 15 energy policy experts. The âcontent analysisâ of the expertsâ opinions showed that only 59 of these factors were considered important at the sectorial level for Iran. Based on the same content analysis, a conceptual framework for the application of decentralized photovoltaic power plants in Iran was developed. The framework shows that 10 generic categories of factors should be considered by policy-makers at the solar energy sector to promote PV technology application in Iran. They include policy factors, institutional factors, finance and budgeting factors, system economy factors, macroeconomic factors, socio-cultural factors, human resource factors, factors influencing capabilities of industries, technological and related infrastructural factors, geographical, climatic and environmental factors, and foreign political factors. It is also emphasized that all these categories should be considered at three levels: industry (electricity industry) level, national level, and international level. Thus, renewable energy policy-makers in Iran should take into account all means that influence these factors in order to improve the conditions for decentralized photovoltaic technology application.