Africa is the most affected continent with energy poverty. Wood fuel is the main source of energy for remote and rural populations. At the same time, most parts of Africa are endowed with abundant solar energy. Togeth...Africa is the most affected continent with energy poverty. Wood fuel is the main source of energy for remote and rural populations. At the same time, most parts of Africa are endowed with abundant solar energy. Together with a highly developed global solar industry and ever declining cost of solar systems, solar has unprecedented potential to combat energy poverty in Africa. However, dissemination of solar systems is faced with a number of barriers and challenges amongst where sustainable financing and lack of technological support for installation, maintenance and repair of systems are the most significant. This paper discusses the cases of Botswana and Namibia where financing schemes based on different partnership models have been successfully implemented. These schemes have the potential for success and adaptation by countries with similar socio-economic conditions. We conclude with recommendations on training programs for different levels of intervention to overcome the lack of technological support.展开更多
CSP (concentrating solar power) is a commercially available renewable energy technology capable of harnessing the immense solar resource in southern Europe, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), and else...CSP (concentrating solar power) is a commercially available renewable energy technology capable of harnessing the immense solar resource in southern Europe, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), and elsewhere. This paper summarises the findings of a study by the European Academies Science Advisory Council which has examined the current status and development challenges of CSP, and consequently has evaluated the potential contribution of CSP in Europe and the MENA region to 2050. It identifies the actions that will be required by scientists, engineers, policy makers, politicians, business and investors alike, to enable this vast solar resource to make a major contribution to establishing a sustainable energy system. The study concludes that cost reductions of 50%-60% in CSP electricity may reasonably be expected in the next 10-15 years, enabling the technology to be cost competitive with fossil-fired power generation at some point between 2020 and 2030. Incorporation of storage delivers added value in enabling CSP to deliver dispatchable power. Incentive schemes will be needed in Europe and MENA countries to enable this point to be achieved. Such schemes should reflect the true value of electricity to the grid, effectively drive research and development, and ensure transparency of performance and cost data.展开更多
Located in central Africa, Cameroon offers a wealth of solar power opportunity. The public lighting in the capital city Yaounde is an example of solar energy promotion. The purpose of this paper is among other things ...Located in central Africa, Cameroon offers a wealth of solar power opportunity. The public lighting in the capital city Yaounde is an example of solar energy promotion. The purpose of this paper is among other things aiming at assessing the solar energy resources of central Africa and making sure it can be used optimally at least for public lighting. Based on the knowledge from data collected and field experience for three years, the authors will assess the implementation of the technology and show how the use of solar energy can solve some problems in the city of Yaounde even when the area is grid connected. This paper will also identify actions for improved access to sustainable, friendly, affordable solar energy services to users, as well as a significant improvement of energy infrastructure and energy efficiency in the city. The authors will also address issues on identified obstacles for the promotion of solar energy in order to help the cities in sub Saharan countries to develop a vision aiming at developing good solar energy policy and better contribute to fight against poverty and climate change.展开更多
The design and construction of an experimental solar hybrid vehicle based on the combination of photovoltaic solar energy as the main source of electricity and electric power supplied by a generator activated by the d...The design and construction of an experimental solar hybrid vehicle based on the combination of photovoltaic solar energy as the main source of electricity and electric power supplied by a generator activated by the driver's pedaling is introduced. The vehicle has a battery to store the energy provided by both systems. The development was motivated by a Latin American solar car race through the Atacama Desert in Chile and the initiative to promote the use of clean energy for transport. A general description of the vehicle, its energetic aspects and experimental results are presented.展开更多
文摘Africa is the most affected continent with energy poverty. Wood fuel is the main source of energy for remote and rural populations. At the same time, most parts of Africa are endowed with abundant solar energy. Together with a highly developed global solar industry and ever declining cost of solar systems, solar has unprecedented potential to combat energy poverty in Africa. However, dissemination of solar systems is faced with a number of barriers and challenges amongst where sustainable financing and lack of technological support for installation, maintenance and repair of systems are the most significant. This paper discusses the cases of Botswana and Namibia where financing schemes based on different partnership models have been successfully implemented. These schemes have the potential for success and adaptation by countries with similar socio-economic conditions. We conclude with recommendations on training programs for different levels of intervention to overcome the lack of technological support.
文摘CSP (concentrating solar power) is a commercially available renewable energy technology capable of harnessing the immense solar resource in southern Europe, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), and elsewhere. This paper summarises the findings of a study by the European Academies Science Advisory Council which has examined the current status and development challenges of CSP, and consequently has evaluated the potential contribution of CSP in Europe and the MENA region to 2050. It identifies the actions that will be required by scientists, engineers, policy makers, politicians, business and investors alike, to enable this vast solar resource to make a major contribution to establishing a sustainable energy system. The study concludes that cost reductions of 50%-60% in CSP electricity may reasonably be expected in the next 10-15 years, enabling the technology to be cost competitive with fossil-fired power generation at some point between 2020 and 2030. Incorporation of storage delivers added value in enabling CSP to deliver dispatchable power. Incentive schemes will be needed in Europe and MENA countries to enable this point to be achieved. Such schemes should reflect the true value of electricity to the grid, effectively drive research and development, and ensure transparency of performance and cost data.
文摘Located in central Africa, Cameroon offers a wealth of solar power opportunity. The public lighting in the capital city Yaounde is an example of solar energy promotion. The purpose of this paper is among other things aiming at assessing the solar energy resources of central Africa and making sure it can be used optimally at least for public lighting. Based on the knowledge from data collected and field experience for three years, the authors will assess the implementation of the technology and show how the use of solar energy can solve some problems in the city of Yaounde even when the area is grid connected. This paper will also identify actions for improved access to sustainable, friendly, affordable solar energy services to users, as well as a significant improvement of energy infrastructure and energy efficiency in the city. The authors will also address issues on identified obstacles for the promotion of solar energy in order to help the cities in sub Saharan countries to develop a vision aiming at developing good solar energy policy and better contribute to fight against poverty and climate change.
文摘The design and construction of an experimental solar hybrid vehicle based on the combination of photovoltaic solar energy as the main source of electricity and electric power supplied by a generator activated by the driver's pedaling is introduced. The vehicle has a battery to store the energy provided by both systems. The development was motivated by a Latin American solar car race through the Atacama Desert in Chile and the initiative to promote the use of clean energy for transport. A general description of the vehicle, its energetic aspects and experimental results are presented.