Energy / Énergie
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Sustainable energy sources could save the dwindling forests of Liwonde-Mangochi protected area complex, Southern Malawi(Lead, Universityof Malawi, Zomba, MW, 2013) University of Malawi. LeadThis poster introduces key concepts in the Participatory Geographic Information System Project, where forestry resources are critical in supporting livelihoods through the provision of both wood and non-wood forest products as well as carbon sequestration, water retention, soil erosion control and nutrient cycling. 95% of people in the Liwonde-Mangochi Protected Area Complex depend on forests for their energy demands. Recommendations include investment in affordable fuel-efficient clay stoves, rural electricity provision, and the propagation of indigenous Acacia polycantha tree for fuelwood.Item Liens entre l'eau et l'énergie au regard des changements climatiques dans les pays en développement : les expériences vécues en Amérique latine, en Afrique de l'Est et en Afrique australe(IDRC, Ottawa, CA, 2012) Platonova, Inna; Leone, Michele"Les questions interdépendantes que sont l’accès aux ressources hydriques et l’accès aux ressources énergétiques sont essentielles au renforcement de la capacité d’adaptation aux changements climatiques. En dépit de travaux de recherche de plus en plus nombreux sur la relation entre les changements climatiques et les ressources hydriques, d’une part, et sur le rapport entre la disponibilité de l’eau et l’énergie renouvelable au service du développement, d’autre part, peu d’efforts ont été consentis pour replacer la recherche sur les changements climatiques, l’eau et l’énergie réalisée à l’échelon local dans le contexte des pays en développement. En 2010, le Centre de recherches pour le développement international (CRDI) a donné le coup d’envoi au projet Eau et énergie propres – évaluation des services relatifs à l’adaptation aux changements climatiques ayant pour objectif d’évaluer les facteurs qui favorisent et entravent l’utilisation des technologies d’énergies renouvelables décentralisées pour les services d’approvisionnement en eau afin d’aider les collectivités à mieux s’adapter à la variabilité du climat et aux changements et de soutenir l’accès équitable à ces services et leur pérennité dans un contexte de plus en plus incertain. Quatre équipes de recherche prennent part à ce projet, soit : Fundacion Bariloche, (Argentine); Clean Energy Incubator de l’Université du Texas à Austin (États-Unis); Energy Research Centre de l’Université du Cap (Afrique du Sud); Energy, Environment and Development Network for Africa (AFREPREN/FWD) (Kenya). Au terme de leurs travaux, ces équipes ont rédigé des rapports d’examen approfondi portant sur l’Amérique latine, l’Afrique australe et l’Afrique de l’Est..."Item Nexo energía-agua en el contexto del cambio climático en los países en desarrollo: Experiencias de América Latina, África Oriental y Austral(IDRC, Ottawa, CA, 2012) Leone, Michele"El acceso a los recursos energéticos y el acceso a los recursos hídricos están interconectados y ambos temas son cruciales para el fortalecimiento de la capacidad de adaptación al cambio climático. A pesar de la creciente investigación sobre la relación entre cambio climático y recursos hídricos por un lado, y la relación entre disponibilidad de agua y energía renovable para el desarrollo, por otro lado, no se ha hecho lo suficiente para integrar la investigación en cambio climático, agua y energía a nivel local en el contexto de los países en desarrollo. El Centro Internacional de Investigaciones para el Desarrollo lanzó un proyecto en el 2010, “Energía y Agua Limpias: Una Evaluación de Servicios para la Adaptación Local al Cambio Climático”, con el fin de determinar los factores que propiciaban o impedían el uso de tecnologías descentralizadas de energía renovable en el suministro de agua para ayudar a que las comunidades se adaptaran mejor a la variabilidad y cambio climáticos y para facilitar un acceso equitativo a estos servicios y a la vez garantizar su solidez, dada la situación de creciente incertidumbre. Cuatro equipos de investigación se involucraron en este proyecto: la Fundación Bariloche (Argentina), la Clean Energy Incubator de la Universidad de Texas en Austin (Estados Unidos), el Energy Research Centre de la Universidad de Ciudad del Cabo (Sudáfrica), la Energy, Environment and Development Network for Africa (AFREPREN/FWD) (Kenia), que produjo informes de evaluación en profundidad tanto en América Latina como en África Austral y África Oriental..."Item Can renewable energy technologies improve the management of stressed water resources threatened by climate change(2012) Nadal, Gustavo Horacio; Bravo, Gonzalo; Girardin, Leonidas Osvaldo; Gortari, SebastiánThis work addresses increasing concerns about water management for rural productive activities in the vast dry regions of Latin America by assessing renewable energy technologies (RETs) that could be suitable for localized needs. Forecasted trends in climate change and variability make this analysis very relevant, in an area where very little published work exists. While Argentina is widely known for its fertile pampas, around 75 % of the country consists of dry lands. In addition, erosion is increasing by up to 650,000 hectares each year. The coordinated adoption of a set of actions, including land use planning and strengthening productive activities that guarantee access to water and improve water and soil management is needed. Renewable energies could help towards achieving these aims, if water is made available at affordable costs and with suitable technologies. This paper evaluates experiences with three RETs—photovoltaic pumping from deep wells, small wind turbine pumping, and high-power wind turbines, and discusses a potential role for use in rural Argentina. Although cheaper and more reliable renewable alternatives to energy sources such as diesel could be used for pumping from groundwater resources in isolated locations, limitations arise when pumping head and/or water volume requirements are large or highly seasonal. The cost increases and technical challenges of accessing this deeper water, as indicated by case studies, emphasize the importance of planning and support schemes development.Item Typology of municipal wastewater treatment technologies in Latin America(John Wiley & Sons, 2012) Noyola, Adalberto; Padilla-Rivera, Alejandro; Morgan-Sagastume, Juan Manuel; Güereca, Leonor Patricia; Hernández-Padilla, FlorThis paper presents an analysis of the wastewater treatment plants in six Latin American and Caribbean countries. Based on a sample of 2734 municipal treatment facilities, the applied processes are classified by sizes (influent flow) and type of technologies. The distribution of the technologies is also presented for each of the six countries. In addition, a representative municipal wastewater characterization, based on influent data from 174 treatment plants, is proposed. Results show that stabilization ponds, activated sludge, and the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors represent 80% of the treatment facilities of the sample, providing treatment to 81% of the total flow considered. Moreover, 67% of the plants in the sample are small (flow <25 L/s) and the very small facilities (influent flow <5 L/s) are extensively applied in the region (34% of the sample), especially in Mexico and Brazil. The use of very small treatment plants may result in low energy efficiency systems and on possible incompliance of the discharge standards. This common practice in several countries in Latin America should be revised in order to improve the environmental performance of such facilities.Item Towards the development of an Energy-Water-Food Security Nexus based modelling framework as a policy and planning tool for South Africa(2012) Prasad, Gisela; Stone, Adrian; Hughes, Alison; Stewart, TheodorThe aim of the project is to develop a modelling framework that will increase resource use efficiency along with policy coherence, through interlinkages of water, energy and food security factors in remote and impoverished areas. The case study centres around the municipality of Elundini, located in the North of the Eastern Cape. The area is a catchment for the Umzimvubu River and is characterised by rugged, mountainous terrain and abundance of water. A nexus orientated modelling framework is applied that develops interventions to supply power and piped water where it is lacking, as well as improving agricultural practices.Item Clean energy and water : low-cost climate adaptation options for East Africa; draft journal article(AFREPREN/FWD, Nairobi, KE, 2012-08) Karekezi, Stephen; Otuke, Jared; Kanyata, GodfreyThis study assesses renewable energy use in water services in East Africa and implications for adaptation to climate change impacts. The case studies demonstrate to some extent, that windpumps and treadle pumps increase resilience to climate change, increase incomes of small scale farmers, and promote crop diversification, thus increasing food security. However, lack of clear-cut policies to support the dissemination of renewable energy technologies for water services is a major barrier to the scale up of these low-cost pumps. Dedicated institutions with the specific responsibility of promoting small-scale renewables for the water sector could overcome siloed institutional barriers.Item Clean energy and water : assessment of Mexico for improved water services and renewable energy(University of Texas at Austin, 2012) Sanders, Kelly T.; King, Carey W.; Stillwell, Ashlynn S.; Webber, Michael E.The paper uses an integrated technology-policy framework to assess the efficacy of renewable energy and water systems in Mexico. Case studies of technologies illustrate how energy-water policy objectives and choices are affected. Of particular importance for consideration are performance parameters, cultural acceptance, willingness to pay, and financing. The study considers an analytical framework for assessing options for managing and providing water services, and concludes there are several technology and policy options that would be beneficial: solar hot water heaters, renewable electricity systems tied to distributed water treatment and desalination systems, and information and communication technologies (ICT).Item Barriers to the integration of the water-energy nexus in policy and practice in Southern Africa and future research opportunities(Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, ZA, 2012) Boulle, Michael; Wlokas, Holle Linnea; Prasad, GiselaConventional energy generation is a fundamental cause for competing demands on natural resources of both water and energy sectors, and is a significant contributor to anthropogenic climate change. This research seeks to identify barriers to wide-scale penetration of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in Southern Africa, investigating cases in Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. The framework provides analysis through several factors: market failure, market distortions, economic, financial, institutional, technical, social, cultural and behavioural, and other barriers. Following the barrier identification, a review of policy was conducted. Countries are moving closer towards solutions for water and energy as well as understanding the linkages.Item Water-energy nexus and climate change in Southern Africa : towards a modelling framework as a policy and planning tool(2012) Prasad, Gisela; Stone, Adrian; Leone, MicheleMitigating food losses that occur between harvesting and consumption offers the single biggest opportunity for contributing to hunger alleviation in sub-Saharan Africa. This systematic review of literature establishes magnitudes of PH losses in Tanzania, and identifies innovations that were promoted or evaluated to mitigate those losses. Events of PH losses occur in the post-production chain during harvesting, where edible produce is left in the field; transport and distribution, including handling practices and inferior transport infrastructure; storage; processing; and commercialization, where poor market infrastructure causes both physical and economic losses. Annual value of postharvest (PH) losses for grains alone exceeds USD 4 billion.Item Arid and semiarid regions of Argentina(2012) Bravo, GonzaloThis analysis includes appropriate technologies as well as the characteristics specific to rural communities that will allow for successful implementation of renewable energy technologies (RETs). The degree of socioeconomic development, organizational and training level, and the potential access to energy resources emerge as key factors, where typical livelihoods are based on cattle breeding and small-scale agriculture. Three cases were assessed focusing on the use of RETs for water supply: photovoltaic pumping from deep wells in Catamarca Province; small wind turbine pumping for isolated producers in Comahue, Neuquén Province; and grid connected high-power wind turbines for irrigation in La Rioja Province.Item Crop response to climate change in Southern Africa : a scoping study(Elsevier, 2011) Zinyengere, Nkulumo; Crespo, Olivier; Hachigonta, SepoConcern over future food security in southern Africa has led to various studies that assess the impact of climate change on crops in the region. The results vary according to applied methods and tools. This study reviewed and consolidated results from 19 recent studies which quantitatively project the impact of climate change on crops for the 21st century in southern Africa. Results were assessed according to crop modelling techniques, which included process-based, statistical and economic (Ricardian) modelling. Studies were assessed for their reporting and recommendations concerning adaptation and CO2 fertilisation. Results suggest that the aggregate impact of climate change on crops in southern Africa will be negative. Maize yields are projected to decline on average by 18%. The collective impact of climate change on all crop yields shows a median decline of -11% and -14% respectively under process-based and statistical methodologies. Median impacts show declining crop yields through the 21st century. No significant change in the near future, -18% for the mid century and -30% for late century. GCM driven Ricardian projections are highly variable. However, uniform climate scenarios project a median revenue decline. Notwithstanding the challenges of such a review; lack of data, bias towards reported methods and tools, uncertainty, scale etc., results indicate that climate change may impact southern African crops in important ways thereby making adaptation essential. Adaptation and CO2 fertilisation could potentially moderate the negative impacts of climate change. This implies a need for studies into future adaptation that consider CO2 fertilisation.Item Energy-water nexus in the context of climate change in developing countries : experiences from Latin America, East and Southern Africa; synthesis report(Climate Change and Water Program, IDRC, Ottawa, ON, CA, 2012-11) Platonova, Inna; Leone, MicheleDecentralized renewable energy technologies can help address vulnerability, food security, health, education, and rural-urban migration and resettlement. Access to energy and water resources are interconnected, and central for building adaptive capacity to climate change. The integration of fragmented geological, geophysical and hydrological information and application of system models is necessary. In-depth assessment reports for Latin America, Southern Africa and East Africa were provided by Fundacion Bariloche, (Argentina), the Clean Energy Incubator of the University of Texas at Austin (USA), the Energy Research Centre of the University of Cape Town (South Africa), and the Energy, Environment and Development Network for Africa (AFREPREN/FWD) (Kenya).Item Supplemental irrigation in farming systems : history of a practice and outlooks for Burkina Faso(International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE), Ouagadougou, BF, 2012) Tuekam Fossi, Sévère; Barbier, Bruno; Yacouba, Hamma; Diarra, AbdoulayeThe paper briefly outlines research which indicates that effective participation of farmers through a participatory approach, and involvement of NGOs alongside research institutions, would be a prerequisite for the successful extension of supplemental irrigation, which is already practiced in the region, but not widespread. In Burkina Faso, agriculture is mainly rainfed, and highly dependent on climatic conditions, therefore particularly vulnerable to climate change.Item Water-energy nexus in the context of climate change in the Southern African region : initial research findings(University of Cape Town, 2012) Boulle, Michael; Prasad, Gisela; Wlokas, Holle Linnea; Rahlao, Sebataolo; Boyd, Anya; Yaholnitsky, IvanThis paper outlines research in the area of water and energy supply in Southern African countries: South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe. The study briefly explains when and why decentralized renewable energy technologies (RETs) for water services are not used, and or not used in the proper way; determines challenges and opportunities to inform policies and initiatives aiming to enhance climate change adaptation capacity in areas under climate related water stress by using RETs; formalizes results for communication, and acts to define clear and practical entry points for further investment and research.Item Water-energy nexus in the context of climate change in the Southern African region(University of Cape Town, 2012) Boulle, Michael; Prasad, Gisela; Boyd, Anya; Rahlao, Sebataolo; Wlokas, Holle; Yaholnitsky, IvanThis poster provides at-a-glance information denoting conditions in each of 11 Southern African countries (South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe), and illustrates initiatives undertaken in the water-energy sectors. It concisely outlines research needs, especially in the areas of renewable energy and water management. Most power is generated from thermal power stations, and water requirements of power generation in the region are substantial. Poorly developed energy networks are responsible for using large volumes of water, and are inadequate to properly distribute water services throughout the region.Item Clean energy and water : an assessment for services for adaptation to climate change; final assessment report(AFREPREN/FWD, Nairobi, KE, 2012) Energy Environment and Development Network for Africa (AFREPREN/FWD)The report assesses challenges facing the wider uses of renewable energy technologies in water services. Promotion of pro-poor renewable-based water pumping options in East Africa such as treadle pumps, wind pumps and ram pumps (examined in this report), will demand collaboration between the ministries in charge of energy with those in charge of water and agriculture. Even though appropriate technologies exist, the study’s findings indicate that there are no clear-cut policies to support the dissemination of renewable energy technologies for water services as an adaptation strategy to climate change. Most national policies and strategies focus of large-scale conventional power generation technologies.Item Clean energy and water : an assessment of services for adaptation to climate change; final assessment report(Fundación Bariloche, 2011) Bravo, Gonzalo; Girardin, Osvaldo; Gortari, Sebastián; Lallana, Francisco; Nadal, GustavoIntegrated management of water resources is complex, and burdened by the provincial nature of water resource management. Considering the subsistence economies that characterize rural poor populations also constitute one of their main barriers, and that productivity will be affected by drier conditions, a main objective of an adaptation strategy would involve achieving an increase in income through a redefinition of productive activities. An adequate adaptation strategy to climate change induced water stress would include measures such as: diversification of water supply sources, increased water storage facilities, and implementation of efficient and rational water use.Item Energy, water and climate change in Southern Africa : what are the issues that need further investment and research?(Energy Research Centre University of Cape Town, ZA, 2012) Prasad, Gisela; Boulle, Michael; Boyd, Anya; Rahlao, Sebataolo; Wlokas, Holle; Yaholnitsky, IvanNational development plans focus upon energy and water separately, often not integrating the other sector’s resource use. This contributes to programme failures in the long run. Research is needed to inform and assist government in making the right decisions around renewable energies. A renewable energy project in Mozambique for instance, failed due to lack of spare parts which could not be manufactured locally; market demand was low, making the cost of production too high; the technologies had to be imported, rendering them unaffordable. This project looks at Integrated planning as a necessity in the context of Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho and Mozambique.Item Clean energy and water : assessment of Mexico for improved water services with renewable energy(University of Texas at Austin, 2011) King, Carey W.; Twomey, Kelly M.; Stillwell, Ashlynn S.; Webber, Michael E.Distributed rainwater collection and solar hot water heating are effective technologies, directly offsetting use of fossil fuel-generated electricity. Thus the 3 million people who are not connected to an electricity grid could be viewed as an opportunity to improve water services through renewable energy technologies. Additionally, policy levers such as mandates and right-pricing of water and energy can help encourage sustainable operation of established water and energy systems. The objective of this report is to assess the potential of, and barriers to, the use of decentralized renewable energy technologies for water services in Mexico with consideration for impacts from climatic stress.