pumping. Wind energy technologies capture power in the wind for electricity
generation and water pumping. Human powered water pumping technologies
such as the treadle and foot pumps are used to gain access to groundwater for
potable water and irrigation. Liquid fuel technologies such as the multifunctional
platform use an engine to generate mechanical power that can be used for
agro/food processing, water pumping or generating electricity.
Table 3: Applicability of RETs for different energy services
Modern fuels
Electricity
Home
Cooking Heating Lighting Cooling Comm’s
appliances
Improved cook
stoves
xxx
xxx
Biogas
xx xx
x
x
Solar PV
xxx xx xxx
xx
Solar lanterns
xxx
Solar thermal
xx
xx
x
Solar drier
Small hydro
generators
xxx x xxx xxx
Hydraulic ram
pump
Water current
turbines
xx
x
Small wind
turbines
xx xx xx
Wind pumps
Treadle and
hand pumps
Multifunctional
platform
xx xx xx
x
x – possible but not usually preferable, xx – applicable but limited xxx – suitable
Mechanical power
Water Agro/food Manuf-
pumping processing acturing
xx
xx
xx
xx
xxx xx
xx
xx x
x
xx
xx
x
xx xxx xx
There are two main types of decentralized renewable energy systems for
electrification: individual (one power source for one client) and collective (one
power source for several clients). Individual systems employ technologies that
generate a low amount of energy (up to a few hundred watt-hours per day) that can
meet the electricity needs of a single household. Collective systems employ
technologies that generate significantly more energy that can meet the electricity
needs of a number of households and small enterprises.
Table 4: Applicability of different RETs for types of electrification
RETs used for electrification
Solar PV Solar
Small
Water Small
lantern hydro current wind
generators turbines turbines
Individual
xxx
xxx
xx
x xx
Collective
x
xxx xx xx
Cost (per $1.5 - 3.5
kWh)3
-
$0.2 – 0.6
- $0.3 - 0.8
x – possible but not usually preferable, xx – applicable but limited xxx – suitable
Multifunctional
platform
xxx
$0.3 - 1.2
Renewable Energy to Reduce Poverty in Africa
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