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

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  • Nishant Narayan

    (Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy, Delft University of Technology, 2600 Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Victor Vega-Garita

    (Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy, Delft University of Technology, 2600 Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Zian Qin

    (Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy, Delft University of Technology, 2600 Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Jelena Popovic-Gerber

    (Power Electronics Group, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, The Netherlands)

  • Pavol Bauer

    (Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy, Delft University of Technology, 2600 Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Miro Zeman

    (Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy, Delft University of Technology, 2600 Delft, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Nearly 840 million people still lack access to electricity, while over a billion more have an unreliable electricity connection. In this article, the three different electrification pathways—grid extension, centralized microgrids, and standalone solar-based solutions, such as pico-solar and solar home systems (SHS)—are critically examined while understanding their relative merits and demerits. Grid extension can provide broad scale access at low levelized costs but requires a certain electricity demand threshold and population density to justify investments. To a lesser extent, centralized (off-grid) microgrids also require a minimum demand threshold and knowledge of the electricity demand. Solar-based solutions are the main focus in terms of off-grid electrification in this article, given the equatorial/tropical latitudes of the un(der-)electrified regions. In recent times, decentralized solar-based off-grid solutions, such as pico-solar and SHS, have shown the highest adoption rates and promising impetus with respect to basic lighting and electricity for powering small appliances. However, the burning question is—from lighting a million to empowering a billion—can solar home systems get us there?The two main roadblocks for SHS are discussed, and the requirements from the ideal electrification pathway are introduced. A bottom-up, interconnected SHS-based electrification pathway is proposed as the missing link among the present electrification pathways.

Suggested Citation

  • Nishant Narayan & Victor Vega-Garita & Zian Qin & Jelena Popovic-Gerber & Pavol Bauer & Miro Zeman, 2020. "The Long Road to Universal Electrification: A Critical Look at Present Pathways and Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:3:p:508-:d:311277
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Antoine Boche & Clément Foucher & Luiz Fernando Lavado Villa, 2022. "Understanding Microgrid Sustainability: A Systemic and Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-29, April.
    4. Sheridan, Steve & Sunderland, Keith & Courtney, Jane, 2023. "Swarm electrification: A comprehensive literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    5. Isabelo Rabuya & Melissa Libres & Michael Lochinvar Abundo & Evelyn Taboada, 2021. "Moving Up the Electrification Ladder in Off-Grid Settlements with Rooftop Solar Microgrids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-32, June.
    6. Ortega-Arriaga, P. & Babacan, O. & Nelson, J. & Gambhir, A., 2021. "Grid versus off-grid electricity access options: A review on the economic and environmental impacts," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    7. Beath, Hamish & Baranda Alonso, Javier & Mori, Richard & Gambhir, Ajay & Nelson, Jenny & Sandwell, Philip, 2023. "Maximising the benefits of renewable energy infrastructure in displacement settings: Optimising the operation of a solar-hybrid mini-grid for institutional and business users in Mahama Refugee Camp, R," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    8. Praene, Jean Philippe & Rasamoelina, Rindrasoa Miangaly & Ayagapin, Leslie, 2021. "Past and prospective electricity scenarios in Madagascar: The role of government energy policies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).

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