Leticia Tomas Fillol , Antti Pinomaa , Nicolò Stevanato , Riccardo Mereu , Samuli Honkapuro
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Design and dimensioning of off-grid power systems require a deep understanding of how electricity demand develops over time. However, a notable knowledge gap exists regarding how electricity loads evolve, particularly in remote areas of developing countries. This paper presents a granular analysis of appliance uptake through a case study in rural Kenya, and aims to provide real-world evidence to enhance demand forecasting in similar contexts. The study focuses on a mini-grid project and evaluates the evolution of appliance ownership during the early years following electrification. It examines differences between households with home businesses and standard households, i.e., those without income-generation activities at home, complemented by an exploration of the role of microfinance. The analysis is based on household-level survey data collected from the field. The findings highlight that establishing home businesses, access to microfinancing, and the prior presence of power systems are key drivers of faster appliance adoption. However, appliance adoption is gradual but slow, with many households owning only basic appliances even several years after gaining access to electricity. Households engaged in income-generating activities and utilizing microfinance are more likely to acquire welfare appliances at an earlier stage.
期刊介绍:
Energy Research & Social Science (ERSS) is a peer-reviewed international journal that publishes original research and review articles examining the relationship between energy systems and society. ERSS covers a range of topics revolving around the intersection of energy technologies, fuels, and resources on one side and social processes and influences - including communities of energy users, people affected by energy production, social institutions, customs, traditions, behaviors, and policies - on the other. Put another way, ERSS investigates the social system surrounding energy technology and hardware. ERSS is relevant for energy practitioners, researchers interested in the social aspects of energy production or use, and policymakers.
Energy Research & Social Science (ERSS) provides an interdisciplinary forum to discuss how social and technical issues related to energy production and consumption interact. Energy production, distribution, and consumption all have both technical and human components, and the latter involves the human causes and consequences of energy-related activities and processes as well as social structures that shape how people interact with energy systems. Energy analysis, therefore, needs to look beyond the dimensions of technology and economics to include these social and human elements.