Comprehensive approach for electricity and clean cooking access through solar photovoltaic mini grids: The Kobe refugee camp case study

Abstract

The literature on e-cooking lacks case studies on integrated energy and clean cooking approach for community-based infrastructures in displacement settlements. This case study from the Kobe refugee camp fills this gap by incorporating up-to-date and context-specific data. The study enhances e-cooking literature by specifically examining the integration of electric pressure cooker (EPC) demand into scalable photovoltaic mini-grids (PVMGs) designed under a comprehensive approach – to address electricity and cooking needs – and long-term sustainability. Using HOMER Pro, a recognized power system modelling software, to optimize the MG from the load profile, the study assesses the benefits, challenges and open issues, with a particular focus on access levels achieved, costs and environmental impact; demonstrating that integrating high efficiency e-cooking appliances as EPCs significantly increases initial investment but has minimal impact on the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) while creating a stable demand anchor. This research also demonstrates that when capital expenses are covered through donations, and the system is and properly maintained, this solution enables Multi-Tier Framework (MTF) Tier 4 energy access, equivalent to Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS). Comparative analyses of metrics such as leveraged cost of cooking a meal, global warming potential and MTF level confirm that an e-cooking solution combining EPC with optimized PVMG is economically and environmentally beneficial in this context compared to the baseline situation of cooking with traditional three-stone firewood stoves, with high scalability potential to other refugee camps in the context. Additional advantages include reduced deforestation and resource conflicts between refugees and host communities.

Although findings may not be universally applicable, the decreasing costs of lithium-ion batteries and solar PV and the increasing reliability and quality of the solar PV technology, alongside rising biomass fuel prices, make electric cooking a cost-effective alternative, particularly in displacement settings. This study offers a valuable resource for energy practitioners and policymakers, supporting integrated e-cooking and electricity solutions. It addresses climate, energy, and development challenges in the humanitarian sector while contributing to SDG 7 and SDG 13.