Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Improving Air Quality
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9.4 Value of Electricity
The value of bringing electricity to populations that do not presently have it
is significant. Employment opportunities are improved by bringing electricity to parts of the world that do not have it at present (Renner, 2017). There
are jobs associated with the electrical systems that are installed, as well as
other jobs because having electricity changes opportunities in the community. Residential living with electricity allows for purchases of appliances
and other items that become useful because electricity is available. Work
from home opportunities are enhanced by having electricity and better communication made available with electricity. The off- grid electrical systems
can include those needed for business purposes, such as establishing a general store to sell food supplies and other locally needed products.
The efforts to provide lighting using solar energy have resulted in reduced
use of kerosene for lamps and reduced use of candles. Electricity for cooking
can reduce the use of wood or other carbon fuel- based fires. Both of these
shifts have improved air quality in many homes and reduced greenhouse
gas emissions, as well as reduced the risks of house fires. With the recent
developments that have reduced the cost of solar- generated electricity and
energy storage in batteries, many people in the world will be able to afford
electric lighting and cooking.
The technology for off- grid electrical systems is well developed and available in a variety of publications (IRENA, 2018; Renner, 2017; Pirolli, 2016;
van Eekhout, 2012). Pirolli (2016) lists four types of systems in the Sustainable
Energy Handbook. These range from lighting only, to more complete electrical
systems with appliances and back- up power provided by a generator.
With the present costs of solar- generated electricity and batteries, the
potential to bring electricity to all homes in the world is financially possible.
The simple solar lantern can be made available at a price of less than $50.
A wired solar home system to provide lighting is more expensive, but within
reach for many of those who do not have electricity at present. Where there
is a will to accomplish these simple improvements for those living without
electricity, it can be done.
References
IRENA (2018). Off- grid renewable energy solutions: Global and regional status and trends.
IRENA, Abu Dhabi.
Pirolli, M. (2016). Sustainable Energy Handbook. Technical Assistance Facility, Western
and Central Africa; https:// europa.eu/ capacity4dev/
88
88
9.4 Value of Electricity
The value of bringing electricity to populations that do not presently have it
is significant. Employment opportunities are improved by bringing electricity to parts of the world that do not have it at present (Renner, 2017). There
are jobs associated with the electrical systems that are installed, as well as
other jobs because having electricity changes opportunities in the community. Residential living with electricity allows for purchases of appliances
and other items that become useful because electricity is available. Work
from home opportunities are enhanced by having electricity and better communication made available with electricity. The off- grid electrical systems
can include those needed for business purposes, such as establishing a general store to sell food supplies and other locally needed products.
The efforts to provide lighting using solar energy have resulted in reduced
use of kerosene for lamps and reduced use of candles. Electricity for cooking
can reduce the use of wood or other carbon fuel- based fires. Both of these
shifts have improved air quality in many homes and reduced greenhouse
gas emissions, as well as reduced the risks of house fires. With the recent
developments that have reduced the cost of solar- generated electricity and
energy storage in batteries, many people in the world will be able to afford
electric lighting and cooking.
The technology for off- grid electrical systems is well developed and available in a variety of publications (IRENA, 2018; Renner, 2017; Pirolli, 2016;
van Eekhout, 2012). Pirolli (2016) lists four types of systems in the Sustainable
Energy Handbook. These range from lighting only, to more complete electrical
systems with appliances and back- up power provided by a generator.
With the present costs of solar- generated electricity and batteries, the
potential to bring electricity to all homes in the world is financially possible.
The simple solar lantern can be made available at a price of less than $50.
A wired solar home system to provide lighting is more expensive, but within
reach for many of those who do not have electricity at present. Where there
is a will to accomplish these simple improvements for those living without
electricity, it can be done.
References
IRENA (2018). Off- grid renewable energy solutions: Global and regional status and trends.
IRENA, Abu Dhabi.
Pirolli, M. (2016). Sustainable Energy Handbook. Technical Assistance Facility, Western
and Central Africa; https:// europa.eu/ capacity4dev/