6. Technologies for Power Generation in Rural Contexts

Overcoming poverty requires self-sustained economic growth. Energy, and particularly electricity, is essential for setting up small businesses which serve the local market. Building enterprises and creating new jobs are the only sustainable means of lifting people out of poverty. In this context, energy is an instrumental right to achieve the MDGs. And particularly, according to the 2011 World Energy Outlook [1], Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) must play a prominent role in the challenge of implementing and developing sustainable energy markets. Energy supply that is only sufficient for lighting and cooking at household level (i.e. basic energy needs) and social services (health, education, etc.) is a step in the right direction. However, a stable power supply, which can be used for economic activities, provides opportunities for productive uses of energy and income generation, and therefore, lead to the creation of sustainable (energy) markets. Hence, enhancing education, reducing isolation, implementing safety measures, improving healthcare, preventing natural disasters, fostering productivity are only some of the benefits brought by the access to electricity in rural areas. Four major Renewable Energy Technologies, and most diffused storage systems will be described along this chapter. A brief description of resources assessment methodologies, an overview of main components and layouts, and some considerations about capital costs, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and impact are given for each RET. Moreover, hybrid systems’ main layouts and configurations are also described.