Whole energy systems combine everything that requires energy to operate, for example, domestically we could consider lighting, cooking, water heating, cooling, transportation and communication. Understanding these systems is critical if we are to achieve the decarbonisation required to meet climate change targets and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Small Energy Systems
For small island states, the cost of importing diesel is high and there is a real demand to reduce energy costs. We are working to support and analyse the transition to renewable electricity generation for islands, modelling the electrical generation and distribution system and conducting laboratory tests of problem cases. We are developing models to cover decarbonisation of parts of the transportation sector and encourage energy efficiency within industrial processes and domestic settings. Energy poverty also plays a crucial role in energy system analysis, we’re working to investigate how the transition to renewable energy can reduce energy poverty on islands.
Humanitarian Energy Access
It is widely recognised that access to energy can be a catalyst for improving the health, safety and livelihoods of displaced communities. We are working alongside a large humanitarian energy programme to understand the data collection, analysis and the decision-making process for energy interventions in refugee camps. This will examine the difference between energy interventions and how effective they are. We have contributed to the recent Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Situations of Displacement and will support implementing the outcomes in data collection, capacity building and training.
Electric Cooking
Cooking is a large consumer of energy. Together with partners in the UK and Nepal, we have been evaluating how electric cooking can operate and is culturally acceptable in off-grid remote Nepali communities. We have installed a number of electric stoves with households, finding a good acceptance rate, improved health and life quality, especially for pregnant women and recent mothers, and large reduction in fuelwood usage, with no adverse impact on the electrical grid structure.
Thanks to Kathmandu Alternative Power and Energy Group (KAPEG) and Edoardo Santangelo from Practical Action for providing the photos.