Planning Sustainable Energy Systems in the Southern African Development Community: A Review of Power Systems Planning Approaches

Constantino Dário Justo, José Eduardo Tafula and Pedro Moura ()
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Constantino Dário Justo: Energy for Sustainability Initiative, University of Coimbra, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
José Eduardo Tafula: Energy for Sustainability Initiative, University of Coimbra, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
Pedro Moura: Energy for Sustainability Initiative, University of Coimbra, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-28

Abstract: Southern Africa has a huge potential for renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal. However, electricity access remains a key policy issue for most member states, with a global average access to electricity of only 54% in 2019. This low electrification rate is a strong motivation for member states to increase renewable energy use and improve access to electricity for all. The goal of this paper was to present a literature review of methodologies, energy plans, and government programs that have been implemented by the Southern African Development Community member states to address the region’s low average electrification rate and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The study presents the most commonly used methodologies for the integration of renewable energies into electrical systems, considering the main grid and distributed generation systems. LCOE minimization methodologies and software options, such as GIS, HOMER, LEAP, and EnergyPLAN, are the most common among the identified studies. The traditional method of electrifying by expanding the grid has not contributed to the eradication of energy poverty in rural areas. Therefore, to improve electricity access in Southern Africa, it is essential to consider off-grid solutions based on renewable energy sources.

Keywords: renewable energy; electricity access; generation expansion planning; low electrification; sustainable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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