Off-grid electrification in developing countries is a critical challenge, and this study focuses on assessing the viability of biomass gasification-based electrification for 575 off-grid settlements in Colombia. Given the deficit in electricity services and the potential for residual biomass, exploring this renewable source becomes paramount. The study addresses the significance of employing biomass gasification to improve energy poverty indicators in these settlements.
Methods
A comprehensive optimization model was formulated based on technical and commercial service data. The model utilized the weighted sum method to determine optimal outcomes for energy supply, subsidies allocation, and enhanced energy service levels. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of subsidy budget changes and subsidy matching policies on the optimal solutions, comparing them to the existing policy characterized by unequal subsidy distribution.
The optimization model yielded compelling results, highlighting the potential of biomass gasification-based electrification to significantly improve energy access and alleviate energy poverty in off-grid settlements.
Impact on Electricity Access: Compared to the current scenario reliant on diesel-based electricity, the model demonstrated a positive impact on the electricity access gap. The implementation of biomass gasification led to a substantial increase in the amount of electricity supplied to these settlements without exceeding the existing subsidy budget. This increase was observed across different energy service levels, particularly in settlements where biomass gasification alone was sufficient for electricity supply.
Trade-Off Minimization: Under the current subsidy policy characterized by unequal allocation, a trade-off between improving access to electricity and avoiding overspending on electricity bills was evident. The model, however, showcased that this trade-off could be significantly minimized by adjusting the subsidy policy to ensure an equal percentage for all settlements. By doing so, a more balanced distribution of subsidies among settlements was achieved, preventing compromises in electricity access while maintaining similar service levels and biomass energy shares.
Sensitivity Analyses: The sensitivity analyses conducted for subsidy budget variations provided insightful results. A slight increase in the subsidy budget demonstrated considerable impacts. This increase was effective in preventing settlements from nearing overspending thresholds, even as the energy supplied increased by over 100%. The analyses also underscored the importance of adjusting subsidy policies, potentially incentivizing operators to invest in renewable energy solutions without adversely affecting poor population.
Conclusions
This study draws several important conclusions. Firstly, biomass gasification can maintain a balance between affordability and accessibility, supported by government subsidies and an anticipated rise in average income in these settlements. The optimization model highlights the trade-offs caused by unequal subsidy distribution, emphasizing the need for a more equitable distribution to prevent compromising electricity access. Adjusting the current subsidy allocation policy can effectively prevent trade-offs while maintaining similar levels of service, the share of energy from biomass, and avoiding electricity overspending.
The proposed methodology is considered innovative as it uses low-disaggregated and accessible data, offering a decision-making tool for various stakeholders, including governments, service operators, and local communities. The model's applicability extends beyond Colombia, making it replicable in other developing regions where renewable resources for off-grid electrification require careful analysis.
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