DocumentCode :
65187
Title :
Smart Microgrids as a Solution for Rural Electrification: Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability Through Cadastre and Business Models
Author :
Ubilla, Karen ; Jimenez-Estevez, Guillermo A. ; Hernadez, Roberto ; Reyes-Chamorro, Lorenzo ; Hernandez Irigoyen, Claudia ; Severino, Bernardo ; Palma-Behnke, Rodrigo
Author_Institution :
Energy Center FCFM, Univ. of Chile, Santiago, Chile
Volume :
5
Issue :
4
fYear :
2014
fDate :
Oct. 2014
Firstpage :
1310
Lastpage :
1318
Abstract :
The provision of energy at the local level by using renewable and local resources is increasingly acknowledged as a techno-economic solution for rural electrification. This work describes an approach for implementing microgrid projects at the institutional level by means of a specific entity that uses methods that engage the community in microgrid operation and maintenance (O&M), which ensures long-run benefits. The first step, related to macro-level barriers, is addressed by building a complete cadastre of isolated communities, while the second, at the micro level, focuses on business models for covering investment and O&M costs. A cadastre uncovers the key characteristics of each location (energy resources, availability, socio-economic conditions, environment, etc.). A cadastre also helps identify local needs, develop monitoring strategies, and determine benchmarks among microgrids. Its information also assists with proposing new projects, securing funding, and monitoring actual microgrids. At the micro level, local stakeholders, economic capabilities, social capital, and organizational structures are identified, which contribute to the selection of a tailored business model that can enable fundraising and O&M activities. The approach is presented in a four-stage framework: 1) background data collection; 2) community profile building; 3) system design; and 4) detailed engineering. Each community is evaluated by a prioritization index that considers the electrical conditions of each residence.
Keywords :
distributed power generation; investment; power generation economics; background data collection; business models; cadastre; community profile building; long-term sustainability; organizational structures; prioritization index; rural electrification; smart microgrids; social capital; Distributed power generation; Economics; Microgrids; Rural areas; Business models; cadastre; distributed generation; microgrid; rural electrification;
fLanguage :
English
Journal_Title :
Sustainable Energy, IEEE Transactions on
Publisher :
ieee
ISSN :
1949-3029
Type :
jour
DOI :
10.1109/TSTE.2014.2315651
Filename :
6841621
Link To Document :
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