Third World electrification

Traditionally, electrical supply networks have been regarded as indicators of economic and developmental success in Third World countries. Experience has shown that, in many cases, aspirations are not realised and plans are not fulfilled. The reasons are complex and each country must be assessed on the basis of its own national characteristics. Nevertheless, some common features emerge, both in terms of economic background and in asset endowment of the different countries. In many cases, the results of electrification programmes have shown distinct similarities. In the paper, the basic ambient conditions of the Third World are described, including both climatic and biologically based features. Those main technical and economic concepts associated with the development of an electricity supply in a Third World country are described and the paper concludes with details of electrification undertaken in different countries of the Third World.