The promotion of renewable energy technologies in rural areas is key to achieving rural energy transition and Sustainable Development Goal 7. The combination of photovoltaics (PV) and electric vehicles (EV) exhibits significant complementarities, while their joint adoption potential in rural regions remains underexplored. This study aims to identify the potential and factors associated with PV-EV co-adoption in rural areas, based on a survey in Guangdong Province and mixed modeling methods (ordered logit, logit, and machine learning algorithm XGBoost). The results show a significant association between PV and EV adoption intention among rural residents. Besides, XGBoost reveals 60% overlap in primary predictors, indicating a shared adopter profile. The key associated factors for co-adoption include attitude variables, such as technical cognition, technical interest, and pro-environmental engagement, as well as factors like traffic convenience, family size, house value, and prior experience with clean energy. This study highlights a potential for PV and EV co-adoption in rural areas, suggesting that future policies could shift from single-technology adoption toward integrated household energy portfolios.
The transition toward low-carbon energy systems requires scalable, affordable, and circular energy storage solutions. Second-life lithium-ion batteries (SLBs), repurposed from electric vehicles after their automotive use, can support renewable energy integration while extending battery lifetime. However, secondary SLB markets remain constrained by uncertainty regarding first-life operation, degradation history, residual condition, and the absence of standardized valuation methods. This study proposes an uncertainty-aware pricing framework for SLBs based on an adaptation of the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The SLB value is estimated as the reference value of a functionally equivalent first-life battery minus a risk-based discount. The adapted formulation incorporates cumulative first-life usage and informational uncertainty into the pricing process, translating uncertainty into an economic discount. Monte Carlo simulations using triangular uncertainty regimes generate percentile-based price ranges. Sensitivity analysis shows that uncertainty is the dominant driver of SLB value within the parameter ranges analyzed. Using USD 108/kWh as the reference value for a functionally equivalent first-life battery, a case study with retired Nissan LEAF batteries used as taxis in Brazil, evaluated under the high-risk uncertainty regime, yielded a P10 to P90 price range of USD 24/kWh to USD 43/kWh, with a median (P50) of USD 33/kWh. The framework provides a transparent pricing reference for SLB transactions and circular energy storage markets.
Fleet electrification across the Global South is concentrating new load on the grids least able to absorb it; in Sub-Saharan African cities, boda-boda taxis, last-mile delivery motorcycles, and bus depots are being electrified on networks with little spare capacity. Planning the charging infrastructure these fleets need – peak grid load, charger counts, and battery inventory – has so far required a separate, slow, bespoke simulator for each fleet type, putting cross-fleet comparison beyond the reach of the planners and utilities who must make the decisions. We consolidate three such pipelines (boda-boda, delivery motorcycle, and bus depot) into a single open-source, configuration-driven tool that produces minute-resolution grid-load curves and resource counts for any fleet from a CSV of trip or arrival-event records, and we validate it against the published outputs of all three source pipelines across 28 scenarios (mean-day grid-load curves reproduced at Pearson r≥0.95 throughout, r≥0.99 on 19 of 28; daily energy within ±5% on 23; 11–47× faster per scenario). Running the three fleets through one pipeline exposes planning regularities no single study could: a peak demand that scales with fleet size but whose per-vehicle level is set by the charging approach (approximately 0.15 to 0.41 kW per motorcycle, around 18 kW per bus at 30 kW), a worst-case-to-mean-day feeder-load ratio of roughly 1.6 to 2.6 for the motorcycle fleets, and a flatter, more solar-compatible diurnal profile under battery swapping than under home charging. These give resource-constrained planners first-order reference points and identify charging architecture as a lever on both feeder headroom and solar-pairing potential.
This paper presents an improved control algorithm aimed at managing DC-link voltage in grid-tied systems, utilizing a variable-step-size mixed-power adaptive filter (VS-MPAF). Maintaining DC-link voltage stability is crucial for the efficient operation of power electronic converters, especially in dynamic power environments. The performance of the proposed control algorithm is evaluated under various scenarios, including steady-state and transient conditions, which are vital for real-world applications. A unit vector template (UVT) method is used to extract load current coefficients, enhancing the algorithm’s accuracy in responding to load changes. The VS-MPAF executes the DC-link voltage control by adjusting its correction strength based on the DC-link voltage error. Strong corrective action is applied when voltage deviations are significant, while gentler responses are utilized when voltages are near normal levels, thereby improving the transient response while maintaining DC-link voltage stability. This dual-response strategy helps maintain a smoother DC-link voltage. Simulation studies performed under a 400 V to 450 V DC-link voltage reference step demonstrate that the proposed controller achieves reduced peak overshoot and a settling time of 1.1 ms, indicating superior transient performance. Additionally, the adaptive nature of the algorithm allows it to update weights automatically in response to voltage fluctuations. The proposed control strategy is validated through MATLAB®/Simulink simulations and experimentally verified on a laboratory-scale grid-connected PV system using the dSPACE-1104 platform, demonstrating stable steady-state operation and effective active power transfer under varying operating conditions.
This study examines the adoption of distributed Solar Photovoltaic (PV) microgrids as a solution to rural electrification challenges in Forecariah Prefecture (Guinea). Many remote areas lack reliable power due to insufficient grid coverage, frequent power outages, and the high cost of grid expansion. The study assesses the state of electrification, calculates local energy consumption, and examines the potential of solar energy, considering technical performance, economic viability, and environmental benefits, to inform the design and evaluation of an optimized solar microgrid system. The results of 25 MW from the PV, 7.594 MW converter, 100 MW from the grid, LCOE of $0.0475/kWh, 6680 strings of battery, NPC of $28.4 million, operating cost of US$13.5 million/year, and annual energy production of 37.8 GWh demonstrate that solar PV microgrids can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, provide access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and small businesses, and produce clean, reliable, and reasonably priced electricity. According to the study's findings, distributed solar microgrids offer a viable, scalable, and sustainable strategy to accelerate rural electrification in Guinea and other developing countries.
Decarbonisation of cooling technologies has brought attention towards solar-powered absorption refrigeration systems as sustainable alternatives to conventional electrical refrigeration. Nonetheless, the use of such technology is still hindered due to limited thermodynamic efficiency, limited use of renewable energy and the drawbacks of conventional absorbents. This paper presents a simulation framework for evaluation of the thermodynamic, exergy, environmental and techno-economic performance of a solar-driven H2O/[Emim]Br absorption refrigeration system under representative climatic conditions in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the effect of generator temperature on the coefficient of performance (COP), cooling capacity, exergy efficiency and solar fraction of the system while comparing it with a baseline and a conventional solar-assisted LiBr–H2O absorption refrigeration system. The simulation results showed that the proposed system was operated at optimal generator temperatures of about 90–100 °C. Moreover, a two-factor sensitivity analysis revealed that solar irradiance had a greater influence on system performance than collector efficiency, thereby enhancing cooling capacity and exergy efficiency by 54.05% and 24.21%, respectively, within the studied ranges. During this optimal operation, it achieved the highest COP of 0.70, cooling capacity of 15.2 kW, exergy efficiency of 25.0% and solar fraction of 0.92. At these optimal operation conditions, the proposed system was able to attain 90% renewable energy usage, 40% annual electricity savings and 45% indirect CO2 emissions reduction. Therefore, the proposed configuration outperformed the other configurations in terms of overall sustainability. Furthermore, preliminary techno-economic analysis showed promising deployment potentials. However, the practical implementation will take into consideration working-fluid viscosity, material compatibility and long-term durability. The findings suggest that the H2O/[Emim]Br working fluid pair is a promising alternative for solar-assisted low-carbon cooling systems. Future work will focus on the development and validation of a prototype, life-cycle techno-economic and uncertainty analysis.
In Zambia, like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, firewood and charcoal are the most accessible and affordable cooking fuels for most households. Rapid population growth and urbanisation are increasing demands for woodfuels, driving forest degradation, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss and testing the resilience of land-based systems. Current policy aims to decrease woodfuels as the primary cooking fuels (from approx. 84% of households in 2023 to 55% by 2027) and promote cooking alternatives. The cooking transition can support sustainable development in multiple ways, but holistic analysis of the wide-ranging impacts of different strategies is needed. Reflecting alternative dominant narratives in Zambia, this paper presents three scenarios to illustrate the possible evolution of the cooking sector if driven by a different strategic focus – minimising deforestation through banning charcoal (“Prioritise Forests”), supporting livelihoods (“Prioritise Livelihoods”), and delivering clean cooking through large-scale infrastructure and planning approaches (“Prioritise Centralised Delivery”). A systematic impact analysis is undertaken to evaluate each scenario across social, technical, economic and environmental factors. Potential opportunities are identified, including for health, sustainable rural livelihoods and formal employment. However, substantial transition risks are also identified, such as loss of livelihoods in the charcoal supply chain, and the affordability of cooking for poorer households. This impact assessment, along with insights on the uncertainties and challenges associated with the various approaches, provide a way for policy-makers to explore the desirability and feasibility of different approaches, potential trade-offs, and how clean cooking can contribute to Zambia's broader development agenda.
This paper applies a long-term modeling approach to analyze Tunisia’s energy transition up to 2050. Using the bottom-up optimization tool GENeSYS-MOD, this study adopts a holistic, full energy system perspective across the power, transport and heating sectors. The main purpose is to provide insights into cross-sectorial synergies, system-wide efficiency gains, and policy implications for sustainable energy future through the analysis of four scenarios. The Baseline (Business-as-usual) scenario assumes limited renewable deployment and fossil fuel dependence. The current policies scenario reflects accelerated renewable technologies in line with existing policy measures. The national strategy scenario is aligned with Tunisia’s official climate and energy objectives, while the non-constrained scenario explores a cost-optimal evolution of the energy without predefined policy constraints. The scenarios are assessed in terms of energy mix evolution, greenhouse gas emissions, primary energy demand, and global systems costs. The findings indicate that renewable energy technologies, particularly solar and wind, emerge as the dominant sources of future electricity mix, while energy storage and sector coupling are identified as essential in maintaining system flexibility and reliability under high renewable penetration. Specifically, the national strategy scenario illustrates that renewable energies can supply about 35% of electricity demand by 2030, more than 53% and reach 100% by 2050. This accelerated transition reduces emissions by 46% by 2030 relative to 2010 levels. The main outcome is that early and strategic deployment of these low-carbon technologies can significantly reduce system costs and emissions. This offers valuable insights and guidance for policymakers working towards a sustainable energy transition in Tunisia.
Remote islanded power systems in developing countries remain heavily dependent on diesel generators (DGs), resulting in high generation costs and CO₂ emissions. Although hybrid renewable energy (RE) microgrids with battery energy storage systems (BESS) can address short-term variability, they remain limited for long-duration energy storage. Hydrogen integration offers a potential solution to this limitation. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of integrating hydrogen and fuel cell (FC) systems into an existing DG–solar photovoltaic (PV)–BESS microgrid on Semau Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Using HOMER Pro, five progressive decarbonization scenarios (S0–S4) combining DG, PV, BESS, FC, electrolyzers (EL), and H₂ storage tank were optimized across three FC efficiency levels: 40%, 60%, and 80%. The existing baseline system (S0) operates at a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.249 USD/kWh. Results show that achieving ≥60% CO₂ reduction requires large-scale integration of PV, EL, and H₂ storage tank due to compounded efficiency losses in the EL–FC conversion chain. Consequently, full decarbonization is technically achievable but significantly increases the LCOE up to 0.79 USD/kWh under current cost assumptions. FC efficiency has limited influence at low hydrogen penetration but becomes more impactful in high-RE scenarios, primarily affecting system cost rather than emissions. CO₂ reductions across all scenarios are mainly driven by PV capacity. A Pareto-based cost–emission trade-off analysis identifies the high-RE scenario (S3) as the most balanced configuration, achieving a 75.7% RE fraction and over 60% CO₂ reduction at an LCOE approximately 34% lower than the fully decarbonized scenario. These findings suggest that phased hydrogen integration is a more pragmatic and scalable pathway for decarbonizing remote islanded microgrids in Indonesia.
Introduction School meals in low- and middle-income African settings are often prepared on polluting biomass stoves. Conversions to transitional clean fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) could provide health and economic benefits, but little is known about end-user perspectives in school settings. This study explored the perspectives of cooks and school leaders on the cooking transition in Rwandan schools. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 34) were conducted across 2024 and 2025 with cooks and school leaders from 17 boarding schools that transitioned from firewood to LPG under a government-led programme. Interviews took place 20 to 41 months after transition. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results All schools reported using the LPG stoves, whilst also continuing to use firewood. Participants viewed LPG positively but indicated they would not have adopted it without the external programme. Reduced smoke was a central theme, with respondents linking LPG to cleaner kitchens and less smoke-related health concerns. LPG reduced the physical demands of cooking and saved time. Practical challenges included the limited cooking capacity of LPG equipment provided, difficulties preparing certain foods, and pot-handling, likely due to limited involvement of end users in the early stages of designing the intervention. Fluctuating gas refill prices and inconsistent supply remained challenging for continued use. Initial safety concerns were common, but training and routine use increased confidence. Conclusions This research reveals important lessons for optimising institutional clean cooking scale-up. Measures that ensure fuel affordability, reliable delivery, appropriately sized and high-quality equipment, and staff training are essential for exclusive and sustained clean fuel use. Rwanda's experience offers insights for other countries pursuing similar transitions.
