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Integrated assessment of renewable energy potential: Approach and application in rural South Africa

Bastian Winkler,S. Lemke,Jan Ritter,I. Lewandowski

Published 2017 in Environmental innovation and societal transitions

ABSTRACT

Abstract This paper presents the development and application of the Integrated Renewable Energy Potential Assessment (IREPA), employing a three-pronged approach: (i) literature review of renewable energy potential assessment methodologies, renewable energy technology (RET) selection factors and impact assessment methods; (ii) discussions with academic peers from natural and social sciences, and the private energy engineering sector; (iii) evaluation of the IREPA methodology through case-study research in a rural community in South Africa. Locally relevant social, institutional, environmental and techno-economic factors were explored through mutual knowledge exchange with smallholders and subsequently applied for appropriate RET selection. Three barriers to participatory decision-making were revealed: i) lack of knowledge ofrenewable energy among smallholders; ii) insufficient practical information dissemination in IREPA; iii) abstract nature of the analytical hierarchy process. The adaptions recommended by this research would render IREPA a suitable bottom-up approach for the assessment and effective implementation of RET, stimulating socio-economic development in rural areas.

PUBLICATION RECORD

  • Publication year

    2017

  • Venue

    Environmental innovation and societal transitions

  • Publication date

    2017-09-01

  • Fields of study

    Business, Engineering, Environmental Science

  • Identifiers
    DOI 10.1016/J.EIST.2016.10.002
  • External record

    Open on Semantic Scholar

  • Source metadata

    Semantic Scholar

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