The Role of Decentralized Energy for Widening Rural Energy Access in Developing Countries

Abstract

Decentralized energy (DE) is an inevitable part of universal energy access, particularly in developing countries. It is not just an absolute solution for widening energy in off-grid rural areas but it is important for remote and deprived areas connected to the centralized electricity network those suffer from inefficient energy due to the high grid network losses. Moreover, it covers waste and resource management, carbon and energy efficiency, and socioeconomic sustainability which can integrate sustainable consumption and production into the business models. Modern bioenergy in the form of biomass, ethanol, biodiesel, or biogas has the highest potential mainly because the technology is mature and is a relatively easy competitive substitute for fossil fuels. Despite many advantages and benefits of DE in rural areas, there are important barriers which prevent the increase of access to modern energy services; all of them are associated with social, technical, managerial, and institutional issues. This chapter states a record of DE statement in the world by emphasis on the present barriers. Therefore, to tackle these barriers, a holistic approach which covers the whole dimensions of a DE model is needed. In this regard, this interdisciplinary model should be flexible and should consider the benefits of all stakeholders, including national and international authorities, private sectors, developers, investors, small and medium enterprises, and local communities.