Biomass Residues As Energy Source To Improve Energy Access And Local Economic Activity In Low Human Development Index (Hdi) Regions In Brazil And Colombia

Access to electricity is widely recognized as critical to achieve human well-being and development. Yet, the global map shows significant disparities among countries in levels of access to electricity services. Over 1.3 billion people around the world lack electricity access and about 2.7 billion people use traditional biomass for heating and cooking. (IEA, 2011; AGECC, 2010). To address these problems, the UN Secretary General established in 2008 the Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change (AGECC). One of the two main ambitious goals recommended by AGECC was to ensure universal access to modern forms of energy by 2030 in poor countries (AGECC, 2010).In line with this goals, the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD) carry out analysis and produce policy advice on energy access issues with the support from Member Centres of Excellence and network partners worldwide. Two Brazilian centres, one in Rio de Janeiro and one in Sao Paulo, have joined forces in GNESD. The research team in Rio de Janeiro is within CentroClima - Center for Integrated Studies on Climate Change and the Environment. In São Paulo, it is hosted by CENBIO - National Reference Center on Biomass. These are located at the Institute for Research and Postgraduate Studies of Engineering of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ) and at the Institute for Electrotechnics and Energy - University of São Paulo (IEE/USP), respectively. They have a common approach to GNESD and take advantage of the expertise in renewable energy accumulated by two of the most active academic institutions in this area in Brazil. The research group GEMA has been invited to join the group for a specific task: the analysis of the potential of biomass residues as energy source to improve energy access and local economic activity in low income regions in Colombia. The study will analyze the opportunities to increase and improve energy access and the use of energy for productive purposes in low-income areas. We hypothesize that combining the delivery of energy services with measures that promote productive activities will enhance the development of low-income population. The methodological approach includes (i) data assessment, (ii)identification and cuantification of available biomass energy sources in selected areas, (iii) analysis of the actual development stage of poor regions in Coombia and selection of municipalities with low human development and high potential of residual biomass, (iv) assessment and discussion of the existing policies, and (v) energy access policy proposals and publication of the results.The idea is to use small power and heat generation technologies fed with residual biomass , replacing traditional biomass and fossil fuels use.

ccess to electricity is widely recognized as critical to achieve human well-being and development. Yet, the global map shows significant disparities among countries in levels of access to electricity services. Over 1.3 billion people around the world lack electricity access and about 2.7 billion people use traditional biomass for heating and cooking. (IEA, 2011; AGECC, 2010). To address these problems, the UN Secretary General established in 2008 the Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change (AGECC). One of the two main ambitious goals recommended by AGECC was to ensure universal access to modern forms of energy by 2030 in poor countries (AGECC, 2010).In line with this goals, the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD) carry out analysis and produce policy advice on energy access issues with the support from Member Centres of Excellence and network partners worldwide. Two Brazilian centres, one in Rio de Janeiro and one in Sao Paulo, have joined forces in GNESD. The research team in Rio de Janeiro is within CentroClima - Center for Integrated Studies on Climate Change and the Environment. In São Paulo, it is hosted by CENBIO - National Reference Center on Biomass. These are located at the Institute for Research and Postgraduate Studies of Engineering of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ) and at the Institute for Electrotechnics and Energy - University of São Paulo (IEE/USP), respectively. They have a common approach to GNESD and take advantage of the expertise in renewable energy accumulated by two of the most active academic institutions in this area in Brazil. The research group GEMA has been invited to join the group for a specific task: the analysis of the potential of biomass residues as energy source to improve energy access and local economic activity in low income regions in Colombia. The study will analyze the opportunities to increase and improve energy access and energy for productive uses, as well as enhance the Human Development Index (HDI) of low-income population, combining the delivery of energy services with measures that generate increased income. The methodological approach includes (i) data assessment, (ii)identification and cuantification of available biomass energy sources in selected areas, (iii) analysis of the actual development stage of poor regions in Coombia and selection of municipalities with low human development and high potential of residual biomass, (iv) assessment and discussion of the existing policies, and (v) energy access policy proposals and publication of the results. The idea is to use small power and heat generation technologies fed with residual biomass , replacing traditional biomass and fossil fuels use.

energy access: development; small-scale power generation technologies