Power for Development: A Review of Distributed Generation Projects in the Developing World

• Published in: Annual review of environment and resources 2012-11, Vol.37 (1), p.107-136
• Main Authors: Brass, Jennifer N, Carley, Sanya, MacLean, Lauren M, Baldwin, Elizabeth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Case studies; collaborative governance; developing countries; Economic data; Electric energy; Electric power generation; electrification; Energy; Energy economics; Energy policy; Exact sciences and technology; Financing; General, economic and professional studies; Historical account; Natural energy; Nongovernmental organizations; Power plants; renewable energy; Reviews; Technology
• ISSN: 1543-5938; 1545-2050
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-environ-051112-111930

The paradigm for providing affordable electricity for the world's poor-power for development-has begun to change. Historically, centralized governments built large consolidated power plants and distribution and transmission lines with the ultimate goal of providing electricity to all of their citizens. It has become increasingly common in recent decades, however, for donors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), firms, and communities to collaborate with governments to develop small-scale localized energy systems known as distributed generation (DG) either as complements or alternatives to centralized operations. DG programs have been implemented around the world but with a mixed record of success. Based on an analysis of the existing case study literature, we examine DG program goals and outcomes, identifying major factors that affect these outcomes, including appropriately chosen technology, adequate financing and payment arrangements, ongoing end users' involvement, and supportive national policies. We highlight the importance of institutions for collaborative governance in the pursuit of these factors.