Your search found 25 records
1 Philibert, C. 2011. Solar energy perspectives. Paris, France: International Energy Agency; Paris, France: OECD. 228p. (Renewable Energy Technologies)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 621.471 G000 PHI Record No: H044628)
(0.49 MB)
In 90 minutes, enough sunlight strikes the earth to provide the entire planet's energy needs for one year. While solar energy is abundant, it represents a tiny fraction of the world’s current energy mix. But this is changing rapidly and is being driven by global action to improve energy access and supply security, and to mitigate climate change. Around the world, countries and companies are investing in solar generation capacity on an unprecedented scale, and, as a consequence, costs continue to fall and technologies improve. This publication gives an authoritative view of these technologies and market trends, in both advanced and developing economies, while providing examples of the best and most advanced practices. It also provides a unique guide for policy makers, industry representatives and concerned stakeholders on how best to use, combine and successfully promote the major categories of solar energy: solar heating and cooling, photovoltaic and solar thermal electricity, as well as solar fuels. Finally, in analysing the likely evolution of electricity and energy-consuming sectors – buildings, industry and transport – it explores the leading role solar energy could play in the long-term future of our energy system.
2 Matthews, N.; Nicol, A.; Seide, W. M. 2012. Constructing a new water future?: an analysis of Ethiopia's current hydropower development. In Allan, T.; Keulertz, M.; Sojamo, S.; Warner, J. (Eds.). Handbook of land and water grabs in Africa: foreign direct investment and food and water security. London, UK: Routledge. pp.311-323.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 333.91 G000 ALL Record No: H045687)
3 Suhardiman, Diana; de Silva, Sanjiv; Carew-Reid, J. 2011. Policy review and institutional analysis of the hydropower sector in Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Final report. Mekong (MK1) Project on Optimizing Reservoir Management for Livelihoods, Challenge Program for Water and Food. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI); Hanoi, Vietnam: International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM); Colombo, Sri Lanka: CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF). 150p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046291)
4 Brittlebank, W.; Saunders, J. (Eds.) 2013. Climate action 2013-2014. [Produced for COP19 - United Nations Climate Change Conference, Warsaw, Poland, 11-22 November 2013]. 7th ed. London, UK: Climate Action; Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 148p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 577.22 G000 BRI Record No: H047241)
(1.54 MB)
5 Beinecke, F. 2013. Global partnerships for environmental progress. In Brittlebank, W.; Saunders, J. (Eds.). Climate action 2013-2014. [Produced for COP19 - United Nations Climate Change Conference, Warsaw, Poland, 11-22 November 2013]. London, UK: Climate Action; Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). pp.52-55.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 577.22 G000 BRI Record No: H047243)
(3.12 MB)
6 Buisson, Marie-Charlotte. 2015. What does pump sets electrification change? impacts on cropping patterns, productivity and incomes in West Bengal. Paper presented at the ICID 26th Euro-Mediterranean Regional Conference and Workshops on Innovate to Improve Irrigation Performances. Workshop: Irrigation and Energy, Montpellier, France, 12-15 October 2015. 5p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047391)
(0.27 MB) (276 KB)
West Bengal is currently implementing new policies facilitating the access to electrified irrigation for farmers and expects to initiate a second Green Revolution. Based on primary data, this paper aims to estimate the potential impact of these electrification policies. Using a discontinuity design and propensity score methods, we identify that electrification induces a significant change in the cropping patterns and more water intensive crops, especially boro rice, are preferred by farmers. In addition, the cropping intensity is also higher for electric pump owners. However, we cannot identify any significant quantity impact, which means that the yields are not benefitting from an access to electric pumps. On the contrary, there is a significant and positive price effect for boro rice: the farmers irrigating with electrified tubewells have significantly higher value added and consequently higher incomes from their farming activities. Finally, we identify a positive impact of tubewell electrification on the number of irrigations; considered together with the absence of impact on yields, this result questions the sustainability of the electrification policies to manage the groundwater resource.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047665)
(0.75 MB)
To prepare for an urban influx of 2.5 billion people by 2050, it is critical to create cities that are low-carbon, resilient, and livable. Cities not only contribute to global climate change by emitting the majority of anthropogenic greenhouse gases but also are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and extreme weather. We explore options for establishing sustainable energy systems by reducing energy consumption, particularly in the buildings and transportation sectors, and providing robust, decentralized, and renewable energy sources. Through technical advancements in power density, city-integrated renewable energy will be better suited to satisfy the high-energy demands of growing urban areas. Several economic, technical, behavioral, and political challenges need to be overcome for innovation to improve urban sustainability.
8 Dhungel, D. N.; Pun, S. B.; Mittra, S.; Mirza, M. M. Q. 2016. Ganges hydropower: status and challenges. In Bharati, Luna; Sharma, Bharat R.; Smakhtin, Vladimir (Eds.). The Ganges River Basin: status and challenges in water, environment and livelihoods. Oxon, UK: Routledge - Earthscan. pp.114-137. (Earthscan Series on Major River Basins of the World)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H047841)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048313)
(2.89 MB)
10 Closas, Alvar; Molle, Francois. 2016. Groundwater governance in Asia and the Pacific. [Project report of the Groundwater Governance in the Arab World - Taking Stock and Addressing the Challenges]. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 176p. (Groundwater Governance in the Arab World - Report 4)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048399)
(5.31 MB)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048514)
(3.08 MB)
Effects of future expansion/intensification of irrigated agriculture on groundwater and surface water levels and availability in a semi-arid watershed were evaluated using an integrated hydrologic model (MIKE SHE/MIKE 11) in conjunction with biophysical measurements. Improved water use efficiency, water storage, and energy policy options were evaluated for their ability to sustain the future (2035) increased groundwater withdrawals. Three future withdrawal scenarios (low = 20, medium = 30, high = 50 wells/100 km2/year) based on the historical rate of growth of irrigation wells were formulated. While well drying from falling groundwater levels was limited to drought and consecutive below average rainfall years, under the current (2015) withdrawals, significant increases in frequency and duration (17–97 days/year) of well drying along with 13–26% (19–37 mm) reductions in surface flows were predicted under the future withdrawals. Higher (27–108%) energy demands of existing irrigation pumps due to declining groundwater levels and reduced hydroelectric generation due to decreased surface flows would create a vicious water-food-energy nexus in the future. Crop failure, one of the main causes of farmers’ emotional distress and death in the region, is predicted to exacerbate under the future withdrawal scenarios. Shift to negative net recharge (-63 mm) and early and prolonged drying of wells under the high scenario will reduce the groundwater availability and negatively affect crop production in more than 60% and 90% of cropped areas in the Rabi (November–February) and summer (March–May) seasons, respectively during a drought year. Individual and combined demand (drip irrigation and reduced farm electricity subsidy) and supply (water storage) management options improved groundwater levels and reduced well drying by 55–97 days/year compared to business-as-usual management under the high scenario. The combined management (50% drip conversion, 50% reduction in subsidy, and enhanced water storage) mitigated well drying even during drought and consecutive below average rainfall years under the high scenario. A conservative economic evaluation for management options under the high scenario showed increases in crop production and per farmer annual profits by $987–$1397 during a drought year (average household income=$1520/year). A scale-up of results showed that diverting 50% state power subsidy ($6 billion for 3–6 years) can almost entirely fund the conversion to drip irrigation ($4.2 billion) and water storage structures ($2.9 billion) and help meet the water supply demand of a 50% increase in irrigated area under the high scenario. Converting flood to drip irrigation in 50% of irrigated area under the high scenario can reduce the electric energy consumption (7 × 106Mwh/year) and carbon footprint (6000 Mt/year) of groundwater irrigation by 24% in the state. Management options considered can potentially create a sustainable water-food-energy nexus in the larger semi-arid hard rock region. Reducing the power subsidy will require a strong political will since it has been used as a tool to win the elections in India. Considering future agricultural intensification, timely interventions are needed to ensure the livelihood and well-being of millions of small- and medium-scale farmers that rely on low storage, hard rock aquifers in the semi-arid regions of the world.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048583)
(2 MB)
This report outlines a business model approach to assessing the feasibility and for encouraging investment in smallholder solar pump irrigation. It also proposes a new methodology for mapping the suitability of solar energy-based irrigation pumps. The proposed business model framework and the methodology for suitability mapping are applied to Ethiopia as a case study, based on data from existing case studies and reports. A brief analysis outlines the regulatory and institutional context for investment in solar pump irrigation, and the ways in which it both constrains and attempts to support investment. The report identifies and outlines three business model scenarios that present opportunities for investing in smallholder solar pump-based irrigation, which would contribute towards sustainable intensification for food and nutrition security. The business model scenarios are based on the value proposition of supplying water to smallholder farmers for irrigated agricultural production. Analysis of potential gains and benefits suggests that direct purchase of solar pumps by farmers is feasible, and that out-grower schemes and pump supplier options with bundled financing offer promising solutions. The potential constraints that different investors may face in up-scaling the business models are also discussed, particularly within institutional, regulatory and financial contexts. The report provides development actors and investors with evidence-based information on the suitability and sustainability of solar pump irrigation in Ethiopia, as well as suggestions for helping to enable smallholders to invest in individually-owned, smallholder photovoltaic (PV) solar pumps.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048591)
(0.46 MB)
Biomass energy still dominates the energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular as the main cooking energy source in rural and urban areas. The strong linkages to food security and the environment place biomass energy at the heart of sustainable development, a fact that is largely ignored by policy makers in favor of modern energy. At the same time, population and GDP growth are exacerbating already existing supply–demand imbalances in highly populated countries such as Malawi. These trends make it imperative to identify policy interventions that promote sustainable biomass energy while simultaneously considering linkages with other sectors. We use new data on demand and supply for biomass energy in Malawi and develop a model that estimates fuelwood demand based on actual diets and project demand in future years. We simulate how demand side interventions in the form of improved cookstoves affect biomass demand and built a behavioral model to analyze the potential of agroforestry for promoting a sustainable biomass energy sector in Malawi. Our findings show that policy measures aimed at increasing cooking efficiency are not enough to decrease demand for cooking energy due to high population growth. Supply side interventions like agroforestry on the other hand will not only increase sustainable supply, but can also enhance food security and protect the environment. We find that biomass energy can be inherently sustainable and should be an integral part of every energy sector strategy in developing countries as well as of the Sustainable Development Goals.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049457)
(28.30 MB) (28.3 MB)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049593)
(2.05 MB)
Increasing demands for energy to boost the Mekong economies have attracted the keen interest of riparian countries for hydropower development. This is evidenced by extensive investment in hydropower projects across the region over the last few decades. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders, including officials from Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, private sector actors, civil society organisations and academics, as well as secondary data from public and policy resources, this paper aims to examine how the government of Laos’ (GoL) decisions in hydropower development are influenced by regional energy dynamics, and how these shape the country’s future energy development. The paper argues that the GoL’s decisions on hydropower development are highly dilemmatic, given the current limited institutional capacity in hydropower governance and the accelerating evolution of alternative energy in neighbouring countries. While uncertainty in power markets is recognised, this places greater pressure on new hydropower projects as to how much power could be sufficiently produced and exported. The paper calls for GoL’s policy considerations on the development and planning of alternative energy to secure the sustainable and equitable use of water resources as stipulated in the 1995 Mekong Agreement.
16 Shah, Manisha; Daschowdhury, S.; Shah, Tushaar. 2019. Pro-poor agricultural power policy for West Bengal. Paper presented at the 3rd World Irrigation Forum (WIF3) on Development for Water, Food and Nutrition Security in a Competitive Environment, Bali, Indonesia, 1-7 September 2019. 12p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049709)
(0.19 MB) (192 KB)
Sitting on one of the world’s best aquifers, large swathes of West Bengal has groundwater in abundance. Even so, the state’s farmers incur one of the highest irrigation costs in India. In spite of a series of groundwater and electricity policy changes, West Bengal’s farmers fare no better. This paper brings findings from a yearlong research pilot based in Monoharpur village of Birbhum district. The pilot shows how the current electricity tariff structure has made irrigation unaffordable for small and marginal farmers, and has made irrigation services market tightly oligopolistic. If not revised, the agricultural economy, especially that of summer paddy which ensures household security of poor farmers, is likely to taper off in future.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049993)
(17.50 MB)
The global Covid-19 pandemic has rapidly overwhelmed our societies, shocked the global economy and overburdened struggling health care systems and other social institutions around the world. While such impacts of Covid-19 are becoming clearer, the implications of the disease for energy and climate policy are more prosaic. This Special Section seeks to offer more clarity on the emerging connections between Covid-19 and energy supply and demand, energy governance, future low-carbon transitions, social justice, and even the practice of research methodology. It features articles that ask, and answer: What are the known and anticipated impacts of Covid-19 on energy demand and climate change? How has the disease shaped institutional responses and varying energy policy frameworks, especially in Africa? How will the disease impact ongoing social practices, innovations and sustainability transitions, including not only renewable energy but also mobility? How might the disease, and social responses to it, exacerbate underlying patterns of energy poverty, energy vulnerability, and energy injustice? Lastly, what challenges and insights does the pandemic offer for the practice of research, and for future research methodology? We find that without careful guidance and consideration, the brave new age wrought by Covid-19 could very well collapse in on itself with bloated stimulus packages that counter sustainability goals, misaligned incentives that exacerbate climate change, the entrenchment of unsustainable practices, and acute and troubling consequences for vulnerable groups.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050121)
(1.07 MB) (1.07 MB)
Groundwater depletion in India is a result of water, energy, and food policies that have given rise to a nexus where growth in agriculture has been supported by unsustainable trends in water and energy use. This nexus emanates from India’s policy of providing affordable calories to its large population. This requires that input prices are kept low, leading to perverse incentives that encourage groundwater overexploitation. The paper argues that solutions to India’s groundwater problems need to be embedded within the current context of its water-energy-food nexus. Examples are provided of changes underway in some water-energy-food policies that may halt further groundwater depletion.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI HQ Record No: H050240)
(2.27 MB) (2.27 MB)
Sustainable energy policy and tackling climate-change-related issues require exploring energy consumption patterns. This paper proposes an integrative methodological approach called grounded survey for understanding behavioral factors behind household energy consumption. The study aims to overcome the restrictions of both quantitative and qualitative studies by combining participatory-systems-mapping (PSM) based focus group research with a quantitative survey. Focus groups were used to highlight common patterns, which helped formulate survey questions specifically into understudied areas of energy-related behavior. The survey helped validate these qualitatively grounded questions, while generating generalizable quantitative results based on a representative sample. Finally, a comparative assessment contrasted the comprehensive qualitative analysis with the survey findings. Two causal loop diagrams of common patterns are employed to illustrate the methodological model. This integrative approach deepens understanding of behavioral factors behind energy consumption and provides policy recommendations to strengthen the relationship between heating-related behavior and heating costs. The grounded survey method can be utilized in studying wicked or paradox problems in which the relationship between behavioral and technical factors are complex and possibilities for intervention are limited. The application of the model is suggested in areas where development can only be achieved through behavioral change.
20 Magalhaes, M.; Ringler, C.; Verma, Shilp; Schmitter, Petra. 2021. Accelerating rural energy access for agricultural transformation: contribution of the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). 26p. (WLE Legacy Series 3) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2022.202]
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050910)
(2.33 MB)
With adverse impacts of climate change growing in number and intensity, there is an urgent need to reduce emissions from food systems to net zero. This can only be achieved if rural areas in low- and middle-income countries gain access to clean energy. A review of the research and capacity building contributions of the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE) over the last 10 years suggests important contributions in the areas of energy policy and energy investment planning, cost and feasibility frameworks, and business models for clean energy technology uptake. WLE has also conducted successful pilot projects on solar irrigation to provide an evidence base for scaling up innovative energy initiatives. Finally, the program also considered non-agricultural uses of energy where relevant to food systems, and implemented capacity building activities.
Going forward, CGIAR has a key role to play in providing information, supporting access and piloting innovative, scalable clean energy interventions to support the achievement of multiple impacts for the poorest and most food-insecure women and men farmers and entrepreneurs.
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