Using Earth Observations to Help Developing Countries Improve Access to Reliable, Sustainable, and Modern Energy

Abstract

In this review paper, the authors identify priority areas, and opportunities for electric utilities in developing and emerging economies to incorporate Earth observation (EO) data into rural electrification planning, renewable energy resource assessment, distributed generation, grid operation and reliability, and disaster risk reduction and recovery efforts. Using a methodological framework, the authors conducted a comprehensive literature review of primary and gray literature. This paper reviews the many existing applications for EO data, such as the use of nighttime lights imagery for estimations of rural electrification, EO-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) products for vegetation monitoring for overhead transmission line management, solar radiance data for renewable energy project planning, and nowcasting for extreme weather events and other disaster monitoring. These and other applications can enhance energy security through improved governance of and access to modern and reliable electricity, renewable energy management, and disaster risk assessment in developing nations, paving the way for more sustainable social and economic development. Real-world examples of EO data use by utilities in developing and emerging economies, as well as barriers and opportunities for EO technology transfer, are discussed. Recommendations for stakeholder engagement, future EO training opportunities, and human capacity building are also presented.

Approach and Process for Effective Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation

“…Comparing what we achieve with what we wanted to achieve provides an opportunity to reflect and learn. It also helps policy and decision makers to demonstrate the impact of a given intervention or policy (Kusek and Rist 2004).…”

The Role of Earth Observation Satellites in Maximizing Renewable Energy Production: Case Studies Analysis for Renewable Power Plants

“…When talking about space technologies for clean energy generation, it is necessary to look at EO satellites for maximizing renewable energy production [21]. Satellites for EO provide a distinctive basis of data for anyone designing, implementing or assessing sustainable development initiatives.…”

Monitoring hydropower reliability in Malawi with satellite data and machine learning

“…While a multitude of studies have been carried out at the basin or global scale in terms of assessing the projected long-term impacts of climate change on hydropower generation potential [13][14][15][16][17][18] and on the discharge of rivers [19], only few have assessed the impact of hydro-climatic extreme events on power supply reliability [20][21][22] and the related impacts on electricity consumption. Moreover, researchers (see [23]) have recently highlighted the necessity of reconciling top-down and bottom-up approaches to climate and energy-related assessment, indicating that novel methodologiesincluding the use of earth observation data [24,25]are required.…”