A team of researchers from Khalifa University has developed a multi-strategy framework for enhanced electricity access in developing regions, promoting fair and sustainable power distribution, and supporting climate resilience for a resilient future听
Access to reliable electricity remains a pressing issue for many developing countries, with over 675 million people worldwide still lacking this essential service as of 2021. The global push to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, as outlined by the United Nations, has spurred numerous initiatives to tackle this issue, but limited fuel availability, high investment costs, and infrastructure inadequacies have hindered progress.听听
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A team of researchers from Khalifa University has proposed an innovative, multi-strategy framework for optimizing electricity access. By incorporating community engagement and utility collaboration, the framework offers a way to extend electricity access while maintaining fairness and sustainability. Dr. Ameena Al-Sumaiti, Dr. Rathor Sumitkumar and Dr. Hoach The Nguyen published their framework in , a top 1% journal.听听
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Developing countries face numerous obstacles in achieving universal electricity access. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, only about half the population has access to electricity.听听
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鈥淭he situation is exacerbated by the lack of consistent fuel supplies, the fund availability for investing in renewable energy projects and population growth,鈥� Dr. Al-Sumaiti explained. 鈥淒emand flexibility, designed to manage electricity access by encouraging consumers to adjust their energy use, encounters significant hurdles. These include its reliance on voluntary participation, the persistent issue of rotating load-shedding to address supply gaps, and the absence of reliable electrification in underserved communities, often exacerbating disparities in energy access.鈥澨�
鈥淥ur research demonstrates that with the right approach, we can significantly improve energy efficiency and make meaningful progress toward closing the electricity gap in developing countries.鈥�
鈥� Prof. Ameena Al-Sumaiti, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Khalifa University
The multi-strategy framework optimizes electricity distribution, particularly in regions suffering from power shortages. It integrates demand-side management strategies with utility operations, focusing on scheduling essential appliances and optimizing power flow in distribution grids. By leveraging a combination of technical and social strategies, the framework seeks to enhance energy efficiency, improve fairness in electricity distribution, and boost economic sustainability.听听
鈥淭he core of the framework is an optimization tool designed to schedule electricity access in a way that maximizes the benefits for both consumers and utility providers,鈥� Dr. Al-Sumaiti said. 鈥淭his tool considers a variety of factors, including consumer preferences, appliance types, and grid constraints.听 The tool prioritizes essential appliances, including- but not limited to- lighting, fans, and water pumps, to ensure that communities continue receiving vital services during power shortages. It also factors in the influence of weather conditions and the operational impact of one appliance on another, while accounting for how these factors may change over time in different seasons.鈥澨�
The optimization framework demonstrated significant improvements in energy efficiency and economic sustainability when evaluated across various scenarios.
The tool also proved scalable, with a sensitivity analysis showing that the system could handle population growth and increasing appliance usage without sacrificing performance. As more households connect to the grid, the multi-strategy approach ensures that electricity is distributed in a way that balances the needs of both consumers and the power system.听听
鈥淎ddressing the challenge of supply shortage and achieving universal electricity access in developing economies requires innovative approaches and investment in energy infrastructure,鈥� Dr. Al-Sumaiti said. 鈥淏y integrating social equity, consumer preferences, and technical optimization, our framework provides a pathway to more efficient, fair, and sustainable electricity distribution.鈥澨�
Jade Sterling听
Science Writer
