Browsing by Author "Bhattacharyya, Subhes"

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    Adoption of cleaner cookstoves: barriers and way forward
    (HEDON, 2014) Palit, D.; Bhattacharyya, Subhes
    Globally 2.6 billion people, representing around 38% of the total population, depend on solid biomass fuels to meet their basic energy needs for cooking. While rural communities are shifting to modern fuels such as LPG and electrical energy for cooking, the International Energy Agency estimates that, in the absence of new policies, the number of people relying on solid biomass will increase to over 2.7 billion by the year 2030 because of population growth, calling for a higher adoption rate of improved biomass cookstoves. This article highlights the key barriers to adoption of improved cookstoves (ICS), sharing experiences from the field in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. More emphasis on technical design of stoves to achieve higher thermal efficiency and lack of sufficient attention to consumer perspectives such as user-friendliness, purchasing capacity, income variability of rural households as well as to local capacity development of market players and stove builders create the dissemination challenge. The article suggests that stronger stakeholder partnerships, knowledge sharing, and satisfaction of user requirements through appropriate designs and diversified financing options will be required for a rapid growth of supply and demand of ICS.
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    All Change: Equitably Decarbonising India's Transportation Sector
    (British Academy, 2022-06-01) Mitchell, Andrew; Rowlatt, John; Kerr, Daniel William; Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Ahuja, Nupur; Gautam, Nehal; Agarwal, Naman; Das, Sukanya; Sarangi, Gopal K.
    Executive summary: Key findings • There is limited focus on just transitions in the transport sector: in both academic literature and policy to date, technical solutions have received policy and research priority, but there is limited focus on how end-users will be affected by transport transitions, and whether these transitions will be equitable, inclusive and just. Several factors should be addressed under this: ensuring that transitions lead to affordable mobility solutions for all users is a key point, as is ensuring that job losses from high-carbon mobility services are compensated for by job creation in low-carbon mobility. From our key informant interviews, policymakers are focused on the supply-side when considering transport transitions, contrasting with users’ concerns of demand-side support and downstream services, particularly for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. These tensions need to be addressed in policy. • There is potential for significant socio-economic impacts from the transition: this research has investigated the potential pains and gains of the transition to electric mobility, particularly electric road transport, in the Indian transport sector. There is potential for job losses both in the downstream oil sector and the downstream mobility services sector as the EV transition progresses due to reduced petroleum product consumption and a lesser burden of maintenance for electric vehicles compared to ICE vehicles. This also has the potential to impact government revenues from fuel taxation and place a higher burden on the government purse from increased electricity subsidy outlay. • Just transition alternatives exist: from the scenarios presented in this research, it is clear the current policy trend does not foreground justice and equity in the low-carbon transport transition, and this will lead to significant negative impacts for disadvantaged sectors of society. Policy alternatives exist to foreground justice in the transport transition, including participatory co-development of policy with end-users, and engendering greater coordination between transport and energy sectors and within the transport sector to ensure users are targeted equally across socio-economic strata with low-carbon mobility solutions.
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    Analysing climate action plans of selected UK cities for their SDG alignment
    (IESD, De Montfort University, 2019-07-04) Ozawa-Meida, L.; Painter, B.; Bhattacharyya, Subhes
    In UK, the Climate change Act of 2008 has placed a binding target of reducing the net carbon emission in 2050 by at least 80% compared to the 1990 baseline. With a high share of urban population, the contribution of cities and urban areas towards climate change mitigation and adaptation becomes crucial. UK being a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in 2016, there is a new emphasis on the sustainability of cities as well. In this paper, a preliminary analysis of climate action initiatives of three UK cities (Bristol, Leicester and Milton Keynes) and their alignment with the SDG is presented. We used a text mining approach to analyse the climate action plans and then use this to map the alignment with the SDGs. We find that climate action plans have not focused on the sustainable development goals or the SDGs and their focus remains limited mainly to mitigation activities through promotion of renewable energies at homes and in buildings and actions on transport. However, climate action plans could influence a significant number of SDGs and an integrated approach could be beneficial for the cities and their residents.
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    Analysis of off-grid electricity system at Isle of Eigg (Scotland): Lessons for developing countries
    (Elsevier, 2015-09) Zbigniew, Chmiel; Bhattacharyya, Subhes
    This paper analyses the off-grid electricity system in Isle of Eigg and compares its system design with an optimal design obtained through HOMER simulation tool. It then analyses whether such a system can be used in developing countries. It suggests that while a 24/7 as is used in Isle of Eigg is technically possible to develop and deploy in a developing country, the funding of such an investment to ensure low cost of electricity supply remains a challenge.
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    Analysis of oil export dependency of MENA countries: drivers, trends and prospects.
    (Elsevier., 2010-02) Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Blake, Andon
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    Analytical Frameworks and an Integrated Approach for Mini-grid based Electrification
    (Springer, 2014-01-31) Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Mishra, A.; Sarangi, G. K.
    Although rural electrification using mini-grids has attracted recent global attention, the concept has been there for quite some time. Consequently, a number of analytical approaches exist to support the decision-making process. This chapter first provides a review of literature dealing with analytical frameworks for off-grid and mini-grid based electrification projects. The range of analytical options includes simple worksheet-based tools to more sophisticated optimisation tools for technology selection as well as assessments based on multicriteria analysis. This is followed by an evaluation of mini-grid based off-grid electrification projects in India that allows the identification of critical factors for the success of such projects. Finally, the chapter proposes an integrated approach for analysing decentralised mini-grid projects in a holistic manner.
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    Are the off-grid customers ready to pay for electricity from the decentralized renewable hybrid mini-grids? A study of willingness to pay in rural Bangladesh
    (Energy, 2017-07-24) Alam, Majbaul; Bhattacharyya, Subhes
    Off-grid rural and remote area electrification through decentralized renewable hybrid mini-grids (HMG) has been prioritized in the recent national renewable energy policy of Bangladesh. Research was carried out to explore the actual customer willingness to pay (WTP) for the electricity to be supplied by such HMGs, while considering a wide spectrum of socioeconomic factors. Door to door household survey was conducted using structured questionnaire to collect respondent data in December 2015 from six off-grid villages under three different administrative districts. Wide variations in current cost of kerosene based lighting and expected load demand were observed among different income groups. Average monthly cost of lighting ranged between USD 3.0 to USD 9.24 and expected electricity usages as 3.60kWh and 33.76kWh. Families with higher income showed least mean satisfaction with kerosene lighting. However, strong mean willingness to switch HMG has been identified regardless of income status. The dichotomous choice contingent valuation method (CVM) was applied for this purpose. The maximum WPT value (USD 0.432/kWh) identified here indicates that a sustainable tariff model can be applied for attracting private investment in this sector.
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    Business Issues for Mini-Grid-Based Electrification in Developing Countries
    (Springer, 2014-01-31) Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Palit, D.
    The off-grid electrification business in general and mini-grids in particular face investment as well as commercial challenges arising from, among others, locational disadvantage, limited customer base, poor paying capacity and ambiguous business environment. This chapter provides an overview of the business environment and discusses the financial and economic viability of projects. It then presents examples of alternative business models used for delivering such mini-grids. This chapter suggests that project design (i.e. sizing, technology choice and standardised delivery model) and appropriate utilisation of plant play a crucial role. Careful funding and risk mitigation finally improves the long-term viability of the project.
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    Changes in the GHG emission intensity in EU-15: Lessons from a decomposition analysis
    (Elsevier, 2010-05-10) Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Matsumura, W.
    This paper analyses the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 15 countries of the European Union between 1990 and 2007 to find out the contribution of different countries. Using the log-mean Divisia index decomposition approach, it identifies the driving factors of emissions related to energy and other industrial activities. It also focuses on two success cases (namely Germany and the United Kingdom) and contrasts the developments with two less successful cases (namely Spain and Italy). A scenario analysis is then used to indicate the emission reduction possibility through cross-learning. The study shows that the emission intensity has reduced significantly in both energy-related activities and other processes at the aggregate level, while the performance varies significantly at the individual country level. Changes in the energy mix, a reduction in energy intensity and a reduction in the emission intensity from other process related emissions were mainly responsible for the success in the EU-15.
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    The Chinese Model of Rural Electrification and Electricity Access.
    (Springer, 2013) Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Ohiare, Sanusi
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    Comparing European CO2 emission trends before and after the 2008 economic crisis: A case study of four European countries
    (International Research Center for Energy and Economic Development, 2018-05) Sanoussi, H.; Bhattacharyya, Subhes
    The paper investigates and compares the evolution in carbon dioxide emissions in 4 major economies of the European Union (Germany, France, United Kingdom, and Spain) between the period of economic growth (2004 – 2008) and the period of economic crisis (2008 – 2012). Decomposing the Kaya identity of five inter-related factors, namely energy intensity, mix energy, carbon emission coefficient, production and population, this study shows that the CO2 emission decreased most importantly between 2008 and 2012. The decline in energy intensity is the major source of CO2 emission reduction in both periods, but energy intensity deteriorated in times of economic crisis. The population effect on the other hand contributed to an increase in carbon emissions. Different scenarios to analyse the emissions reduction opportunity through successful experiences of selected countries show that the overall carbon dioxide emission in the sample could be reduced by 293 MtCO2 or 16% compared to the 2012 level through more improvements in carbon emission coefficient, energy mix and energy intensity. Germany would reduce 20% of CO2 emission. Spain and United Kingdom would gain 19% and 15%, respectively. The saving would be less important in France, accounting for about 6% of CO2 emission compared to 2012 value.
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    A conceptual framework for vulnerability assessment of climate change impact on critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta
    (MDPI, 2018-02-12) Udie, J.; Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Ozawa-Meida, L.
    The impact of climate change on the Niger Delta is severe as extreme weather events have inflicted various degrees of stress on critical oil/gas infrastructure. Typically, assets managers and government agencies lack of a clear framework for evaluating the vulnerability of these systems. This paper presents a participatory framework for the vulnerability assessment of critical oil/gas infrastructure to climate change impacts in the Niger Delta context. Through a critical review of relevant literature and triangulating observational and exploratory data from the field, this paper has developed a conceptual framework with three elements: 1) a preliminary scoping activity 2) the vulnerability assessment, and 3) mainstreaming the results into institutional asset management codes. Scoping involves the definition of research aim and objectives, review of prevailing climate burdens and impacts, exploratory investigation, screening for new (planned) assets and selection of relevant infrastructure. The emphasis on screening for planned infrastructure is to facilitate the incorporation of sustainable adaptive capacities into the original design of identified systems. Vulnerability assessment is presented as a robust systematic iterative model for the evaluation of selected assets using an appropriate methodology. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used. Mainstreaming as part of the research framework is emphasised to aid a commercial implementation in an expert-based perspective. The study recommends the use of other suitable methodologies and systematic approaches to test the flexibility of framework.
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    Conclusions (in The Routledge Handbook of Energy in Asia)
    (Routledge, 2017-10-17) Bhattacharyya, Subhes
    This chapter provides final reflections on Asian energy based on the discussions presented in various chapters of the book. Asia will play an important role in the global energy scene during the present century. As economic growth, urbanisation and per capita income growth continues, the economies will gradually move from the middle income to higher income categories. Secure and reliable energy supply will be required to support the transformation of the region. While there will be a tendency to rely on cheap local resources such as coal, its environmental and social impacts will become less acceptable to the society and the region will have to negotiate a less environmentally damaging development and climate friendly energy pathway. Transition to a sustainable energy pathway and universal access to such energies will require concerted efforts at the country and regional levels with the guidance and support of the international community. But greater regional cooperation, integration and learning from one another will also play a vital role.
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    Decentralized Renewable Hybrid Mini-Grids for Sustainable Electrification of the Off-Grid Coastal Areas of Bangladesh
    (MDPI, 2016-04-06) Alam, Majbaul; Bhattacharyya, Subhes
    Lack of access to energy is considered as a serious bottleneck for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. Despite earning recognition for promoting solar home systems, most of the rural areas and remote islands of the country still remain non-electrified due to very high unit cost and low quality of electricity from solar home systems (SHS) coupled with only few hours of restricted usages in the evening. Considering the resource potential and demand characteristics at the local level, the present study investigates the hybrid renewable mini-grid approach as a possible solution for universal electricity access in the country. Using Hybrid Optimisation of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) simulation model, the study, covering the whole coastal region of Bangladesh, shows that it is possible to offer a much better quality electricity for 12 h to 18 h a day for as low as USD 0.29–USD 0.31/kWh. Hybrid models suggested in this study can be replicated along the coastal belt and remote islands to obtain maximum diffusion of this technology and hence universal electrification.
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    Developmental discourses of transition in the Indian transport sector: A corpus linguistic survey of the literature
    (Sage, 2023-04-24) Mitchell, Andrew; Kerr, Daniel William; Rowlatt, John; Bhattacharyya, Subhes
    India is a large nation state facing the twin challenges of economic development and the need to transition away from its path dependence on coal towards a low-carbon infrastructure. By applying corpus linguistics to a sampled literature on decarbonising India’s transport sector, we explore three motifs of difference, viz. ‘change’, ‘decarbonisation’ and ‘transition’, and how these motifs are applied within the context of this academic literature to refer to potential opportunities to transform India’s developmental trajectory. We find that rather than exploring such opportunities, the sampled papers tend to recirculate discourses influenced by eco-modernisation which, although proposing change to India’s carbon footprint, leave the fundamental structure of India’s neo-liberal economic model unchallenged, even though, from a developmental discourse perspective, this lies at the root of climate change, and for meaningful change to occur it must be addressed.
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    Electricity capacity expansion in Thailand: an analysis of gas dependence and fuel import reliance.
    (Elsevier, 2008-05) Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Nakawiro, Thanawat; Limmeechokchai, B.
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    Electrification Experiences from Sub-Saharan Africa
    (Springer, 2013) Bhattacharyya, Subhes
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    Emerging regulatory challenges facing the Indian rural electrification programme.
    (Elsevier, 2009-01) Bhattacharyya, Subhes; Srivastava, Leena