Browsing by Author "Eberhard, Anton A"

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    Domestic energy use database for integrated energy planning
    (1998) Afrane-Okese, Yaw; Eberhard, Anton A
    One of the legacies of the apartheid policies in South Africa has been·the huge gap between rich and poor households in terms of their access to basic energy services. This study explores the essence of shifting from· supply-driven approach to an integrated framework in energy planning order to evolve policies that match national goals and objectives with the energy needs of the low-income households. The principles of Integrated Energy Planning (IEP) are outline for the household sector and the development of an energy database is identified as one of the important processes required in IEP. The design of the database is practically demonstrated by capturing existing secondary and primary data on energy use in low-income households in South Africa. The user-interface and on-line data analysis of the database are also illustrated. Furthermore, the data has been extensively analysed to show the factors that influence energy demand in the low-income households and how these factors may interact with one another. In·addition, energy grid-use data·has been aggregated from the· database as input into an energy modelling computer programme for estimating energy demand projections for low-income households. These energy demand projections are based on 'energy scenarios which investigate alternate energy supply options. Thus the study illustrates how energy use data can be organised into a tool for informing policy formulation. Bibliography: p. 154-156.
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    Independent power projects in Africa : balancing development and investment outcomes
    (2007) Gratwick, Katharine Nawaal; Eberhard, Anton A
    In the early 1990s, a new model emerged for the provision of electricity generation across developing regions. The model involved private sector participation in the form of independent power projects (IPP). Driving this change in business was insufficient public finance from host country governments, a reduction in concessionary loans from multilateral and bilateral development institutions, and a push for improved efficiency in a state-owned utility sector that was considered to be underperforming. This dissertation reviews how IPPs developed across both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis focuses on the extent to which positive development outcomes (viz. reliable and affordable power) and investment outcomes (viz. favourable investment returns and the opportunity to grow investments) were both achieved. The dissertation posits that balancing development and investment outcomes leads to greater sustainability for projects. It further explores a range of elements that contribute to the success of projects, namely: the investment climate; policy, regulatory and planning frameworks; competitive procurement practices; availability of competitively procured fuel; favourable debt and equity arrangements, including new trends in the nature of IPP firms and credit enhancement arrangements; and new risk management techniques. In-depth case studies of IPP experiences in Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania are used to explore the question of balancing outcomes and sustainability. Reviews of IPP experiences in Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia also supplement the analysis together with an evaluation of the foreign direct investment context and related theory. Framing the whole discussion is an examination of how the new model for electric power provision evolved and how power sector reform models need to be adjusted to better reflect the reality in developing countries and emerging economies.
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    Integrated rural energy planning for South Africa
    (1996) Loon, Marc John; Eberhard, Anton A
    Poor rural communities of South Africa frequently face shortages of convenient, affordable energy services. Sub-sectoral energy interventions that are not properly coordinated with each other and with the development context are unlikely to address the problems effectively. The methodology of 'integrated rural energy planning' (IREP) is a possible means of achieving this coordination. This process encompasses a new paradigm which is an improvement on the supply-driven thinking of the past. It seeks to overcome anomalies in the rural energy system in a way that places the final users of energy services at its centre, that coordinates planning between different energy sub-sectors, and integrates energy planning with economic planning processes. It emphasises continuity, efficient utilisation of resources, and genuine participation of rural people. Although originally designed for the energy sector as a whole, the theoretical methodology is applicable to rural regions of developing countries with only small modifications. International and local experience in IREP is not extensive, but it nevertheless provides valuable lessons regarding methodological and institutional requirements. The current trends in the institutional framework in South Africa show that while there are many obstacles to implementing an IREP process, there are also many unique aspects which suggest that an IREP process could be very effective. It seems clear that an appropriate way forward would be to launch a well-resourced and strategically-located initiative that would investigate, with care and foresight, the potential and relevance of an IREP process in South Africa.
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    Public and private sector involvement in the provision of electricity in urban areas of South Africa
    (1991) Theron, Paul Richard; Eberhard, Anton A; Dingley, Charles
    This study examines the involvement of public and private sector institutions in the provision of electricity in urban areas of South Africa. Access to electricity in South Africa is highly unequal and little progress is currently being made to bring electricity to all, mainly due to institutional and financial problems. The focus on public and private sector roles is adopted because of the social importance and economic nature of electricity provision, the global and national significance of privatisation policies, and the current importance of allocating appropriate roles to the public and private sectors in widening access to services, including electricity, in South Africa. The distribution sector of the South African electricity supply industry (ESI) is highly fragmented. Municipal electricity departments, which mostly serve white residential, commercial and industrial areas, are generally highly profitable and provide an effective service, but are not highly efficient by international standards. These departments are self-sufficient in the implementation of electrification projects, and have access to adequate capital to finance such projects. Electricity distribution authorities set up to serve black areas, especially electricity departments of black local authorities, are ineffective, and often financially unsound. Due to the weakness of public authorities charged with the task of undertaking electrification projects in black areas, the implementation of these projects is dependent on the involvement of private electrical consultants and contractors. However, few such projects are currently being undertaken due to inappropriate planning and shortages of concessionary finance. After close consideration of the benefits and drawbacks of public and private involvement in range of activities that arise from electricity provision, it is concluded that the key challenges facing the ESI in South Africa will best be met if the distribution sector is restructured on a regional basis in order to utilise existing expertise, and retained within the public sector. Accelerated electrification initiatives, planned and co-ordinated by these distribution authorities, would draw upon the experience and capabilities of private electrical consultants and contractors. Public sector leadership in mobilising both public and private investment would also be necessary. Thus, whilst public institutions would be dominant, important roles would remain for the private sector in the provision of electricity in urban areas. The results of this study suggest that far from privatising service provision in South Africa, it will be essential to allocate a dominant role to the public sector in widening access to services to all.