An analysis model for small-scale rural energy service pathways - Applied to Jatropha-based energy services in Sumbawa, Indonesia

摘要

The potential role of bioenergy in the future energy mix and the performance of bioenergy conversion and use is a controversial issue. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the key tool to assess the performance and impacts of bioenergy systems and services. As a fairly complex and costly tool, LCAs are rarely applied on small-scale rural settings, which at the same time make up for the largest share of global bioenergy demand. This study proposes an analytical model for rural energy service pathways (RESPs), which supports a simplified and manageable small-scale bioenergy planning by comparing energy and cost efficiencies as well as by pre assessing possible livelihood impacts of rural energy service pathways for lighting, cooking and mechanical power. The model has been applied on a case study on the Indonesian island Sumbawa that uses the oil bear ing scrub Jatropha curcas L to provide rural energy services. Results of the quantitative and qualitative anal yses are combined to evaluate different energy service pathways. Results show strong differences for the investigated service pathways. Cooking with plant oil or biogas cannot compete with firewood from the en ergy and cost analysis while the negative health impact of paniculate matter support liquid and gaseous fuels as long as no low-emission wood stoves are available. Lighting with plant oil or biogas is not supported by both the quantitative and qualitative analyses. The provision of mechanical power shows the greatest poten tial if the technical service pathways can be further optimised and the institutional challenges can be solved.