Next generation interactive tool as a backbone for universal access to electricity

摘要

Energy planning in rural areas and in developing countries most often relies on theoutputs of specialized analytical tools, of which only a handful have been developed.Over the years these tools have been upgraded, and the newest among themtake into consideration, to a greater or lesser extent, all key determinants of energygeneration and distribution. This article focuses on a “pool” of web-based georeferencingopen-source tools and highlights the extent to which each analyticaltool reflects the particularities of the various determinants of energy generation anddistribution. In doing so, the present work identifies aspects of the tools that need to bestrengthened. Building on this information, the article further maps the suitability ofeach tool with regard to calculating (at a local level) the six Sustainable DevelopmentGoal indicators that are closely related to energy. This makes it possible to draw conclusionsabout monitoring needs in study-areas. Bringing together these two sets offindings, the article concludes with a research agenda for analytical tool developmentin the area of energy planning, which spills over developmental agendas.