Renewable energies: how much and how renewable

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Bull. At. Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00963402.1979.11458668· OSTI ID:5525860

Smil, V

A cautious view of the soft-technology path is advised after examining the resource potential, use, and scale implications of renewable energy resources in poor countries. While available technologies would contribute in rural areas, developing countries need a variety of options to support basic industries and to increase crop productivity. Satellite monitoring reveals that there is insufficient sunshine or wind to be of any help in some of the most densely populated areas. There is not enough data available about solar, wind, or biomass potential to assess either their future value as a resource or the probable consequences of their use. In order for soft technologies to raise the present subsistence levels of energy consumption in these countries, major socio-economic changes must occur at the village level. Scale, either large or small, is not an inherent good, as the Chinese have learned. The infusion of a range of technologies appears to be more rational. 44 references. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Manitoba, Winnipeg
• OSTI ID: 5525860
• Journal Information: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 35:10; ISSN BASIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
299000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ENERGY SOURCES
GLOBAL ASPECTS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LOW INCOME GROUPS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS