Renewable Energy in Developing Countries: A Research Proposal

This research proposal investigates the adoption of renewable energy technologies in small households within developing countries, focusing on the challenges and opportunities. The project aims to identify typical energy needs, assess existing renewable technologies, and analyze the factors hindering their uptake. The methodology includes case studies, literature reviews, and questionnaires, with a specific focus on Kibera slums in Kenya. The research will analyze data to propose actionable recommendations for promoting the use of renewable energy. The study emphasizes the significance of sustainable energy for developing nations' industrialization and environmental protection, aiming to provide valuable insights for policymakers, energy companies, and communities. The project underscores the importance of incorporating community input into the design of renewable energy solutions, ensuring that technologies are well-suited to local needs. The study focuses on sustainable solutions for developing countries.

Author’s Name1
1City, Country
University Name, City, Country
email address
I. PROJECT SUMMARY
This research proposal is prepared for the
assessment of renewable technologies in
small households in developing countries.
This project has been chosen with the aim
of understanding and reviewing the uptake
of renewable technologies in low income
households in developing economies, and
the challenges that may restrict this.
Developing economies are the next
frontier for global energy needs due to
rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. It
is vital to ensure that these economies rely
on sustainable energy resources in this age
of dwindling natural resources, and their
indigenous biodiversity and environment
protected in this time of increased climate
change. The information obtained from
this research will be beneficial to the local
communities by providing sustainable,
renewable green technologies that can
cater for their everyday needs.
KEYWORDS
Renewable energy: Energy that is
produced from natural resources and
continually replenished such as wind,
sunlight, rain, geothermal heat and tides.
Green technology: A type of technology
intended to mitigate the negative effects of
human activity on the environment
Small households: A residence with about
five to ten individuals that live under the
same roof, whose economic status lies
under the low income category.

II. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background knowledge
Continued urbanisation around the globe
has led to the increased appetite for
energy. Over the last century, the major
sources of energy were fossil fuel, natural
gas, oil and coal, all of which are non-
renewable. Depletion of these natural
resources, together with increased global
climate change has resulted in further
research and innovation in renewable
energy [1].
A report by the International Energy
Agency (IEA) in conjunction with the
European commission and other
international organisations shows that
incorporating renewable and efficient
energy sources not only cuts down the
energy expenses, but also increases the
quality of life for its inhabitants [2]. The
report indicates that the most viable and
practical power sources include solar
energy and biomass. The benefits accrued
by using these energy sources include
improved air quality, energy security and
more employment opportunities in the
cottage and green energy sector [3].
In the past few decades, there has been
major growth witnessed in renewable
energy; many countries have set up large
hydroelectric powered plants and large
solar farms and wind farms [4]. Although
the energy produced from these sources
contributes a percentage to the entire
energy needs, majority of the small scale
households in many countries still heavily
rely on energy derived from thermal
electricity and natural gas [5]. More
traditional households in rural
communities still rely on bio-energy
solutions such as firewood and charcoal.
Even though the developed countries
comprise majority of the world’s highest
energy consumers, continued urbanisation
and industrialisation of the developing
countries has put them on the watch list on
energy consumption [6]. Numerous efforts
have been aimed towards ensuring that
these countries will incorporate green and
renewable energy sources for most of their
energy needs, thus building countries with
sustainable economies. However, most of
the populations in these countries still rely
heavily on traditional energy sources such
as thermal electricity, natural gas or bio-
energy solutions such as firewood and
charcoal.
1.2 Aims and objectives
The main aim of this research proposal is
to assess the current state of renewable
energy technologies in small households in
developing countries, and identify actions
that can be taken to improve the current
situation.

The following are the specific objectives
of this research proposal:
 to identify the typical energy needs
of a household in a developing
country,
 to identify the current renewable
energy technologies designed for
small household users,
 to identify and research the reasons
for the slow uptake of renewable
technologies in households in
developing countries,
 to propose actions that will be
taken to promote increased uptake
and use of renewable technologies
in these households
1.3 Significance
In this day and age where natural resources
are quickly dwindling and the future
industrialisation and development lies with
developing countries, the information
obtained by this research proposal is not
only beneficial to the affected
stakeholders, but also the entire world.
Majority of the upcoming industries and
urban towns are being set up in developing
countries, especially in Africa, Asia and
South America. This upcoming
developments will contribute massively to
the global energy index in a few decades to
come. It is thus vital that these nations rely
on sustainable renewable energy resources
that will drive their industries and
economies other than relying on fossil fuel
and other non-renewable resources that are
dwindling up fast.
The 21st Century has been lauded as the
environment conscious era, where efforts
have been aimed globally at ensuring
protection of the environment and natural
resources. It is crucial that developing
countries be at the forefront of renewable
and green energy consumption since they
are the next industrial frontiers. In
addition, it enables these countries to
maintain and protect their natural
resources, forests, water bodies and
indigenous biodiversity from
overexploitation. Overexploitation of
natural resources has led to loss of natural
environments and biodiversity that caused
climate change, and scarce natural gas, oil
and mineral resources that has caused
major wars in the Middle East and some
developing countries in Africa such as
Liberia, Nigeria and South Sudan.
This research proposal will also identify
the major factors that have led to the slow
uptake of renewable and green energy
technologies in developing countries and
come up with recommendations and
suggestions on how to increase uptake of
green energy technologies. This
information can be referenced by the
national and local governments of these

nations, through their Ministries of Energy
and Natural Resources, in formulating
policies that will promote use of renewable
energy resources by small households
within their locale. This information is also
beneficial for private energy companies,
researchers and innovators, and energy-
related non-governmental agencies
(NGOs) working within these developing
countries.
The affected communities, the small
household residents, will benefit by
receiving renewable and green
technologies that are custom suited to their
needs. This is achieved by incorporating
the information obtained by questionnaires
and research analysis of their energy
needs, uses and concerns over the current
renewable technologies presented to them.
This approach ensures that these
communities are involved in the design of
the final products and technologies that
they will eventually use in their day to day
life.
1.4 Definitions
Developing countries: A poor agricultural
country that is advancing economically
and socially
Natural resources: substances or
materials occurring in nature that can be
exploited for economic gain
Low income households: a household
whose income is less than twice the
national poverty threshold.

III. METHODOLOGY
For purposes of clarity of the research
proposal, descriptions on the methodology,
research design and principles on data
collections and analysis will be addressed
in this section. Advantages and limitations
of data collection methods chosen and
methodology used will be addressed as
well.
2.1 Research Design
The research approach proposed for the
assessment of renewable energy
technologies in small scale households in
developing countries will be a qualitative
research. Qualitative research purposes to
obtain deep understanding of a particular
area of interest other than surface
knowledge of a large sample of
population. This research will seek to
understand the meaning, methods,
techniques and challenges encountered
with the development of renewable and
green technologies for small households in
developing countries.
Qualitative research has proven useful in
identifying problems with the current
renewable energy technologies which will
be addressed in this research, their
challenges will be addressed and attempted
to be resolved by this research and a
design solving the raised issues will be
provided by this research [7]. This design
will form part of the recommendations
that, if implemented, will increase the
uptake of renewable energy technologies
by small households in developing
countries.
2.2 Data collection
This research aims at collecting in-depth
information on the current renewable
energy technologies and limitations and
challenges encountered in the developing
countries market.
Data collection in this report is based on
case studies, literature review and
questionnaires [8]. The advantages of
using this methods of data collection
include providing information of trends
over a period of time, it is cheap and vital
for comparing public perceptions and
emerging trends on the area of interest.
Disadvantages of using these methods
include difficulty to access data,
incomplete information and time
consuming. The document records
referenced for this research were mainly
environmental reports, research papers,
online sustainability reports, webpage
information, manufacturer’s specifications
and published books.

Type of information Availability
Energy needs of a small household Government records: Local ministries of energy and natural
resources data or census records
Renewable energy technologies for
households
Literature review: published books, journals and
sustainability reports.
Limitations of current renewable
energy technologies
Literature review: published books, journals and
sustainability reports, questionnaire surveys
Environmental impact of renewable
energy technologies
Design calculations
Success rate of proposed
recommendations
Questionnaire surveys, pilot study
Table 1: Information required for this report
2.2.1 Case studies
Case studies of areas that have
successfully employed renewable energy
technologies in small and low income
households in developing countries will be
examined. The selected cases will be
carefully examined, identifying the
contributing factors and current challenges
experienced by the users. At least three
case studies will be examined, each from a
developing economy. The information on
the case studies will be obtained from
journal excerpts, reports, and government
records and published websites.
2.2.2 Survey Questionnaires
Sample surveys were conducted to find out
whether there is awareness among the
target local population on renewable
energy technologies. The study population
for this research was the residents of
Kibera slums, Kenya with the study
mainly targeting the household that may
have one or more renewable technologies
in their dwellings. The study aimed at
finding out the various forms of renewable
energy technologies they may be using,
and the reasons provided for not using
those technologies by the dwellings that
relied on alternative forms of energy.
Kibera is the largest urban slum in Africa
with a population of approximately
500,000 people majority of whom live in
poverty.
2.2.2.1 Determination of sample size
The size of the population sample was
determined by the formula listed below.

n= z2 ( 1− p ) p
e2
(i)
Where: n=sample size, z=preferential
value produces the preferred confidence
ratings, p=the population proportion
estimate; and e=the absolute error size in
the determination of p as to the
investigator’s specifications
95 percent confidence ratings will be used,
while the p-value is assigned 0.05.
2.2.2.2 Sample size
The number of respondents chosen for this
research was 200 people from the Kibera
slums. This number has been evaluated to
be satisfactory for the purposes of this
particular research as a representation of
the entire population. In addition, this
number is workable with the time
constraints.
2.2.2.3 Sampling technique
The chosen research team will be required
to visit different dwellings. The
respondents must show willingness to
participate in the study and the sample size
should be at different economic and social
status. In addition, the research team will
do an overview study of the area to
determine the number of green and
renewable technologies per 10000 square
metres.
IV. DATA ANALYSIS AND
DISSEMINATION
The data obtained from data collection will
be used to test the proposed
recommendations, approaches and designs
for renewable energy technologies for
small households. The results of this tests
will inform the recommendations on areas
to be looked at in further studies on
renewable and green energy for
developing countries [9].
3.1 Literature review on data analysis
The analysis of any particular set of data
will largely depend on the type of data,
whether is qualitative or quantitative. Data
analysis is mostly carried out for data
obtained through primary data collection
methods. There are two broad classes of
data analysis:
 Quantitative data analysis: This
involves critical analysis,
interpretation of figures and
attempts to find out the underlying
trends, patterns and the rationale
behind the emergence of the
findings. It is important that the
quantitative data analysis be
compared to published reviews on
the same for coherency. This type
of data analysis will apply to the
data that may be found from case

studies, ground studies and
questionnaires.
 Qualitative data analysis: This
involves us of interviews, focus
groups and experiments to identify
the underlying trends and patterns
so as to achieve a particular
research objective. This type of
analysis will apply to data that is
obtained from literature review,
case studies, interviews and
questionnaires
 .
3.2 Calculation of energy savings
Ultimately, the data obtained from the
pilot studies will be evaluated to identify
the energy savings and the pollution index
of the proposed renewable energy
technologies.
The energy savings obtained by using
renewable technologies will be calculated
by
Savings= cost of conventional energy−cost of renewable energy
cost of conventional energy x 100 (ii)
The contamination pollution index (CPI) will be calculated using the following formula:
CPI= 1
n ∑
i=1
n
PI (iii)
PI = measured concentrationof individual parameter
standard permissible concentration of parameter (iv)
Where n is the parameters number
3.2 Dissemination of findings
The modes of dissemination chosen for the
information obtained from this research
will take into consideration that it is
community based knowledge. Public
domains such as community journals,
newspapers and forums will be favoured.
In addition, the information will be
presented in community conferences held
in the chosen country or community, in
collaboration with the local ministry of
energy and natural resources and energy-
based non-governmental organisations
(NGOs). In addition, informal
collaborations with the local leaders of the

community will be carried out to ensure there is increased awareness among the
local community.

V. PROJECT TIMELINE
The project is estimated to cover a period of one year. The following is the project timeline:
Gather requirements
Carry out literature and case studies
Contact target agencies that are related and involvedto the project
Draf proposal budget to ensure project goals can be met
Obtain guidance from sponsor sources and colleagues
research on the Kibera community and potential reviewers
write research proposal draft
draft questionnaires and survey program
Prepare travel requirements to the survey site
Carry out local interviews and questionnaire surveys
Analyse data obtained
Draft final report proposal
Presentation of final report and findings
31-Dec-17 10-Apr-18 19-Jul-18 27-Oct-18 4-Feb-19 15-May-19 23-Aug-19

REFERENCES
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Analysis and Case Studies, Three ed., New Delhi: Edward Elgar Publishing, Jan
2005, pp. 230-450.
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University Press, March 2005, pp. 208-320.
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Publications, 1994.
[8] S. B. Merriam and E. J. Tisdell, Qualitative Research: A guide to Design and
implemenation, Fourth ed., New York: John Wiley and sons, 2015.
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