Diesel Generators in Developing Countries

The benefits of reliable electricity seem obvious, yet to many in the western world the benefits are often taken for granted. Today there are more than 2 billion people in the world who live without electricity. This means one in three people on the planet do not have access to electricity or an alternative energy source. Best estimates indicate that 56% of the world’s rural population live without access to modern energy sources. The amount of people who have no access to modern energy is swelling by 30 million people per year. By 2030, global energy demand is expected to grow by a staggering 60% according to the IEA (International Energy Agency).

Diesel Generator in use during a Power Outage

In developing nations, burning organic material like wood and charcoal accounts for more than 70% of fuel used for heating and cooking. The burning of this organic material is a major contributor to degrading air quality and increased air pollution.

Best estimates by the IEA suggest there is $16 trillion in proposed infrastructure investments in the energy sector of developing nations. Even after such investments have been made the IEA predicts 1.4 billion of the world’s poorest people will remain without access to electricity. Due to economic and population growth the demand for energy in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to double over the next 25 years.

Can Diesel Generators Help Provide Energy Solutions in Developing Countries?

Diesel Generator at use in a Rural Community

Connecting rural communities to national power grids in developing countries is not economically viable. Grid communications in developing counties is limited at best. Diesel generators provide an ideal solution. They can be used on their own or as part of a collective electrical supply system in conjunction with wind and solar power.

Agriculture typically accounts for large parts of developing economies. India’s rural irrigation network is estimated to be run by approximately 4 million small diesel generators.

Diesel generators are low-tech, durable, portable power sources and provide critical energy solutions in developing countries.

As developing nations grapple with increasing infrastructure needs, electrical demand continues to outstrip supply. This leads to peak power deficits, power outages and brownouts. Diesel generators can provide the security of power supply in the event of grid failure.

Diesel Generators provide the most cost effective solution in terms of initial capital cost for developing nations when compared to alternatives like solar and wind energy. Due to the limited budgets of developing nations, diesel generators remain the best solution for primary and backup electrical generation.

As developing nations continue to industrialize and while populations continue growing, energy needs will increase. Diesel generators provide a critical energy source in developing nations. This trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.