Review of solar PV policies, interventions and diffusion in East Africa

Previous research on the diffusion of solar PV in Africa has mainly focused on solar home systems (SHS) in individual countries and thus overlooked developments in other PV market segments that have recently emerged. In contrast this paper adopts a regional perspective by reviewing developments in supportive policies, donor programs and diffusion status in all PV market segments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as identifying the key factors put forward in the literature to explain differences in the diffusion of SHS in these three countries. The paper finds two emerging trends: (i) a movement from donor and government-based support to market-driven diffusion of solar PV; and (ii) a transition from small-scale, off-grid systems towards mini-grids and large-scale, grid-connected solar power plants. The paper points out three generic factors that have contributed to encouraging SHS diffusion in all three countries: (i) the decline in world market prices for PV modules; (ii) the prolonged support from international donors; and (iii) conducive framework conditions provided by national governments. The paper also identifies five key factors that have been elaborated in the literature to explain the higher level of SHS diffusion in Kenya compared to Tanzania and Uganda: (i) a growing middle-class; (ii) geographical conditions; (iii) local sub-component suppliers; (iv) local champions; and (v) business culture. Finally, the paper discusses the lack of attention in the literature given to analysing the amount, nature and timing of donor and government support across countries, processes of learning and upgrading in local PV industries and the interaction between the different explanatory factors

Loading a Truck with Coal

Coal is an important part of the production of electricity in countless places. In the United States, coal is the most common energy resource. Here, coal is being loaded into trucks at Edwardsport to be used to fuel the energy plants of the Public Service Company of Indiana.Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.Duke Energ

Markland Hydro Turbine

Markland Hydro Station went into action in 1967. Shown here is one of the turbines over which the water flows to power the generator to create electricity. Hydroelectric plants produce an inexpensive, renewable, clean energy source.Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.Duke Energ

Storm Clean-up in Danville

In 1946, Danville suffered heavy storms that downed power lines. In an effort to fix the outages this storm caused, several linemen were needed to work in the damaged area. Here men are working on the pole in the center with others supporting their work from the ground.Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.Duke Energ

Changing a Street Light in Aurora

The seemingly simple task of changing a street light has evolved over the years. Most notably, as shown in these images, the process has changed due to equipment improvements. In the 1950s, a ladder was secured to the truck to allow the worker to access the light. By the 1970s, bucket trucks were the method of choice, and continue to be so today.Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.Duke Energ

Edwardsport Station

Edwardsport Station was originally built in 1918 with additions made in the 1940s and 1950s. It is a coal fired plant as is its replacement being built in the same area.Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.Duke Energ

Aerial View of New Edwardsport Station

The new Duke Energy plant will burn coal with less byproducts being emitted into the air. When completed it will be one of the cleanest and most-efficient coal burning plants in the world.Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.Duke Energ