The Asian Regional Energy Initiative of the IEI

Coffee effluent treatment-cum-electricity generation:
The integration of environmentally benign waste disposal with power generation and industrial processing has obvious benefits for the surrounding environment. Technologies for the anaerobic digestion of waste from coffee processing have been in existence. The option of using a bioreactor permits biogas to be generated; this can then be used for other energy services, thereby yielding positive returns to the investor. Given the importance of coffee production to the South-Indian economy, it was considered useful to estimate the financial viability of investment in such bioreactors. An economic cost-benefit analysis of investment in such a scheme has therefore been made, based on the case of a particular estate. The effluent-discharge from the coffee-processing unit is rendered ecologically benign and water is recycled for non-potable uses. The replacement of a part of the diesel requirement with biogas for fuelling an electricity generator makes the investment financially profitable [Click here]..


Integrated resource planning for the power sector:

The integrated resource planning (IRP) approach is one that considers both supply and demand-side options to meeting the need for a resource, while minimising the costs accruing to the firm and to society. IRP can be used as a tool to address the existing problems, particularly as reforms are taking place in developing countries. However, the advantages that IRP would afford have to be juxtaposed with the barriers to such a planning process -- those encountered in the past as well as the possibilities in view of structural changes. Most importantly, one should consider the policies that would enable the IRP approach to be usefully employed. Although IRP has receded in importance in some areas of the world, there are perceptible benefits for developing countries; these could adopt such planning methods through the agents and the instruments suggested. A paper has been accepted for publication in Energy Policy during 2004 [Click here].