Determining the most important factors for sustainable energy technology selection in Africa: application of the Delphi technique

Abstract

The supply of sustainable energy is crucial for poverty reduction and economic development in Africa. Such supply to the private sector and to households is necessary to improve productivity and efficiency and ensure that all members of society are economically active. Further, Africa has limited skilled human resources; thus the selection of successful, integrated technological systems is imperative. This study focused on the identification, and prioritisation, of the factors that must be taken into account when identifying the most sustainable technological systems in the African context. The study utilised the Delphi technique. The questionnaire of the first round was based on factors identified during a focus group exercise with energy experts. Respondents were asked to comment on the factors, add new factors, and rate all the factors. The results were fed back during the second round where respondents were again asked to rate the factors for feasibility, desirability and importance. The final result is the identification of the most important factors for the selection of sustainable energy technologies, which can be used by decision makers to ensure better selection of projects. The top five factors identified in this study are: Ease of maintenance and support over the life cycle of the technology; Suitable site readily available for pilot studies; Project Management; Economic development; and Access to suitable sites can be secured