Electrifying the bottom of the pyramid : improving access in slums

Abstract

Slums are expanding in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and as a result, the lack of safe, reliable electricity access in these regions is expanding. Addressing this issue will require a comprehensive strategy that caters to many different design scenarios. Slum electrification is a complex topic that needs to be closely examined in light of past projects in order to design effective models for future projects. In this thesis, slum electrification is characterized using case studies, case study variations of key characteristics are compared, and new models are proposed for scenarios unique to those found in the case studies. The characteristics are divided into two categories: those of slums and those of slum electrification projects. From analysis of key characteristics, one can see the trend of project actors choosing ideal slum environments and traditional project models for slum electrification projects. Alternative technical and organizational models, such as electric co-operatives and distributed generation, are proposed as potential solutions for less ideal, i.e. less permanent and planned, slum environments. Further development of these potential solutions is necessary in the future in order to make significant gains in the sector of slum electrification.