ACCESS Productive Uses

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What: definition, context, and current obstacles/knowledge gaps

Productive uses of energy can be defined as the use of energy to power activities that result in income for the community and its individuals. In this case, the source of electricity or thermal energy will ideally be from a sustainable source, specifically relating to decentralized energy systems that have proven to be a more feasible solution to energy access than grid extension. There are many categories and definitions of productive uses; therefore this portal helps readers gain exposure to the possibilities and extent of productive uses.

Subtopics

• Overview: Productive Use of Electricity (e.g. lighting, business-specific electric devices, electric tools, etc.)
• Overview: Productive Use of Mechanical Energy (e.g. water supply, agriculture, natural resource extraction, etc.)
• Overview: Productive Use of Thermal Energy (e.g. cooking, drying, baking, cooling, etc.)
• Productive use of energy for rural development
• Productive use of electricity from mini-grids
• Productive use of solar PV
• Productive use of micro-hydro power
• Productive use of thermal solar
• Productive use of biogas
• Energy value chains of crops and commodities
• Community uses of energy (schools, health centers, etc.)