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Energy Challenges and Dilemmas

Appropriate technology and micro-generation in developing countries

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 3 Section B

Overview

Appropriate technology, solar home system and how a household biogas digester works.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Define appropriate technology.

Numbers

Who popularised the idea of appropriate technology?

Key term

Why is micro-generation often better suited to rural Africa than grid extension?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Define appropriate technology.

    Model answer

    Appropriate technology is small-scale, affordable equipment matched to local skills and materials. Users can maintain and repair it without outside specialists.

  2. 2

    Who popularised the idea of appropriate technology?

    Model answer

    The economist Schumacher argued for small-scale intermediate technology in 1973. The charity he founded, now called Practical Action, still promotes the approach.

  3. 3

    Why is micro-generation often better suited to rural Africa than grid extension?

    Model answer

    A national grid extended to scattered villages costs far more per household than local generation. Small systems can also be installed in days rather than years.

  4. 4

    What is a solar home system?

    Model answer

    A solar home system is a small panel, battery and controller powering lights and phone charging. Typical systems range from about 10 to 100 W.

  5. 5

    How has pay-as-you-go finance spread solar power in East Africa?

    Model answer

    Companies such as M-KOPA in Kenya let households pay for a solar system in small mobile-money instalments. Ownership transfers to the household once the payments are complete.

  6. 6

    Describe how a household biogas digester works.

    Model answer

    A sealed pit or tank holds animal dung and water while bacteria break the waste down without oxygen. Methane collects at the top and is piped to a cooking stove.

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