Browsing by Author "Michael-Ahile, Terhemba"

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A simulation-based assessment of Community-Based Energy Trading for circular energy sharing in low-income communities
(Elsevier, 2026-02-11) Michael-Ahile, Terhemba; Samuels, Jason Avron; Booysen, Marthinus Johannes
The growing adoption of decentralised renewable energy, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, presents opportunities to advance low-carbon development and circular economy objectives. However, unequal policy frameworks, infrastructure availability, and socio-economic conditions continue to limit equitable outcomes, especially in under-resourced communities. This study presents a simulation-based proof-of-concept evaluation of a Community-Based Energy Trading (CBET) framework designed to operationalise energy circularity within low-income communities through local energy redistribution. The proposed CBET model centres on a public school equipped with solar PV generation acting as a single prosumer that redistributes surplus electricity to nearby households using rule-based energy allocation rather than optimisation-based control. Using empirical electricity demand data for one school and five households in Cape Town, South Africa, two system configurations are simulated: CBET without household battery storage and CBET with battery-enabled households. Performance is evaluated in terms of local renewable energy utilisation, household electricity cost reductions, and peak-period grid demand. Results indicate that CBET increases local solar energy reuse efficiency to approximately 90% and reduces household reliance on grid electricity by up to 16% when battery storage is included. In addition, peak-hour demand is reduced by 13%, contributing to improved grid stability, energy equity, waste minimisation, and community-level resilience. These findings demonstrate that meaningful techno-economic benefits can be achieved through simplified community-level energy sharing arrangements without complex market mechanisms. However, the results are contingent on the assumed demand profiles and the single case configuration analysed. The study positions CBET as a feasible proof-of-concept for community-scale circular energy sharing systems operating under local capacity and policy constraints in the Global South.
Energy management framework for low-income schools in developing regions
(Elsevier, 2025-10-10) Michael-Ahile, Terhemba; Samuels, Jason Avron; Booysen, Marthinus Johannes
This study presents a comprehensive framework designed to optimise energy management in low-income schools in developing regions, specifically aiming to address challenges such as limited resources, lack of technical skills, unreliable energy infrastructure, and low levels of energy literacy. Taking advantage of South Africa’s unique energy landscape, the framework integrates renewable energy solutions, low-cost efficiency measures, and sociotechnical approaches to enhance energy efficiency while promoting sustainability. By combining global best practices with localised socio-economic insights, the study develops a flexible and scalable energy management strategy. This framework prioritises data-driven methods, stakeholder collaboration, and incremental implementation, ensuring contextual adaptability. The proposed model highlights cost reduction, energy efficiency, energy reliability, and behavioural optimisation, offering actionable pathways to empower educational institutions while addressing systemic energy inefficiencies. The framework is grounded in a mixed methods approach and supported by empirical data from recent studies conducted in low-income South African schools, allowing schools to transition to sustainable energy practices, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and foster energy literacy among students and staff. This proposed framework can significantly contribute to lower energy costs, reduced carbon emissions, and increased awareness and knowledge of sustainable energy practices in educational settings in developing regions.