Use of microcomputers in energy planning for developing countries

Predominant among these factors will be the ability of developing country governments to build institutions and staff capable of evaluating the complex, highly integrated nature of the energy system; developing sound energy policies; and the assembling, analyzing, and implementing of projects based on these policies. This study evaluates the potential roles that a major information technology, microcomputers, might play in developing these institutional capabilities. The potential application of microcomputers for energy and related planning purposes are examined from several viewpoints. First is the viewpoint of existing planning needs in developing countries and the current and potential applications of microcomputers as they relate to these needs. The second viewpoint evaluates past and current experience with microcomputers with particular regard to how hardware and software problems affect use of these tools. Finally, the study evaluates how potential applications of microcomputers might affect the programs and policies of A.I.D. The study concludes that microcomputers can and will play an important role in expanding and enhancing national energy planning and development capabilities. Major benefits will include staff upgrading, almost instantaneous access to technical planning methods currently used in national energy planning in developed countries, and the ability to extend current planning efforts into areas that were previously impossible because of data handling requirements. (Author abstract)