Research Paper On Alternative Energy Sources Assignment

Question

Task: Write a research paper on alternative energy sources assignment performing critical analysis of alternative energy in least developed countries; the emergence of solar power as a mean of providing electricity.

Answer

Abstract
The demand of electricity in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is growing and existent trends of less electrification within these regions are notably found, owing to the increasing costs of the non-renewable sources of energy that must be used for the production of electricity. In these countries, as compared to the other developing countries, alternative energy is a popular option to electrify the rural and urban regions where the access of electricity is lesser. The present study was aimed at the critical analysis of the emergence of alternative energy sources especially the solar energy to provide electricity to the populations of the LDCs. A literature review has been conducted in this alternative energy sources assignment incorporating the latest research papers, reports, and publications on the alternative energy and solar power in the LDCs. The literature gap identified to rely within the effectiveness of the solar energy in electrifying the rural regions in the LDCs and the ways to improve the utilization of solar power in those countries. To conduct the research on alternative energy sources assignment, a secondary research method was chosen wherein data collected from 25 relevant peer reviewed research articles have been analysed with the help of thematic analysis with 5 distinct themes. The findings indicate that the usage of the solar power in the LDCs is not much powerful; however, the energy generation trend is shifting toward the adoption of solar energy in a number of countries including Sierra Leone, Burundi, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. Followed by the identification of the barriers of solar energy technologies, recommendations have been made within this alternative energy sources assignment to implement policies, legislations, standards and regulation and to set targets regarding the usage of solar energy. ?

Acknowledgements
I would like to express special thanks and gratitude to the principal and professor who enabled me to have the opportunity for working on this research project on alternative energy sources assignment. The immense support of them has helped me to perform the research activities and achieve knowledge regarding the chosen topic. I am greatly thankful to my professor for understanding the financial requirements for conducting the research and supporting me to complete the research in a successful manner. I would like to thank the librarian who has supported me for completing the research by collecting information from the important sources. My peers have also supported me to gain permission and access to collect information from the secondary sources and therefore they deserve a special thank. I am also thankful to my parents for supporting me along the process of my research on alternative energy sources assignment in every possible ways.

1. Introduction
1.0 Introduction
As per the research conducted on the scenario of alternative energy sources assignment, the least developed countries around the world are far away from achieving universal access to modern energy. Alternative energy sources are becoming a popular option for enhancing energy access in these countries (Danish et al., 2017). It is important to analyze the extent to which the countries are using alternative sources of energy and highlight the challenges that are being faced in the process of implementing alternative energy technologies. The present research on alternative energy sources assignment investigates the use of alternative energy sources in the least developed countries focusing on the use of solar power as a source of electricity. This chapter sets the background of the research on alternative energy sources assignment and explains the aim and objectives of the present research.

1.1 Background of the research
Enhancement of the share of alternative energy in the national energy mix is one of the primary policy objectives among a number of countries. Alternative energy sources are sometimes perceived as a backstop technology and thereby, gaining importance in the developing as well as the least developed countries (LDCs). The support toward the alternative energy sources is getting strengthened in the developed country for ensuring the security of the energy supply and mitigation of the negative influence on the environment (Lan-yue et al., 2017). However, in the LDCs alternative energy sources are becoming favourable options to improve electricity access and intensify the rural electrification. The infrastructure of electricity is mostly centralised in the LDCs. It has been identified herein alternative energy sources assignment that more than 1.4 billion populations across the globe do not have access to modern services of energy. In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 31% of the population has access to electricity. The alternative energy sources assignment considers the words of Fisher (2016) that the major cause of the slow progress of the rural electrification in the least developed countries is the greater cost of the grid extensions that eventually results in budgetary constraints in the dispersed rural areas. 

People in low-income groups are unable to pay the fees for the upfront connections and the private sectors businesses lack incentives so that the services can be made less profitable to promote the access of the electricity in the rural areas. The LDCs are facing difficulties in adopting alternative energy sources such as solar power due to the economic downturns, lack of technological innovations, lack of proper policies and policy instruments and market failures. The different types of alternative energy sources are hydropower, bio energy, solar power, geothermal energy, wind energy, and ocean energy. Solar power is an emerging option for the LDCs to increase electricity access. Solar energy or solar power is developed directly with the usage of solar photovoltaic (Chen et al., 2016). It has been evidenced in the alternative energy sources assignment that 52% of the electricity generation in the LDC is based on alternative energy sources; however, only 1% is developed from solar energy and wind. Thereby it is becoming immensely important to analyse the use of solar energy in the least developed countries and the challenges faced in using solar energy to produce electricity. 

1.2 Aim of the study
The aim of the present research on alternative energy sources assignment is to analyse the emergence of alternative energy such as solar power as a source of electricity in the least developed countries, critically.

1.3 Research Objectives
The objectives of the present research on alternative energy sources assignment are:

• To explore the concept and types of alternative energy sources
• To examine the trends and potential of tapping alternative energy sources in the least developed countries
• To identify the extent to which solar power is currently used as a source of electricity in the least developed countries
• To investigate the feasibility of further implementation of solar energy as a source of electricity in the least developing countries 
• To evaluate the barriers to the development of alternative energy-based technologies in the least developed countries
• To analyse the ways in which the alternative energy sources like solar energy can be better tapped by the least developed countries

1.4 Research Questions
The research questions basis the scenario of alternative energy sources assignment for the present research is described below:

• What is the concept and types of alternative energy sources?
• What are the trends and potential of tapping alternative energy sources in the least developed countries?
• To what extent solar power is currently used as a source of electricity in the least developed countries?
• What is the feasibility of further implementation of solar energy as a source of electricity in the least developing countries?
• What are the barriers to the development of alternative energy-based technologies in the least developed countries?
• What are the ways in which alternative energy sources like solar energy can be better tapped by the least developed countries?

1.5 Rationale
According to the United Nation, 47 countries around the world are designated as least developed countries (LDCs). Majority of the LDCs in the world are situated in Africa that are Angola, Central African Republic, Mali, Sierra Leone, Niger, and Sudan. Access to modern energy such as electricity is very important and reflects the extent to which sustainable development is achieved by a country (Owusu and Asumadu-Sarkodie, 2016). In recent times, the sustainable development goal is one of the major priorities of the countries its objective is to ensure access toward sustainable, reliable, affordable and modern energy for all. It has been identified in the case of alternative energy sources assignment that the LDCs have made greater efforts to progress toward the enhancement of electricity access. As mentioned in Unctad.org. (2020), the electricity access in the LDCs has increased from 12% to 38% until now, from 1990. However, 62% of the population in the LDCs still lack access to electricity. It has been identified in this segment of alternative energy sources assignment that access to fuels for heating, cooking is limited in these countries. In recent times, access toward modern energy sources has greatly increased in the non-LDC countries such as the other developing countries and the developed countries and therefore the concentration of the energy poverty has further increased in the LDC due to the lack of access to the modern energy sources. 

According to Senshaw and Edwards (2020), the achievement of the universal access to modern energy in the global platform relies on the achievement of energy access goals in the LDCs. LDCs are currently focusing on the sustainable development goals to achieve them by 2030. However, countries are likely to face difficulties in achieving sustainable goals. Solar power refers to renewable energy that draws on the energy of the sun directly. Solar energy has become a popular option in the LDCs for increasing access to electricity in rural areas. As stated by Worldenergy.org. (2020), it is provided in the alternative energy sources assignment that the solar radiation that comes to the earth is 7500 times higher than the total annual energy consumption of the world. Solar energy technology is used to convert the solar irradiance to develop electricity. In this process of alternative energy sources assignment, photovoltaic and concentrating solar power is used for the production of thermal energy for meeting the direct lighting needs and producing fuels that can be useful for transport and other purposes. However, organizing the transition of the energy from unsustainable to alternative energy is a major challenge due to the need for technological advancements and funding sources. So, it is important to analyse to what extent solar power is useful in increasing access to electricity in the LDCs in the context of the several challenges faced. 

1.6 Significance of the research
The present research on alternative energy sources assignment is highly significant for tracking the progress of the LDCs toward increasing electricity access. The concept of alternative energy sources is explored to enhance the knowledge regarding the types of energy sources that can be used for increasing electricity access. However, the research focuses mainly on solar power and its ability to provide electricity to the population of the LDCs. The research presents data related to the status of the electricity Solar power use as an electricity source in the least developed country. This would help the researchers in understanding if Solar power is effectively used in these countries or not. On the other hand, the major alternative sources that are used are also explained in the research. By investigating the feasibility of the implementation of solar energy for providing electricity within the research on alternative energy sources assignment, it will be possible to provide recommendations for applying the solar power technology in an effective way in the LDCs. Since the research highlights the challenges that the LDCs face in order to adopt solar energy technologies, the research on alternative energy sources assignment would be able to help the private sector organizations in these countries to offer sustainable energy sources to the population. Additionally, the research outcome would be beneficial for future researchers and scholar investing in a similar subject.

1.7 Structure of the Dissertation

Figure 1: Structure of the dissertation
(Source: Created by the learner)

1.8 Summary 
The present chapter of alternative energy sources assignment has stated the aim of the research that is to investigate the use of alternative energy sources in the least developed countries specifically on the extent to which solar power is used as a source of electricity. The chapter has incorporated the objectives that are meant to be achieved with the completion of this research. The chapter includes the reason and significance for conducting the research. The researcher questions based on the scenario of alternative energy sources assignment are framed and the structure of the dissertation is presented to guide the readers regarding the content of each chapter. 

2. Background and Literature review 
2.0 Introduction
Literature review is the second part of a research project on alternative energy sources assignment on alternative energy sources assignment, which deals with the detailed review of previous literature regarding a specific topic. This is important to the researcher for identifying li gap of the literature and this gap area has been focused in the current research study. Considering aims & objectives of the research and literature gap provided in this alternative energy sources assignment, the subsequent steps of the research activity has been followed. In the current research study, the researcher has emphasized the previous literature to identify importance of alternative energy sources and initiatives of least developed countries regarding the implementation of solar energy project. Based on detailed analysis of literature review performed in the alternative energy sources assignment, the gap in the literature has been identified.

2.1 Different Alternative Energy Sources and Their Types
As asserted by Kuik et al., (2019), the alternative or renewable energy sources have been considered as clean energy that comes from natural sources and these are replenished constantly. These types of enrgy sources are essential in the world as it helps to reduce environmental plunder and ecological balance can be easily maintained. Continuing along the same line, Dreidy et al., (2017), has stated that the importance of renewable energy sources is gradually increasing in the competitive world as it decreases greenhouse gas emissions. The deterioration of the use of fossil fuels reduces emission of carbon dioxide and environmental pollution can be controlled.

Based on the view of Bildirici and Gökmeno?lu (2017) noted in the alternative energy sources assignment, among several alternative sources of energy, Hydropower is important source, which is popular in case of providing electricity to the people. As population is growing day by day throughout the globe, the electricity issue, environmental pollution is gradually increasing. Under these circumstances, Hydropower is the best alternative energy source and its popularity is increasing for providing enormous electricity to the people. The source is most useful for developing economic performance of least developed nations including Burundi, Sierra Leone and so on. Another important alternative source of energy is Biomass which is also popular similar to the Hydropower. According to the view of Dmme.virginia.gov. (2020), the highest use of biomass energy has been found in Virginia as it is used for generating electricity as well as power by burning it within the place of fossil fuels in the steam turbines but the use of biomass is not popular in least developed nations. It is noted herein alternative energy sources assignment that the use of Biomass fuel has been developed throughout the globe as it is prepared based on organic matters including agricultural waste, industrial waste, bark and wood.

Figure 2: Alternative Energy Sources
(Source: Developed by Author)

The third most important alternative energy source mentioned in this segment of alternative energy sources assignment is Solar Energy, which has been used mainly for producing electricity. Kabir et al., (2018), have opined that the preparation of electricity based on solar energy has been increased popularity along with hydropower but the cost is the main issue of using the solar energy source. Owing to the high initial cost, the use of solar energy is not popular in least developed nations of Africa and Asia. The fourth most important energy source stated herein alternative energy sources assignment is fuel cell as has high-level efficiency and it works with no emission, and it combines the oxygen and hydrogen for producing electricity, water and heat. However, this converts the energy that is produced by the chemical reaction into the usable electric power and 60% to 80% energy efficiency helps to produce electricity easily but the huge investment is also essential in case of implementing fuel cells all over the world equally. Moreover, the fuel for the fuel cell is the chemical energy of hydrogen along with combination of oxygen. Developed nations including the USA, the UK considers this alternative energy source but least developed countries do not have capacity to make investment.

2.2 The trends and potential of tapping alternative energy sources in the least developed countries
According to Shahsavari and Akbari (2018), the consumption of energy in the least developed countries (LDCs) has become strongly skewed towards the residential sector. The energy consumption in these countries depends highly on the traditional biomass in the total primary supply of energy. The author has further demonstrated that the access of the LDC populations to the modern and reliable energy sources is indispensable for the economic development and improvement of the living standards. As described by Sustainabledevelopment.un.org. (2020) in this alternative energy sources assignment, in the year 2015, 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development had been adopted by the United Nations that included 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG7 is directed at the enhancement of the access of the population toward affordable, modern and sustainable energy to increase the renewable energy share in the mix of global energy. As stated by Lan-yue et al., (2017), greater than 40% of the population in the world depend on polluting and unhealthy fuel for cooking and these populations are based mainly in the least developed countries where there is a lack of access toward the modern energy sources to people. The author has also explained that in spite of the rapid urbanization in these countries, the majority of the people reside in rural areas. The energy consumption in the LDCs is much lower as compared to the industrial and developing nations. In the year 2017, the energy consumption in Ethiopia was recorded to be 3 GJ/ capita whereas in Zambia it was recorded to be 11GJ/capita. 

As explained by Kumar et al. (2016), in the LDCs, the sluggish structural transformation would need a radical change in the pattern of energy consumption. This depicts there can be a major expansion of demand for productive purposes and a shift toward the use of modern energy in the LDCs. over the last few years, the deployment of the alternative energy has accelerated worldwide and this trend is likely to be continued in the upcoming years. As per the estimation of the International Energy Agency, the alternative energy sources account for two-thirds of the new net capacity additions. As per the statement of Dyatlov et al. (2020) studied to build this alternative energy sources assignment, in the LDCs, the penetration of the non-hydro renewables is an incipient phenomenon still now. The non-hydro renewables are confined to smaller-scale plants. On the other hand, the author has also demonstrated that in the past few years, wind farms and utility-scale solar farms have emerged in various LDCs such as Ethiopia, Senegal and Laos. However, with the enhancement of the momentum of this trend and the reduction of the cost of alternative energy technologies, the LDCs are required to make some strategic considerations. 

As per the statement of Hossain et al. (2017), it is mentioned in the alternative energy sources assignment that LDCs are currently greatly focusing on implementing alternative energy sources. The statement is further supported by the fact that in the year 2016, LDCs have imported power generating equipment and machinery that have cost about $5.5 billion. It has been also evidenced in the context of alternative energy sources assignment that 47% of this equipment and machinery are imported from the South-South Trade while 18% have been grown between 2000-2016. In recent research Rostami et al., (2017) has mentioned that no LDC has implemented marine power as a source of energy. This indicates that the LDCs provide greater priority to the commercially viable technologies over the alternatives that are less mature and needs greater research and development. 

Bioenergy generation and medium-sized hydro energy generation has been popular in many LDCs in East Africa. Sharvini et al., (2018) identified that the net installed capacity among the LDCs has grown to 500MW that indicates the capacity has doubled between 2009 and 2016. Among the different LDCs, the use of bioenergy is highest in Uganda followed by Sudan and the United Republic of Tanzania. The growth of the wind technologies in the LDCs is also strong as reported by Romano et al. (2017), the author has explained that the application of the wind technologies has surpassed 500GWh in the year 2014. The use of wind technologies has been prevalent in Ethiopia. Currently, Ethiopia has three wind farms and five farms are being constructed.

2.3 The current status of Solar power use as an electricity source in the least developed country
As stated by Adewuyi and Awodumi (2017) in regards to the alternative energy sources assignment, the recent advancement in the technologies along with the mounting consciousness regarding the changes in the climate has stimulated a growing interest in the opportunities that are offered by the alternative energy technologies in the developing countries as well as the least developed countries (LDCs). In the 22nd conference of the parties to the UNFCCC, the achievement of the 100% alternative energy by the year 2050 is pledged by Climate Vulnerable Forum. The Climate Vulnerable Forum incorporated 24 LDCs. for the achievement of the goal by 2050, almost half of the 47 LDCs in the world has considered to transit to a low carbon power sector with a long-term strategic objective defined in the alternative energy sources assignment. These LDCs also include the island LDCs that are highly dependent on the generation of fossil fuel (Ciriminna et al., 2016). Countries such as Uganda, Mozambique, and s Lao People’s Democratic Republic are investing in the experiments to deploy renewable-based energy generation technologies. Although the prevalence of the large hydro plants is greater across the LDCs, acceleration in the uptake of solar energy is also increasing across LDCs. 

Figure.3: Net capacity additions for renewable-based generations in LDCs (2001-2016)
(Source: Unctad.org. 2020)

The net capacity of the additions using solar energy technology has enhanced greatly since 2010. In between 2000 and 2016, the number of LDCs that reported the capacity of solar energy has risen from 10 to 40. However, the total generation of solar energy technologies has enhanced to 446 GWh from 6 GWh. Bangladesh is the leading country in adopting and applying solar energy technologies to provide electricity to the population. According to Bazen et al. (2018), half of the total output of Bangladesh results from the widespread utilization of the PV generations and solar home systems. Among the other countries, Nepal, Uganda, Angola, and Mauritania represent greater adoption of solar energy technologies in providing electricity to the rural regions. As stated by Hadwan and Alkholidi (2016), in the LDCs such as Nepal, Uganda, and Bangladesh, the solar PV systems can be categorized into different types such as the solar home system (SHS), small solar home system (SSHS), community solar PV systems (CSHS), and institutional solar PV systems (ISPS). SHS is the electricity supply system for household energy consumption that includes a PV panel capacity of 10 Watts. On the other hand, it is also stated in the alternative energy sources assignment that the SHSH are solar energy systems with battery charge controlling system. CSHS provide Solar PV powered water pumping system that can also be used in the households. The ISPS are used in public institutions like religious institutions, health care facilities and schools. As explained by Washburn and Pablo-Romero (2019), among the different types of PV systems, in the majority of the LDCs, the most popular PV system is the SHS. 

2.4 Feasibility of implementing solar energy as a source of electricity in the least developing countries
Based on the view of Rosas-Flores et al., (2016) considered in the alternative energy sources assignment, the use of solar energy is not so popular in least developed countries as high level investment is essential here but the use of biomass is gradually increasing. According to the report of United Nations, it is clear that although the solar energy system has high capital cost, the technique has been used as cheaper alternative sources as after implementing the system electricity can be provided at low cost. Hence, the initial investment of the solar energy is high but subsequent cost is not high. Hence, use of solar energies in least developed countries can be feasible if initial cost can afford by the government. For instance, the government of Burundi has adopted steps to set up solar plant and the country has aim to establish the plant having capacity 7.5 MW (Renewable Energy World, 2020). This project examined in the sections of alternative energy sources assignment is first grid connected solar project and the same has been developed by Independent Power Producer and the Burundi government has strong belief that this project would provide effective result. The success of the project would fulfil electricity requirements of near about 87600 people of Burundi and business environment of the country would be developed.

Considering another example of Sierra Leone, it can be stated that the implementation of solar energy project in that country is feasible. This is because; The International Finance Corporation has agreed to provide financial support to the country to implement the project of solar energy. The investment of 40 million US dollar would help the nation to provide 50MW electricity within one or two years. As depicted by Munro et al., (2016), Sierra Leone is a country of Africa that has very low access to electricity and under these circumstances, the help of International Finance Corporation would enhance standard of living of Sierra Leone. Considering the examples of two countries, it can be stated in the alternative energy sources assignment that the government initiative and the assistance of United Nations is gradually increasing for ensuring the use of solar energy in least developing countries. The financial assistance from United Nations would help to enhance use of solar energy in least developed countries. Burundi Government has adopted the project based on its own funds and the success of the project would help to develop lifestyle of the nation.

According to the point of view of Mas’ud et al., (2016), it has been identified in this alternative energy sources assignment that Africa is one of the sunniest continent throughout the globe and this is why African countries can easily get benefits if they can implement project of solar energy. Continuing in the same vein Wydra et al., (2019), have stated that the financial help from IMF or IFC would help to adopt initiative to implement solar energy project successfully. As Africa consists 7 of the 10 sunniest nations in the world, 85% African land receives more than 2200 kilowatt-hour solar energy that is a bit high as compared to the other African countries like Botswana, Mauritius and South Africa (Africa Renewal. 2020). Based on the view of Uihlein and Magagna, (2016), it is identified in this segment of alternative energy sources assignment that African countries have great potentiality to develop their performance regarding solar energy project and the analysis of feasibility study depicts that the financial assistance from developed countries can ensure the implementation of solar energy project successfully. Least developed nations of Asia including Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan have adopted the initiative to implement solar energy project successfully. The First project of solar energy in Bhutan would be installation of 30MW solar energy and that would provide benefits to the people of Singkhar.

2.5 The barriers to the development of alternative energy-based technologies in the least developed countries
As mentioned by Ghimire and Kim (2018), inadequate technology and lack of proper infrastructure both are responsible to the development of solar energy system in least developed nations including Burundi, Sierra Leone and so on. For instance, in case of Canada, technological barrier has been considered as main issue for investing in wind generated electricity. Although, Canada is a developed nation, lack of technological development has created barriers in case of using all alternative energy sources equally. According to Strupeit and Palm (2016), it is illustrated in the alternative energy sources assignment that lack of well-trained person is the key barrier to the development of alternative energy-based technologies in least developed countries. In case of hiring well-trained person, it is essential to make investment and this not affordable to the government of less developed countries. Furthermore, education level of different least developed nations including Burundi, Zimbabwe are not very high and this is why alternative energy based technologies cannot be implemented successfully. In this context of alternative energy sources assignment, it can be said that majority of renewable energy based technologies are imported and it has created cost of implementing technology. Hence, it is not possible to the less developed countries to afford imported technologies.

On the other side, it is also identified by Sen and Ganguly (2017) in regards to the alternative energy sources assignment, lack of physical facilities for the transmission and distribution networks is core barrier to the development of alternative energy sources in least developed countries. Uihlein and Magagna, (2016), have stated that locally produced spare parts can be easily used but that cannot provide successful result in solar energy project application. Hence, it is essential to import quality technology from developed nations and the government of least developed countries needs to take assistance from United Nations for implementing solar energy project successfully. Although, International Energy Agency has stated that renewable energy technologies are only solution for reducing over dependency on fossil fuel, the lack of physical facilities of spare parts, poor education level and lack of well-trained persons are primary limitations in case of considering alternative energy based technologies in the least developed countries.

As depicted by Conteh et al., (2019), it is difficult to the least developed countries to focus on the high level investment. This is because in case of hiring well trained and knowledgeable person it is important to deal with developed countries including the USA, the UK. The implementation of solar energy project is a comprehensive work as technological development is important to implement a project. Nevertheless, least developed countries of African continent have strong chances to overcome issues in the development in solar energy project. As mentioned by Grágeda et al., (2016), the most important infrastructural barrier in case of renewable energy technology expansion is ineffective connectivity to the grid. In this case of alternative energy sources assignment, energy has been transported from the point of production to the consumption point and here high level transmission loss has been found.

2.6 The ways in which alternative energy sources like solar energy can be better tapped by the least developed countries
As mentioned by Rosas-Flores et al., (2016), it has been identified in this section of alternative energy sources assignment that initiative of enhancing the use of alternative energy sources by the government of least developed countries would help countries to enhance their performance. Alternative energy sources are essential to use for fulfilling high demand of electricity and fuel of people. The first way by which less developed countries can enhance the use of solar energy is collaboration with national level as well as local level stakeholders. The reason is it would help to identify jointly opportunities for making energy services more affordable and accessible. As mentioned by Ghimire and Kim (2018), Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency both are having vital roles in case of rapid transformation of the energy sectors of emerging, industrialized and emerging countries. Almost 79 developing and least developed countries have acknowledged the importance of alternative energy sources and this is why the policy of technological transfer has become more important to the developing countries (Hoffmann et al., 2019). Hence, it is clear on this alternative energy sources assignment that development of the strategy of technological transfer would help the least developed countries to enhance use of solar energy system.

As opined by Pizarro-Alonso et al., (2018), combustible fuel based generation has been used by Least developed countries to enhance implementation of solar energy system effectively. This initiative has been adopted by different least developed countries including Burundi but this process is not properly followed by all least developed countries. As per the investigation on alternative energy sources assignment, Solar energy has been considered as an effective alternative energy source, which may be of two types including solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy (Kabir et al., 2018). The solar photovoltaic technique is most effective electricity transmission technique as it helps to convert solar energy to current directly. On the other side, solar thermal energy has been used in case of industrial purposes and this is costly technique. At the preliminary stage, least developed countries need to focus on the development of solar photovoltaic technique and subsequently consideration of solar thermal energy would help to enhance use of solar energy system successfully. In order to develop the use of solar energy, it is important to focus on the technological development and for this reason adopting the policy of technology transfer is important. This would help to the lest developed countries to enhance their position in terms of developing use of solar energy.

2.7 Conceptual Framework

Figure 4: Conceptual Framework
(Source Developed by Learner)

2.8 Literature Gap
The research papers and articles that have been reviewed in this chapter of alternative energy sources assignment include useful information regarding the trends of using alternative sources in the least developed countries. The previous research has focused more on the other alternative sources such as hydropower, wind energy and incorporate less information on the emergence of solar power as a major source of electricity. The challenges faced in using the alternative energy sources are also explained, however, lacks specifications for understanding the barriers in relation to solar power use. Moreover, it even showed the utilisation of the solar renewable within the developing countrues along with the inclusion of barriers. Therefore, there exists a gap in the literature that can be fulfilled by investigating the feasibility of implementing solar power technologies for providing electricity in the LDCs and the related challenges and solutions. 

2.9 Summary
Based on the overall discussion of the literature review performed in the alternative energy sources assignment, it has been identified that alternative energy sources are not properly used by the least developed nations throughout the globe. The government of Burundi has adopted the initiative to implement a project of 7.5MW solar plant and the government of Sierra Leone has obtained financial help from the IFC to complete a project regarding development of solar plant. Technological transfer and considering combustible fuel based generation can help the least developed countries to over the barriers of implementing solar energy project. In order to overcome technological barriers, it is essential to the least developed nations to import high quality technology from developed nations.

3. Methodology
3.0 Introduction
As explained by Johnston (2017), Research methodology is the particular technique or procedure that is utilized for the recognition, choice, processing and analysis of the information regarding a specific subject or topic. In research projects, the choice of proper methods allows the researchers to ensure the overall reliability, sufficiency and validity of the research. The present chapter of this research project explored in the segments of alternative energy sources assignment identifies various methodological options for conducting the research and justifies the reason behind the selected methods. The chapter also outlines the ethical considerations made during the commencement of the research. The validity and reliability of the research on alternative energy sources assignment are also explained in this chapter. 

3.1 Method Outline
For conducting the research on alternative energy sources assignment on the analysis of alternative energy in the least developed countries, the researcher has selected a secondary research method for the ease of the data collection process. The different layers of the research onion have been followed while making the choice regarding the research methodology. To support this type of research on alternative energy sources assignment, interpretivism research philosophy, deductive research approach, and exploratory research design had been chosen. The researcher had applied a non-probability sampling technique to collect secondary data from the 5 journal articles and 20 other supportive journal articles relevant to the subject. These journals were chosen as based upon the topic that consisted of the appropriate data and information and this data were compared with the different sources and the authentic in formations were taken. To ensure the relevance, validity and sufficiency of the research, the researcher has ensured the data collection process is appropriate. The researcher has ensured to consider the ethical principles along the course of the research process. 

3.2 Research Onion

Figure.5: Research Onion
(Source: Saunders et al., 2009)

3.3 Research Philosophy 
The belief regarding the method of data collection in research as well as the method for the analysis and utilization of the findings of the research can be regarded as research philosophy. According to Noordin and Masrek, (2016), the concerns regarding the source, type and the way in which knowledge can be developed are encompassed in research philosophy. This demonstrates that in the context of research on alternative energy sources assignment, philosophy relates to the belief regarding the process of collecting information regarding a topic followed by its assessment and utilization to answer the research questions. The major types of research philosophy are the interpretivism, realism and positivism (Ryan, 2018.). The core belief of the interpretivism research philosophy is that only subjective interpretation and intervention can be useful in order to understand reality. However, realism research philosophy depends on the belief that the reality is independent of the human mind and it can be assumed that a scientific approach can develop knowledge regarding a specific subject. The positivism research philosophy depends on the collection of factual knowledge with the usage of measurements. For the present research on alternative energy sources assignment, the research had chosen the interpretivism research philosophy.

3.3.1 Justification of the selection of philosophy
The interpretivism research philosophy allows the researchers to understand the various components of the research and thereby it associates the human interest into the research on alternative energy sources assignment. The major assumption of the interpretivism is that the access to the reality can be achieved with social constructions like instruments, shared meaning, consciousness and language and this assumption has helped in assuming the various elements in the present research. Following the interpretivism research philosophy for alternative energy sources assignment, the researcher was able to understand the importance of appreciating the difference between the people, which was necessary for the present research.

3.4 Research Approach
As explained by Osman et al., (2018), the research approach is the process or intent that incorporates the different stages of inclusive presumption regarding the method for gathering information, analysing the collected information and interpretation from the findings collected from the alternative energy sources assignment. The author has further emphasized that the research approach depends greatly on the nature of the research problem in particular research. There are mainly three types of research approaches that are used in research projects and these are the abductive, inductive and deductive research approaches. In the view of Lipscomb (2019), Deductive research approach relies on the existing theory for the development of a hypothesis, which is tested, with the design of a proper research strategy. On the other hand, in the inductive research approach, the research on alternative energy sources assignment is started with the observations and the theories are developed at the end of the research process based on the outcomes of the observations. In an abductive research approach, depends on the pragmatic perspectives and overcome the weaknesses of the abductive and inductive approaches. For the present research on alternative energy sources assignment, the researcher chose the inductive research approach. 

3.4.1 Justification of the selection of Approach
As the inductive research approach enables the researchers to focus on the individual behaviour, the selection of this approach can ensure robustness, emergence and resilience. Additionally, the inductive approach has seemed to be suitable for conducting the present research as it allowed the researcher to observe the different variables included in the research and to develop a particular theory based on the observation. Due to the secondary nature of the research, the other research approaches have seemed to be inappropriate in this research. 

3.5 Research Design 
Sulis and Toland, (2017) have defined the research design and the whole process of research starting from the conceptualization of a problem to the framing of the research questions, collection of data, data analysis, explaining the findings and writing the report regarding the research. The research design can also be regarded as the logical sequence that interlinks the initial research questions to the empirical data for eventually leading toward a conclusion. There are three major types of research design that are generally used in this type of research project; Explanatory, Descriptive and Exploratory research design. Descriptive research design is the method that is used for describing the characteristics of a phenomenon or population that is studied in research (Cox and Battey, 2017). The Exploratory research design, on the other hand, is the process that is used for investigating a problem that is not previously investigated. However, the explanatory research design approaches a research problem that requires priorities and develops operational definition to provide a better-researched model. The researcher, in the present study, has used the exploratory design.

3.5.1 Justification of the selection of Design
In the present research on alternative energy sources assignment, exploratory research has been chosen as it increases the adaptability and flexibility to change. The researcher had identified that this particular type of design is effective in developing the groundwork based on which future studies can be led. In addition, as this design helps in determining the type of research in the earlier stage it is useful in saving time as well as other resources. Therefore, the choice of the research design for this research on alternative energy sources assignment was justified. 

3.6 Data Collection and analysis
According to Williams and Shepherd (2017), data collection relates to the procedure of gathering data from the sources that are relevant and valid for finding answers to the research questions, hypothesis testing and evaluating the research findings of alternative energy sources assignment. There are two types of data collection procedures namely primary and secondary data collection procedures. Primary data collection concerns on gathering information from the direct sources. Secondary data collection method aims to gather information from the already published sources such as books, journals, magazines, online portals and newspapers. For conducting the present research, the secondary research method has been chosen. This particular data collection method had been chosen for the ease of access to the sources and the cost-effectiveness of the data collection process. As the present research on alternative energy sources assignment was based on studying the effectiveness of solar power in providing electricity in different least developed countries, it could have been very difficult to conduct the research with the primary research method. Therefore, the choice of the secondary research method is justified for the present research. According to Prada-Ramallal et al., (2018), the process of data analysis relates to the inspection, transformation, cleansing and modelling of data to discover useful information that can inform conclusion and support the process of decision-making. From the analysis of the collected data from the secondary sources, the researcher has used the thematic analysis technique. 

3.7 Population and Sampling 
The research population is the collection of objects or individuals on which the scientific query is focused (Etikan and Bala, 2017). Sample relates to the group of items, objects or people that are chosen from a large population for collecting data (Bacher, 2019). In this secondary research, 5 core research papers had been chosen for developing 5 themes that were subjected to thematic analysis. Additionally, to compare and contrast the findings from these studies, 20 more peer-reviewed journal articles were selected. Among the probability and non-probability sampling techniques, the latter technique was chosen as it enables to select objects or items based on availability. 

3.8 Ethical Considerations
During the commencement of the research, the researcher has focused on the relevance of the sources from which the data have been collected. The concerns regarding the intellectual property of the studies have been considered by the researcher. While incorporating the previous studies in the present research, it is important to ensure that the sources are properly referenced and cited (Akaranga and Makau, 2016). In the present research, the researcher has followed this ethical consideration and this process has minimized the risk of plagiarism issues and intellectual property issues. For maintaining the research ethics used in the alternative energy sources assignment, the researcher has ensured that further analysis of the chosen papers is appropriate. In secondary data collection, researchers can identify valuable sources that are subjected to copyright (Pietilä et al., 2020). In such cases, the researcher had collected the permission from the authors of the reports, books and articles to maintain the research ethics and increase the research reliability. However, questionnaire was formed by the researchers for the authors that consisted of their consent regarding the share of the information and data within the articles.

3.9 Sufficiency, validity, and reliability
According to Mohajan (2017), the validity of particular research is ensured by the truthfulness of the research findings whereas reliability refers to the stability of the research. In the present research on alternative energy sources assignment, the validity and reliability have been maintained with the incorporation of reliable and valid sources for data collection and the choice of appropriate research methods to support the research problem. The sample size and the exploratory research design were very effective and suitable in relation to the research question. Therefore, the research method had been considered as sufficient for the present research. 

3.10 Summary
The chapter of alternative energy sources assignment has highlighted the different methodological choices made by the researcher for ensuring that the reliability and validity of the research are high. Justification regarding the choice of the interpretivism research philosophy, inductive research approach and exploratory research design. Additionally, the reason behind the choice of the secondary data collection method has also been provided in the chapter. The sampling technique used in the alternative energy sources assignment applied during the collection of data from the population is explained and the reason behind the choice is also described. During the course of the research on alternative energy sources assignment, the researcher has considered the research ethics that have been mentioned in this chapter.

4. Research Activity
In the view of Wang (2016), the secondary research method is the method wherein the already existing data from the previous research papers, books, and journal articles are used for collecting data. According to Sherif (2018), the overall effectiveness of the research can be increased with the incorporation of the already existing data in the research. Therefore, the secondary research method had been used for the present research on alternative energy sources assignment. During the commencement of the research activities, it has been identified by research reports, published research materials such as peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports are useful sources of information that can be used in secondary research on alternative energy sources assignment. The availability of the articles is another biggest concern for the researcher. The researcher, in the present research, was determined to include the peer-reviewed journal articles. For this purpose, search in the online research databases such as Google Scholar and EBSCO were done. The research had applied a search strategy to collect relevant and valid journal articles. For developing the search strategy the researcher had developed keywords such as “LDCs”, “Alternative energy”, “Solar power”, “electricity provision”. The keywords along with the used separators were used for finding relevant journal articles from the databases. 

According to Mourão et al. (2017), the researchers must ensure that recent articles are used for secondary research as it can increase the validity and reliability of the study. Therefore, the researcher has used a timeframe of 5 years while collecting journal articles from the search databases. A large number of papers were gained from the databases by the implementation of the keywords and timeframe. In this situation, the researcher was responsible to identify the relevance of the papers to the present research problem. For this purpose, the researcher has viewed the Title and Abstract of the research articles and rejected the articles that were irrelevant to the topic. In the next stage of the secondary data collection, the researcher ensured that access to the full articles was available. A few useful journal articles and books were also identified that needed access permission from the authors and for accessing the full papers and books, the researcher had requested permission to the authors to include them in the present research on alternative energy sources assignment. The journal articles for which the full paper could not be accessed were excluded from the research. Finally, the researcher had selected 5 core journal articles to develop 5 themes. 20 other research papers were also selected for supporting the findings from the 5 research articles used in the themes. 

For the analysis of the secondary data performed in the alternative energy sources assignment, the thematic analysis had been used. As stated by Belotto (2018), thematic analysis can be regarded as a systematic approach to organize and breakdown data collected from the secondary sources. Themes were developed based on the practice, needs, beliefs and phenomenon discovered in the research. The process of thematic analysis done in this alternative energy sources assignment has made the research process more flexible and cost-effective. The next chapter of the research includes the findings and thematic analysis of the secondary data.

5. Results and analysis
5.0 Introduction
The present section of alternative energy sources assignment aims to discuss the findings rather than evaluating and interpreting the same along with providing a direction for the respective section based on the particular research paper. The present research on alternative energy sources assignment highlights thematic analysis as it can allow the flexibility for interpretation of the data along with allowing the approach for larger sets of data to sort with broader themes. Nevertheless, as opined by Chernysheva et al., (2019), it can also involve the risk of missing the nuances within the data. This is considered as the common form of analysis based on qualitative research and can emphasize within identification; analysis and interpretation of the patterns for the qualitative data. 

5.1 Thematic analysis 
5.1.1 Theme 1: Barriers to the development of alternative energy-based technologies, including solar energy, in the Least Developed Countries (LDC)
According to Moorthy et al., (2019), within the beginning of the 21st century, the concern for renewable resources has been considered to be an important area for research among scientists. Nevertheless, besides the implementation of convincing and practical technologies on renewable energy, the process discussed in the current scenario of alternative energy sources assignment based on changing the use of people towards the non-renewable sources of energy is considered to be quite slow along with being uncertain especially within the developing nations. The use of alternative technologies based on energy is known to be a necessity for the socio-economic and physical development within urban and rural settings. However, being a major contributor to the energy within the global energy mix the fossil fuels have been the main contributor for the higher levels based on the emissions of carbon dioxide within the atmosphere. 

As stated by Li et al., (2020), access over sustainable energy is referred to as the leading factors which are able to contribute towards the variations within the least developed and developing countries. Because of the growth in making use of conventional sources based on energy like fossil fuels that are radioactive oil; gas; coal along with the other alternative technologies related to energy like solar energy, efforts are directed for reducing the dependence within these resources through the increase of renewable energy supply consisting of a little impact. According to the International Energy Agency, it is stated in this alternative energy sources assignment that renewable energy-based technologies seems to be the sole solution for the reduction of the over-reliance for the global use of fossil fuels and this can also help the least developed countries being cost-effective solution as well.

However, as stated by Padmanathan et al., (2019), there have been several barriers to the development of renewable energy-based technologies such as solar energy and most of the individuals are found to attribute towards their reluctance for adaptation of the technologies with renewable energy-related to other different categories of the barriers.

Figure.6: Barriers to the development of alternative energy-based technologies
(Source: Padmanathan et al., 2019)

Regulatory and political barriers

Lack of regulations and policies favouring the development based on the technologies of renewable energy might create hinder for these technologies. Based on the nature of renewable energy structures explored in the alternative energy sources assignment, the market of renewable energy might require clear policies along with the legal procedures for increasing the interest of the investors. This happens due to the enabled policies which create predictable and stable environments of investment for helping to overcome the barriers along with ensuring the predictable streams of project revenue. On the other hand, as evidenced by Elavarasan, (2020), there are certain regulatory measures like the codes and standards, which enhance the adoption based on renewable technologies of energy through the reduction of regulatory and technological risks; these mainly comprises of the investments within these types of projects. Nevertheless, within the least developed countries like Burundi, there have been no complete declarations of policy for renewable energy as most of the renewable energy technologies within the country tend to remain for advancement stage. On the other hand, as evidenced by Majid, (2020), it has been evidenced in the alternative energy sources assignment that the adoption of renewable energy within Sub-Saharan Africa along with several other countries within the region consists of distinctive policies of national renewable energy while the regional policies have not been formed totally due to the unsuitable approach of implementation.

Technological barriers

As put forward by Fashina et al., (2019), the technological barriers for the development of renewable energy involve the inadequacy of technology along with the lack of the necessary infrastructure for supporting the technologies. For instance, it has been evidenced from the research on alternative energy sources assignment that in Canada, the technology has been identified being the major barriers for willingness for investing within the electricity which is wind-generated. This is also considered to be specifically true for the cases where the core technology of renewable energy which is not provided within most of the places and is also not sustained within the areas which are present in the least developed countries specifically the Sub-Saharan Africa and Nepal as well. These countries and regions depicted in the alternative energy sources assignment tend to face a lack in the trained personnel for training along with maintaining as well as operating the structures of renewable energy especially within those countries, which comprises of the levels of lower education; people seem to be unwilling to import the technologies due to the fear of failure. However, as opposed by Higueras-Castillo et al., (2019), lack within the physical facilities is also a concern for the distribution and transmission networks along with the equipment as well as necessary services regarding the power organisations, which is a major challenge of infrastructure for the least developed countries for the development of renewable energy. Most of the respective equipment is generally not available within these countries and needs to be imported through the industrialised nations as well. 

Figure.7: Dependence of imported technology for alternative energy
(Source: Unctad.org. 2020)

Financial and economic barriers

The economic status; initial capital and transaction costs as well as the availability of the subsidies and incentives seem to be significant factors outlined in the alternative energy sources assignment, which determine the rate of the technological adoptions of renewable energy. The initial capital cost is known to be higher in comparison with the conventional energy sources that eventually raise the generation cost of renewable energy. According to Bhattacharyya, (2019), as the producers are found to have preference over keeping the initial costs of investment at a lower rate whereas; higher costs of investments and maximisation of profits tends to remain an important barrier for the implementation of the sustainable solutions of renewable energy. For instance, most of the least developed countries such as Zambia, lack adequate technologies through renewable resources and are known to rely upon imports through industrialised nations. 

The costs of initial investments tend to be higher and discourage the potential investors due to the higher expense of imported technologies through the developed and technologically innovative countries in comparison with the technologies, which are made locally. Moreover, as stated by Kabel and Bassim, (2020), it is provided in the alternative energy sources assignment that the economic status of the country is considered to determine the adoption level of renewable energy. For example, because of the poor conditions of the economy within the least developed countries such as Burundi, there has been a great distortion for the market of renewable energy. Tanzania is one of the examples where the rural communities are known to earn a low income whereas, the prices of the solar power systems have remained to be higher and thus, is unaffordable for most of the households.

5.1.2 Theme 2: Comparison of the extent to which alternative energy sources, including solar energy, are currently being utilized within LDCs
The initiative of energy efficiency and renewable energy within the least developed countries seems to be a strategic framework. This can help in driving a transformative change over the sectors and the platforms regarding the sharing experiences; disseminating knowledge and the best practices for reaching the universal access to energy along with the acceleration of the transition for renewable energy and the energy efficiency within all the least developed countries. More specifically, as per the views of Ren, (2020), the respective initiative focuses on the development and acceleration of the implementation based on national renewable energy as well as the policies of energy efficiency. These initiatives illustrated in the alternative energy sources assignment can also collaborate with the national; regional and the local stakeholders for jointly identifying the opportunities for making the energy services much more accessible along with being affordable regarding the productive uses and social services like health and education as well as to promote the gender equality and empowerment of women. 

As most of the least developed countries tend to invest within the wind, solar and geothermal resources of energy, their dependence within natural gas and oil might be reduced. However, considering its expense for the energy of fossil fuel systems as well as grid electricity, it has been evidenced in the alternative energy sources assignment that the least developed countries like Zambia, have shifted to consumption of solar energy as an alternative source of energy, for various purposes. This is mainly owing to the easy availability and almost nil operating costs to be borne by the government after the initial installation charges and processes. As opined by Somorin et al., (2019), the shift of this country towards renewable energy has come through the demand of the powers, which cannot be met through the recent infrastructure along with a reliance on fossil fuels. However, the government has also been known to promise for all the households of the respective country, which might have a constant and reliable source of power within 2019 along with the expansion of the manufacturing capabilities within the country. Hence, as stated by Nastasi, (2019) in context of alternative energy sources assignment, solar energy seems to be a big player along with the announcement of the government for the target of 175GW for renewable energy within 2022; 100GW of which might come through this solar. This can eventually create important jobs within the country, however, can also allow the citizens with greater control within the power supply specifically for the remote and rural regions of the country.

Figure.8: Global power generating capacity
(Source: Nastasi, 2019)

On the other hand, as argued by Stevovi? et al., (2019) on the case scenario of alternative energy sources assignment, some other least developed countries like Sierra Leone, have also been found to lead the way for renewable energy of geothermal power and however, recently consisting of the largest installed capacity within 200MW. This is also known to lead the world within the number of solar power systems which have been installed per capita with 20,000 and above smaller solar panels that are sold within the country annually. Most of the citizens are found to invest within the respective panels that might be used for charging the batteries of the cars along with running later the televisions and lamps as compared with forking the higher costs for connecting with the grid of national electricity.

Recently, the largest producer of the world along with the user of renewable energy technology, China has been asserting its commitment for the reduction of its reliance upon coal through the consumption, which has already started, to decline. Based on the views of Johannsen et al., (2020), within the year of 2030, the Chinese government is known to create the target of 20% for the total consumption of energy which might be from the non-fossil fuels and with the wind as well as solar energy. Due to the increase within the non-renewable resources such as fuels, petrol and similar others, the cost is also known to be very high which a major downfall for the least developed countries is. Coal can be an alternate solution for these countries but the availability of coal is very low within the least developed countries, which necessitate these countries to move towards the development of an alternative solution regarding energy-based technology. 

Nevertheless, it has been evidenced in the alternative energy sources assignment that the recent political situation of the least developed countries like Zambia that is lack within the central governance has made it perfect for the implementation of the renewable power of energy, which is controlled as well as managed through the local people. Similarly, as put forward by Pr?v?lie et al., (2019), the water is also known to be diverted within the smaller-scale hydro-plants for driving the turbines that create the electricity for the villages. Recently, the energy of these countries is known to undergo political turbulence while making renewable the obvious solution regarding all the people for being in control of their own resources. On the other hand, it is also stated in this alternative energy sources assignment wind power is also considered to consist of a greater potential within the upland areas of the respective country, however, over the transportation costs, maintenance and installation need higher initial costs as compared with the other renewable resources. The feasibility of this for a longer-term may depend within the price related to the fossil fuels, which is replacing the investors along with finding the new ones for making this happen.

5.1.3 Theme 3: Comparison of trends and feasibility for tapping solar energy within the LDC
As per the investigation on alternative energy sources assignment, from the last several years, an enhancement in the demand for energy has been encountered worldwide due to the increased industrialization, improvement of the living standard growing population. As per the estimation of the International Energy Agency, the energy consumptions among the developed countries have increased at a faster pace as compared to the developing and least developed countries and therefore they are determined to double the energy generation capacity by 2020. In such situations, the concentration of the low energy generation capacity has shifted toward the least developed countries (LDCs). In recent research on alternative energy sources assignment, Hussain et al., (2017) have mentioned that about two-thirds of the population in the LDCs reside in rural areas. In some of the LDCs such as Haiti, Sao Tome, Mauritania, Gambia, Djibouti, Tuvalu and Principe the proportion of people living in the rural areas in below 50%. Therefore, the population living in rural regions are unable to access modern energy technologies and utilizing the traditional source of energy for meeting their daily requirements regarding energy. However, the author has also demonstrated that after the identification of the negative influence of using the traditional energy sources such as wood, coal, petroleum for home heating, cooking, food processing and electricity, LDCs are now focusing on the implementation of the alternative sources of energy. 

Figure.9: Average Capacity factors in LDCs by renewable technology
(Source: Unctad.org. 2020)

The trend of the utilization of solar energy as an alternative source of energy is prevalent in a number of countries such as Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Cote d’Ivoire. Pandey et al., (2016), has identified that in 5-20% of the LDCs, the solar energy projects had been implemented by 2017, while the wind energy projects had been implemented in 10-36% of the LDCs.

Pandey et al., (2016), has further demonstrated that after the oil crisis around the world, solar energy in particular for useful applications in LDCs. The idea regarding the usage of solar energy for electricity depicted in the alternative energy sources assignment has compelled the policymakers and scientists around the LDCs to emphasize on various ways to harness solar energy in a more efficient and effective way. The major LDCs such as Burundi, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh has focused on the utilization of two different types of solar energy trapping that are solar thermal route and solar electricity using the solar photovoltaic (PV). The emerging trends of using solar energy for electricity have further driven advancements in solar PV systems. In the markets of the LDCs, various types of PV materials are now available.

Figure.10: Installation of Solar Home Systems in Bangladesh
(Source: Hossain et al., 2017)

 In Bangladesh, the trend of renewable energy is highly shifted from the utilization of tidal power and biogas toward the utilization of solar energy. The study of Hossain et al., considered in the present alternative energy sources assignment (2017) has identified that in this LDC, the installation of the solar home system has encountered a tremendous increase in the past few years while the number of biogas plants developed has decreased. Current statistics of Bangladesh observed in the context of alternative energy sources assignment indicate that around 5.2 million small-scale solar home systems are able to provide electricity to about 12% of the people living in the country.

Figure.11: Construction of biogas plants in Bangladesh 
(Source: Hossain et al., 2017)

In a recent study conducted by Benti and Tadesse, (2017), regarding the feasibility of the solar system in Ethiopia, it has been evidenced in this alternative energy sources assignment that a huge utilizable solar energy is available in different sites of the country that can be trapped, for reducing the electric load, to meet the basic needs of the community. However, the author has also demonstrated that the implementation of the solar PV system is costly as compared to the current global electricity tariff and the country’s electricity tariff. As per the finding of the research conducted by Benti and Tadesse (2017), the PV system is found to have a cost of energy around $12.09/kWh that is much higher as compared to the global electricity tariff. However, the author has explained in regards to the alternative energy sources assignment that this initial cost must not be regarded as a decisive factor considering the electricity shortage and the absence of electricity in rural regions of Ethiopia.

Figure.12: Monthly mean daily solar irradiance on the plane of PV array in Ethiopia
(Source: Benti and Tadesse, 2017)

In recent research on alternative energy sources assignment, Lawin et al., (2019) have mentioned that the most important variables that regulate the feasibility of solar energy technologies are the surface air temperature and solar irradiance. The power output of the solar PV systems is proportionally related to the changes in solar radiation. The author in this research on alternative energy sources assignment has explained the trends of solar irradiance in Burundi. The findings of the research indicate that in the dry season the country can access an excess of solar irradiance while the highest value is achieved in the month of July. For the decreasing trend of solar irradiance, the implementation of solar energy technologies in providing electricity in Burundi is therefore less. Large hydro plants are the backbone of the energy generation mix in Burundi as well as other LDCs such as Rwanda and Cambodia. 

5.1.4 Theme 4: Comparison of the benefits of utilizing alternative energy sources within the LDCs
Alternative energy such as the hydropower, biogas, geothermal energy, wind energy, solar energy, and marine power are becoming an emerging trend across the Least developed countries. The alternative energy sources are highly beneficial for the LDCs as this is a sustainable option utilizing which the countries can increase the electricity among the population especially in the rural regions. The alternative energy sources are economically and environmentally beneficial as the production of such energy does not cause the emission of Greenhouse Gas that is the major problem of using traditional energy sources such as fossil fuel. Additionally, in the case of the LDCs, that are economically backward, import of the fossil fuel for electricity is very costly. In such situation as portrayed in the alternative energy sources assignment, alternative energy sources help in the diversification of the energy supply and thereby decrease the dependence on the improved fuels. According to Enteria et al. (2016), it is provided in this alternative energy sources assignment that development of the alternative energy technologies in the LDCs increases the opportunity of economic development through the enhancement of the job opportunities in various aspects such as manufacturing of the technologies, installation of the alternative energy technologies in the homes. 

Figure.13: Power generation mix in LDCs
(Source: Unctad.org. 2020)

As per the report of UNCATD considered to build this alternative energy sources assignment, the trend of alternative energy and the traditional energy sources varies across the LDCs. in 12 LDCs including Ethiopia Zambia, Mozambique, and the Demographic Republic of Congo, Hydro energy is that major source of gross electricity production as it accounts for more than 75% of the electricity production. 13 LDCs (including Sudan, Cambodia, and Angola) have been recognized to use fossil fuels and hydro energy that accounts for 25-75% for the energy generation mix (Unctad.org. 2020). The rest of the LDCs (23 LDCs) depends mainly on the conventional fossil fuel-based energy generation processes wherein the contribution of solar, bioenergy and hydro energy is very less. Biogas is one of the most popular alternative energy sources among the LDCs that include a range of benefits. According to Enteria et al. (2016), it is stated herein alternative energy sources assignment that Biogas can effectively reduce the emission of greenhouse gas by limiting the usage of fossil fuel. On the other hand, Biogas is also identified to reduce water and soil pollution largely. Apart from its benefits in electrifying the rural and urban areas, the prevention of biodiversity loss and health problems are one of the major benefits of using this particular type of alternative energy.

According to Jung and Villaran (2017), due to the rising concern of the sustainable energy sources around the world and the increased proportion of the population having no access to electricity, the trend of the renewable or alternative energy sources have been popularized in the LDCs. The author has identified that the majority of the LDCs based in Africa receive a greater proportion of solar irradiance, which is a major benefit for these countries in developing solar PV systems for electrifying the rural areas. However, it is clear on this alternative energy sources assignment that the other alternative energy such as the hydropower, wind energy, biogas, and tidal power has also been identified to be beneficial in different seasons of the year.

Al-Yatama et al. (2018), in recent research has explained that hydropower is the most popular alternative source of energy in the LDCs. The author has added to the statement that hydropower has played a disproportionate role in most of the LDCs by accounting for more than half of the combined energy generation. The hydropower is useful alternative energy in most of the LDCs as the production of this energy depends on the natural water cycle that is driven by solar energy. Additionally, impoundment hydropower offers the LDCs to develop reservoirs that can offer recreational opportunities such as boating, swimming and fishing. The feasibility of the hydropower is greater as compared to solar power as power can be generated immediately to the grid. It has been also evidenced in this piece of alternative energy sources assignment that hydropower can provide the LDCs with an essential backup power during the major electricity crisis or shortage. 

Although the hydroelectric power is most widely used across the countries, the utilization of hydropower can disrupt the normal process of the river ecosystems. It has been also identified that the greater usage of the hydroelectricity technologies across the LDCs are causing water pollution, contamination of the drinking water, and limiting important water needs. Wind power is another important alternative energy source among the LDCs. Mello et al., (2019) has evidenced that wind energy is preferred over solar power as the wind energy can be generated 24 hours a day to power the homes while the availability of sunlight limits the development of solar energy. However, it has been also emphasized that the availability of wind is not equal in all the seasons and all the places. Wind systems work more appropriately on barren lands or on the large building and windbreaks (Tucho and Nonhebel, 2017). As any tall structure can disrupt the functioning of wind energy development, it may not be beneficial in all the LDCs. The majority of the African LDCs achieve a greater proportion of the sunlight and therefore the efficiency of the solar panel is greater as compared to the other renewable energy options such as wind energy. As wind and solar energy do not require water for its functioning and neither involves production of any kind of waste, these technologies cannot cause pollution in the water and other resources, and thus, their carbon footprint is even lesser, making them more sustainable choices.

5.1.5 Theme 5: The ways in which the potential for utilizing alternative energy resources, including solar energy, can be enhanced by the LDC
In recent research conducted by Blazquez et al., (2018) considered in this segment of alternative energy sources assignment that the barriers that prevent the utilization of the alternative energy sources in the least developed countries are explained. The author has also identified various policies, legislations and regulations that help in reducing the barriers in the path of energy generation from the alternative energy source. In the past few years changes have been recognized in the policies and legislations of the LDCs regarding the promotion of alternative energy. Other policies also have been identified to influence directly on the barriers and incentives for alternative energy. The various types of policies that were identified to impact the alternative energy generation in the LDCs and the developing countries across the world are the emission reduction policies, renewable energy promotion policies, distributed generation policies, transport bio-fuel policies, electric power restructuring policies, and rural electrification policies. 

The alternative energy sources assignment examines the readings of Blazquez et al., (2018) that each of these policies is identified to reduce one or more than one key barriers that influence the development of alternative energy in these countries. The research identified the major barrier regarding the implementation of alternative energy technologies is the cost-related barriers. In such a case some of the policies effectively address the needs for utilities to buy alternative energy from power producers. Few of the LDCs are applying the Cost reduction policies, which is a type of renewable energy promotion policy, to address the high cost for the development and installation of the alternative energy technologies. It has been also evidenced in the present context of alternative energy sources assignment that this type of policies is effective in addressing the perceived risks associated with alternative energy. Cost reduction policies effectively reduce the cost investments with the application of loans, grants, tax reliefs, rebates and subsidies. 

The emission reduction policies are also becoming an emerging step for the LDCs that are applied by the majority of the developing countries and developed countries to promote the utilization of alternative energy sources. Greenhouse Gas mitigation policy is one of the important emission reduction policies applied by the developing countries. This policy allows the renewables in receiving monetary credit for the reduction of the emission of the Greenhouse gases and thereby promotes the adoption of the alternative energy technologies. Therefore, in the LDCs the emission reduction policy can be a useful option to enhance the potential of utilizing alternative energy resources, including solar energy. The rural electrification policies are being implemented in many of the LDCs in recent times and these policies are effective in making alternative energy to be a part of the rural electrification policy. Such policies help the government of the LDCs in dealing with the barriers that arise from the lack of access to credit, skills and information. Although policies and regulation have been identified to be an effective approach to increase the potential of alternative energy, a greater number of developing countries have applied targets to adopt the alternative energy in the electrification of the rural areas in an effective way. In the view of Hille et al., (2020), targets on the adoption of alternative energy are an important tool that is used by the policymakers for outlining the development strategies and encouraging investment in alternative energy technologies. 

In the context of alternative energy targets, Masud et al., (2020) considered to prepare this alternative energy sources assignment have explained that majority of the countries around the world has now adopted such targets that are aimed at the acquisition of specified production, share and capacity of alternative energy technologies. It has been also identified that few of the countries have accepted the target to achieve a 100% alternative energy in the electricity sector. In Bangladesh, an LDC, Environment Conservation Act, 1995 is considered as the primary legislation that ensures the protection of the environment (Mollik et al., 2016). The act also applies to the production of clean energy or power through the integration of renewable energy resources such as biogas, solar energy, hydropower and wind energy. On the other hand, the National Energy Policy (NEP), 1996 in the country is applied to the optimum production of renewable energy such as solar energy, biogas and biomass fuels. It is stated in the alternative energy sources assignment that in Sierra Leone, the adoption of the Rural Renewable Energy Project is promoting the potential of utilizing alternative energy. Sierra Leone is currently utilizing Solar-passive building design practice for minimizing the thermal energy consumption in residential, industrial and commercial buildings (Munro et al., 2017). Legislations, standards, regulations are promoting the alternative energy project implementation in the country. The policy objectives of Sierra Leone ensure the development of the country’s energy resources and a reliable, equitable, affordable and adequate supply of alternative energy. The country is determined to develop a new Renewable Energy Act that can help it to electrify the rural regions.

5.2 Summary
The five themes identified from the secondary research conducted on this alternative energy sources assignment based on the journal articles gathered from the secondary data collection process have been effective in indicating the potential of the alternative energy sources especially the solar energy in providing electricity in the least developed countries. The thematic analysis of the collected data indicates that the potential of solar energy in electrifying the rural as well as urban areas in the LDCs are moderate while other alternative sources such as hydro-power, biogas, biomass fuels and wind energy are comparatively high. However, the range of solar irradiation has been identified to be strong in the majority of the African LDCs.

6. Discussion 
In relation to the concept of the alternative energy, the research has found that alternative energy is the type of energy that is produced from the sources that are not depleted during the course of the life time of the human beings and therefore can be replenished (Freedman, 2020). This finding outlined in this segment of alternative energy sources assignment is further supported from the facts identified in the review of the literature. Alternative energy sources are very useful, as demonstrated by Kuik et al., (2019), the harnessing of energy from these sources does not emit greenhouse gases and therefore is an approach in the developing and developed countries for sustainable development. The literature review has helped in identifying the four major sources of alternative energy that are the fuel cells, solar energy, hydro power and biomass fuel. On the other hand, the thematic analysis of the secondary data collected considered in the alternative energy sources assignment, has helped in identifying other important sources such as marine power, tidal power, wind energy, and biogas that are much popular among the LDCs. Therefore, the findings regarding the concept of the alternative energy and the different types of alternative energy in the present research confirms the facts identified in the literature. These facts have helped in gaining ideas regarding the trend of alternative energy usage in the LDCs to some extent. 

New insights have also identified from the thematic analysis regarding the new emerging technologies that are used in tapping the alternative energy such as solar energy. Solar home system, community solar PV systems, Institutional solar PV system and small solar home systems are the new emerging technologies that have been identified (Padmanathan et al., 2019). The use of the alternative technology especially the solar system has a lesser impact on the environment whereas it has been identified that the use of hydropower can cause disruption in the river water flow, scarcity of water. So, the use of solar systems can be preferable as compared to the hydropower in most of the LDCs. The carbon emission of the LDCs can also be reduced with the adoption of these alternative energy technologies. 

The findings of the present research indicate that the trend toward the adoption of the alternative technologies around the LDCs is increasing. However, in the studies that have been reviewed in the literature review, it was evident that the use of Hydropower is more popular among the LDCs. The new insight that has been gained from the thematic analysis is that the implementation of solar energy is more feasible as compared to the other sources such as wind energy and hydropower. It has been further evidence in this alternative energy sources assignment that the trend toward solar energy is enhancing due to the limitations in the wind energy adoption (Ren, 2020). To implement the wind farms large barren lands or tall building structures are important to have. On the other hand, tall structures around the wind farm can prevent the passage of air limiting the generation of energy. In the case of Hydro power, several environmental issues are identified such as blockage of river, disruption of the natural flow of river, water pollution, and scarcity of water. For these reasons, the trend of energy generation among the LDCs is identified to be gradually shifting toward solar energy. Therefore the findings of the literature review have been supported with the findings of the thematic analysis with proper justifications.

The trend of using solar energy has been increased in carrying out various daily activities that are dependent on electricity such as lighting the houses, watching television and listening to the radio. In the rural regions of the LDCs the usage of the traditional energy sources is greater as compared to the urban areas. The rural regions are more dependent on wood, and coal to carry out their daily needs. However, the changing trend in the LDCs and the increasing government projects of renewable energy is reducing the usage of the traditional sources for generation of energy. From the research findings, it has been identified herein alternative energy sources assignment that about 5-20% of the LDCs have currently implemented solar energy projects such as Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, East Timor, Cambodia and much more. 

The present research on alternative energy sources assignment was determined to identify the degree of solar power utilization among the LDCs. The literature review on the previous research papers has helped in identifying the key statistics regarding the usage of alternative energy including solar energy in different LDCs. It was identified that 100% alternative energy has become one of the core objectives of many LDCs that have participated in the Climate Vulnerable Forum. For the achievement of this core objective, these countries have already taken different approaches to transit the power sector to a low carbon power sector. As per the reports of UNCTAD the number of LDCs wherein the capacity of solar energy has risen was increased to 40 from 10. Additionally the solar energy technology development has also enhanced from 6GWh to 446GWh. in this context, the findings of the present research has identified new insights regarding the usage of solar energy in various LDCs. 

The research findings obtained in this alternative energy sources assignment indicate that in Sierra Leone, smaller solar panels are actively sold in the markets and there is an increase in the number of solar power systems that have been installed. On the other hand, in some of the least developed countries, such as Zambia, the political disturbances has created turbulence in the generation of energy and made renewable energy the most important solution to the increased energy demand (Somorin et al., 2019). The extent of the solar energy is relatively lesser as compared to the hydropower and wind energy in Zambia. Research conducted in LDCs such as Bangladesh has identified that the extent of the usage of solar energy has increased. Small-scale solar home systems are much popular among the population of this country. Therefore, based on the findings and the literature review, it can be determined that the degree of solar system adoption has increased among the LDCs especially to provide electricity to the homes, streets and public institutions such as hospitals, schools, and universities.

Further implementation of the solar energy technologies for providing electricity, depends highly on the barriers in the path of implementation and the availability of solar irradiance in the LDCs. In the literature review section of alternative energy sources assignment, the review of the study conducted by Rosas-Flores et al., (2016) indicates that the utilization of solar energy is not very popular among the least developed countries due to the high level of investments required. The study also indicates that although the initial cost for implementing the technology is high, in the later stages of the technology implementation, the solar energy can be produced in a cost effective way. Therefore, it can be state in the alternative energy sources assignment that the feasibility of the adoption of the technology is very high. The literature review has also identified that in Burundi, the solar projects are taken followed by the identification of the greater feasibility and the project is capable of meeting the electricity demand of 87600 people. The feasibility of the solar energy adoption is further evidenced in Sierra Leone based on the agreement between The International Finance Corporation and the government of the country regarding the financial support for the technology implementation. The feasibility of Sierra leone in relation to Solar energy technology adoption is further supported from the thematic analysis wherein it has been identified that the availability of solar irradiance in different months of the year is supportive (Hossain et al., 2017).

In the research conducted by Ghimire and Kim (2018) that have been reviewed in the literature review section it has been identified that lack of proper infrastructure and inadequate technology is the major barrier in the path of solar energy adoption to provide electricity. This barrier is evidenced in Burundi as well as Sierra Leone. Lack of trained technicians in the field of alternative energy is another barrier for implementing solar power as a major source to generate energy. The findings of the present research not only support the previous researches in this area but also identify new insights. It has been identified from the findings mentioned in the alternative energy sources assignment that lack of policies and legislation is a major barrier in the majority of the LDCs. For instance, in Sub-Saharan Africa, although national renewable energy policies are adopted and applied, the application of the policies in the regional levels are limited and diminished. Therefore, the utilization of solar energy technologies are not optimum in such LDCs (Benti and Tadesse 2017). Ineffective connectivity to the grids is another major infrastructural barrier in most of the LDCs as per the research conducted by Grágeda et al., (2016). In the similar context, the findings of the present research have identified that in some of the LDCs such as Sub Saharan Africa and Nepal the technologies regarding renewable energy are not obtained. These regions also lack trained personnel for carrying out the maintenance of the alternative energy technologies. From the findings of this present research on alternative energy sources assignment, financial and economic barrier has been identified to prevent the adoption of solar energy in most of the countries around the world (Kabel and Bassim, 2020). 

The literature review and the findings of this research on alternative energy sources assignment have effectively identified the ways through which the potential of the solar energy technology in the LDCs can be increased in producing electricity. In the view of Rosas-Flores et al., (2016), the government initiatives regarding the utilization of the alternative energy sources can help the LDCs in enhancing their performance in providing electricity in the rural as well as the urban regions. The author has further emphasized on the collaboration with the local level stakeholders and national level stakeholders to focus on the development of alternative energy project initiatives in the LDCs. The strategy of technology transfer is another important approach that has been identified in the literature review for the promotion of solar energy and other alternative energy technologies in the LDCs (Hoffmann et al., 2019). In the context of finding ways to improve the implementation of solar energy in the lDCs, the results of this research indicates the potential importance of legislation, policies, standards, and regulations. The findings depicts that in most of the LDCs, the application of alternative energy policies have resulted in effective outcomes by increasing the number of installations of solar home systems (Masud et al., 2020). Additionally, target setting approach has also been identified to be a new insight in the findings that promotes the approaches and initiatives of the LDCs toward the sustainable goals by implementing alternative energy technologies to provide electricity.

The findings of this research explored in the alternative energy sources assignment can be used for promoting the adoption of the solar energy technology in the different LDCs such as Burundi, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and others that have greater feasibility to provide electricity utilizing the solar energy technology. The theoretical implication of the research findings is application in the future research in the similar area.

7. Conclusion and Recommendation
7.0 Brief summary of the thesis
Followed by environmental concerns across the world and the increasing demand for energy worldwide, alternative energy has become a solution to all the countries. In the least developed countries (LDCs), alternative energy sources such as solar energy have become very popular in electrifying the rural regions. The present research conducted on this alternative energy sources assignment is aimed at the critical analysis of the alternative energy in the LDCs focusing on the emergence of solar power as a source of electricity. A review of the previous papers in this area had been done to find the gaps in the existing literature. To reach the aim by the fulfillment of the gaps, secondary research had been designed and a thematic analysis had been conducted. The findings of the research obtained within the alternative energy sources assignment had been discussed in the discussion section. This chapter includes the conclusion of the research and identified the extent to which the objectives have been achieved.

7.1 Summary of main findings
Alternative energy is developed from the sources that can be replenished within the lifetime of the human beings. The major types of alternative energy identified are the Hydropower, wind energy, biogas, Biomass fuel, and solar energy. Solar energy is the radiant heat and light sourced from the sun and harnessed with the help of different emerging technologies like solar thermal energy, photovoltaic, solar heating, solar architecture and solar power plants. The research on alternative energy sources assignment has identified that in the majority of the LDCs such as Burundi, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Zambia, the solar PV systems are highly popular in electrifying the rural and urban areas. A greater number of LDCs have increased their share in the global renewable energy mix in the last few years. The trend of energy usage is shifting from the wind and hydropower toward solar energy in many countries including, Burundi, Ethiopia, Zambia, Sierra Leone and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the installation of the solar home systems has greatly increased in the last few years whereas the number of wind farms has reduced. 

The proportion of solar irradiance is greater in many LDCs such as Sierra Leone and Burundi which increases the feasibility of implementing solar energy as a source of electricity in these LDCs. In Sierra Leone, the adoption of solar energy is highly preferable due to the higher proportion of solar irradiance in different seasons of the year. The major barrier in the path of adopting solar energy is cost-related barriers, technological barriers, and regulatory barriers. The implementation of solar energy technologies is very high in the initial stages. On the other hand, the regulatory frameworks of different countries such as Sierra Leone are not capable to support the adoption of the new alternative energy technologies. A number of ways have been identified from the secondary research carried on this alternative energy sources assignment that are capable of increasing the utilization of solar energy technologies and other alternative energy technologies in the LDCs. Target is one of the approaches that the majority of the LDCs are currently using for transiting the traditional energy consumption to alternative sources. However, strategies such as new legislation and policies like renewable energy promotion policy can help these countries to adopt solar energy to provide electricity to the population.

7.2 Linking with objectives
Linking with objective 1: 

The first objective of this research on alternative energy sources assignment was to understand the concept of alternative energy sources and their types. This particular objective is achieved in the literature review section where the main principle behind the alternative energy and the different types such as wind energy, hydropower, Biomass fuel, solar energy and fuel cells are described.

Linking with objective 2:

The second objective is partly achieved in the literature review section and partly in the results and analysis chapter. Theme 3 in the results and analysis chapter is based on the trend and feasibility of solar energy in different LDCs such as Burundi, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Bangladesh.

Linking with objective 3

The literature review chapter of alternative energy sources assignment incorporates the key statistics associated with the usage of solar energy in the major least developed countries such as Nepal, Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, and Mauritania. Theme 2 in the chapter of results and analysis also explains the degree of solar power utilization in other LDCs like Zambia. Therefore, the third objective is achieved in the literature review as well as in the result and analysis chapter.

Linking with objective 4

The fourth objective noted herein alternative energy sources assignment is achieved in the literature review as well as in the results and analysis chapter. The literature review chapter explains the possibility of using solar energy technology in the LDCs. Thematic analysis of Theme 3 allows the researchers to identify the solar irradiance in the LDCs such as Burundi, Ethiopia and Bangladesh that indicates the future opportunity to develop the solar energy technology in these countries. 

Linking with objective 5

The fifth objective of the present research on alternative energy sources assignment was to identify the potential barriers to developing alternative energy-based technologies. The barriers included in the literature review chapter help in the achievement of this objective. Additionally, the objective is further achieved in Theme 1 of the results and analysis chapter.

Linking with objective 6

The review of the existing literature on the potential alternative energy strategies has helped in the achievement of the sixth objective. On the other hand, the thematic analysis of Theme 5 has helped in identifying the policies, legislations, standards and regulation to promote the utility of the alternative energy sources in the future. 

7.3 Limitations
The major limitation of the present study developed within the alternative energy sources assignment is the secondary nature of the research. The secondary research method was chosen for the feasibility of the data collection on the different least developed countries. Primary research could have increased the reliability of the research. Time constraints are another limitation for this research as it has lowered the time for completing the research in an effective way (Newman and Gough, 2020). For time constraints, the researcher has collected data from a smaller sample size. Lack of adequate financial resources is another limitation for completing this secondary research, as due to the financial constraints the researcher was unable to collect information from the paid journal articles. 

7.4 Areas of future research
Future research on alternative energy sources assignment can be conducted to identify the perspective of the people toward the implementation of solar energy technologies in the LDCs, especially in rural regions and the ways in which awareness regarding solar energy and other alternative energy sources are promoted in these countries. In future research, primary data could be collected by applying an online survey method including the business analysts in the energy and electricity sector of different LDCs (De Brún et al., 2016). 

7.5 Recommendations
The critical analysis of the alternative energy sources in the LDCs in the literature review, results and analysis and discussion made in this alternative energy sources assignment has indicated that the adoption of the alternative technologies faces a number of barriers. However, as the effectiveness of the alternative sources of energy such as solar energy is greater in providing electricity in the LDCs, the adoption of these technologies is highly preferable (Kebede and Mitsufuji, 2017). The LDCs can be recommended to develop new policies, legislations, standards and regulations such as renewable energy promotion policy, Greenhouse Gas mitigation policies,rural electrification policies, and cost reduction policies to enhance the potential of utilizing alternative energy technologies in the countries. Additionally, setting strict targets regarding electrification with solar energy can be another important approach for promoting solar energy adoption among the LDCs (Adefarati and Bansal, 2016).

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