Energy, environment, sustainable development


Cristina Dominguez, Dr.
Researcher/Project Manager
I am a highly motivated, visionary and multidisciplinary researcher, project manager, data analyst and geospatial modeller, with extensive experience in the fields of sustainable development, energy, and environment, with a special focus in the context of countries with emerging economies.
Research focus and interests
My work has been focused on developing a data-driven geospatial methodology to estimate the electricity needs of residential buildings in rural areas of developing countries to improve the design of electrification projects, energy access solutions and policy measures.
Among my research interests are:
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Geospatial modelling and data analytics for development
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Energy demand modelling applying hybrid approaches (bottom-up and top-down)
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Optimal planning, design and operation of off-grid renewable energy systems
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Energy transition paths in developing countries
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Rural development and climate change adaptation
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Stochastic modelling of human behavior and electricity consumption implications
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Social systems modelling applied to technological and policy adoption
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Gender-focused and social equity policy for development
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Agriculture value chains
I have experience in conducting empirical studies, designing and deploying field data collection in rural communities in Africa, Latin America and South Asia.
Publications
Dominguez, C., Orehounig, K., & Carmeliet, J. 2021. Estimating hourly lighting load profiles of rural households in East Africa applying a data-driven characterization of occupant behavior and lighting devices ownership. Development Engineering. Elsevier, 6, 100073. doi: 10.1016/j.deveng.2021.100073
Dominguez, C., Orehounig, K., & Carmeliet, J. 2021. Understanding the path towards a clean energy transition and post-electrification patterns of rural households. Energy for Sustainable Development. Elsevier, 61, 46-64. doi: 10.1016/j.esd.2021.01.002
Dominguez, C., Orehounig, K., Carmeliet, J. 2019. Modelling of rural electrical appliances saturation in developing countries to project their electricity demand: A case study of sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management. Alborg University, 22, 5–16. doi: 10.5278/ijsepm.2564