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 geo​spatial 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.
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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
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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