Recognising the potential for renewable energy heating and cooling

Heating and cooling in the industrial, commercial, and domestic sectors constitute around 40–50% of total global final energy demand. A wide range of renewable energy heating and cooling (REHC) technologies exists but they are presently only used to meet around 2–3% of total world demand (excluding from traditional biomass). Several of these technologies are mature, their markets are growing, and their costs relative to conventional heating and cooling systems continue to decline. However, in most countries, policies developed to encourage the wider deployment of renewable electricity generation, transport biofuels and energy efficiency have over-shadowed policies aimed at REHC technology deployment. This paper, based on the findings of the International Energy Agency publication Renewables for Heating and Cooling—Untapped Potential, outlines the present and future markets and compares the costs of providing heating and cooling services from solar, geothermal and biomass resources. It analyses current policies and experiences and makes recommendations to support enhanced market deployment of REHC technologies to provide greater energy supply security and climate change mitigation. If policies as successfully implemented by the leading countries were to be replicated elsewhere (possibly after modification to better suit local conditions), there would be good potential to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in providing heating and cooling services.     

Application of energy system models for designing a low-carbon society

Rising concern about the effect of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on climate change is pushing national governments and the international community to achieve sustainable development in an economy that is less dependent on carbon emitting activities - a vision that is usually termed a “low-carbon society” (LCS). Since the utilization of energy resources is the main source of GHG emissions, restructuring current energy systems in order to incorporate low-carbon energy technologies is essential for the realization of the LCS vision. Energy policies promoting the penetration of these technologies must view the role of energy in society as a system, composed of several energy resources, conversion technologies and energy demand sectors. The feasibility of the LCS in the future can be better understood by means of energy models. Energy models are valuable mathematical tools based on the systems approach. They have been applied to aid decision-making in energy planning, to analyze energy policies and to analyze the implications arising from the introduction of technologies. The design of the LCS requires innovative energy systems considering a trans-disciplinary approach that integrates multi-dimensional elements, related to social, economic, and environmental aspects. This paper reviews the application of energy models considering scenarios towards an LCS under the energy systems approach. The models reviewed consider the utilization of waste for energy, the penetration of clean coal technologies, transportation sector models as a sample of sectoral approaches, and models related to energy-for-development issues in rural areas of developing countries.     

Near zero energy islands in the Mediterranean: Supporting policies and local obstacles

Based on a recent technical–economical analysis on the island of Pantelleria, a policy feasibility study for a complete upgrading of the energy system of this Mediterranean Island is carried out. Pantelleria, situated between Sicily and Africa, owns a large potential in terms of renewable energy resources, although there are some obstacles in turning it into a Near Zero Energy system. Starting from a deep energy system audit, the study proposes the project for a near zero energy island, through the efficient transformation of the different existing natural energy resources into electrical energy and heat: the solar, the wind-based and the geothermal systems. In this way, the island can be turned into an almost autonomous system. The main difficulties connected to the implementation of the project can be identified in the national energy policies as well as in the specific local situation, characterized by a strong private monopole on generation and distribution of electrical energy which has no incentive for supporting the costs connected to the energy requalification of the island. On the other hand, the local administrations, involved in the project through bottom-up European policies, do not have the cultural and economic tools to go on with the implementation.     

Promotion of geothermal energy in Switzerland: a recent programme for a long-term task

In 2001, a 10-year programme called “SwissEnergy” was initiated by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, mainly devoted to a more efficient use of energy, with specific tasks such as energy saving, reduction of CO₂ emissions and a definitive increase in the contribution of renewable energies. The Swiss Geothermal Society (SGS) was therefore given a mandate to promote the application of geothermal energy at a national level. The main objectives of their programme are to develop a sound image for geothermal energy in general, to disseminate information on the various technologies already in use all over the country and to illustrate the future potential of this sector. All entities involved in the energy sector are to be called on to collaborate in the programme, including the Federal Office of Energy, local utility companies and energy agencies, as well as the various networks present in the field of renewable energy (geothermal, sun, wind and biomass). The programme covers all the geothermal resources and technologies available in Switzerland, such as borehole heat exchangers, groundwater wells, foundation piles, thermal springs, deep aquifers and warm tunnel drainage waters. The programme is organised into five activity modules, i.e. Information, Basic and continuous education, Marketing, Quality insurance, and Consulting services. Three Regional Promotion Centres (RPC) have also been set up in the three linguistic regions of Switzerland, one in the German-speaking region, one in the French-speaking region and one in the Italian-speaking region. The staff consists of 13 part-time experts. The strong interest and favourable reception given to all aspects of the Swiss geothermal promotion programme during its first 2 years of activity have confirmed how important it is to disseminate information on energy matters.     

Effects of energy policies on industry expansion in renewable energy

Energy policies may lead to important industrial outcomes. This paper investigates the impacts of energy policies on industry growth in renewable energy. Research tools employed include the commercialization process, value chain analysis, and empirical case studies. Different renewable energy technologies and geographical regions are considered covering over 50% of the world markets of the technology fields considered. Market deployment measures that enhance home markets of domestic industries will in most cases lead to growing industrial activities. Irrespective of the domestic market situation, pure investment or R&D support alone to already strong industries in related fields may be powerful to help with diversification into sustainable energy business. Several exogenous factors such as timing, size factors, geography, etc. will influence both the industrial and policy positioning in practice. The results indicate that there are increased industrial opportunities in renewable energy to be captured not only by large countries or through large public resources, but also smaller countries can gain success through clever policies and optimal managing of the commercialization process.     

Renewable energy sources and rationale use of energy development in the countries of GCC: Myth or reality?

The large oil and natural gas resource base and the greater competitiveness of conventional energy supply technologies based on oil and gas is a key energy characteristic in the countries of the GCC. Until today, mostly pilot and research Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Rational Use of Energy (RUE) activities were conducted. However, these countries seem to be ready to take a more active part in the development of environmental friendly energy technologies. RES are expected to play a greater role in the future based on the rich natural potential of the region. In addition, appropriate efforts to formulate strategic RUE policies are initiated for assuring buildings sustainability and providing guidelines for future architecture. In this context, GCC countries are realizing the inevitability of putting climate change issues on the top of the list of priorities in the process of economic and social development. This paper includes an analytical review of the current RES and RUE development status in the GCC region, giving special emphasis to the business opportunities that the region offers for regional and international companies involved in this market.     

New scenario of the non-conventional renewable energies on Chile after the incentives created on the “Short Law I”

Non-conventional renewable energies have never played an important role in the Chilean energy generation system, mainly due to the economic barriers that actually exists on our country for the inclusion of these kinds of technologies. Nevertheless, the use of renewable energy system technologies have started to be an interesting issue for the Chilean government, and for that reason, the last modification of the Energy Law during 2004, usually known as “Short Law I”, introduced the first direct incentive to renewable energy generation (specifically in the art. 71-7).In this work we analyze in detail the modification on the electric law we mentioned before, especially for geothermal and wind power generation, and we compare the economic incentive generated with the new law and the differences between the real energy costs using renewable energy systems technologies and the current energy price in Chile. It is clear from the analysis that the total incentives do not cover more than 8.3% of the price differences between incomes and costs.     

ACROPOLIS: An example of international collaboration in the field of energy modelling to support greenhouse gases mitigation policies

Energy models are considered as valuable tools to assess the impact of various energy and environment policies. The ACROPOLIS initiative, supported by the European Commission and the International Energy Agency, used up to 15 energy models to simulate and evaluate selected policy measures and instruments and then compare their impacts on energy systems essentially in terms of costs of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction and energy technology choice. Four case studies are formulated considering policies and measures on renewable portfolio schemes and internationally tradable green certificates, emissions trading and global GHG abatement target, energy efficiency standards and internalisation of external costs. The main focus of the project is on the electricity sector. From a large set of quantified results, ACROPOLIS provides an international scientific consensus, on some key issues, which could be useful in assessing and designing energy and environment policies at the world, European and national/regional levels. It concludes that the Kyoto targets (and their continuation beyond 2010 in specific scenarios) could be achieved at a cost around 1% of GDP through global emissions trading, indicating also that this flexibility mechanism is a more cost-effective instrument for GHG mitigation than meeting the goal domestically without trade. It demonstrates that internalising external costs through a price increase reduces local pollutants (SO_x, NO_x, and others) and it produces other benefits such as triggering the penetration of clean technologies in addition to the curbing of CO₂ emissions.     

Development of an optimization model for energy systems planning in the Region of Waterloo

In this study, a large‐scale dynamic optimization model (University of Regina Energy Model, UREM) has been developed for supporting long‐term energy systems planning in the Region of Waterloo. The model can describe energy management systems as networks of a series of energy flows, transferring extracted/imported energy resources to end users through a variety of conversion and transmission technologies over a number of periods. It can successfully incorporate optimization models, scenario development and policy analysis within a general framework. Complexities in energy management systems can be systematically reflected; thus, the applicability of the modeling process can be highly enhanced. Four scenarios (including a reference case) are considered based on different energy management policies and sustainable development strategies for in‐depth analysis of interactions existing among energy, socio‐economy and environment in the Region. Useful solutions for the planning of energy management systems have been generated, reflecting trade‐offs among energy‐related, environmental and economic considerations. They are helpful for supporting (a) adjustment or justification of the existing allocation patterns of energy resources and services, (b) allocations of renewable energy resources, (c) formulation of local policies regarding energy consumption, economic development and energy structure, and (d) analysis of interactions among economic cost, system efficiency, emission mitigation and energy‐supply security. Results also indicate that UREM can help tackle dynamic and interactive characteristics of the energy management system in the Region of Waterloo and can address issues concerning cost‐effective allocation of energy resources and services. Thus, it can be used by decision makers as an effective technique in examining and visualizing impacts of energy and environmental policies, regional/community development strategies and emission reduction measures within an integrated and dynamic framework. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

储能与液流电池技术

大规模高效储能技术是解决可再生能源发电不连续、不稳定、不可控特性的重要途径,也是构建坚强智能电网的核心技术。本文对各种储能技术进行了综合分析,并对适用于大规模储能的抽水储能、压缩空气储能、钠硫电池、锂离子电池、铅酸电池和液流电池的技术特点、优劣势、发展前景进行了深入阐述;最后,对储能技术的发展思路进行了探讨,认为坚持技术开发与应用示范并重,进一步降低储能设备成本,提高其可靠性和稳定性并辅以一定的鼓励政策,是推进储能技术的产业化和实用化的重要途径。     

Palestine: RE action plan : Moving away from traditional energy resources

Renewable energy resources show great promise in Palestine. Solar, wind, biogas and geothermal energy resources are the main areas where research and pilot projects are being concentrated (2000–2005). More than 95% of Palestinians use solar energy for domestic water heating so renewable energy is something that many people in the country are already very aware. Consequently, use of renewable energy resources presents a strategic goal for the Palestinian energy authority in order to achieve some degree of economic independence. It aims to minimize the dependence on traditional energy resources that are too expensive and politically controlled. Awny Naim and Mohammad R Al-Agha, Palestinian Renewable Energy Society describe the current situation in the region.     

Geothermal energy extraction using abandoned oil and gas wells: Techno-economic and policy review

Retrofitting depleted oil wells to extract geothermal energy is considered as one of the promising proposals to extend the overall economic life of oil and gas well. For successful implementation of this initiative, a comprehensive overview covering all aspects of geothermal energy extraction from abandoned oil well should be taken into account including technical, economic considerations as well as regulations and policies of respective local governments. Unfortunately, most reported studies have been focused only on one or two aspects, primarily on technical and economic aspects. Little or no study has focused on the policy sector. Moreover, these findings have been scattered, creating difficulties to extract essential information and dragging further development of the technology. This paper is therefore prepared with the objective to provide a comprehensive overview on the geothermal energy extraction from abandoned oil well, technical challenges in its implementation, economical consideration on the conversion of the well and government policy on energy especially geothermal energy and regulation on the utilization of abandoned oil well. To achieve this objective, extensive literature reviews are conducted with more attention given to recent studies on the field. Challenges on the development of this technology are discussed from technical, economic, and policy perspectives. Based on the identified challenges, required research and development as well as necessary policies for further advancement of this technology are outlined and discussed. By providing this comprehensive information, this review paper may serve as a good foundation and guidelines on the conversion of abandoned oil wells into geothermal energy wells.     

Recent development of energy supply and demand in China,and energy sector prospects through 2030

Facing multiple pressures, including its commitment to energy efficiency improvement, the current worldwide recession, and global warming concerns, China is making great efforts to maintain its continuous economic growth and reduce pollutant emissions. Many policies to encourage investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy have been issued. This article provides insights into the latest development of energy production, energy consumption and energy strategic planning and policies in China, and also describes the analysis, carried out by the authors as part of the Asian Energy Security project using the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) modeling tool, of the impacts of implementing new and expected energy and environmental policies.     

Technologies and policies for the transition to a sustainable energy system in china

The paper highlights the energy dilemma in China’s modernization process. It explores the technological and policy options for the transition to a sustainable energy system in China with Tsinghua University’s Low Carbon Energy Model (LCEM). China has already taken intensive efforts to promote research, development, demonstration and commercialization of sustainable energy technologies over the past five year. The policy actions cover binding energy conservation and environmental pollution control targets, economic incentives for sustainable energy, and public R&D supports. In order to achieve the sustainable energy system transformation eventually, however, China needs to take further actions such as strengthening R&D of radically innovative sustainable energy technologies and systems such as poly-generation, enhancing the domestic manufacturing capacity of sustainable energy technologies and systems, creating stronger economic incentives for research, development, demonstration and commercialization of sustainable energy technologies, and playing a leading role in international technology collaborations.     

India and renwable energy : A future challenge

India is endowed with a very vast renewable energy potential. Significant progress has been made in development, field trials and commercialisation of several renewable energy technologies. The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources is responsible for formulation of policies, support to R&D and industries and large scale applications. The present paper gives a brief outline of Indian National programme on renewable energy, potential of renewables, achievements, related Government policies and discusses various issues related to financing, large scale dissemination, after sales service etc.     

Energy accounting of alternative energy sources

An energy accounting study has been made of the five alternative energy resource systems—solar, geothermal, wind, wave and tidal power. Owing to a lack of suitable data, a consistent methodology could not be pursued and a detailed comparison of these five systems with regard to likely energy ratios is not possible at the present time. (The energy ratio is here defined as being the total amount of energy obtained from a given system over its lifetime, divided by the total inputs of energy to that system in order to establish and maintain it in operation throughout its life.)There is a spread of possible energy ratios for each system studied, depending upon the assumptions made but, in each case, a value of about 10:1 is seen as a reasonable possibility for the future. The significance of this 10:1 energy ratio is that it could mean that our primary fossil fuel resources, when used to generate electricity through wind, wave or tidal power systems, would go about 33 times as far as they would if used in the conventional way.In the case of solar and geothermal energy, the savings factor would be somewhat less than 33; it could be somewhere between 6 and 30, depending upon system design, local conditions, etc. Energy pay-back times appear to be short for all the systems studied, the longest being about four-and-a-half years.This exercise has revealed just how much our primary non-renewable fuels could be conserved by using them to operate renewable energy resource systems although economic assessments at the present time might not provide justification for such a policy.     

Environmental aspects of geothermal energy utilization

Geothermal energy is a clean and sustainable energy source, but its development still has some impact on the environment. The positive and negative aspects of this environmental impact have to be considered prior to any decision to develop a geothermal field, as well as possible mitigation measures. The main environmental effects of geothermal development are related to surface disturbances, the physical effects of fluid withdrawal, heat effects and discharge of chemicals. All these factors will affect the biological environment as well. As with all industrial activities, there are also some social and economic effects. In Iceland an enforcement program was launched in the early 1990s to study the environmental impact of developing geothermal resources. Work began on tackling the environmental issues relative to the high-temperature geothermal fields under development in Iceland. Research was conducted on microearthquake activity in geothermal areas and a methodology developed for mapping steam caps. The foundations were laid of networks for monitoring land elevation and gravity changes. Baseline values were defined for the concentrations of mercury and sulfur gases. Groundwater monitoring studies were enforced. Atmospheric dispersion and reaction of geothermally-emitted sulfur gases and mercury were studied. Aerial thermographic survey methods were refined and tested and their capacity to detect and map changes in surface manifestations with time was demonstrated. To further the use of geothermal energy worldwide the International Energy Association set up a Geothermal Implement Agreement (GIA) in 1997; its environmental Annex has been actively implemented, with several projects still under way.     

An integrated impact assessment of hydrogen as a future energy carrier in Nigeria's transportation,energy and power sectors

A hydrogen economy, the long-term goal of visionary nations, has the potential to provide energy security, along with environmental and economic benefits. The concept of a hydrogen energy economy was first conceived at The Hydrogen Economy Miami Energy (THEME) Conference, held in March 1974 in Miami, Florida, where the International Association for Hydrogen Energy was established. Forty years later, advances in hydrogen technologies have led the world's most developed countries to invest extensively in preparation for a future hydrogen-based economy. However, the transition from a conventional petroleum-based energy economy to a hydrogen economy involves many uncertainties regarding concerns such as the development of efficient fuel cell technologies, problems in hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure, hydrogen safety issues, and the response of carbon-based fuel markets. This paper presents an assessment of the economic impact of hydrogen energy on the transportation and energy use sectors of Nigeria, along with implications for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The analysis uses the Long range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) technology database and model to simultaneously consider the impact of alternative and conventional technologies and fuels on these sectors.