Renewable energies and the poor: niche or nexus?

Renewable energies are considered as an essential element of any strategy for sustainable energy development. The poor in the developing world without access to modern energies are regarded as a major market for renewable energies. This short paper attempts to analyse whether such a niche is backed by any economic logic and whether renewable energy and the poor nexus could be a strategy for success. The paper suggests that contrary to the common belief, the economic logic behind the niche is unsound and that the nexus is not a recipe for success.     

The security of energy infrastructure and supply in North Africa: Hydrocarbons and renewable energies in comparative perspective

While security risks to energy infrastructure and supply are frequently cited as a source of concern in the public debate on Europe’s energy relationships with North Africa, few academic publications have addressed the issue to date. This article focuses on two potential threats to energy security in the North African context: first, intenational disruption of energy supplies by governments; second, attacks by non-state actors on energy infrastructure. Based on an analysis of North African security and energy geopolitics, the article provides an assessment of these threats as they have materialized with regard to existing energy industries, particularly oil and gas. The article then seeks to apply the findings to renewable energy schemes that are currently being discussed and developed, gauging the likelihood and impact of such threats materializing in respect to various technologies, and differentiating between different states of the region. Finally, the article provides recommendations for policy and further research needs for a successful common European–North African energy future.     

Interactions between renewable energy policy and renewable energy industrial policy: A critical analysis of China's policy approach to renewable energies

This paper analyzes China's policy approach to renewable energies and assesses how effectively China has met the ideal of appropriate interactions between renewable energy policy and renewable energy industrial policy. First we briefly discuss the interactions between these two policies. Then we outline China's key renewable energy and renewable industrial policies and find that China's government has well recognized the need for this policy interaction. After that, we study the achievements and problems in China's wind and solar PV sector during 2005–2012 and argue that China's policy approach to renewable energies has placed priority first on developing a renewable energy manufacturing industry and only second on renewable energy itself, and it has not effectively met the ideal of appropriate interactions between renewable energy policy and renewable energy industrial policy. Lastly, we make an in-depth analysis of the three ideas underlying this policy approach, that is, the green development idea, the low-carbon leadership idea and indigenous innovation idea. We conclude that Chinas' policy approach to renewable energies needs to enhance the interactions between renewable energy policy and renewable energy industrial policy. The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of China's policy strategy toward renewable energies.     

Collateral effects of renewable energies deployment in Spain: Impact on thermal power plants performance and management

The quest for renewable energy sources has been strong in Spain for a couple of decades, and has produced outstanding results, notably in windpower. Solar technologies also had a prompt response to the promoting legislation of 2007. This evolution has generated side effects in the electricity generation system as a whole, and all this phenomenology is analysed in this paper under the consideration of the three objectives theoretically guiding electricity policy nowadays: security of supply (at macro and micro level), environmental quality, and economic competitiveness. The analysis points out some unbalance among the objectives, which can evolve to a scenario where back-up power is going to be a critical point for the stability of the system. Such a back-up service will surely be provided by gas-fired combined cycles (GFCC). The estimated projections of the generation system show that the required back-up power will grow about 8–9 GW by year 2020, for complying with the objective of attaining a share of 40% renewable electricity. However, collateral effects as the decline in the load factor of GFCC, as well as a reduction in spot price of electricity, can cast many doubts about the feasibility to reach that back-up power level.     

A dynamic linear programming approach to market allocation of renewable resources in the italian energy system: The case of solar thermal and biogas technologies

In Italy solar thermal energy and energy from biogas are two possible means of reducing dependence on energy imports. Using a multiperiod LP model (MARKAL) the authors assessed the likely potential of both technologies under various circumstances. The study covered the period 1980–2005, in five segments of five years. It focused only on the subsystem of the energy end-uses which can be substituted for by solar thermal and biogas technologies. The overall non-renewable sources which can be saved in 20 years by these technologies total 450 PJ (1 PJ = 10^{1 5} J) if the fuel prices rise at 0 per cent average annual, 1450 PJ if the fuel prices rise at 4.2 per cent average annual, 1860 PJ if the fuel prices rise at 7.2 per cent average annual and 3780 PJ if the fuel prices rise at 15 per cent average annual. However the most competitive technologies appear to be solar water heaters used mainly in the private and commercial sectors and biogas systems used mainly in the agricultural sector. The study was carried out by APRE under ENEA (formerly CNEN) contract and was intended to serve as an analytical basis for establishing an overall development and demonstration strategy for end-use renewable technologies in Italy.     

Grid-connected renewable energy in China: Policies and institutions under gradualism,developmentalism, and socialism

This communication displays some of our on-going research on the incompleteness of China's advances toward “best practice” in policy-making and institution-building for renewables. In particular, this paper: (1) summarizes how Chinese policies and institutions for the deployment of renewable electricity are only partially compliant with what is internationally recognized as “best practice”; and (2) contextualizes Chinese policies and institutions for renewables in the broader picture of China's political economy. Much as a political economy perspective has aided the understanding of why Chinese economic reforms were partial and unique, the said contextualization might help explain why China's policies and institutions for renewables diverge from “best practice”. Further, given that China proved successful in promoting its economic growth with partial and unique reforms, the partiality and uniqueness of its renewables policies and institutions need not impede the rapid development of renewable electricity. This on-going research has so far combined a review of specialized literature and the business press with semi-structured interviews held with relevant actors in policy, business, and research related to renewable energies.     

Integration of renewable energies and nuclear power into North African Energy Systems: An analysis of energy import and export effects

The North African countries Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt have been and are currently experiencing rapid growth in energy demand. This development confronts their political leaders with the question of how to expand or diversify their countries’ generation capacities. In this context, renewable energies and nuclear power constitute options that have rarely been exploited so far in the region. This article analyzes the drawbacks and benefits of both alternatives, with a special focus on import and export dynamics. When attempting to make the strategic decision between renewables and atomic power, North African regional specifics and circumstances have to be taken into account. Hence, in a first step, the article characterizes the energy systems of the North African countries and presents scenarios for their future development. In a second step, it scrutinizes the energy challenges these states face in terms of domestic concerns and foreign affairs. Finally, a case study of Algeria is used to demonstrate how renewable energies, but not nuclear power, are able to respond to North African energy challenges.     

The production of scientific knowledge on renewable energies: Worldwide trends,dynamics and challenges and implications for management

The present study investigates renewable energy analyzing the last twenty years of worldwide scientific production and the dynamics of interest around relevant policies in this direction. Based on a review on the role of knowledge development in technology transitions, we coupled bibliometric and expert debate approaches to provide decision makers with a sound analysis of thematic and regional trends in the field. Results show that the level of activity of researchers in the field of solar energy is somewhat contrasted only by biomass and wind energy. Despite countries being embedded in a global virtual network, geographical differences still arise: while North America and Europe show isomorphism of national communities and a high diversification of vertical foci, emerging research communities (e.g. BRICS countries) reflect market strategies (e.g. China) and the natural environment (e.g. Brazil) with a higher directionality of researches.Our findings provide an overall picture on world-wide development of competences as a relevant variable which policy makers should ideally consider in detail when setting integrated research, industrial and energy policies and strategies.     

Analysis of change in electric energy cost with using renewable energy sources in Gökceada, Turkey: An island example

In this study, electric requirement of Gökceada, the biggest island of Turkey is analyzed that how can it be supplied with renewable energy sources. In order to consider the optimal system configuration of hybrid or non-hybrid renewable energy system, the HOMER program is used. At relevant studies which are done about renewable energy sources, it is seen that cost analysis are done according to annual average values. But in this study, HOMER program is used in order to make the system which is generated with computer, as real as possible. On the other studies, it is found out that various changes which are occurred in the year cannot be added to the system. With HOMER; the effect of values which vary by the time like electric load, wind speed and solar radiation, is considered and than the electric system are modelled. For each of these data, 8760 values are formed in HOMER. HOMER cannot model transient changes which is smaller than 1 h. However; it is expressed that, hourly data are sufficient in order to analyze the system like this. In this study; systems which are composed of solar panels, wind turbines and batteries, auxiliary tools are modelled with considered various scenarios. Grid connection or diesel generators for backup power are also modelled. Values of components which form the renewable system of Gökceada, are determined by the simulations. The excess energy which occurs when the energy source is bigger than the load, can be sold to the grid and so, the cost of energy can be reduced. According to the simulation results; it is seen that, energy costs of wind energy systems are lower for Gökceada. It is revealed that wind energy is advantageous in Gökceada especially with grid sales according to the grid connected scenario.     

Breaking down the silos: the integration of energy efficiency, renewable energy, demand response and climate change

This paper explores the feasibility of integrating energy efficiency program evaluation with the emerging need for the evaluation of programs from different “energy cultures” (demand response, renewable energy, and climate change). The paper reviews key features and information needs of the energy cultures and critically reviews the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating these with energy efficiency program evaluation. There is a need to integrate the different policy arenas where energy efficiency, demand response, and climate change programs are developed, and there are positive signs that this integration is starting to occur.

Evaluation of energy efficiency and renewable energy generation opportunities for small scale dairy farms: A case study in Prince Edward Island,Canada

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest province in Canada measuring about 5700 km² in area with a population of around 130,000 people. Small family farm operation is part of the Island's way of life. However, the dairy industry in North America is undergoing significant structural change. Statistics show a significant decline in the small dairy farms industry, while the number of large operations has been increasing. Advantages for large operations include purchasing energy in large quantities with better price margins and the inherent economy of scale created by such breaks. One strategy for small-scale farms to become competitive is to reduce their energy-related operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved through taking energy efficiency steps, reducing overall energy consumption and generating energy through renewable energy resources and technologies. This paper uses a case study of a small dairy farm in Oyster Bed Bridge, PEI to gain insight into the direct use of energy within small dairy farms. An energy audit methodology is used to determine the energy intensity of the farm as well as energy efficiency opportunities. The paper also assesses the feasibility of meeting part of the energy demand of the farm with renewable energy generation. Energy efficiency recommendations for the case study farm include lighting retrofitting and regular maintenance of refrigeration condenser units. Renewable energy generation findings include the potential use of an anaerobic digester or a 25 kW wind turbine to generate the majority of the operation's energy.     

Dynamic planning,conversion, and management strategy of different renewable energy sources: A Sustainable Solution for Severe Energy Crises in Emerging Economies

Green hydrogen energy is a natural substitute for fuel-based energy and it increases a country's long-term energy safety. Pakistan has been a victim of a severe energy crisis for the past few decades. In this context, this research addresses green hydrogen generation and renewable energy supply (i.e., wind, solar, biomass, public waste, geothermal and small hydropower) as an alternate energy source in Pakistan. The assessment is carried out through a two-step framework (i.e., Fuzzy-AHP and non-parametric DEA). Results show that Pakistan has abundant renewable power capacity from wind, which the light-duty transport in the country can opt. Almost 4.89 billion gallons of fuel are consumed annually in Sindh, whereas Punjab uses up around 6.92 billion gallons of fuel annually, which need to be substituted with 1.63 billion kg and 2.31 billion kg of wind-produced hydrogen, respectively. It has been discovered that solar and wind energy attain the same criterion of weights (i.e., 0.070) in-line with the commercial potential criterion. Besides, wind-generated power is ideal for green hydrogen generation in Pakistan, and the subsequent choice for green hydrogen energy is small hydropower and solar, which are also good for green hydrogen generation in the country. Hence, this research offers a solid recommendation for the use of wind energy, which is ideal for the production of Green Hydrogen energy in the country.     

Integration of renewable energies using the surplus capacity of wind farms to generate H2 and electricity in Brazil and in the Rio Grande do Sul state: energy planning and avoided emissions within a circular economy

Hydrogen is a clean fuel capable of promoting sustainable energy development. The effective use of surplus energy from wind plants appears as a promising method to produce hydrogen. Accumulating surplus energy through hydrogen production and storage can solve the problem of energy excess, making energy available on-demand. This article explored the potential of hydrogen production from wind energy in three distinct scenarios of surplus energy, and the amount of electricity generation for Brazil and its regions. To a scenario of 6-h of energy excess, the potential for hydrogen production from wind energy was equal to 1.48E + 07 Nm³.d⁻¹. The state of Rio Grande do Sul reached a potential of 1.10E+06 MWh.month-¹ of electricity generation using H₂. Taking into account a payback-time of 3.5 years, the cost of hydrogen production was 0.402 US$.kWh⁻¹. Hydrogen ensures greater energy security in times of energy shortages through biofuel storage. The main goal was to show the possibilities of diversifying the national electrical matrix and the wind resources contribution to the Circular and H₂ Economy in the country.     

Energy structure,marginal efficiency and substitution rate: An empirical study of China

Energy efficiency is an important factor in developing energy policies as it represents the extent to which resources support economic output. In recent literature, relevant studies have mainly focused on aggregate energy efficiency, but rarely touched on the marginal efficiency of diverse energy resources and their comparative substitution rate. During 1978–2003, China's energy efficiency continually increased; and consequently became a hot topic in contemporary literature. However, there is no empirical study on the relationship between energy structure and energy efficiency. In order to close the gap, this paper reports the empirical study of the impact of China's energy structure on its energy efficiency from 1978 to 2003. The work covered primary estimation of the marginal efficiency of coal and petroleum in China, as well as the comparative substitution rate. Results indicate that the substitution rate between petroleum and coal is a factor of 5.38.     

Emissions targeting and planning: An application of CO2 emissions pinch analysis (CEPA) to the Irish electricity generation sector

This paper outlines the past analysis and projected planning of the Irish electricity generation sector using an extension of a novel methodology based on a graphical optimisation concept. The main two adaptations/extensions to the current form of the methodology are proposed as both the forecasting adaptation and the extension that accounts for the dynamic nature of electricity supply–demand. The determination of an optimal energy resource (OER) mix (or optimal fuel mix) for the sector will look to give guidelines towards fulfilling the sector's Kyoto targets, as well as yielding a possible approach for other sectors to follow in the future. Data pertaining to the sector for the year 2005 was taken in order to illustrate the analysis and forecasting procedures.     

Economic viability assessment of sustainable hydrogen production,storage, and utilisation technologies integrated into on- and off-grid micro-grids: A performance comparison of different meta-heuristics

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the development of zero-emissions, sustainable energy systems utilising the potential of hydrogen energy technologies. However, the improper long-term economic assessment of costs and consequences of such hydrogen-based renewable energy systems has hindered the transition to the so-called hydrogen economy in many cases. One of the main reasons for this is the inefficiency of the optimization techniques employed to estimate the whole-life costs of such systems. Owing to the highly nonlinear and non-convex nature of the life-cycle cost optimization problems of sustainable energy systems using hydrogen as an energy carrier, meta-heuristic optimization techniques must be utilised to solve them. To this end, using a specifically developed artificial intelligence-based micro-grid capacity planning method, this paper examines the performances of twenty meta-heuristics in solving the optimal design problems of three conceptualised hydrogen-based micro-grids, as test-case systems. Accordingly, the obtained numeric simulation results using MATLAB indicate that some of the newly introduced meta-heuristics can play a key role in facilitating the successful, cost-effective development and implementation of hydrogen supply chain models. Notably, the moth-flame optimization algorithm is found capable of reducing the life-cycle costs of micro-grids by up to 6.5% as compared to the dragonfly algorithm.