GIS-based evaluation of multifarious local renewable energy sources: a case study of the Chigu area of southwestern Taiwan

The issue of regulating greenhouse gas emissions of developing countries is one of the main reasons for the US's retreat from ratifying the Kyoto Protocal, and this deserves particular attention in order to ensure that a robust international climate policy exists in the future. Enabling developing countries to move toward low-carbon energy systems would enhance the feasibility for their participation in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluates wind, solar, and biomass energy sources in a rural area of Chigu in southwestern Taiwan by means of analyzing technical, economic, environmental, and political implications in order to establish an evaluation model for developing local renewable energy sources. The adopted approach evaluates local potentials of renewable energy sources with the aid of a geographic information system according to actual local conditions, and allows the assessment to consider local potentials and restrictions such as climate conditions, land uses, and ecological environments, thus enabling a more-accurate assessment than is possible with evaluations on an approximate basis. These results may help build a developmental vision for sustainable energy systems based on locally available natural resources, and facilitate a transition of national energy and environmental policies towards sustainability.     

A regional decision support system for onsite renewable hydrogen production from solar and wind energy sources

Hydrogen technologies driven by renewable energy sources (RES) represent an attractive energy solution to ensure environmental sustainability. In this paper, a decision support system for the hydrogen exploitation is presented, focusing on some specific planning aspects. In particular, the planning aspects regard the selection of locations with high hydrogen production mainly based on the use of solar and wind energy sources. Four modules were considered namely, the evaluation of the wind and solar potentials, the analysis of the hydrogen potential, the development of a regional decision support module and a last module that regards the modelling of a hybrid onsite hydrogen production system. The overall approach was applied to a specific case study in Liguria region, in the north of Italy.     

The portfolio of renewable energy sources for achieving the three E policy goals

Renewable energy is considered by many policy-makers to contribute to achieving at least three major policy goals: the energy goal, the environmental goal, and the economic goal (3E goals). As an innovation-oriented island country with scarce natural resources, Taiwan announced the Sustainable Energy Policy Principles in 2008 that stated that Taiwan’s renewable energy policy should accomplish the 3E goals. Several studies point out that specific renewable energy policy goals lead to specific renewable energy sources and technologies because each type of renewable energy has different features. In order to achieve the renewable energy policy goals, this research aims to examine how different policy goals lead to corresponding renewable energy sources. The relative importance of each goal is evaluated by using analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The weight of each policy goal is adjusted separately to construct policy scenarios by the sensitivity analysis. According to the results, non-pumped storage hydropower, wind energy, and solar energy are three sources that could meet the three policy goals at the same time.     

An assessment of exploiting renewable energy sources with concerns of policy and technology

In recent years, the Taiwanese government has vigorously promoted the development of renewable energy to engage the challenges of gradual depletion of fossil fuels and oil, as well as the intensification of the greenhouse effect. Since the Sustainable Energy Policy Principles were announced in 2008, Taiwanese government has declared that the development of renewable energy should take into account goals that pertain to energy, the environment, and the economy (3E goals). This study aims to assess the 3E goals and renewable energy sources regulated by the Renewable Energy Development Bill that passed in 2009. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is used to resolve the multi-goal problem for achieving our research purposes. That is, this research attempts to reveal the suitable renewable energy sources for the purposes of meeting the 3E policy goals. The results first show that environmental goal is the most important to the development of various renewable energy technologies in Taiwan, followed by the economic and energy goals. Additionally, hydropower, solar energy, and wind energy would be the renewable energy sources utilized in meeting the 3E policy goals.     

A server database system for remote monitoring and operational evaluation of renewable energy sources plants

The development of a server database system for monitoring and operational evaluation of remote Renewable Energy Sources (RES) plants is presented. Meteorological and operational parameters of multiple RES systems are measured and transmitted in real-time to a database (DB) server. An integrated data management system, comprised of programs running on the DB server, displays the received data on screen, stores them on local disk and inserts them in the DB in real-time. Remote clients access the DB using the TCP/IP protocol in order to create charts, calculate statistical and operational parameters regarding each RES plant and perform DB administration actions. The proposed system can be used for the exploration of the available RES potential during the design of RES systems, the development of statistical models describing the spatial variability of RES resources and the remote monitoring and control of RES plants.     

Energy-based system well-being analysis for small systems with intermittent renewable energy sources

One of the fundamental requirements of a power system, especially in a small isolated power system (SIPS), is secure and reliable energy supply. In this paper, a novel Energy-Based System Well-being Analysis framework (EBSWBA) is presented to assess the reliability of systems containing renewable energy sources (RES), fossil-fueled sources and electricity storage. The framework combines the advantages of the well-known System Well-being Analysis (SWBA) and Expected Energy Not-Served (EENS) approaches, thus overcoming the weaknesses of the SWBA by considering all key factors that influence the system adequacy. Furthermore, two techniques are proposed for calculation of the EBSWBA indices: the Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS) adopted for the EBSWBA framework, and the Contingency Enumeration for Small Isolated Power Systems (CESIPS) technique, which is derived from the Contingency Enumeration (CE) methodology. These techniques enable formation of probability distributions of the indices. The comparison of the results of classical SWBA and EBSWBA when applied to different SIPS architectures, operating schemes and load profiles demonstrates the superiority of EBSWBA over SWBA in terms of rendered information about the system state as well as in terms of computational efficiency, especially when the CESIPS technique is used for calculation of the EBSWBA indices.     

A decision support system for planning biomass-based energy production

Environmental decision support systems (EDSS) are recognized as valuable tools for environmental planning and management. In this paper, a geographic information system (GIS)-based EDSS for the optimal planning of forest biomass use for energy production is presented. A user-friendly interface allows the creation of Scenarios and the running of the developed decision and environmental models. In particular, the optimization model regards decisions over a long-term period (e.g. years) and includes decision variables related to plant locations, conversion processes (pyrolisis, gasification, combustion), harvested biomass. Moreover, different energy products and different definitions of the harvesting and pre-treatment operations are taken into account. The correct management of the forest is considered through specific constraints, security factors, and procedures for parcel selection. The EDSS features and capabilities are described in detail, with specific reference to a case study. Discussion and further research are reported.     

A superstructure model of an isolated power supply system using renewable energy: Development and application to Jeju Island,Korea

In this study, we aim to develop a superstructure-based optimization model using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) to determine the optimal combination and sizing for a hybrid renewable energy system to be used in an isolated area. The developed model has a three-layered energy structure to reflect the current reality in which energy production and consumption sites are generally separate. A variety of economic factors, including distance between facilities and an installation area, are considered for a more accurate estimation of the total annualized cost. Two types of optimization models, i.e., with and without a battery, are proposed to evaluate the economic and technical effects of a storage device to resolve operation issues caused by intermittent resources. An application case study on Jeju Island, Korea, confirms that the proposed model is suitable for decision making at the planning stage of a renewable energy system.     

Implementation of renewable energy in Scottish rural area: A social study

Nowadays, renewable energy is considered one of the valuable sources of energy in the energy sector. It is contributing major role in fulfilling the increasing level of global energy crisis. Although most of study of renewable energy is done through its technological development and a few are done in its acceptance level socially. In such consequences, this research considers the social acceptability of renewable energy in terms of economical, environmental and cultural perspectives. As a test bed, Scottish rural areas were considered for this social study, where the areas are regarded as lacking of continuous energy supply due to weak grid and socio-economic growth. This research investigates the intimate and sensitive nature of the social issues in rural Scotland that are important in the communities when decisions are made on renewable energy supply and demand. The social interactions are investigated by means of both interviewing the local residents and distributed questionnaires among them. The responses from the interviews and the questions are analyzed according to the predefined criterion of renewable energy such as willingness to accept, changes of life style, income and pay, and education and employment.     

Performance evaluation of renewable energy support policies,applied on Flanders’ tradable certificates system

The article is composed as a diptych. First, a general framework of criteria to evaluate the performance of renewable energy support systems is elaborated. It is built around the main criteria effectiveness, efficiency and equity. All three are multi-layered and specifying the contents of the various layers is case dependent. Second, the framework is applied on detailed data about the Flemish tradable certificates support system.     

Economic modelling of price support mechanisms for renewable energy: Case study on Ireland

The Irish Government is considering its future targets, policy and programmes for renewable energy for the period beyond 2005. This follows a review in 2003 of policy options that identified a number of different measures to stimulate increased deployment of renewable energy generation capacity. This paper expands this review with an economic analysis of renewable energy price support mechanisms in the Irish electricity generation sector. The focus is on three primary price support mechanisms quota obligations, feed in tariffs and competitive tender schemes. The Green-X computer model is utilised to characterise the RES-E potential and costs in Ireland up until, and including, 2020. The results from this dynamic software tool are used to compare the different support mechanisms in terms of total costs to society and the average premium costs relative to the market price for electricity. The results indicate that in achieving a 20% RES-E proportion of gross electricity consumption by 2020, a tender scheme provides the least costs to society over the period 2006–2020 but only in case there is limited or no strategic bidding. Considering, however, strategic bidding, a feed-in tariff can be the more efficient solution. Between the other two support mechanisms, the total costs to society are highest for feed-in-tariffs (FIT) until 2013, at which point the costs for the quota system begin to rise rapidly and overtake FIT in 2014–2020. The paper also provides a sensitivity analysis of the support mechanism calculations by varying default parameters such as the interim (2010) target, the assumed investment risk levels and the amount of biomass co-firing. This analysis shows that a 2010 target of 15% rather than 13.2% generates lower costs for society over the whole period 2006–2020, but higher costs for the RES-E strategy over the period 2006–2010.     

Interactions between measures for the support of electricity from renewable energy sources and CO2 mitigation

As Europe wants to move towards a secure, sustainable and competitive energy market, it has taken action, amongst other, to support electricity from renewable energy sources (RES-E) and to mitigate CO₂ emissions. This paper first qualitatively discusses price- and quantity-based measures for RES-E deployment as well as CO₂ mitigation. Next, a simulation model is developed to quantitatively discuss the effects of a tradable green certificate system, a premium mechanism, a tradable CO₂ allowance system and a CO₂ tax on both RES-E deployment and CO₂ mitigation. A three-regional model implementation representing the Benelux, France and Germany is used. In a first step of simulations, all measures are implemented separately. In a second step, combinations of both RES-E supporting and CO₂ mitigating measures are simulated and discussed. Significant indirect effects are demonstrated, especially for RES-E supporting measures on the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Interactions between different measures show that the price level of quantity-based measures can be strongly influenced.     

PEM electrolysis for production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources

PEM electrolysis is a viable alternative for generation of hydrogen from renewable energy sources. Several possible applications are discussed, including grid independent and grid assisted hydrogen generation, use of an electrolyzer for peak shaving, and integrated systems both grid connected and grid independent where electrolytically generated hydrogen is stored and then via fuel cell converted back to electricity when needed. Specific issues regarding the use of PEM electrolyzer in the renewable energy systems are addressed, such as sizing of electrolyzer, intermittent operation, output pressure, oxygen generation, water consumption and efficiency.     

Management of natural gas resources and search for alternative renewable energy resources: A case study of Pakistan

Energy usage in Pakistan has increased rapidly in past few years due to increase in economic growth. Inadequate and inconsistent supply of energy has created pressure on the industrial and commercial sectors of Pakistan and has also affected environment. Demand has already exceeded supply and load shedding has become common phenomenon. Due to excessive consumption of energy resources it would become difficult to meet future energy demands. This necessitates proper management of existing and exploration of new energy resources. Energy resource management is highly dependent on the supply and demand pattern. This paper highlights the future demands, production and supply of energy produced from natural gas based on economic and environmental constraints in Pakistan with special emphasis on management of natural gas. An attempt has been made by proposing a suitable course of action to meet the rising gas demand. A mechanism has been proposed to evaluate Pakistan's future gas demand through quantitative analysis of base, worst and best/chosen option. CO₂ emission for all cases has also been evaluated. The potential, constraints and possible solutions to develop alternative renewable energy resources in the country have also been discussed. This work will be fruitful for the decision makers responsible for energy planning of the country. This work is not only helpful for Pakistan but is equally important to other developing countries to manage their energy resources.     

Energy system analysis of 100% renewable energy systems—The case of Denmark in years 2030 and 2050

This paper presents the methodology and results of the overall energy system analysis of a 100% renewable energy system. The input for the systems is the result of a project of the Danish Association of Engineers, in which 1600 participants during more than 40 seminars discussed and designed a model for the future energy system of Denmark. The energy system analysis methodology includes hour by hour computer simulations leading to the design of flexible energy systems with the ability to balance the electricity supply and demand. The results are detailed system designs and energy balances for two energy target years: year 2050 with 100% renewable energy from biomass and combinations of wind, wave and solar power; and year 2030 with 50% renewable energy, emphasising the first important steps on the way. The conclusion is that a 100% renewable energy supply based on domestic resources is physically possible, and that the first step towards 2030 is feasible to Danish society. However, Denmark will have to consider to which degree the country shall rely mostly on biomass resources, which will involve the reorganisation of the present use of farming areas, or mostly on wind power, which will involve a large share of hydrogen or similar energy carriers leading to certain inefficiencies in the system design.     

A method for allocating renewable energy source subsidies among final energy consumers

In a new context of growing need for renewable energy sources (RES), tariff design has become a critical component of energy system regulation. A methodology for allocating the cost of RES subsidies that ensures an optimal balance between compliance with the main regulatory principles of tariff design and each state's specific policy is of cardinal importance in the current context. This paper presents and discusses a novel methodology to allocate the RES subsidy costs, which consists of distributing them among final energy consumers, in proportion to their consumption, regardless of the type of final energy consumed (liquid fuels, gas, electricity or coal).     

Successful renewable energy development in a competitive electricity market: A Texas case study

The development of renewable energy in markets with competition at wholesale and retail levels poses challenges not present in areas served by vertically-integrated utilities. The intermittent nature of some renewable energy resources impact reliability, operations, and market prices, in turn affecting all market participants. Meeting renewable energy goals may require coordination among many market players.     

Sustainable application of renewable sources in water pumping systems: Optimized energy system configuration

Eighteen years ago, in Portugal, the expenses in a water supply system associated with energy consumption were quite low. However, with the successive crises of energy fuel and the increase of the energy tariff as well as the water demand, the energy consumption is becoming a larger and a more important part of the total budget of water supply pumping systems. Also, new governmental policies, essentially in developed countries, are trying to implement renewable energies. For these reasons, a case-study in Portugal of a water pumping system was analysed to operate connected to solar and wind energy sources.     

Mapping the potential for decentralized energy generation based on renewable energy sources in the Republic of Croatia

There are regions in the Republic of Croatia (underdeveloped, devastated by war, depopulated, as well as islands and mountainous areas) which are still disconnected from the electricity network or where the current network capacity is insufficient. In addition, these regions have good renewable energy potential. Since the decentralized energy generation (DEG) covers a broad range of technologies, including many renewable energy technologies (RET) that provide small-scale power at sites close to the users, this concept could be of interest for these locations. This paper identifies the areas in Croatia where such systems could be applied. Consideration is given to geographical locations as well as possible applications. Wind, hydro, solar photovoltaic, geothermal, and biomass conversion systems were analyzed from a technological and economic point of view. Since the renewable energy sources (RES) data for Croatia are rather scarce, the intention was to give a survey of the present situation and an estimate of future potential for DEG based on RES. The energy potential (given as capacity and energy capability) and production costs were calculated on a regional basis and per type of RET. Finally, the RES cost–supply curves for 2006 and 2010 are given.     

Electricity sector in Mexico: Current status. Contribution of renewable energy sources

The challenge facing the world electricity sector is the cost incurred in maintaining the system and seeing to the environmental effects it causes. In Mexico the grid is supplied by thermal plants fed by oil products. Its great potential of renewable energies clearly shown in studies by national and international scholars has led the government to become more committed to take advantage of these energies. The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels to generate electricity and to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. In this article we analyse the current state of renewable energies, the conditions needed to foster them and the legislative changes already introduced to promote their greater part in the national electricity grid.