Research Opportunities for Renewable Energy Electrification in Remote Areas of Costa Rica

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 553-563
Author(s):  
Gustavo Richmond-Navarro ◽  
Rolando Madriz-Vargas ◽  
Noel Ureña-Sandí ◽  
Fabian Barrientos-Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Costa Rica ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Efficient Solutions ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Wind Power Plants ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Electricity Access

Abstract Most countries around the world are politically driven to move toward a low-carbon future by embracing renewable energy technologies for electricity generation. With abundance of renewable energy resources, Costa Rica produces over 95 percent of its electricity from hydro, geothermal, and wind power plants. Only one percent of its population live without electricity, mainly in remote territories where rural off-grid electrification is very challenging. The purpose of this research is to contribute to enhancing the opportunities to reach universal electricity access in Costa Rica by studying some cases. A comparison with the African situation is made in order to find common points of benefit and learning. This article highlights that a greater level of engagement is needed from local leaders to develop efficient solutions in Costa Rica, and brings a relevant comparison with Africa’s energy needs as well.

scholarly journals Progress in Renewable Energy Technologies: Innovation Potential in Latvia

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-63
Author(s):  
Karina Suharevska ◽  
Dagnija Blumberga
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Multiple Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Innovation Potential ◽  
Wind Power Plants ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Energy Plants

Abstract The development of renewable energy technologies (RET) depends on a wide range of criteria and regulations. To evaluate which RET (solar photovoltaic (PV), wind power plants (WPP), hydroelectric power plants (HPP) or bio-energy plants) have the greatest potential in Latvia, the most suitable approach is a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM). The proposed MCDM methodology involves TOPSIS model based on information entropy, which contributes as a criteria weighting tool. The study investigates seven main criteria from technical, economic, environmental and social aspects. Firstly, each alternative country is analysed due to the chosen RET criteria. Secondly, the assessment is extended, comparing specific data with Latvia’s MCDM of RET results. The research results show that, according to the best available examples of RET, hydro energy plants still play a substantial role for Latvia, the most promising RET development is based on bio-energy and wind renewable energies.

scholarly journals A Study for the Optimal Exploitation of Solar, Wind and Hydro Resources and Electrical Storage Systems in the Bormida Valley in the North of Italy

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 5291
Author(s):  
Stefano Bracco
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
The North ◽  
Wind Power Plants

The exploitation of distributed renewable energy sources leads to a low-carbon energy transition, mainly based on the optimal integration of hydro, PV and wind power plants with the remaining high-performance fossil-fuel power stations. In the last twenty years, European Union (EU) countries have shown a significant increase of the power installed in new PV and wind power plants, together with the refurbishment of small and medium size hydro stations. In particular, in Italy, PV and wind energy production has strongly increased and nowadays there are regions characterized by a very green energy mix. In this new scenario, energy storage becomes a viable solution to mitigate the variability of renewable energy sources thus optimizing the network operation. The present paper is focused on the Liguria region, in the North of Italy and in particular on the Bormida Valley where nowadays more than the half of the annual electricity consumption is covered by the renewable energy local production. The paper describes the current energy situation and proposes an optimization tool to investigate the possibility of installing new PV and wind power plants, as well as energy intensive storage units based on sodium-sulphur batteries; moreover, different scenarios are analyzed through the definition of economic and environmental key performance indicators.

scholarly journals Renewable Energy Perspectives of Pakistan and Turkey: Current Analysis and Policy Recommendations

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3349
Author(s):  
Riaz Uddin ◽  
Abdurrahman Javid Shaikh ◽  
Hashim Raza Khan ◽  
Muhammad Ayaz Shirazi ◽  
Athar Rashid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Power ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Demands

To a great extent, Pakistan and Turkey rely on imported fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Pakistan is moving in the right direction, placing focus on renewable energy resources in its current infrastructure in order to address the energy shortage. Several projects (e.g., wind power and solar PV (photovoltaic) technologies) are operational or under development; they are intended to reduce energy challenges in Pakistan. The new government in Pakistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy in total power generation to 30% by 2030. On the other hand, Turkey surpasses Pakistan in renewable energy resources; for example, there are 186 operational wind energy power plants across the country. In addition, Turkey utilizes solar energy—mainly for residential usage. Turkey’s Vision 2023 energy agenda aims to supply 30% of their power demands from modern renewable energy resources. Turkey has implemented solar PV, solar buildings, wind power plants, geothermal energy resources, and biomass technology for heating, cooling and electricity generation. At present, Turkey’s supply to meet energy demands in the country is 56% fossil fuel energy resources and 44% renewable energy, including hydropower. Accessible details reveal that geothermal energy resources have been continuously neglected in Pakistan by the Ministry of Energy (power division); this is in contrast to the Turkish case, in which utilization of geothermal energy resources for heating and cooling purposes is efficient. With all the facts and figures under consideration, in this paper, comparative analyses are performed which reveal that the production of electricity from geothermal energy technologies is lower than the massive potential in both countries. Recommendations are made for important policies to promote renewable energy technologies, which could effectively support energy decentralization by providing electricity to rural areas and the national grid.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of Current Status of Renewable Energy Sources in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1234-1239 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Thermal Power ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Hybrid Renewable Energy

Many people in rural society of India does not have access to natural energy resources like LPG , electricity as there is no facilitation of grid erection. Hence it becomes imperative for country like India to go for renewable energy resources as alternative to conventional energy resources. This paper evaluations the potential of different sources of renewable energy in India. It also highlights the trends in the growth of renewable energy sector, although at the same time shows that there is need of a hybrid renewable energy model for rural electrification in India. Paper also shows the scope in using the agriculture waste as bio fuel which burned otherwise and prompt health hazards besides environmental pollution, also describing many technologies which are in the demonstration stage like Tidal, OTEC, Solar thermal power plants. Many constraints put development in the field of solar and wind sector, on hold like availability of solar rays throughout the year . The main aim of the paper is to evaluation all possible options in renewable energy sector so that large segment of rural population can have access to electricity and to meet their basic energy needs.

Carbon Pricing in US Electricity Markets: Expediting the Low-Carbon Transition While Mitigating the Growing Conflict between Renewable-Energy Goals and Regional Electricity Markets

Climate Law ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-302
Author(s):  
Kevin B. Jones ◽  
Benjamin B. Civiletti ◽  
Angela J. Sicker
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Electricity Markets ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Nuclear Facilities ◽  
Market Mechanisms ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Zero Emission ◽  
Eligibility Requirements

Open access to electric markets supports the integration of growing renewable energy resources. This is increasingly important as more US states aim to meet 100 percent of their energy needs with zero-emission resources. Currently states employ a wide variety of renewable energy targets and eligibility requirements. An example of the increasingly complex US state policy patchwork is state-mandated zero-emission credits (zecs) for nuclear facilities. Rather than increase conflict between clean energy goals and wholesale electric markets, there is a need for a more comprehensive regional approach that provides the appropriate price signals for carbon through existing market mechanisms. A carbon charge could be designed to eliminate the need for out-of-market zec payments to nuclear generation and significantly reduce state payments for renewable energy credits. This article examines the growing conflict between regional electricity markets and more localized clean-energy goals and explores how a carbon charge in the US regional electricity markets both mitigate this conflict and expedite the low-carbon transition.

scholarly journals Off shore Wind Power Plant in the Adriatic Sea: An Opportunity for the Croatian Economy

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Božidar Liščić ◽  
Ivo Senjanović ◽  
Većeslav Čorić ◽  
Hrvoje Kozmar ◽  
Marko Tomić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Power ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Adriatic Sea ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Shipbuilding Industry ◽  
Structural Fatigue ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Wind Power Plants

The significant growth of renewable energy production in the past decades is present mainly due to the global depletion of fossil fuel reserves. One of interesting and well developed renewable energy technologies are wind turbines which are mainly built onshore. Due to more favorable wind characteristics at sea, off shore wind power plants are an interesting and challenging option for meeting future energy demands. In particular, less turbulent wind with higher average velocity enhances energy production and reduces structural fatigue of wind energy structures. In this study, benefits and drawbacks of off shore wind turbine units and power plants are pointed out. Based on the available climate data, sea depths and existing sea traffic routes, two possible wind power plants, i.e. one with fixed and another with floating turbines, are proposed for installation in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. Benefits for the Croatian shipbuilding industry and its economy are pointed out.

Advancing Innovations in Renewable Energy Technologies as Alternatives to Fossil Fuel Use in the Middle East

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damilola S Olawuyi
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Gulf Countries ◽  
Environmentally Responsible ◽  
Legal Frameworks ◽  
Legal Barriers

Despite increasing political emphasis across the Middle East on the need to transition to lower carbon, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy systems and economies, legal innovations required to drive such transitions have not been given detailed analysis and consideration. This chapter develops a profile of law and governance innovations required to integrate and balance electricity generated from renewable energy sources (RES-E) with extant electricity grid structures in the Middle East, especially Gulf countries. It discusses the absence of renewable energy laws, the lack of legal frameworks on public–private partnerships, lack of robust pricing and financing, and lack of dedicated RES-E institutional framework. These are the main legal barriers that must be addressed if current national visions of a low-carbon transition across the Middle East are to move from mere political aspirations to realization.

scholarly journals A SWOT Analysis Approach for a Sustainable Transition to Renewable Energy in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3933
Author(s):  
Solomon E. Uhunamure ◽  
Karabo Shale
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Regional Integration ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources

South Africa is been faced with erratic power supply, resulting in persistent load shedding due to ageing in most of its coal-fired power plants. Associated with generating electricity from fossil fuel are environmental consequences such as greenhouse emissions and climate change. On the other hand, the country is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources that can potentially ameliorate its energy needs. This article explores the viability of renewable energy using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis approach on the key renewable potential in the country. The result indicates that geographic position, political and economic stability and policy implementation are some of the strengths. However, Government bureaucratic processes, level of awareness and high investment cost are some of the weaknesses. Several opportunities favour switching to renewable energy, and these include regional integration, global awareness on climate change and the continuous electricity demand. Some threats hindering the renewable energy sector in the country include land ownership, corruption and erratic climatic conditions. Some policy implications are suggested based on the findings of the study.

scholarly journals Optimized Solution for Increasing Electricity Access with Mini-Grid Technology in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
Chukwuma Leonard Azimoh ◽  
Charles Mbohwa
Keyword(s):  
National Development ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Grid Systems ◽  
The North ◽  
Vision 2030 ◽  
The Government ◽  
Electricity Access ◽  
Installed Capacity

Electricity challenge in Nigeria is such that only a dramatic increase in both generation and distribution capacity could leapfrog it out of the situation. Reports show that about 61% of the population have access to electricity, and those that do have are currently grappling with epileptic supply. The power network has installed capacity of about 12.5GW whereas the distribution network has capacity for about 6 GW, and often only about 4.5 GW is available to the consumers. Shortfalls are often met with private generations using diesel generators, resulting in noise and environmental pollution with the attendant health consequences. Frightfully so, the challenge is further exacerbated by the burgeoning population. Nevertheless, the government have set an ambitious target for increasing electricity access in VISION 2030 national development plan. A major milestone of this policy is the audacious ambition to increase the existing grid capacity to 30 GW, with 30% of the mix coming from low carbon technology sources. This study explores the use of available renewable energy resources at eleven locations in different regions of the country for optimal generation of energy in contribution to the Nigerian energy matrix. The study was conducted using HOMER™ and Power BI models. Four energy sources were investigated comprising of solar, wind, hydro and diesel. Our findings show that most places in the southern and middle belt parts of the country support mini-grid systems but are more receptive to grid extension, while a majority of the locations in the north are more environmentally friendly to the implementation of mini-grids. In addition, most places investigated in the south, solar technology contributes more than 80% to the energy mix, meanwhile, most northern locations despite having higher solar irradiation are better suited for wind technology with above 60% contribution to the fold.

scholarly journals Potential utilization of renewable energy resources for electricity generation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

2005 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fajik Begic ◽  
Anes Kazagic
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power System ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Electricity Market ◽  
Renewable Resources ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources

Along with the current processes of restructuring of Energy power system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, liberalization of the electricity market, and modernization of the existing power plants, Bosnia and Herzegovina must turn to the utilization of renewable resources in reason able dynamics as well. Respecting this policy, the initial Valuation of the potential of renewable erg resources in Bosnia and Herzegovina is per formed. The methodology of evaluation of wind energy utilization is presented in this paper, as well as some other aspects of utilization of the renewable energy resources in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Implementation of selected projects should improve sustainability of energy power production in Bosnia and Herzegovina, by reducing the total emission of carbon dioxide originated from energy power system of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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