Renewable Energy on Tribal Lands: A Feasibility Study for a Biomass-to-Energy Plant on the Cocopah Reservation in Arizona

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Lauren K. D’Souza ◽  
William L. Ascher ◽  
Tanja Srebotnjak
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
The United States ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Plant ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Alternative Investment

Native American reservations are among the most economically disadvantaged regions in the United States; lacking access to economic and educational opportunities that are exacerbated by “energy insecurity” due to insufficient connectivity to the electric grid and power outages. Local renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass offer energy alternatives but their implementation encounters barriers such as lack of financing, infrastructure, and expertise, as well as divergent attitudes among tribal leaders. Biomass, in particular, could be a source of stable base-load power that is abundant and scalable in many rural communities. This case study examines the feasibility of a biomass energy plant on the Cocopah reservation in southwestern Arizona. It considers feedstock availability, cost and energy content, technology options, nameplate capacity, discount and interest rates, construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, and alternative investment options. This study finds that at current electricity prices and based on typical costs for fuel, O&M over 30 years, none of the tested scenarios is presently cost-effective on a net present value (NPV) basis when compared with an alternative investment yielding annual returns of 3% or higher. The technology most likely to be economically viable and suitable for remote, rural contexts—a combustion stoker—resulted in a levelized costs of energy (LCOE) ranging from US$0.056 to 0.147/kWh. The most favorable scenario is a combustion stoker with an estimated NPV of US$4,791,243. The NPV of the corresponding alternative investment is US$7,123,380. However, if the tribes were able to secure a zero-interest loan to finance the plant’s installation cost, the project would be on par with the alternative investment. Even if this were the case, the scenario still relies on some of the most optimistic assumptions for the biomass-to-power plant and excludes abatement costs for air emissions. The study thus concludes that at present small-scale, biomass-to-energy projects require a mix of favorable market and local conditions as well as appropriate policy support to make biomass energy projects a cost-competitive source of stable, alternative energy for remote rural tribal communities that can provide greater tribal sovereignty and economic opportunities.

scholarly journals Kajian Peningkatan Potensi Ekspor Pelet Kayu Indonesia sebagai Sumber Energi Biomassa yang Terbarukan

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Tulus Pangapoi Sidabutar
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
The United States ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Wood Pellets ◽  
Fossil Energy ◽  
Renewable Biomass ◽  
World Today

Dunia saat ini mulai beralih dari menggunakan batu bara ke sumber energi yang terbarukan. Salah satunya adalah pelet kayu demi mengurangi emisi gas rumah kaca dan meningkatkan penggunaan energi terbarukan pengganti energi fosil. Produsen utama pelet kayu di dunia saat ini adalah Amerika Serikat sedangkan untuk wilayah ASEAN adalah Vietnam. Di ASEAN, potensi Indonesia tidak kalah dari Vietnam. Indonesia unggul dalam jumlah luas hutan tanam dan pertanian yang lebih luas dibandingkan Vietnam. Selain itu, keragaman hayati tumbuhan yang ada dapat dijadikan sumber bahan baku pelet kayu yang unik dibandingkan pesaing lainnya. Legalisasi dan regulasi untuk keberlangsungan bahan baku merupakan persyaratan utama untuk memasuki pasar Eropa. Pemerintah Indonesia memberikan dukungan penuh dengan semakin mudahnya perijinan terkait legalisasi dan keberlangsungan bahan baku kayu. Study of Increasing the Export Potential of Indonesia Wood Pellets as a Source of the Renewable Biomass Energy SourceAbstractThe world today is beginning to switch from using coal into renewable energy sources. One of them is wood pellets in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy substitute for fossil energy. The major manufacturer of wood pellets in the world today is the United States, while for the ASEAN region is Vietnam. In ASEAN, Indonesia’s potential is not less than Vietnam. Indonesia superior in numbers of forests and agricultural crops compare to Vietnam. In addition, the existing plant biodiversity that can be used as a source of raw material for wood pellets are unique compared to other competitors. Legalization and regulation in terms of the sustainability of raw materials is a key requirement to enter the European market. The Indonesian government gave full support to the more easily permits related legalization and sustainability of wood raw material.

scholarly journals Suitability assessment for electricity generation through renewable sources: towards sustainable energy production

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-122
Author(s):  
Eduardo Pérez-Denicia ◽  
Fabián Fernández-Luqueño ◽  
Darnes Vilariño-Ayala
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
The United States ◽  
Appropriate Technology ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Renewable Sources

Power generation through renewable sources is an effective alternative to mitigate climate change as its environmental impact is lower compared to fossil fuels. However, socio-economic problems are constant in sites where power plants are installed, especially in developing countries. In this paper, an innovative methodology was developed to assess the suitability of electricity generation through solar, wind, and biomass energy. Unlike most studies found in scientific literature, this work considers social, environmental, and economic aspects as key to determine the suitability of energy projects. First, we carried out a comprehensive analysis on social acceptance and resilience towards renewable energy and the conditions for communities to benefit from these projects; then, we analyzed the availability and capacity of renewable energy sources in Mexico, as a case study. Next,  a set of indicators related to the three pillars of sustainability was developed to assess the conditions of each place with the best renewable resources in the country. The life cycle and capacity factor of each technology were also considered. Lastly, a mathematical model was developed to determine the most suitable locations and technologies for power generation. The results show a trend towards the states of northern Mexico, especially those bordering the United States, as the most viable for electricity generation. The most appropriate technology is wind energy. Finally, Oaxaca, the state with the best wind resources and current leader in wind power generation in Mexico is, by contrast, the least viable state for wind generation, as has been later confirmed by scientific evidence, as wind facilities are associated with severe socio-cultural and economic damage in host communities in this state.

Promotional Policies and Legislative Support for Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Projects

2020 ◽  
pp. 60-94
Author(s):  
Vasundhara Sen ◽  
Ashish Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Floor Price ◽  
Support Tools ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
The Comparative Study

Renewable Energy Sources-Based Electricity (RES-E) plays a key role in sustainable development – of meeting current energy demands, without adding to global warming concerns. However, as of 2017, only 8.5% of the total electricity generation came from RES-E. To boost this contribution, countries rely on strong legislative and policy support/tools. This case focuses on studying the legislative or regulatory frameworks put in place by the top three developed countries, and compares it with three developing countries, each of which are forerunners in RES-E, as of 2017. The comparative study suggests that while no single policy can be credited with the success behind rising RES-E in these countries, two key incentives are most important – namely feed-in-tariffs and renewable purchase obligations. Feed-in-tariffs act as floor price guarantee to the generator and renewable purchase obligations assures the generator of quantum of sale of the RES-E generated. When combined, these two incentives remain the most trusted policy tools even today for countries starting their journey in increasing their RES-E footprints.

scholarly journals ENERGIZING COMMUNITIES THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH EXTERNAL ACTORS: SMALL-SCALE HYDROPOWER PROJECTS IN JAPAN

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Yasuko Honda
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
External Actors

This study aims to specify the contextual conditions that allow for the success of community renewable energy projects, against the background of the expanding use of renewable energy. It analyzes cases where farmers invested in organizations to establish ownership of hydropower plants in the Chugoku region, Japan. Community renewable energy projects derived from local initiatives to provide an alternative energy resource and serve as a catalyst for rural development. However, the costs of small hydropower plant construction and the expert knowledge required for their operation could hinder the diffusion of the technology. Population decline and aging in rural communities also constrain the development of community renewable energy projects. This study presents cases that illuminate the conditions enabling these organizations to succeed in securing the necessary resources for the operation of their renewable energy plants. The survey illustrates how studied organizations have opted to collaborate with external actors to construct or refurbish their plants. The findings indicate that as building partnerships with external actors often becomes essential, it is vital to develop a business-minded framework in which both communities and external actors can financially benefit from introducing small hydropower projects. The cases also reveal that in building collaborative relationships, broad disparities exist between communities and external actors in financial power and expert knowledge, which give the latter substantial advantages in negotiations. An additional important claim derived is that, for an effective partnership that enables a successful community renewable energy project, a third party with expert knowledge and the ability to audit partnership-building processes could play a crucial role in securing community initiatives and independence.

scholarly journals Renewable Energy Efficiency for Regional Development: Case of Belgorod Region

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alla Pakina ◽  
Anastasia Karnaushenko
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Regional Development ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Energy Intensity ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Significant Feature ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Space Images

Abstract The article presents the results of an original research, conducted to evaluate the potential of renewable resources for increasing the sustainability of Belgorod region development. It is one of the most developed regions in Russia with diversified structure of economy. Significant feature of the region’s economy is a lack of domestic energy production and dependence on energy supplies from neighbouring regions. To define the most suitable way to cover the lack of energy and to contribute to the solution of environmental problems, the potential of renewable energy resources, such as solar radiation, wind speed, and biomass energy was estimated. The research was conducted using a variety of sources, such as scientific articles, statistical data, reports of industrial companies and agricultural farms, cartographic materials, space images and materials of own field researches. The most effective way of regional development, which contributes to the decline of energy intensity and environment improvement, is agricultural waste recycling by biogas production. The conclusions on the efficiency of renewable energy sources were based on calculations of GRP energy intensity in cases of traditional and alternative energy systems.

scholarly journals Rimak International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 186-199
Author(s):  
Suheir Ibrahim HACHIM ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Productivity Change ◽  
World Population ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Edge Structure ◽  
Energy And Environment ◽  
The World

A progression of different variables, for example, constraint of fossil fuel assets, negative effects on environment. Fossil directly or indirectly costs energies, political question and their consequences for providing feasible energy are among the reasons which have made numerous government officials, energy and environment specialists move toward the advancement of a cutting edge structure. This is to secure supply of energy, environment assurance and productivity change of energy frameworks. In addition, environmental degradation and the unsustainability of the use of natural resources will lead to increased difficulties for governments and the international community in addressing development challenges, and because the world population is expected to reach (9.7) billion people by the year 2050, in the midst of a situation that is also diminishing. Sources of energy, water and food in the world. Subsequently, most nations have started to understand that the requirement for manageability in energy creation and utilization is altogether crucial. Thusly, following the advance of manageability is basic. with the increasing global awareness of environmental issues, and the realization Everyone that it is necessary to preserve the planet and to take into account the environmental aspects in the use of conventional energy of all kinds, such as natural gas, coal or petroleum, as it is the main cause of pollution of the elements of the environment, as well as classifying traditional energy among the depleted resources that cannot be compensated. Therefore, many countries have paid attention to providing an alternative component of energy, which is renewable energy, which varies to different sources, from solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, and other renewable energy sources, and the extent of its contribution to supplying the world with alternative energy and its ability to continue to flow, And also the extent of its potential in achieving sustainable development, achieving prosperity in society, and the future of the world. The point of this paper is to introduce an arrangement of markers for internationally, in view of the Helio International Sustainable Energy Watch (SEW) markers, that demonstrates to track advance toward maintainability in the energy area.. The goal of present work is to highlight key difficulties about the improvement of renewable energy and strategy system prer

Promotional Policies and Legislative Support for Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Projects

2021 ◽  
pp. 324-352
Author(s):  
Vasundhara Sen ◽  
Ashish Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Floor Price ◽  
Support Tools ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
The Comparative Study

Renewable Energy Sources-Based Electricity (RES-E) plays a key role in sustainable development – of meeting current energy demands, without adding to global warming concerns. However, as of 2017, only 8.5% of the total electricity generation came from RES-E. To boost this contribution, countries rely on strong legislative and policy support/tools. This case focuses on studying the legislative or regulatory frameworks put in place by the top three developed countries, and compares it with three developing countries, each of which are forerunners in RES-E, as of 2017. The comparative study suggests that while no single policy can be credited with the success behind rising RES-E in these countries, two key incentives are most important – namely feed-in-tariffs and renewable purchase obligations. Feed-in-tariffs act as floor price guarantee to the generator and renewable purchase obligations assures the generator of quantum of sale of the RES-E generated. When combined, these two incentives remain the most trusted policy tools even today for countries starting their journey in increasing their RES-E footprints.

scholarly journals Regulatory Impediments to Micro-Wind Generation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan M. Yonk ◽  
Corbin Clark ◽  
Jessica Rood
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
State And Local

Recent growth in the renewable energy industry has largely been driven by government support for alternative energy. Wind power in the United States is the second largest source of renewable energy, and has been heavily subsidized by state and federal government. There has also been an increasing interest in small scale environmental community projects, and this trend is expected to continue. Currently, there are 2 terawatt hours (TWh) of potential energy capacity through small- and micro-wind projects throughout the United States. Increased development of micro-wind energy could significantly impact America’s non-hydropower renewable energy generation. Micro-wind, the utilization of the flow of wind energy to produce electricity for a house, farm or other non-utility scale generation can be regulated at the federal level, as well as at the state and local/community level. We examine two cases of micro-wind energy production to explore the regulatory impediments these smaller projects face. We find that the level of complexity of the regulatory framework is discouraging for innovation and development, and that the benefits of installing energy-generation are often outweighed by the cost of implementation.

The Impact of U.S. Energy Policy on International Health: Alternate Paths into the Future

1982 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Ratcliffe ◽  
Judith C. Merrill
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
International Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Health Educators ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Mortality

Historical, sociological, and epidemiological research shows that international health and mortality levels are determined primarily not by health sector policies but, instead, by national and international policies that shape the broader sociopolitical and economic systems within which health sectors are embedded. Such policies have traditionally been considered to lie outside the domain of the health sector and, therefore, not of concern to health educators. One such national policy with the potential to powerfully influence international health and mortality levels is the looming choice between alternate American energy paths: the capital-intensive, large-scale, and centralized “hard” path of non-renewable energy resources; and the labor-intensive, small-scale, and decentralized “soft” path of renewable energy sources. Substantial effort has been directed to projecting the physical environmental impacts in the United States for both paths. But the social environmental impacts of each path and their implications for international health have been ignored. This article reviews links between alternate U.S. energy paths and alternate international health futures, and their implications for health educators around the world.

FEATURES OF LEGAL REGULATION OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN THE COUNTRIES OF AMERICA (USA, CANADA, COUNTRIES OF LATIN AMERICA)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karyna Karakhanian ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
The United States ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Energy Sources

The article considers general issues of international implementation and formation of the alternative energy sector, which is increasing the pace of development and distribution. Its appearance is due to the rate of depletion of fossil natural resources, environmental pollution. The main goal of renewable energy is to replace the old model of the energy system with new technologies that are environmentally friendly. It is established that today the global market of renewable energy sources is developing dynamically and there are no serious reasons for changing this trend in the foreseeable future. The energy market of the American countries, in particular, the USA, Canada and Latin America, features of realization of legal regulation of the specified sector of economy are investigated. It was stated that this region is one of the most promising players in the international arena of energy-producing countries from alternative sources, whose legislation is not aimed at comprehensive support of the energy sector. The main measures for economic stimulation of alternative energy producers, priorities for the development of the industry and ways to accelerate the energy revolution are analyzed. It was found that the main areas of state support for the sector in the United States, Canada and Latin America are the following measures: tax benefits; state subsidies, grants and guarantees; attracting foreign and national investments; "green" tariff; creating a favorable climate for the implementation of new methods of energy production from renewable sources. It is noted that Ukraine uses various energy sources for its own needs, but in recent years the share of alternative energy in consumption is gradually increasing. The most popular among them are solar and wind energy, hydropower, electricity production from biomass. The analysis of international legislation, as well as the legislation of the countries that were the subject of the study, shows the existence of certain regulations that are advanced and can be introduced into the national legal system in order to improve it.

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