scholarly journals Australian Renewable-Energy Microgrids: a Humble Past, a Turbulent Present, a Propitious Future

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Wright ◽  
Mark Frost ◽  
Alfred Wong ◽  
Kevin A Parton
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Technical Drawing ◽  
Rapid Transition ◽  
Key Aspects

AAs the global energy market undergoes a wholesale transformation accelerated by the need to decarbonise, a rapid transition to renewable energy and the mass deployment of distributed energy resources, autonomous energy networks or microgrids are emerging as an attractive mechanism for the delivery of electricity to end users. Yet in Australia, at least, relatively little is known about key aspects of microgrids that are fundamental to their successful deployment, not least the more commercial and economic elements rather than the purely technical. Drawing on the extant global literature on microgrids, this paper explores the most important of these aspects including business models, ownership and investment. Identifying the ambiguity, inconsistency and uncertainty evident in many of the feasibility studies currently in train across Australia, this paper highlights specific areas for future research that need to be addressed if the full potential of microgrids is to be realised in the context of a global energy transition both domestically and internationally.

scholarly journals Regional Electricity Models for Community Energy in Germany: The Role of Governance Structures

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2241
Author(s):  
Moritz Ehrtmann ◽  
Lars Holstenkamp ◽  
Timon Becker
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Sustainable Innovation ◽  
Value Propositions ◽  
Energy Companies ◽  
Desk Research

Community energy actors play an important role in the energy transition, fostering the diffusion of sustainable innovation in the renewable energy market. Because market conditions for business models in the renewable energy sector are changing and feed-in-tariff (FiT) schemes expiring, community energy companies are in the process of innovating their business models. In recent years, several community energy companies in Germany have entered the electricity retail market selling locally generated electricity from their renewable energy installations to customers in their region. We explore the evolving regional electricity business models for community energy companies in Germany, related governance structures, and the role they play for a sustainable energy transition. In order to implement these complex business models, community energy companies cooperate with professional marketing partners (intermediaries), which are capable of taking over the tasks and obligations of electricity suppliers. Through a series of expert interviews and desk research, we identify three distinctive regional electricity business models and examine opportunities and challenges to their implementation. Results show that there are different forms of cooperation, leading to specific governance structures and creating a set of new value propositions. Through these forms of cooperation, business networks emerge, which can function as incubators for sustainable innovation and learning for the post-FiT era.

Reimaging the Routes to Resilience & Renewables in the CARICOM & OECS Caribbean

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-135
Author(s):  
Alana Malinde S.N. Lancaster
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Imported Oil

The states of the CARICOM and OECS Caribbean are small island developing states (SIDS) which are exceedingly vulnerable to economic and ecological shocks. Examples of vulnerability are the economic cost of a heavy reliance on imported oil & gas resources, and the pernicious effects of climate change. A key strategy to mitigate these vulnerabilities is to invest in renewables, increase resilience, and effect an energy transition for the Region. However, research and data on renewable energy and resilience in the region is still evolving. Further, it has become apparent from stakeholder fora such as CREF and IRAC that there are certain fundamental elements which need to be understood and addressed before the Region can achieve a just energy transition. The first is a clear understanding of what resilience means for the Region's renewable energy sector. The second relates to financing options which incorporate elements of resilience into renewable energy projects. Thirdly, in the rebuilding from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recognised that reimagining full gender equality in the energy sector will be key to sustainable and competitive development. This Article explores the recent developments to re-imaging the route to resilience and renewables in the CARICOM & OECS Caribbean through collaborative efforts at the regional level. It also sets out the next steps in these three fundamental areas and outlines the role for future research to support these regional initiatives.

scholarly journals Renewable Energy-Enabled Cellular Networks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Chai Ko ◽  
Kug-Jin Jung ◽  
Ki Hong Park ◽  
Mohamed-Slim Alouini
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Cellular Networks ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Power Grids ◽  
Base Stations ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Survey Paper ◽  
Aerial Platforms ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2

<div> <div> <div> <p>Renewable energy (RE)-powered base stations (BSs) have been considered as an attractive solution to address the exponential increasing energy demand in cellular networks while decreasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. For the regions where reliable power grids are insufficient and infeasible to deploy, such as aerial platforms and harsh environments, RE has been an alternative power source for BSs. In this survey paper, we provide an overview of RE-enabled cellular networks, detailing their analysis, classification, and related works. First, we introduce the key components of RE-powered BSs along with their frequently adopted models. Second, we analyze the proposed strategies and design issues for RE-powered BSs that can be incorporated into cellular networks and categorize them into several groups to provide a good grasp. Third, we introduce feasibility studies on RE-powered BSs based on the recent literature. Fourth, we investigate RE-powered network components other than terrestrial BSs to address potential issues regarding RE-enabled networks. Finally, we suggest future research directions and conclusions. </p><p><br></p> </div> </div> </div>

scholarly journals Can the 1.5 ℃ warming target be met in a global transition to 100% renewable energy?

AIMS Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1170-1191
Author(s):  
Peter Schwartzman ◽  
◽  
David Schwartzman ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Climate Mitigation ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation

<abstract> <p>First, we recognize the valuable previous studies which model renewable energy growth with complete termination of fossil fuels along with assumptions of the remaining carbon budgets to reach IPCC warming targets. However, these studies use very complex combined economic/physical modeling and commonly lack transparency regarding the sensitivity to assumed inputs. Moreover, it is not clear that energy poverty with its big present impact in the global South has been eliminated in their scenarios. Further, their CO<sub>2</sub>-equivalent natural gas emission factors are underestimated, which will have significant impact on the computed greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, we address this question in a transparent modeling study: can the 1.5 ℃ warming target still be met with an aggressive phaseout of fossil fuels coupled with a 100% replacement by renewable energy? We compute the continuous generation of global wind/solar energy power along with the cumulative carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in a complete phaseout of fossil fuels over a 20 year period. We compare these computed emissions with the state-of-the-science estimates for the remaining carbon budget of carbon dioxide emissions consistent with the 1.5 ℃ warming target, concluding that it is still possible to meet this warming target if the creation of a global 100% renewable energy transition of sufficient capacity begins very soon which will likely be needed to power aggressive negative carbon emission technology. The latter is focused on direct air capture for crustal storage. More efficient renewable technologies in the near future will make this transition easier and promote the implementation of a global circular economy. Taking into account technological improvements in 2<sup>nd</sup> law (exergy) efficiencies reducing the necessary global energy demand, the renewable supply should likely be no more than 1.5 times the present level, with the capacity to eliminate global energy poverty, for climate mitigation and adaptation.</p> </abstract>

scholarly journals Integrated Renewable Energy Systems in Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Sofia Lewis Lopes ◽  
Elizabeth Duarte ◽  
Rita Fragoso
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Waste Production ◽  
New Business ◽  
Exponential Population Growth

The exponential population growth will put great pressure on natural resources, agriculture, energy systems and waste production. New business models and innovative technological approaches are necessary to tackle these challenges and achieve the energy transition targets set by the European Commission. Renewable energy technologies and processes such as solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and anaerobic co-digestion have become a subject of interest and research as a solution that could be fully implemented in industries and solve several environmental and economic problems. This paper discusses the possibility of integrating and complement these technologies to maximize renewable energy production and circularity. The review was performed with a funnel approach aiming to analyze broad to specific subjects. Beginning with a literature review on the various definitions of circular economy, bioeconomy, and circular bioeconomy, ultimately proposing a single definition according to an industrial and academic scope combination, followed by a systematization and assessment of data and literature regarding energy systems present state and projections. The next phase was to assess data and literature of the fruit and vegetable processing industry from an energy consumption and biowaste production perspective to consequently discussing technologies that could help manage problems identified throughout this review. This paper culminates in propounding an Integrated Renewable Energy System conceptual model that promotes energy and waste circularity, envisioning how industries could be designed or redesigned in the future, coupled with a circular bioeconomy business model.

Governing renewables: Policy feedback in a global energy transition

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Meckling
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
International Cooperation ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Policy Feedback ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Energy Governance ◽  
Market Opportunities

Complex global problems such as climate change have not been met with deep international cooperation but with complex systems of governance across multiple scales. This includes the global governance of renewable energy, the fastest growing source of electric power globally. How did the complex system of governance for renewable energy emerge, evolve, and institutionalize? This article posits that policy feedback on market actors helps to explain the evolution of renewable energy governance. The extent to which policy expands or limits market opportunities for firms shapes significantly the coalitions that emerge in support of new institutions, such as policies and organizations, in global renewable energy governance. This article examines the role of policy feedback for three major periods of renewable energy governance, focusing on a case for each period: (1) the emergence and expansion of domestic policy in Germany’s feed-in tariff, (2) international cooperation in the creation of the International Renewable Energy Agency, and (3) international competition in the European Union-China solar trade dispute. The findings contribute to our understanding of complex interdependence in a policy-driven global energy transition, complementing analyses of domestic energy transitions. They also suggest that policymakers can—to some extent—strategically leverage feedback dynamics to promote market transformations in the absence of comprehensive international cooperation.

Are We on the Cusp of a Global Renewable Energy Transition?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sybille Roehrkasten
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Accelerated Expansion ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Intergovernmental Organization ◽  
Energy Governance ◽  
Global Energy Supply

This chapter examines global energy trends, whether a global renewable energy transition is already taking place, and what steps are needed to further accelerate the global deployment of renewables. It first considers the expansion of renewable energy in light of global energy trends, noting that a global energy transition is not yet a reality but is urgently needed. It then looks at drivers and barriers for an accelerated expansion of renewable energy and proceeds by discussing how renewables are moving from the sidelines to the center stage of global energy governance. In particular, it describes the politics behind the creation of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an intergovernmental organization on renewable energy, as well as current challenges for global governance on renewable energy. The chapter shows that global renewable energy capacities have grown significantly but that global energy supply is still dominated by fossil fuels.

An Approach to Natural Gas Valorisation Opportunities Screening Along the Decarbonisation Path

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Iovane ◽  
Marco Flisi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Master Plan ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Plan View ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Evolving energy needs and the global energy transition call for proper evaluation of how Natural Gas could support a Decarbonisation path, considering Natural Gas well recognised contribution to GHG emission reduction approaching the ambitious Green World. However, the main question is how gas resources can be properly delivered to satisfy a wide range of markets and usages considering that fundamental driver is the goal of reducing carbon footprint. A methodology was developed, named Gas Master Plan (GMP), which is an integrated study with a novel view, looking to synergic opportunities among energy sources while defining economically sustainable business models and meeting Decarbonisation targets. A Gas Master Plan is a multidisciplinary study assessing the best valorisation routes for Natural Gas resources in a specified country or geographical region. This kind of study analyses gas and energy supply/demand balance, understanding current and future markets and looks for adequate destinations, check existing infrastructures and further possible developments carried by Local Governments or private entities, identify potential gas production for all the involved resources, business modelling, understanding the benefits to the global energy transition targets that such resources could deliver and screening monetization opportunities under a strategic plan view. Thus, a GMP is not just an analysis of upstream volumes to verify whether they match commitments and still fit in their future development plans but it is company-wide joint effort to gather ideas, proposals, topics or issues to be addressed and possible solutions. Broadly speaking resources considered in a typical GMP would be: those under an exploration phase, those just discovered for which a proper development has to be realised, those already in production but for which new market opportunities can be scouted in order to improve their benefit on the energy transition paths while seeking further economic returns. The primary result is to develop a strategy to optimize present production and the development and valorisation of future gas assets, identifying the related GHG profile for each opportunity, supporting the decision-making process on new/future gas initiatives with a coherent plan. The resulting outcomes and conclusions may address specific topics on the short to medium term, like associate to a gas field the proper development project to cover gas and energy commercial demand, or set targets achievable on the medium to long term like supporting a low carbon footprint growth in the energy sector and promoting gas-based industries.

The Fourth Energy Transition and Development of Energy Sector in Kazakhstan

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Assem S. BAKTYMBET ◽  
Saule S. BAKTYMBET ◽  
Rakymzhan K. YELSHIBAYEV ◽  
Galiya S. UKUBASSOVA ◽  
Aisara S. BAKTYMBET
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Industry ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
The World

The relevance of the subject matter is conditioned upon the fact that currently the main direction of global energy development is already clearly visible: under the influence of changes in energy policy and the development of new technologies, the world is entering the stage of the fourth energy transition to the widespread use of renewable energy sources and displacement of fossil fuels. The development of Kazakhstan's economy requires the transition of energy towards clean and safe renewable sources, which will let the country build a new strong economy and break out of the long-running socio-economic decline, help the international community solve the problem of climate change and improve the safety and welfare of its citizens. The purpose of the study: The purpose of the paper is to develop recommendations for the development of Kazakhstan's energy industry at a new stage in the fundamental transformation of the global energy system. Leading approach to researching the problem. The leading methods of researching the problems of the paper include the analysis of theoretical sources, analysis of statistics, and comparison. Analysis of statistical indicators plays a crucial role in the study, since data on the development of Kazakhstan's energy industry can be directly obtained from statistical databases. The results of the study. The paper discusses the essence of the fourth energy transition, its main aspects, explores renewable energy sources, identifies the features and problems of Kazakhstan's energy industry, and develops ways to solve them. Prospects for further research. To implement the modern provisions of the fourth energy transition in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to use a systematic approach. The basic elements of such a transition are the introduction of renewable energy and energy efficiency (the intensification of reducing the energy intensity of goods and services). The materials of the paper are of practical value for the development of Kazakhstan’s energy during the period of fundamental structural transformations of the world energy sector.  

scholarly journals Collective Renewable Energy Prosumers and the Promises of the Energy Union: Taking Stock

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanka Horstink ◽  
Julia M. Wittmayer ◽  
Kiat Ng ◽  
Guilherme Pontes Luz ◽  
Esther Marín-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Energy Union ◽  
Slow Progress ◽  
Eu Directives

A key strategy in the European Union’s ambition to establish an ‘Energy Union’ that is not just clean, but also fair, consists of empowering citizens to actively interact with the energy market as self-consumers or prosumers. Although renewable energy sources (RES) prosumerism has been growing for at least a decade, two new EU directives are intended to legitimise and facilitate its expansion. However, little is known about the full range of prosumers against which to measure policy effectiveness. We carried out a documentary study and an online survey in nine EU countries to shed light on the demographics, use of technology, organisation, financing, and motivation as well as perceived hindering and facilitating factors for collective prosumers. We identified several internal and external obstacles to the successful mainstreaming of RES prosumerism, among them a mismatch of policies with the needs of different RES prosumer types, potential organisational weaknesses as well as slow progress in essential reforms such as decentralising energy infrastructures. Our baseline results offer recommendations for the transposition of EU directives into national legislations and suggest avenues for future research in the fields of social, governance, policy, technology, and business models.

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