Ensuring the Economic Competitiveness of Small Green Energy Projects

2021 ◽  
pp. 28-40
Author(s):  
Iryna M. Sotnyk ◽  
Oleksandr M. Matsenko ◽  
Vladyslav S. Popov ◽  
Artem S. Martymianov
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Energy Market ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Energy Pricing ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Projects

Small green energy projects are considered an important tool to help poor people achieve sustainable development goals. However, green projects' economic results do not always compete with the traditional energy business. The main reason is the imperfection of the existing renewable energy technologies and the comparatively high energy generation cost with their help. The example of Ukraine, which significantly depends on fossil fuel import and develops renewable energy with state support, shows that green energy competitiveness problems exist within the overall energy market, i.e., convenient energy technologies. The key barriers to increasing the competitiveness of small green energy projects are the lack of available financial resources, the inconsistency of state energy policy, energy pricing gaps, etc. These factors significantly inhibit the spread of green energy technologies in the domestic economy. The competitiveness assessment of the renewable energy business model on the example of a private rooftop solar photovoltaic power plant has proved that green energy generation is available to every household and small business owner and is economically profitable due to existing government support mechanisms. Today, there is no competition in the Ukrainian renewable energy market, so creating a business in this field is relevant. In the long run, competitive green energy projects will provide reasonable electricity prices for consumers and profits for energy producers and stimulate the energy sector's decarbonization. Further directions for improving public policy in the green energy industry are continuing energy pricing reforms, expanding energy efficiency programs focusing on demand management, creating new jobs, and increasing investment in renewable energy sources to ensure energy security and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

scholarly journals Russian energy projects in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 58-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. An ◽  
A. Mikhaylov
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Energy Trade ◽  
Management Decision Making ◽  
The Cost

From early 2019, South Africa and Russia have planned to increase their energy trade. Russia can become one of the world’s five largest energy exporters. This study examines of the cost of a kilowatt of electricity generated by coal power projects in South Africa and compares nuclear electricity with other types of green energy. This method must help to improve the management decision-making process in South Africa for energy exporta. Reasons for this persistence include the marketing strategies of Russian companies for seeking new markets in industrialised and postindustrial countries where, due to intensive competition, sales of Russian high-tech products are often unsuccessful. Renewable energy gives a chance to potentially reduce poverty in South Africa. The study concludes that imported crude oil is more suited to the needs of the refining industry of South Africa. The consumption for this type of energy in areas not concerning industry is insignificant and its increase is unlikely to be observed in the future. Highlights• Nuclear energy is popular energy source in South Africa now.• Provision of sustainable energy services helps to find the sources for economic growth. • Renewable energy technologies have opportunity for reduce nuclear production in South Africa.• Bio-energy can become the main source of energy in South Africa.

Prospects of Investment in Green Energy Projects in Ukrainian Households

2019 ◽  
pp. 12-21
Author(s):  
Iryna Sotnyk ◽  
Yevhen Kovalenko ◽  
Yuliia Chortok ◽  
Yevheniia Kripak
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Development ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Renewable Energy Development

For Ukraine the issue of renewable energy development is extremely relevant in view of energy (increase in energy independence), economic (reduction of energy resources import costs), environmental (reduction of environmental pollution) and social (improvement of energy supply, increase in income of the population) problems that can be solved at its expense. Based on the existing potential, if there exist adequate mechanisms of government support for the renewable energy development, Ukraine may increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy balance up to 25% by 2035, reducing to import a significant share of energy resources. In order to justify the economic feasibility of investing in households’ renewable energy projects until 2029 and to identify the promising trends in this sector development in Ukraine, the authors have assessed the economic efficiency of a project of 10 kW solar power plant construction in a typical Ukrainian household under some conditions. The results have shown that it is expected to observe a gradual outflow of investments from renewable energy sector of households since 2022-2023 due to the decrease in feed-in tariff rates and a corresponding decrease in the profitability of private renewable energy projects with small power capacities. Therefore an alternative powerful state support will be needed to provide the development of renewable energy sector.

Hydrodynamic Forces on Near-Bed Small Diameter Cables and Pipelines in Currents, Waves and Combined Flow

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Griffiths ◽  
Yunfei Teng ◽  
Liang Cheng ◽  
Hongwei An ◽  
Scott Draper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Preliminary Test ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Operational Reliability ◽  
Hydrodynamic Forces ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Energy Projects

Abstract The on-bottom stability design of subsea pipelines and cables is important to ensure safety and reliability but can be challenging to achieve, particularly for renewable energy projects which are preferentially located in high energy metocean environments. Often these conditions lead to the seabed being stripped of all loose sediment, leaving the cables to rest on exposed bedrock where roughness features can be similar in size to the cables. As offshore renewable energy projects progress from concept demonstration to commercial-scale developments, new approaches are needed to capture the relevant physics for small diameter cables on rocky seabeds to reduce the costs and risks of export power transmission and increase operational reliability. These same considerations also apply to the cables and small diameter pipes — such as umbilicals — required by oil and gas projects located on rocky seabeds. Recent experimental testing using the University of Western Australia’s unique Large O-tube has enabled the experimental measurement of hydrodynamic forces on small diameter cables and pipes in proximity to smooth and rough beds. The tested conditions extend well beyond the existing published parameter range including much higher KC conditions together with seabed roughness which is comparable in size to the diameter. The results provide design data of great relevance to the ongoing development of marine renewable and conventional oil and gas projects, especially on rocky seabeds. This paper presents a summary of the existing knowledge on the subject as a preface to preliminary test results and gives tentative conclusions on the likely outcomes from this work.

Microreactors: ‘micro’managing our macro energy demands

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 590-596
Author(s):  
Olivia Rossi ◽  
Arvind Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Renewable Energy Production ◽  
Microreactor Technology ◽  
Renewable Energy Generation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer this question by discussing the practicality of implementing microreactor technology towards large-scale renewable energy generation, as well as provide an incentive for future researchers to utilize microreactors as a useful alternative tool for green energy production. However, can microreactors present a viable solution for the generation of renewable energy to tackle the on-going global energy crisis? Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the practicality of implementing microreactor technology toward large-scale renewable energy generation is discussed. Specific areas of interest that elucidate considerable returns of microreactors toward renewable energy production are biofuel synthesis, hydrogen conversion and solar energy harvesting. Findings It is believed that sustained research on microreactors can significantly accelerate the development of new energy production methods through renewable sources, which will undoubtedly aid in the quest for a greener future. Originality/value This work aims to provide a sound judgement on the importance of research on renewable energy production and alternative energy management methods through microreactor technology, and why future studies on this topic should be highly encouraged. The relevance of this opinion paper lies in the idea that microreactors are an innovative concept currently used in engineering to significantly accelerate chemical reactions on microscale volumes; with the feasibility of high throughput to convert energy at larger scales with much greater efficiency than existing energy production methods.

scholarly journals A Modular Reactor for Thermochemical Energy Storage Examination of Ettringite-Based Materials

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen ◽  
Kuznik ◽  
Horgnies ◽  
Johannes ◽  
Morin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Energy Density ◽  
Storage Temperature ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Chemical Energy ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry

More attention on renewable energy has been attracted after the achievement of Paris Agreement against climate change. Solar-based technology is supposed to be one of the most promising green energy technologies for residential buildings since its wide thermal usage for hot water and heating. However, the seasonal mismatch between its energy-production and consumption makes buildings need an energy storage system to improve the efficiency of renewable energy use. Indeed, even if different kinds of energy storage systems using sensible or latent heat already exist, thermochemical energy storage can be then recommended by considering the problems of energy dissipation during storage and low energy density for the first two methods. As potential thermochemical storage materials, ettringite (3CaO∙Al2O3∙3CaSO4∙32H2O) based materials possess high energy densities (~500 kWh/m3), low material cost (<1000 €/m3) and low storage temperature (~60–70°C), compared to salt hydrates of similar energy density like SrBr2·6H2O (42 k€/m3, ~80°C), LaCl3·7H2O (38 k€/m3, ~100°C) and MgSO4·7H2O (5 k€/m3, ~150°C). Therefore, ettringite-based materials have the possibility to be largely used in building sector by being coupled to normal solar collector systems via reversible chemical reactions (Equation (1)): (i) charging mode: hot air or hot water (>70°C) from solar collectors dehydrates ettringite to meta-ettringite, and consequently store heat to chemical energy; ii) discharging mode: humid air is pumped to material container to rehydrate meta-ettringite, and consequently release stored chemical energy as heating. However, the lack of extensive examination leads to poor knowledge on their thermal properties and limits maturity of this technology. Therefore, the aim of this work is to characterize the capacity of an ettringite-based material (named C80P20, containing ~70 wt.% ettringite) in terms of thermal energy storage by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Besides, a modular reactor adapting to thermal characterizations of C80P20 particles has been developed for various weights (up to 300 grams). In our case, the energy density of pure ettringite is around 1012 J/g while 708 J/g for C80P20 powder in TGA-DSC. First preliminary results from modular reactor demonstrate a general energy density of 150 kWh/m3 released by the hydration process of C80P20 grains (pre-dehydrated at 80 °C) at 25 °C and 85% relative humidity. Moreover, the reactor is intended to study the durability of the energy storage material over time, and also as function of the number of charging/discharging cycles.CaO∙Al2O3∙3CaSO4∙32H2O ettringite+heat↔3CaO∙Al2O3∙3CaSO4∙32-XH2Ometa-ettringite+XH2O

A cautionary approach in transitioning to ‘green’ energy technologies and practices is required

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Puleng Matatiele ◽  
Mary Gulumian
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Green Technologies ◽  
Green Jobs ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies

AbstractRenewable energy technologies (wind turbines, solar cells, biofuels, etc.) are often referred to as ‘clean’ or ‘green’ energy sources, while jobs linked to the field of environmental protection and energy efficiency are referred to as ‘green’ jobs. The energy efficiency of clean technologies, which is likely to reduce and/or eliminate reliance on fossil fuels, is acknowledged. However, the potential contribution of green technologies and associated practices to ill health and environmental pollution resulting from consumption of energy and raw materials, generation of waste, and the negative impacts related to some life cycle phases of these technologies are discussed. Similarly, a point is made that the green jobs theme is mistakenly oversold because the employment opportunities generated by transitioning to green technologies are not necessarily safe and healthy jobs. Emphasis is put on identifying the hazards associated with these green designs, assessing the risks to the environment and worker health and safety, and either eliminating the hazards or minimizing the risks as essential elements to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green technologies. The perception that it is not always economically possible to consider all risk factors associated with renewable energy technologies at the beginning without hampering their implementation, especially in the poor developing countries, is dismissed. Instead, poor countries are encouraged to start implementing environmentally sound practices while transitioning to green technologies in line with their technological development and overall economic growth.

scholarly journals Determining priorities of scientific and technical cooperation between Ukraine, the EU and Chile in the field of non-conventional renewable energy sources

2019 ◽  
pp. 40-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koniaieva Koniaieva ◽  
Vitalina Babenko
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Regional Policy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Technical Cooperation ◽  
Energy Technology ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Economic Support ◽  
The Eu

As many programs of scientific and technical cooperation of various fields are being successfully implemented between Ukraine and the EU, the author has set the goal of intensifying relations between Ukraine and Chile in the field of green energy. The cooperation Ukraine has had with the EU serves as an example of future cooperation between Ukraine and Chile. The text explores Chile’s experience in the field of green energy and, through the comparative example of such cooperation between Ukraine and the EU countries, shows that such interaction is a worthwhile endeavor. Based on an analysis of research materials, one of the priority areas of scientific and technical cooperation is the use of non-traditional renewable energy technologies. In Ukraine, and the EU, as well as Chile, there are objective factors (natural, resources, socio-economic, environmental- technological) that concern their development. It is interesting to note Ukraine’s scientific experience and implementation of these technologies and the organizational and economic support of them as priorities in the context of national and regional policy. All aspects of international scientific and technical cooperation, including through the exchange of intellectual products, make it possible to increase the effectiveness of forms of state support, the innovation, production and business activities of Ukraine and the corresponding development of producers and consumers' motivation towards using non-conventional forms of renewable energy technology.

scholarly journals Technological challenges influencing the implementation of green energy in the SME sector in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-164
Author(s):  
Dabululwandle Memka ◽  
Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Generating Matrix

Electricity is an essential basic need that the South African government needs to pay special attention. A continuous or uninterrupted supply of electricity is essential for industrial production and economic growth and development. Since South Africa is overly reliant on coal fired electricity generating technologies which are environmentally damaging, the move towards green energy technologies to form part of the electricity generating matrix is highly desirable not only to reduce environmental pollution, but also to increase the supply of electricity to meet rising demand. However, the adoption and implementation of green energy projects has not been that easy and progress has been far from satisfactory. This study was therefore consummated to assess the effectiveness of installed green technology in the area of Pinetown in Kwazulu-Natal. The study also investigated the technological challenges affecting the implementation of green energy projects in SME sector in Pinetown Kwazulu-Natal. Furthermore, the study also examined as to what extent technological challenges are affecting the use of installed green technology in the selected area of Pinetown in Kwazulu-Natal. This was followed by exploring strategies that could be implemented to improve effectiveness of installed green technology in Pinetown. A quantitative research approach was adopted. Data collection for this study was performed by distributing and collecting a structured survey questionnaire to respondents. Data analysis for this research was performed using SPSS.

scholarly journals The Role of Household Consumers in Adopting Renewable Energy Technologies in Kenya

Environments ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliud Kiprop ◽  
Kenichi Matsui ◽  
Nicholas Maundu
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Energy Investment ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies

In transition to a low-carbon economy, the adoption of renewable energy (RE) technologies by energy investors, power utilities and energy consumers is critical. In developing countries like Kenya with a high rate of urbanization, this transition requires urban and rural residents’ proactive responses to using renewable energy sources. In this regard, a better understanding of residents’ perceptions about renewable energy investment, RE sources availability, climate change, environmental conservation and other factors can lead to more efficient and sustainable implementation of renewable energy policies. This study investigates the role Kenya’s household energy consumers in urban and rural areas can play in adopting renewable energy technologies. To achieve this, a questionnaire survey was administered among 250 household consumers in Nairobi County, Makueni County, and Uasin Gishu County. Our survey analysis shows that about 84% of the respondents were interested in adopting renewable energy for their entire energy consumption mostly because of solving frequent power outages and high energy cost from the grid system. This perception did not have any correlations with income levels or any other socio-economic factors we identified. Furthermore, about 72% of the respondents showed their interests in producing and selling renewable energy to the national or local grids if government subsidies were readily available. Rural residents showed strong interests in adopting renewable energy technologies, especially solar PV solutions. However, the main impediment to their investment in renewable energy was the high cost of equipment (49%) and the intermittent nature of renewable energy (27%) resources.

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