REGIONAL ANALYISIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PARKS IN ROMANIA. A SOWCASE OF WEST DEVELOPMENT REGION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Dumitrașcu ◽  
Alexandra Vrînceanu ◽  
Irena Mocanu ◽  
Paul Șerban ◽  
Ines Grigorescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Development Region ◽  
West Development ◽  
The Impact

Electricity production has the greatest impact on socio-economic development in Romania. However, it is also responsible for the cumulative (often negative) environmental effects. In order to meet the energy demand, while achieving the Energy and Climate Change goals, Renewable Energy has become an important alternative, especially during 2010-2013 period when substantial funding has been allocated. Renewable energy sources available in Romania (hydro, solar, geothermal, wind and biomass) have the capacity to reduce greenhouse gases and improve population health by producing energy without using fossil fuels. The current study focuses on the examination of environmental and socio-economic impact of photovoltaic (PV) energy in the West Development Region (WDR). The area is located in the western part of Romania, covering 32,028 km2 (13.4% of the country's surface) and gathering 1,828 million inhabitants (9.4% of the country's population). It includes four counties: Timiș, Arad, Caraş-Severin and Hunedoara. For the current study, 35 photovoltaic parks were identified, mapped and analysed, based on which several indicators were computed in order to highlight the environmental and socio-economic consequences: share of PV parks/land use category/main soil type; distance to forests, waters, Natura 2000; no. of jobs created during the construction/operation of the PV parks; the value of PV parks investment; the impact on the local budget. The total analyzed area covers 177.76 ha.

scholarly journals Investigation of Biofuel as a Potential Renewable Energy Source

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1289
Author(s):  
M. Anwar H. Khan ◽  
Sophia Bonifacio ◽  
Joanna Clowes ◽  
Amy Foulds ◽  
Rayne Holland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Aviation Industry ◽  
The Impact

An accelerating global energy demand, paired with the harmful environmental effects of fossil fuels, has triggered the search for alternative, renewable energy sources. Biofuels are arguably a potential renewable energy source in the transportation industry as they can be used within current infrastructures and require less technological advances than other renewable alternatives, such as electric vehicles and nuclear power. The literature suggests biofuels can negatively impact food security and production; however, this is dependent on the type of feedstock used in biofuel production. Advanced biofuels, derived from inedible biomass, are heavily favoured but require further research and development to reach their full commercial potential. Replacing fossil fuels by biofuels can substantially reduce particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, but simultaneously increase emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), resulting in debates concerning the way biofuels should be implemented. The potential biofuel blends (FT-SPK, HEFA-SPK, ATJ-SPK and HFS-SIP) and their use as an alternative to kerosene-type fuels in the aviation industry have also been assessed. Although these fuels are currently more costly than conventional aviation fuels, possible reduction in production costs has been reported as a potential solution. A preliminary study shows that i-butanol emissions (1.8 Tg/year) as a biofuel can increase ozone levels by up to 6% in the upper troposphere, highlighting a potential climate impact. However, a larger number of studies will be needed to assess the practicalities and associated cost of using the biofuel in existing vehicles, particularly in terms of identifying any modifications to existing engine infrastructure, the impact of biofuel emissions, and their chemistry on the climate and human health, to fully determine their suitability as a potential renewable energy source.

scholarly journals Replacing Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Power with Renewable Energy: Utopia or Valid Option? A Swiss Case Study of Bioenergy

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Lemm ◽  
Raphael Haymoz ◽  
Astrid Björnsen Gurung ◽  
Vanessa Burg ◽  
Tom Strebel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Swiss Canton ◽  
Future System ◽  
Conversion Technologies ◽  
The Impact

The transition towards a reliable, sustainable, low-carbon energy system is a major challenge of the 21st century. Due to the lower energy density of many renewable energy sources, a future system is expected to be more decentralized, leading to significant changes at the regional scale. This study analyzes the feasibility of the energy transition in the Swiss canton of Aargau as an illustrative example and explores different strategies to satisfy the local demand for electricity, heat, and fuel by 2035. In particular, we assess the potential contribution of biomass. Four scenarios demonstrate what energy demand proportion could be covered by bioenergy if different priorities were given to the provision of heat, electricity, and fuel. The impact of improved conversion technologies is also considered. The results show that the sustainably available renewable energy sources in canton Aargau will probably not be sufficient to cover its forecasted energy demand in 2035, neither with present nor future biomass conversion technologies. At best, 74% of the energy demand could be met by renewables. Biomass can increase the degree of autarky by a maximum of 13%. Depending on the scenario, at least 26–43% (2500–5700 GWh) of total energy demand is lacking, particularly for mobility purposes.

scholarly journals Harnessing Renewable Energy at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education – A Role Model Case

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neelakandan T.R. ◽  
Pandiyarajan V ◽  
Shasi Anand Sridharan ◽  
Nagaraj Ramrao
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Carbon Sink ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
The Impact

Global energy demand and environmental concerns are the driving force for the use of alternative sustainable and ecofriendly renewable energy sources. Solar energy is the inexhaustible and CO2 emission free energy source worldwide. It produces significant environmental benefits in comparison to the conventional energy sources, thus contributing to the sustainable development of human activities. It produces clean and renewable power from the sun and benefits the environment without causing air and water pollution. Alternatives to fossil fuels reduce carbon foot print across the globe reducing emission of greenhouse gases and become ecofriendly. Solar power has attracted the largest share of new investments in solar energy across the world. This research article shows light on the solar energy sources developed by Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education (KARE) for the effective utilization of solar energy in the campus and its impact on the reduction in carbon foot print and also the impact of green vegetation as a source of carbon sink for an ecofriendly campus.

scholarly journals Energy transition and willingness to pay for renewable energy: The case of environmental students

2021 ◽  
Vol 899 (1) ◽  
pp. 012048
Author(s):  
Evangelia Karasmanaki
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Energy Sources

Abstract Examining willingness-to-pay (WTP) for renewable energy sources (RES) as well as views on energy topics can enable policymakers to design effective measures for facilitating the transition from fossil fuels to a renewable-based energy system. The aim of this study was to investigate environmental students’ willingness-to-pay for renewables and their views on various energy topics. Results showed that respondents preferred renewable-based electricity production to conventional energy production while solar energy emerged as the most preferred renewable type. In addition, most respondents were willing to pay for renewable energy but would pay relatively low sums of money per month. Moreover, respondents were divided over whether new lignite plants should be constructed in Greece. Finally, social media and special websites were the most favored media of daily information.

scholarly journals Challenges in the Development of Hydropower in Selected European Countries

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3542
Author(s):  
Paweł Tomczyk ◽  
Mirosław Wiatkowski
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Policy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Change Factors ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Rational Management ◽  
Domestic Electricity ◽  
The Impact

Hydropower in Europe is playing an increasingly important role as a renewable source of energy. Its share of the final energy consumption varies from country to country, posing different challenges in each. The European Union member states are obliged, according to energy policy, to increase the share of renewable energy. This article presents the challenges related to the development of hydropower in four countries with different shares of domestic electricity production from hydropower plants: Albania (100% share in 2019), Slovenia (25.7%), Poland (1.1%), and Estonia (0.3%). Particular attention is paid to the issues of rational management of water resources in connection to Europe’s energy policy. As a result of the case study analysis, the challenges in the development of hydropower are identified, as well as ways to solve them. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of social, economic, environmental and climate change factors on the development of hydropower was conducted. At present, whether the assumed goals of the European Union’s energy policy will be achieved is impossible to determine for the whole of Europe. Achieving these goals will be possible only after individual countries prepare comprehensive reports on the topics of renewable energy sources, including hydropower.

scholarly journals Potential of Renewable Energy Sources usage in an energy demand of a single-family houses neighbourhood, constituting an Energy Cluster – a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 172 ◽  
pp. 25004
Author(s):  
Marcin Zygmunt ◽  
Dariusz Gawin
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Building Energy Efficiency ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Profitability Analysis ◽  
Energy Cluster

Worldwide policy referring to global warming and air pollution assumes several main guidelines, in which Renewable Energy Sources (RES) usage simultaneously with limitation of fossil fuels in energy production seems to be a major goal. Nowadays, the continuous growth of RES usage within final energy consumption is becoming an obvious part of many country’s development. Adding to that relentless pursuit for improvement of building energy efficiency results in prediction, that in nearest future one should expect the development of advanced city-scale areas constituting an Energy Cluster. The paradigm of Energy Cluster (EC) allows us to define an energy flexibility neighbourhood. This article presents the results of energy analysis of a model neighbourhood of single-family houses with possible usage of RES. The neighbourhood constituting an EC was defined considering the Polish household sector statistical study. The analyzed area consists of representative single-family houses of Poland, characterized by different built periods, building shape and geometry as well as building enclosure parameters. Within the analysis, a detailed examination of a defined EC was performed by means of TEAC – computer tool developed by authors. TEAC is based on the results of energy simulations obtained by means of Energy Plus software and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) usage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used for energy demand predictions of buildings. Among possible RES a detailed analysis of solar and wind energy usage was performed. As a result, we obtained an hourly energy demand space- and time distribution, RES outputs, ecological analysis concerning greenhouse gasses emission and profitability analysis of proposed modernizations for the neighbourhood.

scholarly journals Model of a building heating system with renewable energy sources

2020 ◽  
Vol 207 ◽  
pp. 02006
Author(s):  
Nicolay Komitov ◽  
Nicolay Shopov ◽  
Violeta Rasheva
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Gas Generator ◽  
Additional Energy ◽  
Photovoltaic Panel ◽  
The Impact

The current century is characterized by an increasing use of renewable energy - wind farms, solar parks, bio fuels, etc. Climate change and rising prices of fossil fuels lead to increased investment in renewable energy. This raises the need to examine the impact of various factors on the efficiency of energy production from renewable energy sources. This is related to the development of adequate models and the implementation of appropriate computer systems to manage and control these processes. The present work presents the main aspects of the modelling of a building heating installation using renewable energy sources - a solar photovoltaic panel and a HHO gas generator. The additional energy needed to heat the building is provided by a pellet boiler. An energy balance of the studied building is made taking into account the external and internal temperatures and energy loss. The computer model was developed in order to build a system for process control in the building’s heating system.

scholarly journals Paris Climate Summit and Turkey's Renewable Energy Policies

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-71
Author(s):  
Füsun Çelebi Boz ◽  
Turgut Bayramoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Energy Policies ◽  
Negative Effects

Abstract The increase in population and urbanization which emerged together with industrialization have brought the increase in energy demand with them. Carbon emissions rise as a result of the increase in energy demand and lead to climate change. Such changes in climate have negative effects on not only the environment but human life as well. Therefore, countries should implement energy policies with low carbon density in order to reduce greenhouse gas emission. In this context, preferring renewable energy sources can prevent temperature increase by reducing the effects of fossil fuels on the environment. Turkey should attach importance to renewable energy sources and invest in these sources in accordance with the commitments accepted at the Paris Climate Summit in order to reduce carbon emission.

scholarly journals Modelling and Environmental Assessment of a Stand-Alone Micro-Grid System in a Mountain Hut Using Renewables

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 202
Author(s):  
Mitja Mori ◽  
Manuel Gutiérrez ◽  
Mihael Sekavčnik ◽  
Boštjan Drobnič
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Minor Effect ◽  
Lifecycle Assessment ◽  
Micro Grid

Mountain huts are stand-alone micro-grid systems that are not connected to a power grid. However, they impact the environment by generating electricity and through day-to-day operations. The installed generator needs to be flexible to cover fluctuations in the energy demand. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources presents a challenge when it comes to balancing electricity generation and consumption. This paper presents an integration-and-optimization process for renewable energy sources in a mountain hut’s electricity generation system combined with a lifecycle assessment. A custom computational model was developed, validated with experimental data and integrated into a TRNSYS model. Five different electricity generation topologies were modelled to find the best configuration that matches the dynamics and meets the cumulative electricity demand. A lifecycle assessment methodology was used to evaluate the environmental impacts of all the topologies for one typical operating year. The carbon footprint could be reduced by 34% in the case of the actually implemented system upgrade, and by up to 47% in the case of 100% renewable electricity generation. An investment cost analysis shows that improving the battery charging strategy has a minor effect on the payback time, but it can significantly reduce the environmental impacts.

scholarly journals Specific Features of Renewable Energy Development in the World and Russia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 93-107
Author(s):  
Victoria I. Bushukina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Thermal Generation ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of the article is to study the theoretical and practical aspects of investment activities in the field of renewable energy in the world and in Russia. To achieve this goal, during the development of theoretical material, a systematic analysis of existing approaches to the assessment of financing mechanisms for renewable energy projects was carried out. Statistical and econometric research tools include correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis. The article examines the development of renewable energy, its benefits, and investments in the industry. The financial risks and barriers associated with financing renewable energy projects are considered. The development of the industry over the past 10 years is analyzed, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the electricity industry in general and on renewable energy in a number of countries. It is established that the world is shifting to the use of renewable energy sources, and in Russia they are not being given due attention. It is revealed that the existing thermal generation units in Russia are of great age and are to be decommissioned in the near future. The current state of renewable energy in Russia, measures to support it and the rate of its development are investigated. The technical potential of wind and solar power plants in the Russian Federation is considered within the aim of diversifying electricity production. The factors that negatively affect the development of the renewable energy industry are identified.

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