scholarly journals The Effects of Hydropower Plants on the Physicochemical Parameters of the Bystrzyca River in Poland

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2075
Author(s):  
Paweł Tomczyk ◽  
Mirosław Wiatkowski
Keyword(s):  
Physicochemical Parameters ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
Ammonium Nitrogen ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Environmental Impact Assessments ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Odra River ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Run Of River

Currently, the literature lacks comprehensive studies on the impact of hydropower plants (HPs) on the environment, including studies focused on the physicochemical parameters of water. The aim of the article is to verify the current state of knowledge on the impact of run-of-river HPs on 17 physicochemical parameters of water. The article is in line with the recommendations of the European Union that the member states, under the common energy policy, should increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy and perform environmental impact assessments of such facilities. As a result of the analysis carried out on three HPs (Sadowice, Skałka and Marszowice) located on the Bystrzyca River (a tributary of the Odra River in Poland), it was found that HPs affect the selected physicochemical parameters of the water, i.e., (p < 0.05): electrolytic conductivity (EC; Skałka, Marszowice HPs), pH (Skałka, Marszowice HPs); nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N; Marszowice HP), dissolved oxygen (DO; Marszowice HP) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N; Marszowice HP). The largest (>5%), statistically significant mean cumulative effect below Marszowice HP concerned NH4-N (−27.83%), DO (+14.04%) and NO3-N (+5.50%). In addition, it was observed that the effect of HPs increases in direct proportion to the damming height, and that run-of-river HPs have a lesser impact on the physicochemical parameters’ values than in storage HPs. Our results were in accordance with those of other scientists in terms of the increase in DO, the decrease in EC, and the decrease in total phosphorus concentrations below HPs.

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 Technological Innovation in the Aspect of Safety in the Process of Heat Supply

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 412-418
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Wrzalik ◽  
Matevž Obrecht
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Heat Supply ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
District Heating ◽  
High Energy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Heating Systems ◽  
Operation Conditions ◽  
Network Operation ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIn recent years heating in Poland has been transformed as a result of the priorities of the country's energy policy implemented within the European Union. The increase in energy security, the development of renewable energy sources and the fulfilment of legal and environmental requirements are very important. Exploitation of district heating systems should ensure reliable and safe heat supplies for industrial and municipal customers with high energy efficiency and reduction of environmental impact. The article discusses the conditions and directions of centralized heating systems development as well as technical and economic issues, which are important for the security of heat supply. The Author describes selected technological innovations used in the technical infrastructure for heat transfer and modern IT systems which are improving the management of heating systems. The article includes the results of simulation research with use of IT tools showing the impact of selected innovations on the improvement of network operation conditions. Directions of modernization of heating systems in the aspect of increasing energy efficiency and security of heat supply have also been indicted here.

scholarly journals Econometric Studies on the Development of Renewable Energy Sources to Support the European Union 2020–2030 Climate and Energy Framework: A Critical Appraisal

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 4828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Consolación Quintana-Rojo ◽  
Fernando-Evaristo Callejas-Albiñana ◽  
Miguel-Ángel Tarancón ◽  
Isabel Martínez-Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Development ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Strategic Framework ◽  
Renewable Energy Development ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Political Decisions

One of the key objectives of the European Union is the transition to a total decarbonization of the economy by 2050. Within this strategic framework, the renewable energy development target plays a key role. This renewable energy deployment must be translated into national and European Union realities through specific political decisions. The econometric analysis techniques have the capacity to represent, in a mathematical and objective way, the system of relations comprising the economic, technical, and political factors that contribute to the deployment of renewable energy, and the impact that such an investment in renewable energy has at an economic, environmental, and social level. Therefore, econometric studies have a high potential to support policymakers who have to translate the guidelines of the strategic plan for renewable energy deployment into concrete policies. This article analyzed the capacity of the econometric literature on renewable energy development to provide this support, by means of a bibliometric study carried out on a sample of 153 documents related to 1329 keywords. The results show that, in general, there is a large literature based on econometric methodology to support the different renewable energy guidelines provided by the European Union 2020–2030 climate and energy strategic framework.

scholarly journals Analyzing the Impact of the Renewable Energy Sources on Economic Growth at the EU Level Using an ARDL Model

Mathematics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihail Busu
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Causality Analysis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

Energy is one of the most important drivers of economic growth, but as the population is increasing, in normal circumstances, in all countries of the world, there is a demand for energy produced from conventional resources. Increasing prices of conventional energy and the negative impact on the environment are two of the main reasons for switching to renewable energy sources (RESs). The aim of the paper is to quantify the impact of the RESs, by type, on the sustainable economic growth at the European Union (EU) level. The research was performed for all 28 EU member states, for a time frame from 2004 to 2017, through a panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach and causality analysis. Furthermore, Hausman test was performed on the regression model. By estimating the panel data regression model with random effects, we reveal through our results that RESs, namely wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower energy, have a positive influence on economic growth at EU level. Moreover, biomass has the highest impact on economic growth among all RES. In fact, a 1% increase in biomass primary production would impact the economic growth by 0.15%. Based on econometric analysis, our findings suggest that public policies at the EU level should be focused on investment in RESs.

scholarly journals Possibilities and Generated Emissions of Using Wood and Lignin Biofuel for Heat Production

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (24) ◽  
pp. 8471
Author(s):  
Aleksandras Chlebnikovas ◽  
Dainius Paliulis ◽  
Artūras Kilikevičius ◽  
Jaroslaw Selech ◽  
Jonas Matijošius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Heat Production ◽  
Alkali Metals ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Bottom Ash ◽  
Fuel Mixture ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Particulate Matter Emissions ◽  
The Impact

Energy (including thermal) needs are growing rapidly worldwide thus leading to increased energy production. Considering stricter requirements for the employment of non-renewable energy sources, the use of biofuel in energy facilities appears as one of the best options, having high potential for growth that will increase in the long run both in the Baltic region and the European Union as a whole. This publication investigates the possibilities of using various blends of biofuel containing lignin for heat production and emissions to the air during combustion processes. The paper examines the chemical composition of lignin and bottom ash and explores the impact of a different ratio of lignin in the fuel mixture, the effect of the power of biofuel combustion plants (boilers) and the influence of fuel supply to the combustion chamber on gaseous pollutants (CO, NOx, SO2) and particulate matter emissions. The results of the conducted study demonstrate that, in contrast to pure lignin, the concentrations of alkali metals, boron and, to a lesser extent, nickel and chlorine have increased the most in bottom ash. The use of lignin can effectively reduce the need for conventional biofuel by 30–100% and to increase the temperature of exhaust gases. The lowest emissions have been observed using a mixture of 30% of lignin and biofuel at the lowest range of power (2.5–4 MW). Under the optimal oxygen/temperature mode, carbon monoxide concentrations are approximately 20 mg/Nm3 and those of nitrogen oxides–500 mg/Nm3. Particulate matter emissions reach 150 mg/Nm3, and hence applying air treatment equipment is required.

scholarly journals Improving energy efficiency and building a low-emission economy based on example of Lesser Poland Voivodeship

2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-218
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Komorowska ◽  
Tomasz Mirowski
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Third ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Energy Economy ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Improving energy efficiency and building a low-emission economy are fundamental elements of sustainable development. The concept is based on a rational-energy economy and is aimed at limiting the negative consequence of the impact of energy on the environment. The main purpose of the paper is to assess the application of activities for both improving energy efficiency and building a low-emission economy, undertaken in Małopolska . Thermomodernization, installations of renewable energy sources, replacement of inefficient heating sources, and low-emission transport are among the cofinanced activities in the implemented programs. The first section of this paper discusses existing legal acts in the European Union, at the national and provincial levels, related to the analyzed issue. The second section contains description of the actions undertaken for improving energy efficiency and air quality, as well as for increasing the use of renewable energy sources, in Małopolska. The third section includes a qualitative assessment of the effects obtained and further directions for activities in this field.

scholarly journals Run-Of-River Small Hydropower Plants as Hydro-Resilience Assets against Climate Change

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 14001
Author(s):  
Charalampos Skoulikaris
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Regional Climate ◽  
Regional Climate Models ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Hydropower Production ◽  
Run Of River

Renewable energy sources, due to their direct (e.g., wind turbines) or indirect (e.g., hydropower, with precipitation being the generator of runoff) dependence on climatic variables, are foreseen to be affected by climate change. In this research, two run-of-river small hydropower plants (SHPPs) located at different water districts in Greece are being calibrated and validated, in order to be simulated in terms of future power production under climate change conditions. In doing so, future river discharges derived by the forcing of a hydrology model, by three Regional Climate Models under two Representative Concentration Pathways, are used as inputs for the simulation of the SHPPs. The research concludes, by comparing the outputs of short-term (2031–2060) and long-term (2071–2100) future periods to a reference period (1971–2000), that in the case of a significant projected decrease in river discharges (~25–30%), a relevant important decrease in the simulated future power generation is foreseen (~20–25%). On the other hand, in the decline projections of smaller discharges (up to ~15%) the generated energy depends on the intermonthly variations of the river runoff, establishing that runoff decreases in the wet months of the year have much lower impact on the produced energy than those occurring in the dry months. The latter is attributed to the non-existence of reservoirs that control the operation of run-of-river SHPPs; nevertheless, these types of hydropower plants can partially remediate the energy losses, since they are taking advantage of low flows for hydropower production. Hence, run-of-river SHPPs are designated as important hydro-resilience assets against the projected surface water availability decrease due to climate change.

The impact of hydropeaking on sediment transport

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Buček ◽  
Martin Orfánus ◽  
Peter Dušička ◽  
Peter Šulek
Keyword(s):  
Sediment Transport ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Bedload Transport ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Daily Scale ◽  
Flexible Management ◽  
The Impact

AbstractVariable renewable energy sources, e.g. solar and wind power, require flexible management of energy sources to stabilize the power grid. Immediate changes in power generation and power usage is compensated for by the operation of hydropower plants. This subsequently leads to frequent flow fluctuations – hydropeaking downstream of the hydropower plant. This study examines the short-term impacts of hydropeaking of hydropower plants on the sediment transport using numerical morphodynamic model. The model is calibrated to field measurements and subjected to various hydropeaking scenarios on daily to sub-daily scale. Based on this study, the effect of hydropeaking of hydropower plant 23.42 km upstream of the studied river section would have negligible effect on the bedload transport in the studied cross section.

The Mental Health and Social Exclusion European Network

2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Leonori ◽  
Manuel Muñoz ◽  
Carmelo Vázquez ◽  
José J. Vázquez ◽  
Mary Fe Bravo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
European Union ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
World Federation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Capital Cities ◽  
Homeless Mentally Ill ◽  
The Impact

This report concerns the activities developed by the Mental Health and Social Exclusion (MHSE) Network, an initiative supported by the Mental Health Europe (World Federation of Mental Health). We report some data from the preliminary survey done in five capital cities of the European Union (Madrid, Copenhagen, Brussels, Lisbon, and Rome). The main aim of this survey was to investigate, from a mostly qualitative point of view, the causal and supportive factors implicated in the situation of the homeless mentally ill in Europe. The results point out the familial and childhood roots of homelessness, the perceived causes of the situation, the relationships with the support services, and the expectations of future of the homeless mentally ill. The analysis of results has helped to identify the different variables implicated in the social rupture process that influences homelessness in major European cities. The results were used as the basis for the design of a more ambitious current research project about the impact of the medical and psychosocial interventions in the homeless. This project is being developed in 10 capital cities of the European Union with a focus on the program and outcome evaluation of the health and psychosocial services for the disadvantaged.

Russia - European Union: The continuation ofthe sanctions standoff

2017 ◽  
pp. 114-127
Author(s):  
M. Klinova ◽  
E. Sidorova
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Economic Sanctions ◽  
Current Data ◽  
The State ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Year 2013

The article deals with economic sanctions and their impact on the state and prospects of the neighboring partner economies - the European Union (EU) and Russia. It provides comparisons of current data with that of the year 2013 (before sanctions) to demonstrate the impact of sanctions on both sides. Despite the fact that Russia remains the EU’s key partner, it came out of the first three partners of the EU. The current economic recession is caused by different reasons, not only by sanctions. Both the EU and Russia have internal problems, which the sanctions confrontation only exacerbates. The article emphasizes the need for a speedy restoration of cooperation.

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