scholarly journals Learning in the Anthropocene

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Rasmus Karlsson
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Local Level ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Optical Illusions ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Enlightenment Project ◽  
Global Trajectory

While the precautionary principle may have offered a sound basis for managing environmental risk in the Holocene, the depth and width of the Anthropocene have made precaution increasingly untenable. Not only have many ecosystems already been damaged beyond natural recovery, achieving a sustainable long-term global trajectory now seem to require ever greater measures of proactionary risk-taking, in particular in relation to the growing need for climate engineering. At the same time, different optical illusions, arising from temporary emissions reductions due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the local deployment of seemingly “green” small-scale renewable energy sources, tend to obscure worsening global trends and reinforce political disinterest in developing high-energy technologies that would be more compatible with universal human development and worldwide ecological restoration. Yet, given the lack of feedback between the global and the local level, not to mention the role of culture and values in shaping perceptions of “sustainability”, the necessary learning may end up being both epistemologically and politically difficult. This paper explores the problem of finding indicators suitable for measuring progress towards meaningful climate action and the restoration of an ecologically vibrant planet. It is suggested that such indicators are essentially political as they reflect, not only different assessments of technological feasibility, but orientations towards the Enlightenment project.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Cost of Solar Biomass Hybrid Dryer Systems for Cashew Drying of Nuts in India

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saravanan Dhanushkodi ◽  
Vincent H. Wilson ◽  
Kumarasamy Sudhakar
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cashew Nut ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Cashew nut farming in India is mostly carried out in small and marginal holdings. Energy consumption in the small scale cashew nut processing industry is very high and is mainly due to the high energy consumption of the drying process. The drying operation provides a lot of scope for energy saving and substitutions of other renewable energy sources. Renewable energy-based drying systems with loading capacity of 40 kg were proposed for application in small scale cashew nut processing industries. The main objective of this work is to perform economic feasibility of substituting solar, biomass and hybrid dryer in place of conventional steam drying for cashew drying. Four economic indicators were used to assess the feasibility of three renewable based drying technologies. The payback time was 1.58 yr. for solar, 1.32 for biomass and 1.99 for the hybrid drying system, whereas as the cost-benefit estimates were 5.23 for solar, 4.15 for biomass and 3.32 for the hybrid system. It was found that it is of paramount importance to develop solar biomass hybrid dryer for small scale processing industries.

scholarly journals Cities in the experience economy: the rise and the future of urban leisure formats

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-192
Author(s):  
Piotr Zmyslony ◽  
Karolina Anna Wędrowicz
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Theoretical Concept ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Experience Economy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Scientific Discussion ◽  
The Future ◽  
Urban Leisure

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the rise and the future of urban leisure format (ULF), i.e. local seasonal short-lived and repeatable small-scale place-time-based staging urban leisure experiences which become the focus of recreation and tourism development in many cities. It aims to analyse the structure of the ULF by identifying its main features and also to propose the future developments of the concept. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on the experience economy principles. It develops the models for structured experiences/experienscape by adding the analogy with television programme formats to propose the general logic of constructing, organising and packetizing urban leisure experiences that are multiplied effectively to other urban time-spaces. Findings The ULF’s future potential lies in its ability to adopt local components, i.e. people and urban resources, to global trends using a structured experiences/experience logic which makes the ULF formattable, i.e. with the capacity to get informally standardised, then repeated and adapted to other cities’ contexts. Research limitations/implications The paper provides a conceptual framework for formatting the leisure events and places under the framework of the structured experience, will be carefully adapted to the micro-local level, i.e. community activities sphere. The ULF is a theoretical concept and needs empirical research to verify its validity. Practical implications The ULF provides urban managers with a framework for replicating, multiplying and adapting urban leisure events and sites within the structured experiences (SE) designing framework. Originality/value The study contributes to the scientific discussion on the experience economy by introducing the ULF concept which can be adapted to various urban conditions.

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.

scholarly journals Experimental Characterization of an Alkaline Electrolyser and a Compression System for Hydrogen Production and Storage

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 5347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Pietra ◽  
Marco Gianni ◽  
Nicola Zuliani ◽  
Stefano Malabotti ◽  
Rodolfo Taccani
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Hydrogen Production ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Density ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Experimental Plant ◽  
Experimental Characterization ◽  
And Storage

Storing renewable energy in chemicals, like hydrogen, can bring various benefits like high energy density, seasonal storability, possible cost reduction of the final product, and the potential to let renewable power penetrate other markets and to overcome their intermittent availability. In the last year’s production of this gas from renewable energy sources via electrolysis has grown its reputation as one feasible solution to satisfy future zero-emission energy demand. To extend the exploitation of Renewable Energy Source (RES), small-scale conversion plants seem to be an interesting option. In view of a possible widespread adoption of these types of plants, the authors intend to present the experimental characterization of a small-scale hydrogen production and storage plant. The considered experimental plant is based on an alkaline electrolyser and an air-driven hydrogen compression and storage system. The results show that the hydrogen production-specific consumption is, on average, 77 kWh/kgH2. The hydrogen compressor energy requirement is, on average, 15 kWh/kgH2 (data referred to the driving compressed air). The value is higher than data found in literature (4.4–9.3 kWh/kgH2), but the difference can be attributed to the small size of the considered compressor and the choice to limit the compression stages.

scholarly journals Evaluating Spatial Interdependencies of Sector Coupling Using Spatiotemporal Modelling

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1256
Author(s):  
Peter Lichtenwoehrer ◽  
Lore Abart-Heriszt ◽  
Florian Kretschmer ◽  
Franz Suppan ◽  
Gernot Stoeglehner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Local Level ◽  
District Heating ◽  
Spatiotemporal Modelling ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Study Evaluation ◽  
Coupling Strategies

In light of global warming and the energy turn, sector coupling has gained increasing interest in recent years, from both the scientific community and politics. In the following article it is hypothesized that efficient multifaceted sector coupling solutions depend on detailed spatial and temporal characteristics of energy demand and supply. Hence, spatiotemporal modelling is used as a methodology of integrated spatial and energy planning, in order to determine favourable sector coupling strategies at the local level. A case study evaluation was carried out for both central and decentral renewable energy sources. Considering the high temporal resolutions of energy demand and supply, the results revealed a feasible operation of a district heating network in the central areas of the case study municipalities. Additionally, building integrated solar energy technologies are capable of providing large amount of excess energy that could serve other demand sectors, such as the mobility sector, or could be used for Power-to-X solutions. It is suggested that sector coupling strategies require spatial considerations and high temporal comparisons, in order to be reasonably integrated in spatial and urban planning.

scholarly journals Formation of institutional environment that contributes to the development of renewable energy in Russia

2020 ◽  
pp. 66-80
Author(s):  
Suzanna Robertinovna Bekulova
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
State Support ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Resource Endowment

Renewable energy can advance only with sufficient state support. In the conditions of increasing environmental conscientiousness, the need for reduction of carbonaceous load on the environment, as well as lowering prices for renewable energy technologies, lag in using renewable energy sources poses a threat to the development of countries within the framework of global trends. Renewable energy has received state support in Russia, despite its high traditional energy resource endowment; there are different mechanisms of state support in the retail and wholesale electricity and capacity markets. The article studies the process of formation of the current mechanism of state support in wholesale electricity and capacity market. The author determines the key stages and factors with regards to formation of support system for the renewable energy sources in Russia. Analysis is conducted on the effectiveness of Capacity Supply Agreement (CSA) as a mechanism for state support of the renewable energy sources in Russia. The article demonstrates interrelation between functionality of the renewable energy CSA mechanism and the increased level of competition in the renewable energy. The author illustrates in what way the development of renewable energy in Russia may contribute to advancement of the adjacent economic sectors. Comprehensive approach towards development of the industry within the framework of technological cluster of renewable energy in Russia is presented. The author defines the territories to which the development of renewable energy is especially relevant.

scholarly journals Renewable Energy Sources in the New Industrial Revolution: World and Domestic Experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 14-21
Author(s):  
S. R. Bekulova
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
The World

The article is devoted to determining the place of renewable energy sources (RES) in the new industrial revolution. The peculiarity of the Fourth industrial revolution, unlike the previous ones, is a particular account of the anthropogenic impact of human activities on the environment. One of the ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere is the use of renewable energy technologies. In the article, the author outlined the prerequisites and prospects for the development of renewable energy in Russia and the world, as well as considered the world and domestic experience in the use of renewable energy. On this basis, the author concluded that it is expedient to develop renewable energy sources in Russia. Besides, the author showed that the development of renewable energy technologies could act as a driver of innovative modernisation of the economy and a source of formation of a low-carbon (green) economy characterised by high energy efficiency, energy independence and minimal impact on the environment.

Local Policy for a Protected Environmental Area Management: The Case of Limiting Motorized Vehicles in Park of Canigou in Pyrenées Orientales

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Individual Action ◽  
Local Policy ◽  
Motorized Vehicles ◽  
Local Levels

“We regard the recent science –based consensual reports that climate change is, to a large extend, caused by human activities that emit green houses as tenable, Such activities range from air traffic, with a global reach over industrial belts and urban conglomerations to local small, scale energy use for heating homes and mowing lawns. This means that effective climate strategies inevitably also require action all the way from global to local levels. Since the majority of those activities originate at the local level and involve individual action, however, climate strategies must literally begin at home to hit home.”

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.

PROSPECTS OF OBTAINING ALTERNATIVE FUEL FROM VARIOUS BIOMASS AND WASTE SPECIES IN AZERBAIJAN

2019 ◽  
pp. 25-41
Author(s):  
O. M. Salamov ◽  
F. F. Aliyev
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Energy Intensity ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Calorific Value ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Gaseous Fuels

The paper discusses the possibility of obtaining liquid and gaseous fuels from different types of biomass (BM) and combustible solid waste (CSW) of various origins. The available world reserves of traditional types of fuel are analyzed and a number of environmental shortcomings that created during their use are indicated. The tables present the data on the conditional calorific value (CCV) of the main traditional and alternative types of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels which compared with CCV of various types of BM and CSW. Possible methods for utilization of BM and CSW are analyzed, as well as the methods for converting them into alternative types of fuel, especially into combustible gases.Reliable information is given on the available oil and gas reserves in Azerbaijan. As a result of the research, it was revealed that the currently available oil reserves of Azerbaijan can completely dry out after 33.5 years, and gas reserves–after 117 years, without taking into account the growth rates of the exported part of these fuels to European countries. In order to fix this situation, first of all it is necessary to use as much as possible alternative and renewable energy sources, especially wind power plants (WPP) and solar photovoltaic energy sources (SFES) in the energy sector of the republic. Azerbaijan has large reserves of solar and wind energy. In addition, all regions of the country have large reserves of BM, and in the big cities, especially in industrial ones, there are CSW from which through pyrolysis and gasification is possible to obtain a high-quality combustible gas mixture, comprising: H2 + CO + CH4, with the least amount of harmful waste. The remains of the reaction of thermochemical decomposition of BM and CSW to combustible gases can also be used as mineral fertilizers in agriculture. The available and projected resources of Azerbaijan for the BM and the CSW are given, as well as their assumed energy intensity in the energy sector of the republic.Given the high energy intensity of the pyrolysis and gasification of the BM and CSW, at the present time for carrying out these reactions, the high-temperature solar installations with limited power are used as energy sources, and further preference is given to the use of WPP and SFES on industrial scale.

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