scholarly journals Local Energy Projects on Islands: Assessing the Creation and Upscaling of Social Niches

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 10431
Author(s):  
Marula Tsagkari
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Organization And Management ◽  
Electricity System ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Decentralized Energy ◽  
Set Up

Islands have great potential for renewable energy, and several pilot and experimental projects have been set up on islands globally, aiming to promote clean energy and self-sufficiency. Many of these decentralized energy initiatives oppose the established regimes of centralized electricity generation and introduce new forms of organization and management. Thus, they can be considered social niches. The aim of the present study is to explore the transition potential of renewable energy projects on three islands located in southern Europe. The analysis mobilizes literature on the strategic niche management theory (SNM) with a focus on the role of the various actors and the different management models. Through a systematic analysis of policy documents and the literature, enriched by interviews, the paper identifies different types of renewable energy projects and discusses the potential for scale up. The paper concludes that these projects are currently in the inter-local phase, and decentralization is not only an important innovation for energy production, but also a new form of energy management often dominated by different actors than the established electricity system.

Energy Production and Consumption Patterns and Planning: A Case of Northeast Minnesota

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 373-392
Author(s):  
Felix Amenumey ◽  
Melissa Pawlisch ◽  
Okechukwu Ukaga
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Technical Expertise ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Set Up

The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is a project designed to give local citizens and other stakeholders a voice in planning and determining their energy future. In total, there are seven CERTs operating in seven regions across Minnesota, USA. CERTs connect citizens with technical expertise to facilitate planning and implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy projects. These technical resources are helping the teams identify and prioritize the most appropriate and cost-effective opportunities within their regions. This paper will describe one of these energy teams (the Northeast CERT) and its efforts in promoting clean energy production and conservation. A key product of the Northeast CERT is a strategic energy plan that highlights the region's top energy priorities. As part of its project priorities, the Northeast Minnesota CERT is working to set up demonstration projects at every school and community in the region. Toward this goal, the team is currently collaborating with two schools in the region to set up renewable energy projects such as wind and solar, which in turn would help students to understand that renewables and conservation can and should be an integral part of our energy system.

scholarly journals Financing renewable energy projects in the Dominican Republic: an empirical study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelines Daihana Donastorg ◽  
Suresh Renukappa ◽  
Subashini Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Financial Aspect

Purpose Currently, renewable energy (RE) sources represent a crucial pillar in obtaining sustainable development, one of the global goals for all countries. However, this presents a unique challenge for emerging and developing countries. As the technical and financial issues remain a significant barrier in implementing RE projects, several mechanisms are available to aid the financial aspect of investing and implementing clean energy projects. This paper aims to discuss new and traditional trends in the financial area of renewable investment, focusing on the Dominican Republic (DR), identifying the gaps in the financial area regarding RE. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was conducted in the DR. This country is located at the heart of the Caribbean. Given the complexity of RE and developing countries issues and the scarcity of comparable research in the area, an interpretivist research paradigm along with the qualitative methodology was adopted. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The study sample includes: directors, chief executive officers and managers responsible for the implementation of RE strategies in their respective departments/organisations. NVivo software was used for data management and the collected data was analysed using content analysis. Findings The research highlighted several severe financial handicaps regarding RE in the DR: The lack of RE assets recognition; lack of RE investment loans; perceived RE risk; and lack of financial guarantor. After extensive interviews with critical actors in the RE sector in the DR, the possible solutions and recommendations for avoiding locking the energy and economic sector in fossil fuel debt are: (a) diversification of RE technology assets recognition, (b) implementation of government RE fund, (c) RE education on all actors and (d) introduction and adoption of new financial trends such as green bonds, bank pooling, cooperatives and more. Originality/value This paper provides information and knowledge related to financial tools and policies that are available for the RE projects in the DR. The results have a socio-economic impact. This research provides a better understanding of the key financial tools to be explored by RE project developers in the developing countries. This study shows the gaps that exist between the knowledge that the stakeholders should possess and the actual knowledge that exists in the country regarding the financial aspect of an RE project.

A Business Model for Producing Clean Energy in Developing Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Chemical Engineering ◽  
Profit Maximization ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Industrial Wastes ◽  
Waste Tires ◽  
Energy Projects

Similar to other business projects, clean energy projects also has orientation for profit maximization in developing countries. Environmental problems caused by industrial wastes have been becoming serious issues in developing countries. Hence, recycling industrial wastes, in order to create more renewable and clean energy, has been recognized as one of ways to reduce adverse impact of global warming and negative effect of greenhouse gases. According to statistics, Viet Nam discharges about 400,000 tons of waste tires annually and this number in the US is estimated about 4,200,000 tons per year (source: vnu.edu.vn). This creates many environmental issues. Hence, this paper aims to propose a business model to solve problems mentioned below in the paper. Building a tire shredding plant in California, USA (for example) to cut the whole tires into small shredded tires then export to developing countries like Vietnam is one method to convert wastes into clean energy and protecting our environment. This is one main objective of this research paper. Another purpose of this study is to find out a financial model to evaluate socio-economic values of renewable energy projects that help to protect our environment, as well as a modern viewpoint of not including or adding (+) new debt issuances to increase net cash flow when estimating FCFE cash flow. Using pyrolysis technology to crack carbon linkage into smaller linkages, and then convert waste tires into renewable energy (FO-R oil, carbon black and steel). This is an application of chemical engineering. Through the economic and technical analysis of this model, we can see the practical benefits of the energy project in terms of economic efficiency, profitability, which bring surplus value for investors, effective solutions for customers and a quality energy product for the society. And it also suggest the relevant government of developing countries to consider proper policies to encourage environment protection and businesses in the field of converting industrial wastes such as tires into clean energy.

scholarly journals The Renewable Energy Production Capability of Settlements to Meet Local Electricity and Transport Energy Demands

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3636
Author(s):  
Balázs Kulcsár ◽  
Tamás Mankovits ◽  
Piroska Gyöngyi Ailer
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
The Individual

In addition to the examination of electric power from local renewables, this study has sought the answer to the question of what proportion of vehicles are fueled by environmentally friendly energy saving technologies in the vehicle fleets of Hungarian settlements. Further, the study attempts to shed light on the self-sufficiency of Hungarian settlements with respect to the electricity and transport segments. In our assessments, the performance of small-scale household power plants (SSHPPs) utilizing local renewable energy sources, and small-scale power plants with installed capacities under 0.5 MW, was taken into account, as were the proportions of vehicles operating with partly or completely clean energy sources in the vehicle fleets of the individual settlements. Finally, the composition of the vehicle fleet has been examined in the light of the quantities of renewable electricity generated in the individual settlements, in order to consider whether these settlements are capable of covering the energy needs of their vehicle stocks from local sources. In the light of the results, the changes generated by the incentives and investments introduced over the past ten years can be established and subsequently, the energy policy needs in the future can be assessed. Our study has incorporated energy geography and settlement geography aspects.

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.

scholarly journals Barriers for Clean Energy Projects

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-27
Author(s):  
Maximilian Bonnici ◽  
◽  
Henry Greene ◽  
Isabelle Bonnici ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Spot Markets ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Energy Utilities ◽  
And Storage

Clean energy may offer a more environmentally friendly outcome than fossil fuels. However, clean energy is beset by uncertainties when the sun does not shine through and the wind does not blow. Worse still, science has not yet overcome scalability issues that are compounded by lack of technological knowhow on how to store solar and wind energy. The electrical “green-outs” of August 2020 in California are a reminder that without storage facilities for clean energy, utilities are driven to spot markets for electricity rendered from traditional sources of energy as economic setbacks occur due to compromised supplies of electricity. Without means of energy storage, new technology cannot fully replace the old. One can only hope that the dream to build a future based on renewable energy will lead to discoveries that will overcome scalability and storage issues.

In Search of Structured Business Model for Renewable Energy Expansion in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Abhijit Phukon ◽  
Divya Verma Gakhar
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Green Finance ◽  
The Government ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Energy Expansion

While overall power generation in India has been increasing over the years, the coverage of households in the energy access net (with 38% of total households or over 500 million people having no energy access) and availability of supply (at only 5-6 hours/day) are still prime concerns for the Government.  In such a scenario, is renewable energy an alternative given the shortage of supply from conventional sources, with over 30,000 MW stranded power plants, commitment of the Government to set up 100 Smart Cities, High-speed/Semi-speed Rails, Industrial Corridors and more beyond that ‘power to all’ by 2022’ Through this study, an attempt has been made to understand the socio-economic-environmental impact of renewable energy expansion and examined the factors that govern the feasibility and/or viability in meeting the ambitious clean energy target of 175 GW set out by the Government. The key determinants of renewable energy are found to be functionality variation, pattern of household’s energy consumption, willingness-to-pay, behavioral change in tariff and cost, grid integration, energy efficiency and access to cheap green finance. Selective implementation of a combination of On-Grid, Off-Grid and localized Mini-Grids application and flexible revenue modality such as ‘Pay as-you-go’ in off-grid areas and ‘Net-metering’ or ‘Feed-in-tariff’ concept in grid-connected areas are best suited. Further, enforceable renewable purchase obligation, renewable generation obligation, faster and efficient implementation of renewable energy certificates as tradable commodity, carbon trading as a source of revenue, green marketing, mobilization of funds under corporate social responsibility and single procurement of all renewable energy by a centralized unit would go a long way in achieving the renewable targets.

Morocco sets global pace for renewables

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Force ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Generating Capacity ◽  
Electricity Mix ◽  
The Government ◽  
Do So

Subject Morocco renewables. Significance Morocco showcased the progress it has made with the development of renewable energy at the COP21 climate change conference in Paris. At the conference, Morocco pledged to increase the renewable contribution to its electricity mix to 52% by 2030. The government has already set a target of 42% of its electricity generating capacity based on renewables by 2020: 14% each from hydro, wind and solar plants. Impacts Morocco can derive political and diplomatic benefits by projecting itself as a leading global force in developing clean energy. It will have an even better opportunity to do so when it hosts the COP22 meeting in Marrakech in November 2016. Morocco's renewable energy projects have been underpinned by subsidies, but these are likely to diminish as costs fall. Depending on technology, Morocco could export electricity generated from renewables to Europe and countries in north and west Africa.

scholarly journals The Power of Co-Creation in the Energy Transition—DART Model in Citizen Energy Communities Projects

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 5266
Author(s):  
Bożena Ryszawska ◽  
Magdalena Rozwadowska ◽  
Roksana Ulatowska ◽  
Marcin Pierzchała ◽  
Piotr Szymański
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Energy Transformation ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Creation Process ◽  
Housing Cooperatives ◽  
Energy Projects

Successful energy transformation is interconnected with greater citizenry participation as prosumers. The search for novel solutions to implement the transition to renewable energy that will neutralize the barriers to this process, e.g., the reluctance of citizens to get involved, lack of trust in decision-makers and lack of co-ownership of energy projects, is inevitable as a part of the bottom-up process. Energy communities have vast potential to scale up Renewable Energy projects. Due to the fact that in Poland, establishing citizen energy communities in the cities is not allowed, the key success factor of energy transformation is to engage housing cooperatives and other housing communities in this process. A similar legal framework prevents communities from establishing themselves in the Czech Republic and Hungary. The research problem of this paper is to identify determinants of the co-creation process in Renewable Energy project activation at the housing cooperative level. The aim is to identify key conditions that housing cooperatives should establish in order to successfully undertake Renewable Energy project implementation using a co-creation approach. The literature study shows that the term “co-creation” is not often used in energy transition projects, although many local energy transitions are indeed co-created, unfortunately not in a structured methodical manner. In the research, we apply the DART (Dialogue, Access, Risk, Transparency) model as the framework to conduct the analysis. The study has been carried out using quantitative and qualitative research methods and based on primary and secondary data. Our findings indicate that considering the different areas of the DART model, co-creation was most visible in the area of dialogue-communication between cooperative authorities and its members, while it was least visible in the area of transparency. Based on the results pertaining to the implemented project, the researchers postulate the inclusion of factors beyond the DART model that further shape the co-creation process.

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