The Application of Crowdfunding to the Energy Sector

2017 ◽  
pp. 266-287
Author(s):  
Chiara Candelise
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Investment ◽  
Social Mission ◽  
Available Energy ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Grass Root ◽  
Institutional Finance

Crowdfunding in energy begins as a response to reduced investments (both governmental and private) into the transition to decarbonized energy systems and to the spread of innovative business models and approaches conductive of greater participation of citizens and communities in distributed renewable energy projects. This chapter presents results of a worldwide overview of the use of crowdfunding in the energy industry. Evidence gathered from available energy crowdfunding platforms highlight a very new, but quite dynamic sector. The crowdfunding tool has been applied in most of its forms, ranging from peer-to-business lending to pure donation, with strong environmental and social mission and the explicit aim of increasing participation of citizens in sustainable energy investment. Evidence also shows that, despite maintaining their environmental and clean energy focus, some energy platforms have begun to move from niche, grass root initiatives into larger projects and collaboration with energy private sector and institutional finance.

The Application of Crowdfunding to the Energy Sector

2017 ◽  
pp. 1680-1701
Author(s):  
Chiara Candelise
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Investment ◽  
Social Mission ◽  
Available Energy ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Grass Root ◽  
Institutional Finance

Crowdfunding in energy begins as a response to reduced investments (both governmental and private) into the transition to decarbonized energy systems and to the spread of innovative business models and approaches conductive of greater participation of citizens and communities in distributed renewable energy projects. This chapter presents results of a worldwide overview of the use of crowdfunding in the energy industry. Evidence gathered from available energy crowdfunding platforms highlight a very new, but quite dynamic sector. The crowdfunding tool has been applied in most of its forms, ranging from peer-to-business lending to pure donation, with strong environmental and social mission and the explicit aim of increasing participation of citizens in sustainable energy investment. Evidence also shows that, despite maintaining their environmental and clean energy focus, some energy platforms have begun to move from niche, grass root initiatives into larger projects and collaboration with energy private sector and institutional finance.

scholarly journals Policy and market drivers for advancing clean energy

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Dahlke ◽  
John Sterling ◽  
Colin Meehan
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Integration ◽  
Market Structures ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Tax Relief ◽  
Project Costs ◽  
Energy Projects

This chapter reviews important policies and market trends shaping the global development of clean energy technologies. Stimulus policies in the form of feed-in tariffs, tax relief, and renewable portfolio standards along with substantial research & development enabled clean energy projects to overcome early commercialization barriers. As a result, clean energy project costs are now competitive with or lower than conventional fossil fuels in most markets around the world. Policymakers and energy consumers are responding by increasing clean energy targets to high levels approaching 100% in a growing number of jurisdictions. Business models are adapting to this new environment and energy market structures are evolving to enable successful operations of high renewable energy systems. Markets structures, policies, and technologies that enhance system flexibility for efficient renewable energy integration represent the most promising future area of research in this field.

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.

Development of Biomass Energy Technologies and Business Models for Southern Africa

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malena Agyemang ◽  
Nathan G. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Production Model ◽  
Fuel Pellet ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Biomass Pellet

This study evaluates options for biomass pellet formulations and business models to create a sustainable energy solution for cooking energy in Southern Africa. Various agricultural wastes and agro-processing wastes are investigated to meet industry standards on biomass pellet quality. These fuels are obtained from farms and facilities across a geographic area that affects the end-cost of the pellet through transportation costs and the cost of the biomass. The technical performance of the pellet and cost of the pellet are first contrasted and then optimized in unison to develop sustainable energy options that can provide year-round clean energy for household cooking and heating needs. A market was analyzed using wheat, sugarcane and maize crops as components for the biomass pellet fuel source in the Zululand district of South Africa. Using a target moisture content (MCtarget) of 8–10%, a target lower heating value (LHVtarget) greater than 16.0 MJ/kg and a target percent ash (Ashtarget) less than 3%, pellet metrics were optimized. The cost of the crops for the pellets was dependent upon the amount of each biomass used to make up the composition of the pellet. The production demand was then analyzed based on the most current consumer cooking fuel demand within South Africa. The production model was evaluated for three factory sizes; small (1hr/ton), medium (3hr/ton), and large (5hr/ton). Primary shipping cost is based on factory location and has a major impact on the cost of the pellet for the consumer as well as the availability of the supply. Factory location was analyzed by varying the biomass crop distance to the factory. Several business models are evaluated within this study to show which representation results in a high quality pellet of low cost to consumer. The study suggests the pellet be composed of 44.62% sugarcane, 47.49% maize, and 0.82% wheat resulting in a LHV of 16.00 MJ/kg, a MC of 8 (w/w%), and an ash content of 3 (w/w%). The optimal cost of the biomass fuel pellet for the consumer ranged from 172.77US$/ton to 185.03 US$/ton.

scholarly journals Least Squares Monte Carlo Simulation-Based Decision-Making Method for Photovoltaic Investment in Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 10613
Author(s):  
Jungmin An ◽  
Dong-Kwan Kim ◽  
Jinyeong Lee ◽  
Sung-Kwan Joo
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Optimal Investment ◽  
Investment Timing ◽  
Least Squares Monte Carlo ◽  
The Impact

Solar power for clean energy is an important asset that will drive the future of sustainable energy generation. As interest in sustainable energy increases with Korea’s renewable energy expansion plan, a strategy for photovoltaic investment (PV) is important from an investor’s point of view. Previous research primarily focused on assessing and analyzing the impact of the volatility but paid little attention to the modeling decision-making project to obtain the optimal investment timing. This paper utilizes a Least Squares Monte Carlo-based method for determining the timing of PV plant investment. The proposed PV decision-making method is designed to simulate the total PV generation revenue period with all uncertain PV price factors handled before determining the optimal investment time. The numerical studies with nine different scenarios considering system marginal price (SMP) and renewable energy certificate (REC) spot market price in Korea demonstrated how to determine the optimal investment time for different PV capacities. Therefore, the proposed method can be used as a decision-making tool to provide PV investors with information on the best time to invest in the renewable energy market.

scholarly journals irena and iea: Moving Together Towards a Sustainable Energy Future—Competition or Collaboration?

Climate Law ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 233-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Esu ◽  
Francesco Sindico
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
International Energy Agency ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Member States ◽  
Legal Perspective ◽  
Oil Crisis ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this article is to critically examine, from a legal perspective, the relationship between the International Energy Agency (iea) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (irena). The iea was established in 1973 in response to the global oil crisis. It currently has 29 member states. Its original mandate has been expanded to include ensuring reliable, affordable, and clean energy. irena was established in 2009. Its main objective is to promote sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. With 138 member states, and many more in the process of accession, irena is becoming a truly universal organization. Both the iea and irena focus their attention on sustainable energy. Is there an institutional overlap or an unnecessary duplication in scope? Are irena’s activities in sustainable energy, which seemingly parallel those of the iea, justified by its aims and global reach? By addressing these and related questions, the article discusses whether the relationship between the iea and irena can be seen as competition or collaboration. The relationship is analysed within the context of the un Sustainable Energy for All Initiative.

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.

Business models and innovativeness of potential renewable energy projects in Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 123 ◽  
pp. 162-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech M. Budzianowski ◽  
Irene Nantongo ◽  
Cleus Bamutura ◽  
Michel Rwema ◽  
Martin Lyambai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Energy Projects
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