Abstract
This study examines the concept of switching from a centralised energy supply model towards a more autonomous model based on the use of low carbon technologies, from the viewpoint of isolated communities in the industrialised world. The study begins by establishing the importance of isolated communities within the field of energy research, and examining the concept of low carbon energy autonomy. It then analyses a number of exemplary case studies from across Europe, all of which have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) a highly autonomous energy supply model based on the use of low carbon technologies. The communities studied exhibit many of the theoretical challenges and opportunities associated with low carbon energy autonomy, including the potential for stimulating socio-economic development. They also highlight the need for a supportive and structured policy framework and more transparent routes to project funding, in order to lessen the reliance for the success of such projects upon motivated community groups. The role of academia and its relationship with industry was found to be important and the findings call for much greater transparency and knowledge sharing between key stakeholders to facilitate increased development and deployment of low carbon energy autonomy in the future.
Highlights
As part of the response to the triple challenges of growing global energy demand, fossil fuel depletion and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, recent decades have seen the gradual emergence of various Low and Zero Carbon Technologies (LZCTs) designed to harness natural energy resources
Based on an extensive literature review, observation and analysis of three high profile low carbon energy autonomy (LCEA) communities, in isolated locations, this study examines the potential for switching in certain circumstances from the centralised energy supply model which is prevalent in the industrialised world, towards a more autonomous model based on the use of LZCTs
Whilst the cost of energy from LZCTs can be high in comparison to that from grid supplied or off-grid fossil fuel based supply, recent years have shown a marked decrease in the cost of renewable energy [21, 22]
Summary
As part of the response to the triple challenges of growing global energy demand, fossil fuel depletion and increasing GHG emissions, recent decades have seen the gradual emergence of various Low and Zero Carbon Technologies (LZCTs) designed to harness natural energy resources. The EU has agreed a series of ambitious targets for 2020 relating to energy-efficiency and carbon reduction, demanding a 20% increase in the EU’s energy efficiency; a 20% reduction in GHG emissions (relative to 1990 levels) and an increase in the use of renewable energy to 20% of total energy generated [3] This legislation, combined with a growing awareness of global sustainability issues and emission reductions, has incentivised the aforementioned increase in the viability of small to medium scale LZCTs in recent years and this has led to the emergence of autonomous, LZCT-based communityscale energy systems. Identify common themes and transferrable outcomes of these projects which could prove useful in future LCEA projects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
