Theoretical design for ascertaining sustainability of energy systems with special reference to the competing renewable energy schemes

Abstract

A single criterion assessment tool for gradation of the competing energy devices, was considered important for advancing R&D for improving upon their performance efficiency, particularly for the renewable energy systems. It was therefore outlined a theoretical design for ascertaining their individual sustainability percent achievable, from identification of the indices to be considered and a sustainability scale development for quantitative assessment. Case studies were thereafter made illustrating the modus operandi of using the developed model, for comparing the sustainability percentage achievable for different renewable energy systems, against a coal-based power plant as the referral energy unit. The competing renewable energy schemes studied were — solar PV, wind energy (both on-shore and off-shore), bio-fuel, and wave schemes like wave dragon, closed cycle ocean thermal energy conversion system (CC-OTEC) and a proposed barrage scheme (Severn barrage, UK). The study revealed that coal-based fossil fuel plant could hardly meet 40% sustainability against all other renewable energy schemes, achieving much more than 60% sustainability. In addition to the scope of use of the model for comparing the relative merits of the individual energy devices, it may find use for indexing a product with its environmental signature, on necessary modification and extension of the model. • A theoretical model designed for ascertaining total sustainability of energy systems. • Renewable energy (RE) schemes have >>60% sustainability but coal-fired power <<40%. • Single criterion assessment tool for ranking competing energy devices on sustainability. • Useful in R&D in improving performance efficiency of energy devices. • Indexing a product with environmental impact signature with extension of the model.