Renewable Energy Expansion Research Articles

How to size regional electrolysis systems - Simple guidelines for deploying grid-supporting electrolysis in regions with renewable energy generation

Our energy system is facing major challenges in the course of the unavoidable shift from fossil fuels to fluctuating renewable energy sources. Regional hydrogen production by electrolysis, utilizing regional available excess energy, can support the expansion of renewable energy by converting surplus energy into hydrogen and supplying it to the end energy sectors as a secondary energy carrier or process media. We developed a methodology which allows the identification of the regional optimal electrolysis scaling, the achievable Levelized Costs of Hydrogen (LCOH) as well as the annually producible amount of hydrogen for Central European regions, using renewable surplus energy from PV and wind production. The results show that as best case currently LCOH of 4.5 €/kg can be achieved in regions with wind energy and LCOH of 5.6 €/kg in regions with PV energy at 1485 €/kW initial investment costs for the hydrogen production infrastructure. In these cases, regions with wind energy require electrolysis systems with a capacity of 60% of the wind peak power. Regions with PV energy require a scaling factor of only 45% of the PV peak power. However, we show that the impact of regional electricity demand and grid expansion has a significant influence on the LCOH and the scaling of the electrolysis. These effects were illustrated in clear heatmaps and serve as a guideline for the dimensioning of grid-supporting electrolysis systems by defining the renewable peak power, the regional electricity demand as well as the existing grid capacity of the region under consideration.

The solar rush: invisible land grabbing in East Germany

ABSTRACT The article presents an ethnographic analysis of the planning and implementation of open-field photovoltaic (PV) plants on agricultural land in East Germany. Employing qualitative methods, the study delves into the multifaceted dynamics surrounding the expansion of Germany’s renewable energy sector, particularly in the considered 'energy state' of Brandenburg. Despite Germany’s commitment to renewable energy, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework governing conflicts over land use for solar energy installations poses significant challenges. Large-scale solar parks, designed for mass energy generation, often necessitate significant land acquisition, which sparks conflicts, particularly when the potential land serves agricultural purposes. The study underscores the shifting perception of land from socioecological wealth to a mere economic resource. The urgency of addressing ecological tipping points through energy transitions contrasts with the current scenario of unchecked investor and developer land acquisitions in pursuit of economic gains. This phenomenon, characterised as ‘invisible land-grabbing,’ has engendered a lack of trust in large-scale PV projects and potentially hampers solar PV approval processes. In conclusion, the article highlights the intricate interplay between energy transitions, land management, and socioecological well-being. It calls for a holistic approach to address the ethical, ecological, and economic implications of renewable energy expansion and land use.

Winner or loser? The bidirectional impact between geopolitical risk and energy transition from the renewable energy perspective

Increasingly complex global geopolitical situations are causing severe impacts on energy markets and making renewable energy (RE) the best energy option. Against fierce geopolitical conflicts, this investigation attempts to probe the bidirectional impact between geopolitical risk (GPR) and RE. By applying the rolling-window Granger causality test, we find that GPR positively and negatively impacts RE. The positive influence confirms that geopolitical competition increases the traditional energy usage cost and incentivises investment in the RE sector. This suggests GPR can be perceived as a winner in driving the energy transition. However, the rise in GPR reduces RE projects' attractiveness and inhibits the energy transition process's smooth progress. The adverse impact of RE on GPR indicates that RE is an effective channel for increasing energy diversity and reducing geopolitical events. However, the expansion of RE is vulnerable to national policy changes and critical resource competition, which induces new geopolitical conflicts. This finding is supported by the classic production model, emphasising that GPR and RE have mutual connections. To this end, governments should provide incentives for deploying RE projects to ensure energy security and promote energy transition.

Formation of the Model of Sustainable Economic Development of Renewable Energy

Abstract The article considers the use of sustainable energy as a potentially effective alternative energy source capable of replacing traditional natural fuels. The aim of the research is to develop a complex model of sustainable economic development able to promote introducing and expanding sustainable power engineering as potential alternative energy source, providing sustainable economic development, energy efficiency and reducing damages to the environment. The hypothesis lies in introduction of a model for sustainable economic development due to expansion of renewable energy which will result in economic growth, rise in energy efficacy and reducing hazards to the environment. A comparative analysis of costs and revenues of various types for using energy sources was carried out to estimate the economic efficiency and feasibility of renewable energy. The data analysis toolkit uses MS Power BI software, in which the data model was created. The conducted regression analysis provided valuable nu-merical and practical results on formation of the model of sustainable economic development of renewable power engineering. The research is based on the analysis of the impact “share of energy” on the level of electric energy import and CO2 emissions. It is recommended to intensify efforts to develop renewable energy as a key direction for sustainable economic development to ensure energy security, reduce negative environmental impact and achieve global sustainable development goals.

An electricity-carbon joint market optimization model for coal-fired power system under China's “dual-carbon” target

In the process of low-carbon transformation of power system in China, providing enough flexible service from coal-fired power units (CFPUs) is one of the most crucial answers to reduce or even avoid the operation risk which is caused by large-scale expansion of variable renewable energy (VRE). To spur CFPUs release flexibility, this paper suggests a two-stage optimal model, taking into account various peaking compensation mechanisms (VPCM) in a day-ahead power and carbon emissions trade (CET) joint market. Pre-clearing is the first stage, which maximizes social welfare, and formal clearing is the second stage, which maximizes the profit of the coal-fired power system. In contrast to the existing fixed peaking compensation mechanism (FPCM), the variable and fixed costs associated with providing peaking regulation are calculated by the VPCM. In addition, the work considers the CET market as an external carbon emissions constraint and internal constraint and no constraint are set to study the effectiveness of the current CET market. The result indicates that the VPCM can adapt more successfully to the cost of CFPUs when providing peaking regulation and increase the profit of the coal-fired power system. Then, “VPCM + external carbon constraint” enables larger profits for coal-fired power systems, whereas “FPCM + internal carbon constraint” stimulates VRE integration and reduces carbon emissions. Finally, the current CET market mechanism is insufficient to support coal-fired power plants in reducing carbon emissions as VRE rises.

‘Scaling up’ our understanding of environmental effects of marine renewable energy development from single devices to large-scale commercial arrays

Global expansion of marine renewable energy (MRE) technologies is needed to help address the impacts of climate change, to ensure a sustainable transition from carbon-based energy sources, and to meet national energy security needs using locally-generated electricity. However, the MRE sector has yet to realize its full potential due to the limited scale of device deployments (i.e., single devices or small demonstration-scale arrays), and is hampered by various factors including uncertainty about environmental effects and how the magnitude of these effects scale with an increasing number of devices. This paper seeks to expand our understanding of the environmental effects of MRE arrays using existing frameworks and through the adaptation and application of cumulative environmental effects terminology to key stressor-receptor interactions. This approach facilitates the development of generalized concepts for the scaling of environmental effects for key stressor-receptor interactions, identifying high priority risks and revealing knowledge gaps that require investigation to aid expansion of the MRE sector. Results suggest that effects of collision risk for an array may be additive, antagonistic, or synergistic, but are likely dependent on array location and configuration. Effects of underwater noise are likely additive as additional devices are deployed in an array, while the effects of electromagnetic fields may be dominant, additive, or antagonistic. Changes to benthic habitats are likely additive, but may be dependent on array configuration and could be antagonistic or synergistic at the ecosystem scale. Effects of displacement, entanglement, and changes to oceanographic systems for arrays are less certain because little information is available about effects at the current scale of MRE development.

British imbalance market paradox: Variable renewable energy penetration in energy markets

The expansion of variable renewable energy (VRE) generation propagates numerous challenges for national energy systems. Despite recent years of VRE expansion and declining coal utilisation in the overall market profile, coal energy generation has maintained and grown its position as a marginal seller in the imbalance market. Coal’s disproportionate resurgence as a bidder of later resort in the imbalance market also represents a shift in its bidding behaviour. A comparative breakdown of Britain’s overall market with that of Germany, followed by a specific investigation of Britain’s imbalance market provides insight into changing roles of VRE, fossil fuelled energy, and compensation technologies. Historically, VRE trends in the British and German markets have been broadly consistent. Recently, increasing distress in Britain’s overall market is found to result in the increased use of high pollution technologies to meet imbalances. As a result, the composition of the overall and imbalance markets have increasingly diverged, and although the dominance of gas in the latter is expected, the resurgence of coal energy is more remarkable. Thus, while the proportion of generation by renewables has continued to increase, fossil fuelled (notably including coal) capacity, and its associated infrastructure costs and influence as the price setting marginal seller, remains dominant in the imbalance market.

Bitcoin’s Carbon Footprint Revisited: Proof of Work Mining for Renewable Energy Expansion

While blockchain and distributed ledger technology offer immense potential for applications in transparency, security, efficiency, censorship resistance, and more, they have been criticized due to the energy-intensive nature of the proof of work consensus algorithm, particularly in the context of Bitcoin mining. We systematically explore the state-of-the-art regarding the relationship between Bitcoin mining and grid decarbonization. We specifically focus on the role of flexible load response through proof of work mining as a potential contributor to renewable energy penetration and net decarbonization of the energy grid. The existing literature has not comprehensively examined this area, leading to conflicting views. We address the gap, analyzing the capabilities and limitations of Bitcoin mining in providing flexible load response services. Our findings show that renewable-based mining could potentially drive a net-decarbonizing effect on energy grids, although key adaptations in mining practices are needed to fully realize this potential. Overall, the paper suggests a re-evaluation of the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining, highlighting its potential role as a facilitator for renewable energy expansion, and decarbonization more broadly.

Evaluating the impacts of renewable energy promotion policies on sustainable development: A computable general equilibrium model approach

Previous research has examined the double-dividend effects of renewable energy expansion policies, but the impact of financing mechanisms used to support this expansion has been overlooked. To address this gap, our study analyzes the economy-wide impacts of renewable energy expansion policies in Korea, with a specific focus on financing mechanisms. We employ a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model that considers imperfections in labor markets, heterogeneous households, and various electricity generation technologies. Our analysis examines the effects of various financing options for renewable energy on economic growth, the labor market, and social welfare, both with and without emission regulations. Our results reveal a trade-off between efficiency and equality when it comes to financing renewable energy expansion. Specifically, we find that financing the expansion through a lump-sum tax is the most efficient option, resulting in the smallest reduction in GDP compared to the business-as-usual scenario. However, this option also has the greatest negative impact on income inequality, as it leads to an increase in skill premiums and capital prices, exacerbating income disparities between households. Our findings suggest that renewable energy expansion tends to be regressive, with low-income households bearing a relatively larger burden of the costs associated with the expansion. Policymakers need to consider a range of options for alleviating income inequality and labor market disparity, such as targeted subsidies or transfers, to ensure a fair and efficient transition to a sustainable energy system.

Review of Transition from Mining 4.0 to 5.0 in Fossil Energy Sources Production

The problem of sustainability of energy production in the context of the expansion of renewable energy cannot be solved without a deep technological modernization of the fossil fuels extraction in line with Industry 4.0. Along with this, the expected transition to the human-centric Industry 5.0 raises the question for researchers: what core technologies of the Mining 4.0 platform will determine its transformation into Mining 5.0 in order to meet the imperative of sustainable development and the dominance of green energy. This review presents a multifaceted overview of Mining 4.0 core technologies, derived from Industry 4.0, such as smart sensors, neural networks, Big Data analytics, Internet of Things, digital twins and artificial intelligence, that form cyber-physical systems for high-performance and complete extraction of fossil energy sources. The review of works in the field of transition to Industry 5.0 is associated with Mining 5.0 core technologies—Cloud Mining, post-mining, biochemical extraction of minerals and production of green hydrogen fuel from fossil hydrocarbons, which is expected after 2050. A conclusion is made about the need for a deep analysis of harmonizing the possibilities for the innovative development of fossil fuel sources and renewable energy for sustainable energy production in the upcoming decades.

The co-movements among renewable energy, total environmental tax, and ecological footprint in the United Kingdom: Evidence from wavelet local multiple correlation analysis

This study evaluates the efficacy of total environmental tax, economic growth and renewable energy in curbing ecological footprint in the United Kingdom for the period 1995Q1–2018Q4. As the first study to dynamically investigate the connection between these factors in the short and long term at various frequencies in a multivariate setting, we add to the literature by painting a clearer picture of the dynamics influencing ecological footprint. For this reason, we employ an innovative technique, namely the newly developed wavelet local multiple correlation (WLMC) approach, which can identify the connections between indicators at various periods and frequencies. The results from the WLMC disclose that total environmental tax, economic growth, and renewable energy curb ecological footprint. Furthermore, a significant positive connection is found between environmental tax, economic growth, and renewable energy in the short and long term. According to the findings, environmental taxes, renewable energy, and economic expansion are useful tools for increasing environmental quality in the United Kingdom. The research's findings offer important recommendations for developing policies to aid the United Kingdom in achieving SDGs 7, 8, 12, and 13 while also preserving ecological sustainability.

Analytical hierarchy process and economic analysis for optimal renewable sites in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has a huge potential for utilizing renewable energy with the availability of sources for solar, wind, hydro, and biogas. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential for renewable energy sources and predicts optimal sites for renewable plant implementation in Bangladesh. A country-wise mapping approach is followed by validation of prediction using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) known as the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) which will aid in the planning and execution of Bangladesh's upcoming expansion of renewable farms and will also be a useful tool for policymakers. Moreover, an economic analysis for 50MW solar and wind power plant has been presented to estimate the levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) of the system and society. This work predicts the enormous potential for the expansion of renewable energy by assessing the appropriate future sites, economic viability, and provides several suggestions on the basis of the analysis from Bangladesh's perspective.

Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of generation expansion planning in hybrid nuclear and renewable energy system

In this study, generation expansion planning (GEP) is executed with the lowest cost and pollutant emission, highest efficiency, and lowest loss of load probability (LOLP). A hybrid energy system integrated with nuclear and renewable sources will be a potential candidate for a carbon-free energy network. Integration of nuclear and renewable energy tackles the demerits present when they operate individually. In this new approach, the expansion of modular reactors and renewable energy is discussed in the presence of uncertainties raised by load demand, load duration curve (LCD), energy carrier prices, power plant depreciation rates, weather conditions, and renewables output. Moreover, sensitivity analysis is fulfilled to find the best reactor expansion capacity. Firstly, all uncertainties are modeled by their probability density function (PDF). Then a modified Metropolis Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) coupled with the Wilks method was implemented to predict the stochastic behavior of different uncertainty sources exactly so that reaching to 90% reliability of the final plan. Finally, the approach is integrated into WASP-IV software to provide the optimal number of sources with optimal cost and pollutants. The results indicate that the LOLP index in the last year of the study period is only 1.4%–2.5%, and the number of installed nuclear units are 3 SMART reactor per 2 years just by 10% of tolerance, owing to considering all the uncertainties in the expansion process after sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, the emission of pollutants is about zero.

The expansion of renewable energy in Brazil: opportunities and barriers within the context of energy transition and climate change mitigation

Due to the intense emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the production and consumption of energy related to the global energy matrix, analyzing climate change mitigation measures, such as using renewable energy sources, becomes essential in combating such changes. In the specific case of Brazil, this is very relevant given the growing participation of fossil sources (to generate electricity in thermoelectric plants), in the country, in the last decade. In this context, this work aims to establish, characterize and analyze the relationships between the likely impacts of climate change in the context of renewable energy sources vis-à-vis the country’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement. The methodology was based on a systematic literature review, analysis of primary data on the Brazilian energy system, and interviews with stakeholders. It was possible to conclude that hydroelectric plants and those based on solar and wind energy tend to register a reduction in their electricity generation potential in Brazil; however, the last two can still be used on a large scale until at least the end of the current 21st century. In contrast, electricity generation based on biofuels should be the renewable source potentially least affected by climate change.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES - BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE EXPERIENCES OF CHINA, BRAZIL, CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES

The aim of the article was to identify actions, based on the experiences of China, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, that countries can implement to increase the share of hydro, solar, and wind energy in their economies. The analysis relied on a literature review and data obtained from the Our World In Data database. The findings indicate that there are effective strategies for clean energy adoption that can be applied worldwide. Key considerations include investing in appropriate infrastructure, developing new energy storage technologies, and implementing environmentally friendly methods for disposing of photovoltaic panels. It is essential to provide financial support for scientific research, particularly in assessing the long-term potential of renewable energy, considering geographic distribution, and evaluating public acceptance. Regulatory frameworks should strike a balance between promoting renewable energy expansion and avoiding excessive growth.

An elevated gain DC-DC converter with active switched inductor for PV application

Innovative power electronic converters have emerged because of renewable energy expansion in the past two decades. Direct current DC grids can operate independently or connected to power grids. A DC grid has distributed generation (DG) units, such as solar panels and, fuel cells. It is necessary to have a DC-DC converter in DC grids to raise output voltage. Boost converters have limited voltage gain, and their switching stress is often equal to their output voltage. This work proposes a converter which gives high gain and less stress when compared to other recent converters. At 0.8 duty ratio, this converter produces an elevated gain of 59. An experimental prototype is built for the proposed converter and the results are presented.

Aging into tricksters: a qualitative study of women’s positioning and leadership in solar energy communities in Japan

BackgroundSince the 1960s, women’s social and political engagement in Japan has been closely tied to the roles of mothers and housewives. On the other hand, the country is undergoing considerable demographic changes and has come to be considered an aging society, where an increasing number of women are opting out of marriage and child-rearing. Drawing from qualitative research with women in managerial positions in solar energy communities, this article explores the complex maneuvers informants conducted to fulfill their goal: the expansion of renewable energy in Japan.ResultsThe empirical findings point to a new, and underexplored perspective: of aging as a catalyzer for transgressing certain norms and expectations on female behavior in the context of grassroots mobilization. Aging tends to be axiomatically represented as a time of decline, and unidirectional consumption of communal resources. I examine how transitioning from life stages centered on careers and child-rearing offers resources that my informants draw on to sustain their engagement in solar energy communities. I further examine how my informants carefully, and paradoxically, navigate gendered expectations by actively appealing to dominant narratives on women: as attentive communicators attuned to the needs of others.ConclusionsThe article provides suggestions for further diversifying Japan’s community energy landscape, such as (a) increasing awareness of inequalities through open discussion on the topic; (b) gender-inclusive quotas on boards; (c) creating peer-mentoring networks; (d) stimulating a culture of dialogue open to dissensus; (e) shifting the focus away from women needing to make behavioral changes; and (f) not idealizing how much can be achieved without generating discomfort.

A Review on Solar Energy Policy and Current Status: Top 5 Countries and Kazakhstan

The article describes the world’s experience in developing the solar industry. It discusses the mechanisms of state support for developing renewable energy sources in the cases of five countries that are the most successful in this area—China, the United States, Japan, India, and Germany. Furthermore, it contains a brief review of state policy in producing electricity by renewable energy facilities in Kazakhstan. This paper uses statistical information from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Energy Agency (IEA), British Petroleum (BP), and the Renewable Energy Network (REN21), and peer-reviewed sources. The research methodology includes analytical research and evaluation methods to examine the current state of solar energy policy, its motivators and incentives, as well as the prospects for its development in Kazakhstan and in the world. Research shows that solar energy has a huge development potential worldwide and is sure to take its place in gross electricity production. This paper focuses on the selected economic policies of the top five countries and Kazakhstan, in what may be considered a specific research limitation. Future research suggestions for the expansion of Renewable Energy (RE) in Kazakhstan could include analysing the impact of introducing dedicated policies and incentives for solar systems and exploring the benefits and challenges of implementing large RE zones with government–business collaboration.

How are green finance, carbon emissions, and energy resources related in Asian sub-regions?

In this research, by employing the STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology) framework, for the case studies of five Asian regions and data from 2010 to 2021, the impacts of green finance and renewable resource deployment on CO2 emissions are evaluated. The results confirmed that the effect of green financial development and expansion of renewable energies on carbon dioxide emissions does not have the same pattern in Asia. In Central and South Asia, the development of green finance, patents, and the expansion of renewable energies do not significantly affect carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, in East Asia, green financial development, exploitation of renewable energies, and patents will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the short and long term. Accelerating the operationalization of ongoing green projects, promoting FinTech green financing tools, increasing green facilities, implementing tax exemptions, and supporting green research and development are suggested as effective practical policies.

The potential assessment of pump hydro energy storage to reduce renewable curtailment and CO2 emissions in Northwest China

Pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) can effectively alleviate the renewable curtailment and resource waste caused by expansion of wind and solar-based renewable energy (RE) sources. However, the influences of regional hydrological characteristics, operational characteristics of PHES units, and power supply-demand balance on the regulating effect of PHES have been neglected. In this paper, an improved hybrid power system dispatch model (Dispa-set) that considers regional hydrological characteristics, unit operational characteristics, and RE curtailment penalty is proposed. The potential and limitations of PHES on reducing renewable curtailment and carbon emissions in four Northwest provinces (FNP) during the 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) are evaluated through 6 sub-scenarios. Studies have shown that increasing PHES can effectively reduce renewable curtailment and carbon emissions, but uncoordinated development of PHES and RE results in resource waste and slows down carbon reduction. For example, a 10% increase in PHES during the 14th FYP could increase renewable curtailment in Qinghai by 1.1% and CO2 emissions in Gansu by 0.05%, due to uncoordinated development, demand for electricity supply, and regulated power sources. Therefore, combining PHES development with regional hydrological and operational characteristics is essential to achieve coordinated development with RE and unlock technology, economic, and environmental benefits.