Development Of Renewable Energy Sources Research Articles

Measuring Renewable Energy Development in the Eastern Bloc of the European Union

This paper aims to investigate the energy development in terms of renewable energy in the Eastern Bloc European Union member states. Energy is a topic of planetary implications and the analysis of the development of renewable energy sources (RES) in parts of the world where the fossil fuels are scarce is of tremendous importance. In the first section, the paper concisely explores the energy landscape of the European Union (EU), revealing important concerns. The second section introduces an index of renewable energy development (IRED) which captures the complexity of the development of RES and is based on two components, each containing three factors built on efforts and outcomes in RES development. IRED is further applied on a cross-country analysis based on the Eastern Bloc of the EU member states for 2005–2015 interval, revealing the best and worst performers. The application of IRED might contribute to a better understanding of the needed efforts required by different countries in their quest towards energy security, efficient energy use and emissions control. The findings of this paper might conduct to the identification of the best practices which could be spread throughout EU and might contribute to a more rigorous development of policymaking in the energy area.

Development of renewable energy in China: Studying the experience and making recommendations for Russia

The article reviews a state policy of China, due to which the country has managed to develop the world’s largest sector of renewable energy sources (RES). Basic aspects of the formation and development of a comprehensive system of state support for the sector, i.e., the creation of scientific and technological advancement, stimulation of renewable energy equipment manufacturing, and support for RES electricity generation, are studied. Key programs implemented in specific stages are analyzed. Considerable attention is paid to the role and characteristics of foreign technology transfers. The dynamics of China’s RES sector and the results of its rapid growth with the active participation of the state are researched. On the basis of the analysis, it is concluded that, in general, China’s experience in development of RES is successful. Using the example of China, it is safe to say that, in the presence of a balanced state policy, a country is able to create in a decade a strong renewable energy equipment industry and to become a leader in the area of RES electricity generation. Specific features and main problems of the Russian RES sector are considered. On the basis of China’s experience, recommendations for improving the state policy in RES are made for Russia. According to the authors, first of all, a sharp increase in state support for scientific research and development (R&D), pilot and demonstration projects, recognition of RES as a part of the fuel and energy sector at all tiers of authority, guarantees of state support for RES in the long run, ensuring access to long-term funds, and the creation of state programs supporting households participation in the distributed power generation are needed.

“Wind energy is not an issue for government”: Barriers to wind energy development in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Despite having amongst the strongest potential for wind energy development (WED) of any jurisdiction in North America, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) remains dependent on fossil fuels for economic activity, government revenue, as well as electricity generation. The study is a comprehensive assessment of barriers to renewable energy development in NL, with a focus on wind energy. While NL is chosen as the primary case study, the study's theoretical breadth provides insights for other renewable energy (RE) development and policy contexts as well. Seventeen semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with respondents from academia, community groups, government, and the private sector. An analytical framework was employed and directed content analysis was utilized. A large majority of expert respondents (65%) classified the current state of WED in the province as ‘unfavourable’. In total, 19 unique barriers were identified; the most significant barriers to WED were found to be political (71% of respondents), economic (65%), as well as related to lack of knowledge and agreement (53 and 41%, respectively). The study demonstrates that there is no single barrier to the development of RE sources; as such, comprehensive policy solutions comprised of financial, educational, legislative, and consultative components are required.

The pro-economical behaviour of households and their knowledge about changes in the energy market

The behaviour of energy and heat consumers is an important and interesting topic. For a long time the energy market was the classical example of a monopoly. In general, households are weak partners for energy companies, but energy markets are changing all over the world. This trend is noticeable in Poland too, but it is not as strong as in Germany or other countries where renewable energy sources (RES) are very popular and widely used. So, here we investigate why the development of RES in Poland is so weak. The main aim of the paper is to highlight the key factors, especially ecological and economic ones, determining households’ decisions about installing RES in Poland. An additional aim is to present the level of energy awareness of households. We conducted a survey of Lower Silesia’s households in November and December 2015. Economic factors are the best motivators for households to install RES. Among the economic aspects, the respondents indicated potential savings and potential profits.

Analysis of the Lithuanian renewable energy resources legal framework

Effective development of the legal framework promotes the production of energy from renewable energy sources (RES) that provide an alternative to fossil fuel energy and environmental protection. According to these provisions, the article performs content analysis of the Lithuanian RES legal framework and discloses regulatory grounds and barriers to RES development

Renewable Energy and Market Power in the Italian Electricity Market

The Italian electricity market has been characterized by a remarkable increase of renewable energy source (RES) supply since 2010, which has determined relevant structural changes in the electric system. Noticeably, during favorable weather conditions, such as sunny or windy hours, increasing supply of RES generation exerts a downward pressure to the formation of the equilibrium price in the market and at the same time forces an increase in line congestion. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether such RES increase has affected the exercise of market power in the Italian Power Exchange (IPEX), explicitly considering transmission line congestion. We employ our approach to construct the residual demand curve and to disentangle the measure of the unilateral market power from the congestion rent. We compute the zonal Lerner index during the period 2009 to 2013 for the main generators in the Italian day-ahead market and we analyze the correlation among market power, congestion and RES supply. In particular, we investigate whether RES development has affected congestion and firm's strategic behavior, empirically testing whether structural changes have occurred in market power or in congestion rent. Our results show that the exercise of market power has been considerably weakened during peak hours by the massive competition of RES, but it has been surprisingly reinforced in specific off-peak hours, in the absence of solar RES and in specific zones, where congestion yields market splitting. These findings support pro-competitive market regulation and reform strategies, and shed light on the impact of RES and congestion on market outcomes.

Driving forces for renewable development in GCC countries

ABSTRACTHydrocarbon-concentrated economies would have to determine prospects and opportunities for the development of a more sustainable future. The vast unexploited renewable energy sources (RES) potential of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in conjunction with increased cash liquidity within new climate regimes is paving the way toward technologies based on renewables. In this respect, the objective of this paper is to highlight the current development of RES in the region that constitutes the GCC and to discuss the opportunities for wide diffusion and large-scale implementation. Finally, the key economic, regulatory, market, and technical RES exploitation driving forces are presented per country.

Public Policy Options for Renewable Energy Source Development

The development of renewable energy sources (RES) is a crucial objective of current economic public policies worldwide. However, high investment costs for producers and difficulties in promoting acceptability among consumers slow down RES efficient diffusion and, therefore, positive actions toward climate change conflict. Government intervention is then necessary to spur RES development and to achieve full potential (Held et al., Energy & Environment, 2006). The aim of our research is to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive policy scheme in a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model (DSGE). A DSGE is a valid tool for our purposes. In fact, our analysis is focused both on the short-term, through the evaluation of the responses of the key variables when the system is hit by stochastic technology and demand shocks, and on the long-term, through a dynamic simulation of RES and fossil fuel prices by 2050. The incentive scheme is based both on a carbon tax and a stock of public capital, which capture the intensity of government long-term commitment to support new RES developments through investment in infrastructure. We compare this incentive scheme with the standard one based on a flow of monetary subsidies to RES. The DSGE model with three productive sectors is applied to the European Union (EU). The first sector is the final output sector. It produces competitively a Atl Econ J (2015) 43:513–514 DOI 10.1007/s11293-015-9473-3

RES-E Support Policies In The Baltic States: Development Aspect (Part I)

Abstract Despite quite similar conditions (natural resources) for electricity production from renewable energy sources (RES-E) in three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), significant differences exist in these countries as to the RES-E production volume. In Latvia this volume is the highest, while in Estonia and Lithuania it is half as high. One of the factors that determine the RES-E production volumes is support policies, which in the Baltic States are different. The main objective of this work was to analyze and compare these support policies. The results have shown that for rapid RES-E development the most effective policy is to be market-oriented (as in Estonia), whereas for more stable development such policy should be producer-oriented (as in Lithuania).

Harnessing clean WATTS from the SUN: India's contribution, a techno economic analysis and empowering the future of energy sector

Abstract India has the most developed renewable energy markets and has the highest energy intensities in Asia. Very little investment and priority are being given to increase of the efficiency. On the other hand, the India has a high potential for developing energy production from renewable energy sources (RES) like solar, water, wind and biomass. However, these potentials are not studied and exploited enough and the present situation for their utilization is not so good. Although energy is a critical foundation for economic growth and social progress of any country, there are many constraints for RES development in all of them (political, technological, financial, legislative, educational, etc.). Obviously, defining development strategies and new support measures are necessary since renewable energy sources can make an important contribution to the regional energy supply and security. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the solar energy harvesting and opportunities in India. In this paper, efforts have been made for cost analysis, payback period calculations, current potential status, promotion policies, targets, major milestones and future of solar energy potential contribution and plans in India.

Renewable Energy Sources in International and EU Legal Regulations

The article presents issues relating to international and EU regulations in the field of renewable energy sources (RES). It discusses in a comprehensive manner the most important acts specific for the both regulatory platforms. Also presented are the most important objectives and premises, which these acts implement. The RES development, at both the international and Community levels, is presented in the context of activities undertaken within the energy policy framework at each of the concerned platforms. The description of the characteristics of international and EU legislation also refers to their significant impact on Polish legislation on renewable energy. DOI: 10.12736/issn.2300-3022.2013408 The article shows in a synthetic manner the characteristics of legal regulations in the field of renewable energy sources, both on the international and EU platforms. The alternative sources-based power sector is currently the fastest growing segment of the global energy sector1. The phenomenon of large-scale promotion of renewable energy is experienced throughout the world. This is done primarily through the instruments of energy policy2. According to many authors, now the conditions for renewable energy development are perfect. This is influenced by modern technical solutions, increasing awareness and positive social attitudes, and favourable policies alike3. Since Poland’s international and European commitments are becoming a driving force for the development of renewable energy sources4, the legal regulations on these two platforms are worth a closer look. The international regulations are mainly international agreements that bind Poland. One of the most basic acts is the climate convention of 19925. As a framework document, the convention contains provisions for the reduction of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere6. As for those times, these were very demanding provisions, especially with regard to Poland. Since the convention contains general provisions, they are detailed in supplementary agreements called protocols. The most important – from the point of view of this article – is the Kyoto Protocol7. Both of these documents are the most important acts of international rank, which pertain to RES issues. They both – the protocol in particular – have significantly influenced the development and promotion of RES in the international arena. For this reason these are subject to further discussion in the framework of international regulations. In addition, it should be emphasized that both the Convention and the Protocol were confirmed and ratified by the European Union and Poland8. The primary purpose of the Convention – as well as all documents adopted by the parties, and related to that act – is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent negative interference with the climate. Provisions adopted in the Convention have significantly contributed to the formulation of rules of international counteracting climate changes. This document sets out the principles of responsibility R. Miklaszewska | Acta Energetica 4/17 (2013) | 92–96 1 Wiśniewski G., Potencjal inwestycyjny w energetyce odnawialnej do 2020 roku [Investment potential in renewable energy by 2020], http://wyborcza.pl/ myodnawialni/1,117398,10404703,Potencjal_inwestycyjny_w_energetyce_odnawialnej_do.html?as=1. 2 Łucki Z., Misiak W., Energetyka a spoleczenstwo. Aspekty socjologiczne [Energy sector and society. Sociological aspects], Warsaw 2011, p. 55. 3 Ibid. 4 Łysek M., Ocena ryzyka przyrodniczego przy realizacji inwestycji w odnawialne źrodla energii [Natural risk assessment in implementation of renewable energy capital expenditure projects] [in:] Gorski M., Prawo ochrony przyrody a wolnośc gospodarcza [Environmental law and economic freedom], Łodź – Poznan, Polska 2011, p. 301. 5 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in New York on 9 May 1992. Journal of Laws of 1996, No. 53, Item 238. 6 Augustyniak T., Prawne uwarunkowania rozwoju źrodel energii odnawialnej [Legal conditions for the development of renewable energy sources] [in:] CiechanowiczMcLean J., Bojar-Fijalkowski T., Prawo ochrony środowiska jako warunek prowadzenia dzialalności gospodarczej [Environmental protection law as a condition of business activities], Gdansk 2009, p. 199. 7 The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 11 December 1997, Journal of Laws of 2005, No. 203, Item. 1684. 8 Swora M., Muras Z. (edit.), Prawo energetyczne, Komentarz [Energy Law, Commentary], Warsaw 2010, p. 141.

Assessing the PV business opportunities in Greece

Greece, as a member of the European Union (EU), has undertaken the obligation to meet the expected goals for the penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the national energy balance in compliance with “20–20–20” goals (20% of the Gross Energy Consumption and 40% of the Gross Electricity Consumption should be covered by RES). Although the development of RES, and particularly of Photovoltaic (PV), in Greece during the last years has presented a satisfactory growth, the country is still far away from the above goals. The main reason for this delay is that – except the financial crisis – many licenses are inactive and waiting funding in order to be utilized. Additionally, the latest law (L.4152/2013) has forbidden the interconnection of new PV power Plants to the grid until the end of 2013. The above fact determines the significance of the existing PV Licenses in achieving the national goals. The aim of this paper is to present an integrated approach of qualitative judgments for the PV business opportunities through the assessing of the licenses’ value in Greece. The approach, which is based on a Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) theory of quantifying multiple qualitative judgments, takes into account the real factors which can affect the expected production and cost of the PV installation and therefore the RoI (Return of Investment).

Co-firing biomass with coal for electricity generation—An assessment of the potential in EU27

The European Union aims to increase bioenergy use. Co-firing biomass with coal represents an attractive near-term option for electricity generation from renewable energy sources (RES-E). This study assesses the near-term technical potential for biomass co-firing with coal in the existing coal-fired power plant infrastructure in the EU27 Member States. The total technical potential for RES-E from biomass co-firing amounts to approximately 50–90 TWh/yr, which requires a biomass supply of approximately 500–900 PJ/yr. The estimated co-firing potential in EU27 amounts to 20–35% of the estimated gap between current RES-E production and the RES-E target for 2010. However, for some member states the national co-firing potential is large enough to fill the national gap. The national biomass supply potential is considerably larger than the estimated biomass demand for co-firing for all member states. About 45% of the estimated biomass demand for co-firing comes from plants located close to the sea or near main navigable rivers and indicates the possibility for biomass import by sea transport. Thus, biomass co-firing has the potential to contribute substantially to the RES-E development in EU27.

Exploitation of renewable energy sources in the Gulf region: fairy tale or challenging opportunity?

During the last decades the need for development of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in the region of Middle East has been pointed by many researchers and policy makers. Considering the fact that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are well known for their large oil and gas reserves it is not surprising that the contribution of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in their economies has been rather limited. However, the existence of abundant solar and other RES in the region, within the framework of the evolving carbon constraint economy, gives the signal for the detailed elaboration of plans and integrated strategies towards the exploitation of RETs implementation opportunities in the GCC countries. In this regard, purpose of this paper is to present an overview of past and ongoing RES initiatives in the GCC countries, to examine obstacles justifying the low development of RES and to highlight potentially emerging opportunities for increasing the utilisation of alternative energy sources.

The policy perspective for RES development in the new member states of the EU

The energy sector of the European Union (EU) is based mainly on fossil fuels and almost two-thirds of the energy demand is imported. In the future, fossil fuels are expected to strengthen their participation in the European energy balance and imports will amount to 70% of overall energy needs. On the other hand, the development of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is a central aim of the European Commission's energy policy. RES hold a significant share in the 10 new countries recently joined the EU and the adoption of RES-related policies is of imperative importance for the joint cooperation of the new member states with the EU. This paper includes a review of RES status, related policies and prospects in each of the 10-new member states of EU.

Global warming or nuclear waste which do we want?

s the conference in The Hague was taking place, the outlook on global warming was increasingly alarming. In spite of the price increase of oil, a good thing from this point of view, and of gas in the near future, there does not seem to be any sign ofa reac­ tion similar to that of 1973. Though energy conservation, and the development of renewable energysources are desirable, it is more obvious every day that these will not be sufficient to stabilise, and even less, to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Clearly, it is only through the renewed development of nuclear energy in the industrialised countries that we can obtain a significant and rapid reduction of gas emissions. We need only note that countries like France and Sweden,whichproduce their electricity without burn­ ing fossil fuels, generate half as much carbon dioxide per unit of energy consumed as Denmark whose electricity is produced essentially in coal or lignite plants. It seems paradoxical, then, that the energy supply scenarios put forward by such instances as the World EnergyCouncil do not seem to consider seriously a renew­ al of nuclear energy. On the contrary, certain countries, like Germany, are considering pulling out of nuclear energy altogeth­ er. It's as though the dangers associated with nuclear energy were perceived as worse than those related to global warming. Does this view rest on objective data, or is it not, rather, irrational? We cannot do without thinking this matter through: the future of our planet maydepend on the choices we make. We will attempt, here, to initiate such a reflection, as unbiased as possible. The first thing to do, then, is to compare the risks due to nuclear energy and to the production of greenhouse gases from the combustion offossil fuels. Nuclear risks