Optimizing Natural Gas Generation with Energy Storage: A Gamechanger for the Transition to a Cleaner and More Affordable Power Sector
The 21st-century grid is transforming faster than anyone imagined ten years ago, when natural gas seemed to be our power source of the future. Today, with ever-dropping prices in renewables and storage, the future is being re-defined.
A decade ago, the advent of horizontal drilling made natural gas the darling of the U.S. power sector, and for many good reasons. Natural gas lends itself to providing both steady baseload and easily dispatchable peak load power. Inexpensive, domestically produced and significantly lower in emissions than coal, natural gas was lauded as an abundant, cost-effective vehicle for enabling the lengthy transition to a renewables future that the domestic power sector faced. However, it now appears that the transition is happening much sooner than anticipated. As the deployment of renewables plus energy storage accelerates exponentially across the country, utilities are recognizing the proven ability of storage resources to supplement and, in some cases, completely replace gas-fired generation.
Central America's Energy Transition
When considering the places that have embraced renewable energy, one typically thinks of affluent, highly developed regions, such as Denmark, Germany, or California. However, the transition from conventional power to wind, solar, biomass and other forms of renewable energy is happening around the world1.
A region that is frequently overlooked is Central America. While Costa Rica’s achievement of procuring 98-99% of its electricity from renewables on an annual basis is widely celebrated, Nicaragua and Honduras have also been among the global leaders in the use of wind and solar to satisfy their electricity demand.
Human electricity – a solution?
The ruler of a hypothetical small island faces two very serious problems. The inhabitants of the country are unemployed and at the same time, the island's power station, using diesel generators, has to import diesel at a price of £1.2 per litre. Thus, the ruler comes up with a plan. He wants the population to work as a labour force in order to produce electricity through high efficiency hand crank dynamos and stop importing diesel altogether, killing two birds with one stone. Is this a plan worth doing?
Sensing Domestic Energy Use
Most countries in the world recognise the threats associated with global warming, and have committed to binding targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In very general terms, there are two parts to a solution: cleaner energy which does not produce emissions in the first place, and reductions in energy demand so that any remaining emissions are minimised. The former is more exciting in many ways since it involves the development of new technologies, stand-offs between fossil fuel companies and environmentalists and a great deal of political wrangling. The latter in contrast is much more staid, and often comes down to tightening construction regulations and improving the fabric of existing buildings. A quick look at official statistics however demonstrates the importance of improving energy efficiency. In the UK in 2016, for example, domestic energy use was second only to energy used for transportation (Figure 1).
The Age of the Electric Car?
In this article we explore what is an electric vehicle (EV), how owning an EV may differ from our current conventionally fuelled personal passenger cars, and what we should expect in an age of the electric car.
Introduction
In 2016, worldwide stock of electric vehicles (EV) rose over 2 million, currently with 750,000 sales in that year alone (IEA 2016). Although varying across countries, Norway by far leads the world in electrifying its fleet with a 29% share of new registrations, due to a series of political efforts. Many countries have ambitious targets for EV market penetration, with China setting a target of 10% of sales by 2019 and 20% by 2025. Various other countries have proposals plans to phase out conventional vehicle sales including UK and France by 2040 and Norway by 2025. In the EU 1.5% of all new vehicle sales were electric in 2015. This is supported by a network of around 120,000 public charging points across Europe (EAFO 2017).
Flywheels: An economic and sustainable solution meeting the growing need for the electrical energy storage
Increasing penetration of renewables is creating supply and demand balancing problems across all timescales. This penetration, initially encouraged by government subsidies, is accelerating due to substantial cost reductions in solar voltaic and wind in particular. These balancing timescales range all the way from milliseconds affecting grid stability to hourly, daily and seasonal. Large coal fired steam engines possess stored energy in their rotating equipment which helps keep the AC frequency stable plus such engines could operate according to demand. Their removal from the system and replacement by renewable sources requires storage in order to maintain grid system stability and matching of supply and demand.
Heat Pumps For Decarbonizing the Building Sector
Abstract
The building sector is responsible for about 40% of the total energy demand and 33% of the CO2 emissions. Until 2050 the building sector should become CO2 free. Measures are improving the building envelope, proper architecture and advanced heating and cooling systems, based on renewable energy sources.
In the case of new buildings a lot of standards and codes exist to minimize the energy consumption, at least for heating operation.
Project Finance, Energy Efficiency and Implications for Project Managers
Featured Project Management article from Dr Yiannis Anagnostopolous from Kingston Business School
Within the last twenty years there has been a marked increasing and destabilising trend in energy prices with such trend forecasted to continue in the long-run. As an example, in the UK, gas and electricity prices have increased by over 80 per cent on average. According to DECC’s (Department of Energy and Climate Change, 2014) energy projections, electricity prices in the services sector are forecasted to increase by 66 per cent over and above inflation compared to the base of 2013 prices, whilst over the same period, gas prices are expected to increase by 31 per cent by 2030 (see Chart 1 below).
PV Systems at the Module Level
Abstract
"The continued growth of MLPE technology in PV arrays is influencing system design an installation practices."
Support for module-level power electronics (MLPE) has grown recently in the U.S. solar market in comparison with other solutions, such as traditional string inverters. There are not only new code requirements that promote MLPE solutions, but also design, installation and support considerations, including ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M). In addition, there are performance and availability factors that support the use of MLPE systems with practical safeguarding.
90% of Domestic Solar Generation Usable with Batteries
Opinion piece by leading authority in Solar Energy
Professor Susan Roaf
The citizens of Britain have been building the foundations for a sustainable solar future for two decades, under the radar, and against many odds, not least the barriers placed before them by many of the interested vested in Big Energy. UK now has over 8GW of installed PV energy of which around 2.3 GW is in domestic systems. The UK has only 9.4GW of installed nuclear capacity much of which is scheduled for cripplingly expensive decommissioning over the next decade or so. Solar energy is the People’s Power of choice: Safe, Clean and increasingly affordable for all.
C02 Refrigeration and Winery Operations
Operating a CO2 refrigeration system in a winery offers several benefits compared to traditional refrigeration technologies that utilize chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC’s) and hydro-fluorocarbons (HFC’s). This article analyzes how winery owners and winemakers can benefit from lower costs and more efficient operational solutions that sustainable CO2 systems offer. CO2 refrigeration systems consume 20% less energy per year than existing systems and offer a total life-cycle cost savings of 25-35%.
Intelligent Buildings and Their Role in the Future Global Energy System
Abstract
The global energy system is undergoing a massive change due to an overwhelming amount of evidence relating to climate change; in order to continue to reduce carbon emissions and increase overall energy efficiency, it is important to look at where and how the energy is consumed. Buildings are the largest energy consumer by sector and account for over one-third of global final energy consumption [1], it is important to recognise this because it shows a need for intelligent energy management within the building sector in order to decrease carbon emissions, increase building energy efficiency and energy security.
Energy Efficiency in Homes
Interactive investigation of building energy performance
The work presents a methodology, based on a simulation model and graphical figures, for interactive investigations of building energy performance. The investigated examples illustrate how decisions in the early stages of the building design process can have decisive importance on final building energy performance in United States' (US) climates.
The behavioural modelling and simulation of PV modules under real weather conditions in PSPICE
Abstract
In this article the behavior of the solar cell with respect to solar irradiance has been studied. Solar cells have been modeled, simulated and analyzed through graphical interpretations. Three types of photovoltaic modules from different companies (50Wp monocrystalline, 50Wp polycrystalline and 50Wp amorphous silicon) have been modeled based on the one-diode model and their maximum power point has been simulated in PSpice AD. The performance of the solar modules has been evaluated in terms of their response variables namely short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, maximum power point voltage and maximum power point current with respect to real weather data.
COP21 Global Climate Summit: A Review of the Paris Agreement
Prof. Sklar is an EEC Expert Lecturer of the Solar Photovoltaic and the Renewable Energy Management & Finance courses, organised jointly by the EEC Accredited Centre and The George Washington University. Prof. Sklar recently presented an inspiring TEDx Talk on the future of personal energy use.
The 21st Council of the Parties (COP21) ended in Paris as the first time in history where most of the countries in the world actually agreed to very public and somewhat ambitious actions to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Non-Conventional Solar Energy Technologies
Whenever the public hears about solar energy technologies, their mind revolves mostly around two specific applications. One of them is solar photovoltaics, also known as solar PV, and the other is solar thermal collectors. Solar PV produces DC electricity and has been predominantly used in domestic applications in the past – both standalone and grid connected – as well as a component in portable electronic appliance chargers, pocket calculators, and so on. Solar thermal collectors produce heat, either in the form of hot water or hot air, and are used for heating applications such as hot water heating or space heating. Both forms are very well established and have been around long enough so that they are now considered to be the norm in solar energy applications.
History and Function of Polymer-Based Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Introduction to OPVs and comparison with traditional PV technologies
Introduction
As populations outside of Europe and North America begin to enter the global middle class, one of the most notable effects of that transition will be a skyrocketing worldwide demand for electricity. This can already be observed in the worldwide trends in electricity consumption (Figure 1 [1]). In order to build this new growth on a sustainable foundation, much of this energy must come from renewable, nonpolluting sources.
Energy Investment Risk and Future Climate - Part 2
Climate Risk to Energy Projects
Part 2: Climate Risk to Energy Projects
(Read Part 1 here)
Rachael Jonassen, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
A Compilation of Climate Risk to Energy Projects
In the first segment of this sequence of articles,[1] you read lots of recent examples of how climate has affected every different type of energy project, usually in multiple ways. In this segment, you will read about using those experiences to develop a more formal picture of the specific risks that your energy project faces. We’ll begin with a simple example and explain the concepts as we go along. As we go, we’ll take a look at the relevant risk assessment input to a financial analysis.
Interview with United Nations - UNEP – by the European Energy Centre (EEC) – Part 2
Part 2: Practical Steps & Getting Involved
(Read Part 1 here)
Recently, the EEC sat down with Dean Cooper, Energy Finance Programme Manager at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to discuss 2015 projects and opportunities for individuals and organisations to get involved with UNEP’s work in developing countries.
European Energy Centre (EEC): What are the next steps in order to advance the clean energy mini-grids?
Dean Cooper, United Nations UNEP: The first step is to involve both the public and private sectors, and to get the locals involved in stakeholder management. We then need to get the business model prepared to make sure we can demonstrate the investment potential most effectively. This could have been done via a report; however we didn’t think this would be enough to convince people of the investment opportunities.
Interview with United Nations - UNEP – by the European Energy Centre (EEC) – Part 1
Part 1: Opportunities for Stakeholders in 2015 – SE4ALL and clean energy mini-grids
Recently, the EEC sat down with Dean Cooper, Energy Finance Programme Manager at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to discuss 2015 projects and opportunities for individuals and organisations to get involved with UNEP’s work in developing countries.
European Energy Centre (EEC): What are the upcoming opportunities for stakeholders investing in clean energy projects in 2015?
Dean Cooper, United Nations UNEP: There are a wide range of opportunities for stakeholders – in many ways, there are more opportunities than resources available to meet them all – and our challenge is to focus on the areas where we think we can have the greatest impact.
Energy Investment Risk and Future Climate
Part 1: Energy Investment Risk and Future Climate
Rachael Jonassen, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
Introduction to Future Climate Risk
If you’re an engineer designing new PV systems, or an entrepreneur installing them, or a financier planning a large offshore wind turbine farm, you know the practical challenges you face day to day getting renewable energy to the client. And you know how these new systems can help in the fight against climate change. But do you think about how that climate change will be fighting you and your business? This article gives you some weapons to prepare for that battle.
A View on Hydropower Training
A View on Hydropower Training
by Prof. David Williams on behalf of
the British Hydropower Association
Introduction
The fight against climate change has brought global incentives for renewable energy resulting in the growth of new hydropower projects and refurbishment and upgrade of existing ones over the last decade.
With this increase in activity, the hydropower sector has grown rapidly in all types and size of projects. Equipment manufacturers, consultants, civil contractors, grid companies and other related activities have had to rapidly expand especially in manpower resource.
So why has there been an absence in mainstream training in hydropower in response to the growth in the industry?
Major Changes for the Renewable Electricity Market: a focus on UK Contracts for Difference (CfD)
Author: C. McNaught
Managing Consultant at Ricardo-AEA
Recent UK trends
Renewable electricity generation in the UK has increased from 10TWh in 2010 to almost 54TWh in 2013. As shown in the following figure, UK renewable electricity generation includes:
Opportunities and Challenges for the Adoption of Clean Energy Technologies.
Interview with United Nations – UNEP – by the European Energy Centre (EEC)
During a visit to the UNEP Offices in Paris to discuss 2014 opportunities, EEC Director Paolo Buoni conducted a short interview with UNEP Energy Finance Programme Manager, Dean Cooper, to discuss the current opportunities and challenges for the adoption of clean energy technologies.
From left: Dean Cooper, United Nations UNEP; Paolo Buoni, European Energy Centre (EEC); Marco Buoni, Centro Studi Galileo (CSG), Vice President AREA.
Pumped and Waste Heat Technologies in a High-Efficiency Sustainable Energy Future
Pumped and Waste Heat Technologies in a High-Efficiency Sustainable Energy Future
C.N. Markides*
Dr Christos N. Markides, Imperial College London, collaborates with the European Energy Centre (EEC) and is the author of the below article entitled:
Christos N. Markides, The role of pumped and waste heat technologies in a high-efficiency sustainable energy future for the UK, Applied Thermal Engineering, Volume 53, Issue 2, 2 May 2013, Pages 197-209.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2012.02.037 (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431112001330)
Department of Chemical Engineering,ImperialCollege, South Kensington Campus,LondonSW7 2AZ,UK
*Corresponding author. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Tel. +44 (0)20 759 41601; Fax. +44 (0)20 759 45700
Intergovernmental Organisation Partners with EEC
Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Learning Partnership to partner with global leader in training, European Energy Centre (EEC).
The European Energy Centre (EEC), global leader in renewable energy training and host of the 15th EU European Conference with UNITED NATIONS (UNEP), has announced they have entered into a partnership with the Abu Dhabi based IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership (IRELP), who are funded and supported by governments of 160 countries worldwide, on a number of projects aimed at improving renewable energy education in Europe and across the world.
Energy Management: Opportunities for improving monitoring
Author: Andy Smale, lecturer for the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Course run by European Energy Centre. The course is available distance learning, and also as a two day classroom based course held at major Universities.
The European Energy Centre (EEC) promotes best practice in renewable energy and energy efficiency with major universities and in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Monitoring is a cornerstone of any energy management strategy – a paucity of data related to energy use makes any effort to reduce consumption much more challenging. Without this kind of information it is impossible to compare performance against industry benchmarks for a particular type of building or industry sector, and to determine whether BREEAM targets are being met.
The Role of Training in Supporting SME and Community Development of and Financing for Projects in Energy Efficiency for Housing.
Author: Douglas Prentice, lecturer in Masters Degree at Edinburgh Napier University and lecturer of European Energy Centre (EEC) management, finance, carbon and green deal courses.
Economic issues regarding Sustainability
The BBC reported that atmospheric C02 concentrations at the Earth System Research Laboratory Mauna Loa Hawaii exceeded 400ppm for the first time. Its daily average concentration figure on Thursday 9th May 2013 reached 400.03.
Development of Flexible Solar Cells on Fabrics
John I B Wilson and Robert R Mather, Power Textiles Limited, Upland House,Ettrick Road,Selkirk,TD7 5AJ,UK.
A Helena N Lind and Adel G Diyaf, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences,Heriot-Watt University,Edinburgh,EH14 4AS, UK.
Abstract
Present day photovoltaic (PV) modules are mostly rigid panels of standardised sizes that are not readily integrated into buildings or other large structures without compromising the architect’s design. Although thin-film solar cells have been available for many years, they are often based on metal or glass sheets and do not provide any adaptability in shape. We are developing thin-film solar cells that are fabricated directly on woven polyester fabric in an effort to address these limitations of conventional PV modules. After a brief explanation of how photovoltaic cells operate, we describe how the required layers are produced with plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) and other coating technologies. Finally we envisage how the performance of these innovative renewable energy devices is anticipated to improve.
United Nations at Scottish Government to find green energy projects for developing countries
The first of a series of Global Round Tables organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Energy Centre (EEC) will take place at the Scottish Government in Edinburgh next Monday (11 March.)
At these events, the UN will gather industry leaders in renewable energy and finance, in order to create green energy projects which will benefit developing countries.
The Round Tables comprise five such events in financial centres around Europe, at locations including the London Guildhall, the United Nations offices in Paris and Frankfurt, and the University of Milan, between 11 and 26 March.
The EEC has a history of working closely with Edinburgh-based organisations including Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University.
Development of a High Pressure Control Logic for CO2 Tap Water Heat Pumps
E Fornasieri, F Mancini, S Minetto
Dipartimento di Fisica Tecnica, Università degli Studi di Padova
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the development of the upper cycle pressure control system of a CO2 tap water heat pump. The system is designed to satisfy the domestic hot water requirement of a residential building located in the northern part of Italy. The heat pump works according to a single-stage transcritical cycle with internal heat exchanger.
Clear Up Confusion Over Electric Vehicles With the UK's First Training Course
The Edinburgh-based European Energy Centre (EEC) has launched a 2-day training course for professionals and individuals who want to understand the cost saving opportunities and environmental benefits of switching to electric vehicles.
Global Warming: A key issue for refrigeration and air conditioning
Didier Coulomb
Director, International Institute of Refrigeration
Introduction
Refrigeration, including air conditioning, is necessary for life and will continue to expand worldwide. Its impact on environment is huge, even if refrigeration technologies can also be part of solutions for mitigating global warming (new sources of energy, heat pumps...). Many efforts have already been made. However, reduction in CO2 emissions and fluorinated gas emissions are challenges to be addressed on an ongoing basis.
Heat Pumps
Hermann Halozan
Institute of Thermal Engineering, Graz University of Technology
1. INTRODUCTION
The old aim of governments was to supply their country with sufficient low-cost energy to keep the economy growing. But in the meantime we have some more problems: the one problem is that energy becomes more and more expensive, the second problem is climate change, and all industrialised countries, which have signed or not yet signed the Kyoto Agreement, have to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, mainly CO2 from burning fossil fuels. Heat pumps offer the possibility of reducing energy consumption significantly, mainly in the building sector, but also in industry.