The economic model based on the consumption of fossil fuels, mainly oil, historically has fostered a growth of civilization, but it has not taken into account the consequences for the environment, now beginning to be analyzed due to the different impacts observed. It is necessary a clean energy production worldwide. In the current economic crisis, especially in southern Europe, one of the challenges of change is the energy model, both to improve environmental impacts and to improve the balance of payments, without losing competitiveness. The first conditions that must have the new energy model 2 promoted by the European Union (EU) are the savings, efficiency and clean energy production, discussed in this article. Renewable energies are inexhaustible and widely distributed. Its use in a higher percentage than today, will impact less on the environment, improve the balance of payments, and create new jobs. ; Postprint (published version)
The economic model based on the consumption of fossil fuels, mainly oil, historically has fostered a growth of civilization, but it has not taken into account the consequences for the environment, now beginning to be analyzed due to the different impacts observed. It is necessary a clean energy production worldwide. In the current economic crisis, especially in southern Europe, one of the challenges of change is the energy model, both to improve environmental impacts and to improve the balance of payments, without losing competitiveness. The first conditions that must have the new energy model 2 promoted by the European Union (EU) are the savings, efficiency and clean energy production, discussed in this article. Renewable energies are inexhaustible and widely distributed. Its use in a higher percentage than today, will impact less on the environment, improve the balance of payments, and create new jobs. ; Postprint (published version)
The COLEOPTER (COncertation LocalE pour l'Optimisation des Politiques Territoriales pour l'Energie Rurale) project develops an integrated approach to the energy efficiency of public buildings that links technical, social and economic challenges. COLEOPTER addresses two energy efficiency challenges in buildings: difficulties for rural municipalities to act and carry out work despite the positive local impact (i.e., energy savings and local employment) and a lack of awareness of building challenges, which leads to irrational use of energy and low renovation rates. ; The COLEOPTER project (SOE3/P3/F0951) is financed by the Interreg Sudoe Programme that supports regional development in Southern Europe, financing transnational projects through the European Regional Development Fund. ; Preprint
The COLEOPTER (COncertation LocalE pour l'Optimisation des Politiques Territoriales pour l'Energie Rurale) project develops an integrated approach to the energy efficiency of public buildings that links technical, social and economic challenges. COLEOPTER addresses two energy efficiency challenges in buildings: difficulties for rural municipalities to act and carry out work despite the positive local impact (i.e., energy savings and local employment) and a lack of awareness of building challenges, which leads to irrational use of energy/water and low renovation rates. ; The COLEOPTER project (SOE3/P3/F0951) is financed by the Interreg Sudoe Programme that supports regional development in Southern Europe, financing transnational projects through the European Regional Development Fund. ; Preprint
The electric generation systems on islands are based generally on fossil fuel. This fact and its supply make the electricity cost higher than in systems used in the continent. In this article, we present a review of the renewable energy generation systems on islands. To do it we analysed 77 islands from 45 different countries. This work will allow us to know how the implementation of renewable energy sources could help these islands in developing a renewable and sustainable energy sector, including a reduction of electricity generation cost. This paper shows the results from a study case of the application of renewable energy technology in Cozumel Island, Mexico. This Island is located in front of the Riviera Maya area. The analysis was made through long- term statistical models. A deterministic methodology was used to perform time-series simulations. The simulations shows that for the year 2050 a feasible integration of a system based on wind/PV can be achieved on the Island, reducing the electricity price from 0.37 US$/kW h to 0.24 US$/kW h (2050 scenario). With this scenario, the government will achieve its targets in renewable energy and in the reduction of the emissions of CO2. This will allow reaching a sustainable electricity sector. ; Postprint (published version)
The electric generation systems on islands are based generally on fossil fuel. This fact and its supply make the electricity cost higher than in systems used in the continent. In this article, we present a review of the renewable energy generation systems on islands. To do it we analysed 77 islands from 45 different countries. This work will allow us to know how the implementation of renewable energy sources could help these islands in developing a renewable and sustainable energy sector, including a reduction of electricity generation cost. This paper shows the results from a study case of the application of renewable energy technology in Cozumel Island, Mexico. This Island is located in front of the Riviera Maya area. The analysis was made through long- term statistical models. A deterministic methodology was used to perform time-series simulations. The simulations shows that for the year 2050 a feasible integration of a system based on wind/PV can be achieved on the Island, reducing the electricity price from 0.37 US$/kW h to 0.24 US$/kW h (2050 scenario). With this scenario, the government will achieve its targets in renewable energy and in the reduction of the emissions of CO2. This will allow reaching a sustainable electricity sector. ; Postprint (published version)
Punjab state has huge potential of conversion of biomass to energy that can produce estimated3172 MW power which is the highest among all the states in India. All the developing countriesare struggling with increasing energy demand and the environmental pollution. The renewable andsustainable energy resources are the best substitute to the conventional fuels and the energy sources.India is the third largest energy consumer and the third largest greenhouse gas emitting country. Inthe case of the state of Punjab, which is one of the top producers of biomass in the country, the shareof renewable energies is still dwarfish in spite of significant opportunities. Conversion of biogas toelectricityisthestandardtechnologyandpowergenerationisthemainpurposeofbiogasplantsinthedeveloped countries but in India it is still used as bio-CNG. Here we aim at analyzing the developmentand the scope of conversion of biogas to electricity in the state of Punjab in India. Massive amountof decentralized biomass resources is available in the state and there is huge potential to use thistechnology due to availability of biomass from the animal waste, the agriculture and the households.This study also focuses on the economic evaluation of a large-scale biogas plant in context of Indiangovernment framework for development to the projects along with the current scenario of renewableenergy resources and the power production by the large-scale Biogas power plants. Our findings showthat the biogas production provides an attractive investment opportunity in the state, especially forthe large-scale farms and the decentralized animal waste. Power generation to cope up the needsof Punjab can be more practicable and an environment friendly by biogas power plants as there isabundance of an organic waste material, an appropriate infrastructure and the suitable climate. ; This research was supported by the European Union and the Hungarian State, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund in the framework of the GINOP-2.3.4-15-2016-00004 project, aimed to promote the cooperation between the higher education and the industry ; Peer Reviewed ; Postprint (published version)
As general conception, this project is aimed to develop a software simulation model based on TRNSYS simulation platform which should help in the analysis and implementation of domestic Demand Side Management (DSM) strategies, based on load shifting techniques, as management tool for residual load and surplus of energy associated to renewable not dispatchable power sources like wind power or photovoltaics. The reference framework of the study, which sets real boundaries and limitations of the present work, is to develop and analyze a novel domestic descentralized energy storage system formed by a heat pump system combined with thermal storage tank that applies a DSM strategy of load shifting between valley and peak periods. The DSM control strategy implemented by the system is what, in fact, makes novel this usual configuration. The work analyzes the simulated behaviour of a DHW supply system for a single-family house located in Berlin, considering its weather conditions and its particular energy demand. Six different days (corresponding to the colder season of the year) and two basic systems configurations (according to normal commercial solutions) have been introduced in the model. After the simulation process the obtained results have been in depth analyzed in order to obtain a better understanding of the system and its potential. Additionally new study paths that could be later explored have been proposed. The choice of the scenario has not been a random decision and obeys to a special motivation; according to German government's energy and climate policy, during next decades renewable power source, in general, and renewable electricity, in particular, will increase dramatically it contribution share to final german electricity feed-in. The expected development of higher proportion of electricity generated from uncontrollable sources will require facing some still not solved challenges to assure correct grid integration of these sources. Smart grids development and residual load and surplus of energy management tools will play a fundamental role in the final success of such an imposing challenge.
As general conception, this project is aimed to develop a software simulation model based on TRNSYS simulation platform which should help in the analysis and implementation of domestic Demand Side Management (DSM) strategies, based on load shifting techniques, as management tool for residual load and surplus of energy associated to renewable not dispatchable power sources like wind power or photovoltaics. The reference framework of the study, which sets real boundaries and limitations of the present work, is to develop and analyze a novel domestic descentralized energy storage system formed by a heat pump system combined with thermal storage tank that applies a DSM strategy of load shifting between valley and peak periods. The DSM control strategy implemented by the system is what, in fact, makes novel this usual configuration. The work analyzes the simulated behaviour of a DHW supply system for a single-family house located in Berlin, considering its weather conditions and its particular energy demand. Six different days (corresponding to the colder season of the year) and two basic systems configurations (according to normal commercial solutions) have been introduced in the model. After the simulation process the obtained results have been in depth analyzed in order to obtain a better understanding of the system and its potential. Additionally new study paths that could be later explored have been proposed. The choice of the scenario has not been a random decision and obeys to a special motivation; according to German government's energy and climate policy, during next decades renewable power source, in general, and renewable electricity, in particular, will increase dramatically it contribution share to final german electricity feed-in. The expected development of higher proportion of electricity generated from uncontrollable sources will require facing some still not solved challenges to assure correct grid integration of these sources. Smart grids development and residual load and surplus of energy management tools will play a fundamental role in the final success of such an imposing challenge.
The sustainable energy transition of communities is one of the main targets within the European energy policies. Consistent energy planning is needed but conditioned by difficulties of city administrations to meet the necessary skills and have the necessary knowledge in order to lead the corresponding transition processes. The R4E project (www.roadmapsforenergy.eu) responds to the EE-07-2014 call entitled "Enhancing the capacity of public authorities to plan and implement sustainable energy policies and measures" within the Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy Work Programme of HORIZON 2020 of the European Commission R4E develops roadmapping capacities of 8 European partner cities (Eindhoven, Forlì, Istanbul, Newcastle, Murcia, Palermo, Sant Cugat and Tallinn) together with their local stakeholders, and provides them with the necessary knowledge about innovative energy solutions in the fields of smart buildings, smart mobility and smart urban spaces. A specific systemic approach to these future energy solutions has been developed, based on Deskstudies, Experts interviews and resulting Generic Roadmaps. The Deskstudies consist in Systemic Solution Maps, Technology Outlooks and Case Studies building a systemic knowledge generation tool for participants in multi-stakeholder processes. First applications and the feedback of stakeholders of city partners will be presented at the conference, discussing the usefulness of the approach for the city partners. The R4E project received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement Nº 649397. ; Postprint (published version)
The sustainable energy transition of communities is one of the main targets within the European energy policies. Consistent energy planning is needed but conditioned by difficulties of city administrations to meet the necessary skills and have the necessary knowledge in order to lead the corresponding transition processes. The R4E project (www.roadmapsforenergy.eu) responds to the EE-07-2014 call entitled "Enhancing the capacity of public authorities to plan and implement sustainable energy policies and measures" within the Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy Work Programme of HORIZON 2020 of the European Commission R4E develops roadmapping capacities of 8 European partner cities (Eindhoven, Forlì, Istanbul, Newcastle, Murcia, Palermo, Sant Cugat and Tallinn) together with their local stakeholders, and provides them with the necessary knowledge about innovative energy solutions in the fields of smart buildings, smart mobility and smart urban spaces. A specific systemic approach to these future energy solutions has been developed, based on Deskstudies, Experts interviews and resulting Generic Roadmaps. The Deskstudies consist in Systemic Solution Maps, Technology Outlooks and Case Studies building a systemic knowledge generation tool for participants in multi-stakeholder processes. First applications and the feedback of stakeholders of city partners will be presented at the conference, discussing the usefulness of the approach for the city partners. The R4E project received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement Nº 649397. ; Postprint (published version)
Nowadays, 84% of the world population without access to electricity is located in rural areas of developing countries. In particular, in the Andean countries, about 10.4 million people lack of access to electricity, mainly in isolated poor regions. Considering the relevance of electricity in overcoming poverty and promoting socioeconomic development, local-regional-national governments, supported by international organizations, are making efforts to achieve full rural electrification. In this regard, renewable microgrid projects are an effective alternative where the national grid extension has limitations. The literature on the design of such projects is significant. However, when evaluating experiences, most works focus on an analysis of projects' performance from a technical and/or economical point of view. In contrast, very few literature has been reported on the comparison of such experiences from the perspective of the design process itself and how decisions are taken by project developers. In this article, five rural electrification experiences in Andean Countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) are reviewed, analyzing the decisions taken across the design process and showing the suitability of these technologies to extend access to electricity. In the target projects, first, a preliminary analysis is carried out to estimate the energy resources and demand. Next, the system is designed and implemented to meet the demand using the available resources. The five projects illustrate different options for the electrical generation (single, hybrid or combination of technologies), storage (battery or diesel backup) and distribution (microgrid or individual systems), as well as different methods for data gathering and systems design. In addition, a comparison of projects' real behavior is carried out and their technical performance in terms of energy production and suitability of the technologies implemented is analyzed. These projects can be a good reference for the dissemination of such technologies in future projects in the Andean countries and abroad. ; Postprint (author's final draft)
Nowadays, 84% of the world population without access to electricity is located in rural areas of developing countries. In particular, in the Andean countries, about 10.4 million people lack of access to electricity, mainly in isolated poor regions. Considering the relevance of electricity in overcoming poverty and promoting socioeconomic development, local-regional-national governments, supported by international organizations, are making efforts to achieve full rural electrification. In this regard, renewable microgrid projects are an effective alternative where the national grid extension has limitations. The literature on the design of such projects is significant. However, when evaluating experiences, most works focus on an analysis of projects' performance from a technical and/or economical point of view. In contrast, very few literature has been reported on the comparison of such experiences from the perspective of the design process itself and how decisions are taken by project developers. In this article, five rural electrification experiences in Andean Countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) are reviewed, analyzing the decisions taken across the design process and showing the suitability of these technologies to extend access to electricity. In the target projects, first, a preliminary analysis is carried out to estimate the energy resources and demand. Next, the system is designed and implemented to meet the demand using the available resources. The five projects illustrate different options for the electrical generation (single, hybrid or combination of technologies), storage (battery or diesel backup) and distribution (microgrid or individual systems), as well as different methods for data gathering and systems design. In addition, a comparison of projects' real behavior is carried out and their technical performance in terms of energy production and suitability of the technologies implemented is analyzed. These projects can be a good reference for the dissemination of such technologies in future projects in the Andean countries and abroad. ; Postprint (author's final draft)
"Everything around us is made from the Earth. Some things are easily replaced, while others are not. Think about the food you have eaten or the energy it took to zoom to school on the bus. What natural resources have you used today, and are they easy to replace? Step through the latest book in the Compare and Contrast series to learn about the world's resources, how long they take to reproduce, and how technology and ingenuity are helping to relieve the strain on some of our most precious reserves"--
