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Energy Transitions
Number of Followers: 0  Open Access journalISSN (Print) 2520-1166 - ISSN (Online) 2520-114X Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Publisher Correction to: Subsea cable key challenges of an
intercontinental power link: case study of Australia–Singapore
interconnector
Abstract: The original article can be found online.
PubDate: 2020-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00034-x
- Subsea cable key challenges of an intercontinental power link: case study
of Australia–Singapore interconnector
Abstract: Abstract The high potential for renewable energy generation in Australia, in particular solar and wind, and the high carbon content of Southeast Asian electricity and projected demand growth create favourable conditions for a HVDC power link between Australian and Southeast Asia. Such an interconnector would link predominantly solar farms located in northern Australia, known for its highest insolation levels in the world, to Singapore given its central location within Southeast Asia, high reliance on natural gas for its power generation, high demand growth and limited renewable potential and land surface. The current paper presents a holistic view of the key challenges of an Australia–Singapore power link related to its length, in the order of 3200 km, the water depth of sections crossing the Timor Trough and Indonesian waters, up to 1900 m, and the manufacturing and logistic issues of extensive length of cable to be deployed in a part of the world distant from the main manufacturing facilities. This very ambitious project will require a unique integrated contracting strategy involving multiple HVDC cable suppliers, marine heavy transport companies and cable installation contractors to effectively deliver this project within a sensible timeframe.
PubDate: 2020-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00032-z
- Measurement of the air bubble size and velocity from micro air bubble
generation (MBG) in diesel using optical methods
Abstract: Abstract In this paper, we determine the bubble size and velocity from air bubble generation (MBG) in a diesel using optical methods. A KTM Series Pump was used to generate micro air bubbles in diesel. The air bubble radius and velocity measurements can be useful parameters to optimize the bubble generation process. Two optical systems were used for measurement air bubble sizes and their velocities in diesel. First, the optical system without an objective lens was used to determine the velocity of air bubbles in diesel. Another optical system with a 10× objective lens was used to obtain the size distribution of air bubbles generated in diesel. An available optical system with a 10× objective lens can detect a bubble diameter greater than 3.3 µm that air bubble images were processed using the ImageJ program. We measured the size distribution of air bubbles generated using the ImageJ program. The micro air bubble radius measured in diesel was found to be 6.26 µm in the sample after a month from air bubble generation. In addition, the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique was used to measure the velocity field. Then, we used the OpenPIV program for PIV image processing. The highest velocity distribution was determined to be 90 mm/s for diesel without air bubbles and 20 mm/s for diesel with air bubbles after a month of the bubble generation.
PubDate: 2020-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00030-1
- How solar home systems temporally stimulate increasing power demands in
rural households of Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract: Abstract Small solar home systems (SHS) have emerged as potential alternatives to grid electrifications, enabling households to make modest investments into their power systems, and to modify those systems according to their changing economic circumstances and power demands. Study shows that introduction to basic electricity access temporally stimulates increasing power demands in rural households, leading to eventual installations of larger systems that can power more electric appliances. Specifically, study shows that once households get access to basic electricity, they get to realise the socio-economic benefits of it and start to desire more appliances, with TV being the most desired appliance, followed by stereo systems, small fridges, and small cooling fans. These desires are realised temporally with increasing household incomes, leading to increasing loads, and thus to the modifications of the originally installed small SHS, to meet those increasing load demands; the desire for luxurious appliances leads to activities that contribute to increased household incomes, and thus to the modifications of the initial SHS. Acquisitions of luxury appliances lead to improvements in quality of life and to improved esteem visibility and social status within the local communities. Potentially, increasing load demands within a given community could lead to extensions of the national utility grid to those areas, as total loads justify such investments. SHS therefore potentially act as grid electrification stimulators, leading to eventual grid electrification of a given community.
PubDate: 2020-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00028-9
- Comparison of energy consumption between non-inverter and inverter-type
air conditioner in Saudi Arabia
Abstract: Abstract Interest for air-conditioning systems (ACs) has exponentially expanded worldwide throughout the most recent couple of decades. Countries with booming economies including Saudi Arabia report high growth of sales of room air conditioners. With the expanded (GDP) and warming climates, interest for room air-conditioning systems is required to additionally increment. Meeting the expanded need for electricity energy will be a challenge. Expanded utilization of energy-efficient air conditioners impactsly affects lowering the electricity demand. In an ordinary AC, the blower runs at a fixed speed and is either ON or OFF. In an inverter AC, the compressor is consistently on; however, power drawn relies upon the demand for cooling. The speed of the compressor is adjusted appropriately. In this paper, the energy consumption of non-inverter and an inverter AC of the same capacity was assessed in an average office room, under comparative operating conditions, to find the differences in the energy saving, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emission, and power consumption of air conditioner. Energy consumption was measured for about 108 days, which is from July 16th to October 31st, 24/7, and compared. The experiment is conducted with the same conditions and same capacity air conditioners (18,000 BTU). Results show that the day-by-day normal vitality utilization, the inverter will save up to 44% of electrical consumption compared to a non-inverter of 3471 kWh/year and 6230 kWh/year respectively. Furthermore, the Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) analysis shows that inverters can save 49% of CO2 emissions.
PubDate: 2020-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00033-y
- A simple model for solid oxide fuel cells
Abstract: Abstract It is widely accepted that solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) represent a promising energy conversion approach that deliver a myriad of benefits including low environment pollution, high efficiency, and system compactness. This paper describes the construction of a basic model based on ohmic considerations, mass transfer, and kinetics that can effectively evaluate the performance of small button SOFCs. The analysis of the data indicates that there is a close alignment between the cell potential calculated using the model and previous experimental data. As such, it can be concluded that the model can be employed to optimize, evaluate, or control the design parameters within a SOFC system.
PubDate: 2020-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00031-0
- Review of solid oxide fuel cell materials: cathode, anode, and electrolyte
Abstract: Abstract There is a growing interest in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) technology among the researchers a promising power generation with high energy efficiency, inflated fuel flexibility, and low environmental impact compared to conventional power generation systems. SOFCs are devices in which the chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy with negligible emission. SOFCs have low pollution characteristics, high efficiency (~ 60%), and possess expanded fuel selection with little environmental effects. A single cell component of SOFCs is consisting an anode, cathode and an electrolyte which are stacked layer by layer to produce higher amount of power. The dense ceramic electrolyte transporting O2− ions and fills the space between the electrodes material. Redox reaction occurred at the electrodes side in the presence of fuels. The operating temperatures of SOFCs of 600–1200 °C which produced heat as a byproduct and fast electro-catalytic activity while using nonprecious metals. Many ceramic materials have been investigated for SOFCs electrolyte. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) material was extensively used as dense electrolyte in SOFCs technology. In this review, the article presents; overview of the SOFCs devices and their related materials and mostly reviewed newly available reported.
PubDate: 2020-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00029-8
- A phase model for the low-carbon transformation of energy systems in the
MENA region
Abstract: Abstract Given large potentials of the MENA region for renewable energy production, transitions towards renewables-based energy systems seem a promising way for meeting growing energy demand while contributing to greenhouse gas emissions reductions according to the Paris Agreement at the same time. Supporting and steering transitions to a low-carbon energy system require a clear understanding of socio-technical interdependencies in the energy system as well as of the principle dynamics of system innovations. For facilitating such understanding, a phase model for renewables-based energy transitions in MENA countries, which structures the transition process over time through the differentiation of a set of sub-sequent distinct phases, is developed in this article. The phase model builds on a phase model depicting the German energy transition, which was complemented by insights about transition governance and adapted to reflect characteristics of the MENA region. The resulting model includes four phases (“Take-off renewables”, “System integration”, “Power to fuel/gases”, “Towards 100% renewables”), each of which is characterized by a different cluster of innovations. These innovations enter the system via three stages of development which describe different levels of maturity and market penetration, and which require appropriate governance. The phase model has the potential to support strategy development and governance of energy transitions in MENA countries in two complementary ways: it provides an overview of techno-economic developments as orienting guidelines for decision-makers, and it adds some guidance as to which governance approaches are suitable for supporting those developments.
PubDate: 2020-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00027-w
- Analyzing the condition of Japanese electricity cost linkages by fossil
fuel sources after the Fukushima disaster
Abstract: Abstract This study analyzes the dynamics of the linkages among costs of electricity generation via crude oil, natural gas, and coal for the periods before and after the Fukushima accident. We find that Markov regime switching in the cost spreads between the fossil fuels has become more frequent after the Fukushima accident. Johansen and Bierens–Martins cointegration tests also indicate that since the accident, the oil and gas relationship has become more evident, while the cost relationships between coal and other fossil fuels have weakened. These results might reflect changes in Japanese energy policy since the accident to promote LNG and compensate for the reduced energy supply from closing the nuclear power plants, while concurrently coping to meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement to reduce CO2 emissions.
PubDate: 2020-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00025-y
- Governing energy consumption in China: a comprehensive assessment of the
energy conservation target responsibility system
Abstract: Abstract The governance of energy consumption in China is of environmental significance from the standpoints of preventing local air pollution and global climate change. At the heart of China’s energy governance system is the energy conservation target responsibility system (ECTRS). This article examines this important governance instrument from three key aspects. First, it explains the role of the ECTRS in China’s authoritarian yet decentralized governance system. Second, it traces the development of the ECTRS over the last decade, with a specific focus on the reforms introduced in the 13th 5-Year Plan (2016–2020), particularly the energy caps. Third, it analyzes the limitations of the ECTRS and provides a policy outlook in the context of growing domestic and international interests in energy conservation.
PubDate: 2020-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00023-0
- Current status and future perspectives for localizing the solar
photovoltaic industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Abstract: Abstract Saudi Arabia has developed Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to reduce the country’s dependence on oil by supporting promising private energy organizations and by developing opportunities that contributes to the national economy. In the manufacturing sector, the government is encouraging technology transfers in the renewable energy industries. It is expected to result in the localization of significant parts of the renewable energy value chain in Saudi Arabia. Solar energy systems are proven renewable energy source globally and domestically, it has its long and vast share of experience, from operations and maintenance, to solar data monitoring and gathering. Wide areas had been identified, where this technology can be highly installed and integrated. Components can be manufactured from locally available raw materials to achieve the final products. This study analyzed the key elements of the value chain for producing crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic systems. This paper presents recommendations for localizing this industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Although these recommendations are based on the environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia, such are also highly relevant for further application to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, where widespread energy transitions from fossil fuels to renewable resources are already taking place.
PubDate: 2020-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-019-00020-y
- Techno-economic assessment for energy transition from diesel-based to
hybrid energy system-based off-grids in Saudi Arabia
Abstract: Abstract Hybrid energy power plants are remarkable option for the electrification of isolated areas, which commonly fulfill their energy demand by means of diesel generators. An energy combination comprising also PV or wind systems would lead to a reduction of costs and is, therefore, being gradually esteemed. In this paper, an optimal sizing approach was established based on a long-term energy analysis, to study the techno-economic feasibility of different hybrid systems proposed to electrify an isolated area located in the north of Saudi Arabia under different fuel cost scenarios. For each fuel cost scenario, the hybrid system has been designed and optimized to get a maximum renewable penetration ratio at a low cost of energy. An optimization model based on genetic algorithm is developed to determine the optimum hybrid systems. Three different systems are studied, with different diesel price, to relatively analyze the different hybrid systems and the result reveals that PV/battery/diesel with zero LPSP is the most cost-effective system for the proposed remote area. Sensitivity analysis reveals that that the hybrid systems is the most economically choice even if the solar radiation decreases to half. It also found that irrespective of the wind speed, PV/battery/diesel system is the optimal choice if the wind speed is less than about 6.75 m/s. At solar radiation and wind speed less than 1500 W/m2, 5.6 m/s, respectively, diesel only system is cost effective. According to the present results, there is a good economic prospective to shift the diesel plants to hybrid systems, with cost reduction opportunities of around 41% of the cost of energy.
PubDate: 2020-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00021-2
- Assessment of battery storage utilization in distribution feeders
Abstract: Abstract The paper is concerned with the assessment of energy storage systems at the distribution level. Several projects related to energy storage are reviewed and analyzed for a better understanding of the motivation and benefits gained from such technology. Different applications and technologies of energy storage (ES) are identified, as well as the distinguishing characteristics of these ES technologies. The role of ES in the transition to a sustainable energy system is also identified and discussed. A sizing and location optimization study is conducted to realize the operational impact of installing battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in an existed distribution network in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The results will quantify the economic return that BESSs can offer for the electrical network, which would improve the decision making of the electric utility towards handling increasing load demand and power quality issues.
PubDate: 2020-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00026-x
- Governing renewable energy transition in conflict contexts: investigating
the institutional context in Palestine
Abstract: Abstract In response to pressures imposed on the energy sector, several countries in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region have committed to increasing the percentage of renewable energy to reach 15–50% of the energy supply by 2030. New governance models are required to conceptualise and guide the energy transition into a more sustainable direction. Therefore, this paper employed the transition management governance framework to answer the questions of who is governing the renewable energy transition in Palestine, and in what ways it is achieved. The analysis is based on three levels: strategic (problem structuring and envisioning), tactical (coalition building, developing transition agenda), and operational (mobilising actors and implementing experiments). Accordingly, key energy-related institutions are examined in terms of their visions, capacities and scope of influence using semi-structured interviews, roundtable discussions, and a survey. The conducted policy analysis suggests that the Palestinian energy sector started experiencing profound changes that affected all actors who had to adapt or transform to remain active, in addition to the rise of various multi-level actors. The analysis also shows that actors are more connected compared to the conventional energy system. Findings suggest that the spread of renewable technologies was not the outcome of only top–down schemes; instead, it is achieved throughout the collaboration of multi-level institutions and increasing reliance on horizontal-based governance networks. The paper uses examples to imply that it is possible to overcome the agglomeration of restrictions imposed on the Palestinian energy sector due to conflict if established regimes support governance networks and local-level initiatives.
PubDate: 2020-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00024-z
- The greenhouse gas effects of increased US oil and gas production
Abstract: Abstract Increased oil and natural gas production in the United States has decreased domestic natural gas prices and global oil prices. The resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts have received substantial attention, with most focus on natural gas and relatively little on oil. In this paper, I provide an estimate of how increased production affects these emissions through changes in the US energy mix, methane emissions, and—crucially—global oil prices. Under a high oil and gas production scenario, US GHG emissions in 2030 are 100–600 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (2–10%) higher than under a low production scenario. Under the high production scenario, lower global oil prices and increased consumption raise non-US carbon dioxide emissions by 450–900 million metric tons relative to a low production scenario in 2030. These estimates assume that OPEC does not strategically reduce production to offset U.S. gains.
PubDate: 2020-06-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-020-00022-1
- Optimizing Qatar’s energy system for a post-carbon future
Abstract: Abstract Global decarbonization efforts, along with domestic pressures to diversify the economy, have created challenges and opportunities for the Qatari energy system. The government is focused on diversifying the national economy away from hydrocarbons, encouraging sustainable use of resources, and ensuring the security of food, energy, and water systems. Our optimization framework allows policymakers to apply a systems approach to the overall energy infrastructure in Qatar, covering a range of sectors such as industry, residential infrastructure, transportation, and agriculture. Our aims are two-fold: first, to develop an open-source tool that can be used for national-level planning and policymaking, and second to use this tool to generate key technology and policy insights that can aid the transition of Qatari energy infrastructure in the long term. Our results provide a blueprint for a cross-sectoral energy transformation: from greater use of low-carbon transport such as electric cars and public transit, to grid-scale adoption of solar energy and reverse osmosis for desalination. Liquefied natural gas is not expected to remain the most economical export, instead being replaced by hydrogen obtained from the steam reforming of natural gas. We have modeled a long-term domestic divestment from hydrocarbon exports and have shown that the country can still retain significant economic wealth in a post-carbon world, thus maintaining existing political, economic, and social structures.
PubDate: 2019-12-07
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-019-00019-5
- Energy project financing in the GCC region: an empirical investigation
Abstract: Abstract This paper analyzes the capital structure of energy infrastructure projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, where energy projects form the bulk of the deal-making backload. The econometric estimation of 108 energy project finance for the period 2005–2014 valued at 258 bn USD sheds the light on the success factors for such projects in the region, confirming the relevant relationships among project size, owner concentration and debt duration. The analysis illustrates the roles that debt, equity, interest rate, and the economic crisis play in the financial structuring of infrastructure projects in rapidly growing emerging markets. First, it confirms that longer debt duration is correlated with higher debt ratio. Second, it shows that larger project size is correlated with lower debt ownership concentration. Third, the financial crisis had a different effect on debt ratio and debt duration. Fourth, project size and interest rate are negatively correlated, although regional specific patterns would emerge when comparing the effects of the 2008 financial crisis on interest rates. These findings have several multi-level implications for regulators, debt issuers and investors. For regulators, findings amplify the way in which to improve debt issuance in GCC countries. For issuers, findings suggest that they should be more concerned about the bonds’ security and seniority as the firm-specific characteristics, such as size and debt and equity concentration of finance project, affect the capital structure. For investors, the study offers an analytical framework to investigate bonds’ structure before investing.
PubDate: 2019-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-019-0011-9
- Interrogating uncertainty in energy forecasts: the case of the shale gas
boom
Abstract: The energy sector relies on analytical results to inform decision-making—from policy to investment. Over the last decade the United States has undergone a “revolution” in its energy landscape, due primarily to natural gas production from shale plays, as well as other factors. Despite the enormity of this change, it was hardly, or not at all, predicted or projected by forecasters, analysts, or industry experts even a year or two before its emergence. We consider what the projections looked like, how changeable they still remain, and implications for refining the interaction between analysis and decision-making in the energy sector. More broadly, we use the shale gas boom to illuminate the more universal challenges that energy forecasters face—and the solutions they employ—in managing and explaining two significant types of uncertainty: epistemic (unknown unknowns) and stochastic (known unknowns). Epistemic and stochastic uncertainties affect both the production of forecasts as abstractions of reality and our meta-considerations of how accurately such abstractions represent reality. Compounding these difficulties, these two domains of prediction—the world of the model and the world the model attempts to simulate—are often unconsciously confused or conflated, especially by the consumers of energy forecasts who do not themselves deal directly with forecast intricacies: industry analysts, scientists, advocates, and policymakers, among others. We thus attempt to elucidate a simple typology of energy forecast uncertainties and delineate the domains of prediction for decision-makers in the private, public, and research sectors who may benefit from a better understanding of how modelers themselves conceptualize and manage uncertainty. We conclude with a call for new and innovative discourse modes for discussing uncertainty in energy forecasting, both within the modeling community itself and in its engagements with decision-makers.
PubDate: 2019-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-019-00015-9
- The rise of renewables and energy transition: what adaptation strategy
exists for oil companies and oil-exporting countries'
Abstract: Abstract The energy landscape is changing rapidly with far-reaching implications for the global energy industry and actors, including oil companies and oil-exporting countries. These rapid changes introduce multidimensional uncertainty, the most important of which is the speed of the transition. While the transformation of the energy system is rapid in certain regions of the world, such as Europe, the speed of the global energy transition remains highly uncertain. It is also difficult to define the end game (which technology will win and what the final energy mix will be), as the outcome of transition is likely to vary across regions. In this context, oil companies are facing a strategic dilemma: attempt the risky transition to low-carbon technologies by moving beyond their core business or just focus on maximising their return from their hydrocarbon assets. We argue that, due to the high uncertainty, oil companies need to develop strategies that are likely to be successful under a wide set of possible future market conditions. Furthermore, the designed strategies need to be flexible and evolve quickly in response to anticipated changes in the market. For oil-exporting countries, there is no trade-off involved in renewable deployment as such investments can liberate oil and gas for export markets, improving the economics of domestic renewables projects. In the long run, however, the main challenge for many oil countries is economic and income diversification as this represents the ultimate safeguard against the energy transition. Whether or not these countries succeed in their goal of achieving a diversified economy and revenue base has implications for investment in the oil sector and oil prices and consequently for the speed of the global energy transition.
PubDate: 2019-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-019-00013-x
- Measuring the socio-economic footprint of the energy transition
Abstract: Abstract The energy system is often treated as a self-contained system, disconnected from the broader socio-economic structures it is built upon. Understanding the enabling environment and structural elements will help to maximize the benefits of the transition and increase awareness of potential barriers and necessary adjustments along the way. IRENA has developed a methodology to measure the socio-economic footprint of energy transition roadmaps using the E3ME macro-econometric model, which evaluates the likely impacts in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), employment and human welfare. It is based on well-established historical databases and has a proven track record of policy applications. The presented socio-economic footprint analysis is based on the IRENA REmap energy transition roadmap 2018 that explores a higher deployment of low-carbon technologies, mostly renewable energy and energy efficiency. The results show that, with appropriate policies in place, reducing over 90% of the energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from the reference case via renewables and energy efficiency coupled with deep electrification of end-uses, results in consistently positive global GDP impacts across the period of analysis from 2018 to 2050. Across the world economy, the transition case leads to a relative increase of employment by 0.14% over the reference case throughout the analysed period from 2018 to 2050. In addition to GDP and employment growth, the energy transition can offer broader welfare gains. However, not all countries and regions around the world benefit equally, and just transition policies must be included to ensure all regions and communities are able to take advantage of the energy transition.
PubDate: 2019-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41825-019-00018-6
