DISTRIBUTED RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Distributed Renewable Energy Systems

Abstract

The renewable based electricity generation technologies were assessed against a range of sustainability indicators using data obtained from the literature. These indicators are cost of electricity generation, greenhouse gas emissions and energy pay-back time. All the three parameters were found to have a very wide range for each technology. For grading different renewable energy sources a new figure of merit has been proposed, linking greenhouse gas emissions, energy pay-back time and cost of electricity generated by these renewable energy sources. It has been found out that wind and small hydro are the most sustainable source for the electricity generation.

Table of Contents

Abstract

Chapter 1

1. Introduction

2. Sustainability indicators of renewable energy technologies

2.1. Energy pay-back time

2.2. GHG emissions

2.3. Cost of electricity generation

3. Renewable electricity generation sources

3.1. Wind energy system

3.2. Solar photovoltaic (PV) system

3.3. Solar thermal system

3.4. Small hydro system

4. The evolution of backcasting

5. Challenges in renewable energy development

5.1 Main barriers

5.2 Economic hurdles and policy implications

Chapter 3

6. Figure of merit

Distributed Renewable Energy Systems

Chapter 1

1. Introduction

Energy is a vital element in human life. A secure, sufficient and accessible supply of energy is very crucial for the sustainability of modern societies. The demand for the provision of energy is increasing rapidly worldwide and the trend is likely to continue in future. In 2005, the worldwide electricity generation was 17450 TWh out of which 40% originated from coal, 20% from gas, 16% from nuclear, 16% from hydro, 7% from oil and only 2% from renewable sources i.e. small hydro, wind, geothermal, etc. [1]. Electricity producing systems presently in use across the world can be classified into three main categories: fossil fuels, nuclear power and renewables. Fossil fuels in their crude form, i.e. wood, coal and oil have traditionally been an extensive used energy resource. Nuclear power due to a number of reasons is not accessible to the vast majority of the world and has found its application only within developed countries [2]. Renewable energy resources are easily accessible to mankind around the world. Renewable energy is not only available in a wide range, but are also abundant in nature. Renewable energy sector is meeting at present 13.5% of the global energy demand. Renewable energy sector is now growing faster than the growth in overall energy market. Some long-term scenarios postulate a rapidly increasing share of renewable technologies (made up of solar, wind, geothermal, modern biomass, as well as the more traditional source i.e. hydro). Under these scenarios, renewables could meet up to 50% of the total energy demand by mid-21st century with appropriate policies and new technology developments [3].

Coal based electricity generation plants are known to have the highest CO2 emissions per kWh electrical as well as other pollutants at high levels, but still it dominates the market due to its low cost of electricity generation and high availability of raw material. If significant efforts are not made to reduce the amount of emissions produced then the number of coal based power stations will continue to rise in developing countries ...