Editorial

2 pages, 166 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development

by Alan Colin Brent

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6920; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13126920 - 19 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2247

The significant role of renewable energy in our quest for a just transition to reach the Sustainable Development Goals is unquestionable [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

Research

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15 pages, 2431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Energy Potential of Solar PV Located on Mining Properties in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa

by Waldo van der Merwe and Alan C. Brent

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5857; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12145857 - 21 Jul 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2593

Abstract

The lauded Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) has achieved much in stimulating private sector investment in the renewable energy market in South Africa. Yet, 95% of electricity generated is still from a single source, the state-owned utility Eskom. This paper [...] Read more.

The lauded Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) has achieved much in stimulating private sector investment in the renewable energy market in South Africa. Yet, 95% of electricity generated is still from a single source, the state-owned utility Eskom. This paper set out to explore the policy sphere governing electricity generation and identifying possible avenues that can contribute to a more vibrant solar energy market in the most solar abundant province of South Africa, the Northern Cape Province. Licensed mines were identified as low hanging fruit due to a large policy overlap and leeway within existing mining policy. A solar audit of these areas was performed, based on accepted multi-criteria decision analysis techniques, and found that a potential 369 TWh to 679 TWh per annum can be generated, exceeding South Africa’s current electricity usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solar Home Systems for Clean Cooking: A Cost–Health Benefit Analysis of Lower-Middle-Income Countries in Southeast Asia

by Jing Zhang, Roger Raufer and Lingxuan Liu

Sustainability 2020, 12(9), 3909; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12093909 - 11 May 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3026

Abstract

Limited access to clean energy has long been an obstacle to livelihood improvement of populations mired in energy poverty. Cooking with traditional biomass contributes to high levels of indoor air pollution, thus imposing significant threats to public health. Due to the accessibility and [...] Read more.

Limited access to clean energy has long been an obstacle to livelihood improvement of populations mired in energy poverty. Cooking with traditional biomass contributes to high levels of indoor air pollution, thus imposing significant threats to public health. Due to the accessibility and affordability of clean fuels for rural residents, this study proposes that renewable solar energy be employed to supply power for induction cooking stoves (ICS) through solar home systems (SHS), and estimates both the costs and health benefits of upgrading to ICS and SHS in lower-middle-income countries (LMCs) in Southeast Asia. Disability-Adjusted Life Years and the value of a statistical life year were employed to estimate the health benefits of ICS-SHS. The results suggest that the health benefits brought by ICS-SHS alone can surpass the estimated minimum cost for an ICS-SHS in the six LMCs in Southeast Asia. This study provides a potential reference for getting other energy poverty regions involved with affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy, as well as simultaneously tackling indoor air pollution caused by cooking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

32 pages, 25294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water and CSP—Linking CSP Water Demand Models and National Hydrology Data to Sustainably Manage CSP Development and Water Resources in Arid Regions

by D. Frank Duvenhage, Alan C. Brent, William H.L. Stafford and S. Grobbelaar

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3373; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12083373 - 21 Apr 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3647

Abstract

A systematic approach to evaluate Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant fleet deployment and sustainable water resource use in arid regions is presented. An overview is given of previous work carried out. Once CSP development scenarios, suitable areas for development, and the water demand [...] Read more.

A systematic approach to evaluate Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant fleet deployment and sustainable water resource use in arid regions is presented. An overview is given of previous work carried out. Once CSP development scenarios, suitable areas for development, and the water demand from CSP operations were evaluated, appropriate spatiotemporal CSP performance models were developed. The resulting consumptive patterns and the impact of variable resource availability on CSP plant operation are analysed. This evaluation considered the whole of South Africa, with focus on the areas identified as suitable for CSP, in order to study the impact on local water resources. It was found that the hydrological limitations imposed by variable water resources on CSP development are severe. The national annual theoretical net generation potential of wet-cooled Parabolic Trough decreased from 11,277 to 120 TWh, and that of wet-cooled Central Receiver decreased from 12,003 to 170 TWh. Dry cooled versions also experience severe limitations, but to a lesser extent—the national annual theoretical net generation potential of Parabolic Trough decreased from 11,038 to 512 TWh, and that of Central Receiver decreased from 11,824 to 566 TWh. Accordingly, policy guidelines are suggested for sustainable CSP development and water resource management within the context of current South African water use regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Transition Towards a Greener and More Competitive Economy: The Iberian Case

by Ismael Pérez-Franco, Agustín García-García and Juan J. Maldonado-Briegas

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3343; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12083343 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the effects of the energy transition process on economic growth in Spain and Portugal, countries that, adhering to European Union (EU) directives, opted to promote clean energies from the very start. On the one hand, we look at [...] Read more.

In this paper, we analyze the effects of the energy transition process on economic growth in Spain and Portugal, countries that, adhering to European Union (EU) directives, opted to promote clean energies from the very start. On the one hand, we look at the energy transition laws introduced by the EU and other countries. On the other, we conduct a causal analysis of energy consumption and economic growth to confirm whether the change of energy model has generated positive effects on economic growth. The procedure was as follows. First, we conducted an aggregate causality analysis exploring the relationship between growth and energy consumption. As the results were not significant, we repeated the analysis with different disaggregations of renewable energy sources. With respect to solar thermal energy and economic growth, the main conclusion is that the data appear to show a one-way causal relationship for Portugal and EU-26 (European Union without Portugal and Spain) and a two-way relationship for Spain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

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25 pages, 6664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alternative Fuels for Combined Cycle Power Plants: An Analysis of Options for a Location in India

by Guido Marseglia, Blanca Fernandez Vasquez-Pena, Carlo Maria Medaglia and Ricardo Chacartegui

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3330; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12083330 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4707

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda of United Nations raises the need of clean and affordable energy. In the pathway for more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, new alternative power technologies and energy sources are developed. Among these, the use of syngas fuels [...] Read more.

The Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda of United Nations raises the need of clean and affordable energy. In the pathway for more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, new alternative power technologies and energy sources are developed. Among these, the use of syngas fuels for electricity generation can be a viable alternative in areas with high biomass or coal availability. This paper presents the energy, environmental and economic analyses of a modern combined cycle plant with the aim to evaluate the potential for a combined power plant running with alternative fuels. The goal is to identify the optimal design in terms of operating conditions and its environmental impact. Two possible configurations are investigated in the power plant presented: with the possibility to export or not export steam. An economic analysis is proposed to assess the plant feasibility. The effect of the different components in its performance is assessed. The impact of using four different syngases as fuel is evaluated and compared with the natural gas fuelled power cycle. The results show that a better efficiency is obtained for the syngas 1 (up to 54%), in respect to the others. Concerning pollutant emissions, the syngas with a GHG impact and lower carbon dioxide (CO₂) percentage is syngas 2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

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12 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Acceptance of the “Renewable Energy 3020 Plan”: Evidence from a Contingent Valuation Study in South Korea

by Ju-Hee Kim, Sin-Young Kim and Seung-Hoon Yoo

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3151; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12083151 - 14 Apr 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2876

Abstract

South Korea is promoting the “Renewable Energy 3020 Plan” to expand the proportion of renewable energy (RE) from 2.2% in 2016 to 20% in 2030. Since the plan could lead to an increase in electricity rates, public acceptance of it is an important [...] Read more.

South Korea is promoting the “Renewable Energy 3020 Plan” to expand the proportion of renewable energy (RE) from 2.2% in 2016 to 20% in 2030. Since the plan could lead to an increase in electricity rates, public acceptance of it is an important key to determining its success. This article examines the public acceptance of the plan by employing contingent valuation (CV). A nationwide CV survey of 1000 households was performed to collect the data on the willingness to pay (WTP) for implementing the plan using electricity charges as a payment vehicle during October 2018. More specifically, a dichotomous choice question to ask interviewees whether they have an intention of paying an offered bid and a spike model to treat the zero WTP observations were employed. The estimate for monthly WTP was KRW 3646 (USD 3.27) per household. When 10 years of the payment period presented in the survey and forecasted values of residential RE electricity consumption from 2018 to 2030 were used, the WTP was worth KRW 60.4 (USD 0.05) per kWh in 2018 constant price. The WTP amounts to 56.5% of the price for residential electricity (KRW 106.9 or USD 0.10 per kWh). That is, the RE electricity produced through implementing the plan has a premium of 56.5% over the current electricity. Overall, it is concluded that public acceptance of the plan has been secured. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

17 pages, 1863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Explore, Design and Act for Sustainability: A Participatory Planning Approach for Local Energy Sustainability

by Elaine Fouché and Alan Brent

Sustainability 2020, 12(3), 862; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12030862 - 23 Jan 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3415

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development of a participatory planning approach for local energy sustainability. The characteristics of a complex problem were reviewed to establish that the problem of sustainable energy at a local government level is complex. In order to better manage [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the development of a participatory planning approach for local energy sustainability. The characteristics of a complex problem were reviewed to establish that the problem of sustainable energy at a local government level is complex. In order to better manage complex problems, the literature shows that soft operational research or problem-structuring methods need to be applied, and hence these methods were used as a starting point for developing a participatory planning approach. The requirements for a planning approach were elicited, namely that the approach must be participative and inclusive, holistic, simple and transparent. In addition, the approach must include the identification and assessment of risks as part of the deliberation process, the development of a realistic action plan must be attainable at the end of the stakeholder engagement, the approach must be dynamic, and should be formalised with clear institutional arrangements. A novel participatory approach, namely EDAS—to Explore, Design and Act for Sustainability—was then developed, applied, and evaluated as part of a case study with a local municipality in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The insights are relevant not only for local governments, but for any institution on a journey towards sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

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13 pages, 1096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Hydropower Still Be Considered a Clean Energy Source? Compelling Evidence from a Middle-Sized Hydropower Station in China

by Xuerong Li, Faliang Gui and Qingpeng Li

Sustainability 2019, 11(16), 4261; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11164261 - 07 Aug 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3747

Abstract

The development of clean energy is of great importance in alleviating both the energy crisis and environmental pollution resulting from rapid global economic growth. Hydroelectric generation is considered climate benign, as it neither requires fossil carbon to produce energy nor emits large amounts [...] Read more.

The development of clean energy is of great importance in alleviating both the energy crisis and environmental pollution resulting from rapid global economic growth. Hydroelectric generation is considered climate benign, as it neither requires fossil carbon to produce energy nor emits large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG), unlike conventional energy generation techniques such as coal and oil power plants. However, dams and their associated reservoirs are not entirely GHG-neutral and their classification as a clean source of energy requires further investigation. This study evaluated the environmental impact of the Xiajiang hydropower station based on life cycle assessment (LCA) according to the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines, focusing specifically on GHG emissions after the submersion of the reservoir. Results reveal that although hydropower is not as clean as we thought, it is still an absolute “low emissions” power type in China. The amount of GHG emissions produced by this station is 3.72 million tons with an emissions coefficient of 32.63 g CO₂eq/kWh. This figure is lower than that of thermal power, thus implying that hydropower is still a clean energy resource in China. Our recommendations to further minimize the environmental impacts of this station are the optimization of relevant structural designs, the utilization of new and improved construction materials, and the extension of farmland lifting technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development)

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