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The energy situation of the African island states which include Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles are overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels with paradoxically high potential of renewable energy which are sparsely developed. This paper lay emphasis on the present electricity situation in these countries and highlights the potential of renewable energy resources on their territories. Among Africa islands, demographic and economic features are dissimilar and their power sector is complex by unique challenges. It is seen that there is a critical lack of electricity in Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar, which are 21% and 13% respectively, due to political instability and high spending on diesel. Moreover, the electricity consumption per capita is alarming in Guinea-Bissau, Comoros and Madagascar where it is below the average consumption for low income countries. Sustainable energy supply can be achieved by renewable energy sources, however, not all renewable resources are technically and economically feasible for development in these countries, for example wind in Comoros and hydro in Mauritius have little potential – which this paper elaborated further. Based on these analysis, a roadmap was developed, on to how to address some of the energy issues in these countries and accelerate the uptake of renewable energy. Through energy governance reform, political decision makers can drive change within their government, especially when a reform entails opening market opportunities and stimulating private participation and exerting pressure on existing government agencies to work efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Turkey as in Europe, the share of natural gas (NG) in the generation of electricity has shown a dramatic increase since the 1990s. Although Turkey faced two economic crises in the last decade, its total electricity generation has increased by 60%. NG consumption was 0.43 bcm in 1987 and reached 40 bcm by 2014. A big fraction of total electricity generation (TEG) is produced from NG. While the NG-based electricity generation was 0.2% in 1985, its share increased rapidly and it has reached to 48% of the TEG in 2014 and share of NG in total thermal power is about 60%. The goal of this paper is to review the historical development of the electricity and NG sectors, and to forecast and review the process of electricity generation with NG. Additionally, this paper compare the use of NG in electricity generation in Turkey and World, and analyze the supply–demand projections and future prospects in the field of energy. Results obtained from the present study show that a diversity of energy resources has not been achieved and as it is today in meeting the increasing energy demand, NG will continue to be a priority in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In future electricity systems with a high share of intermittent renewable power generation, battery technologies have the potential to support power quality and security. The growing scientific literature on batteries reflects the high attention that currently rests on these technologies. This paper reviews the existing literature on lifecycle costs of batteries in stationary applications. The primary result of this review is that, despite the current high degree of variance in technological and economic battery data, a systematic assessment of the underlying uncertainty is lacking. The present paper addresses this disparity with an investigation of the impact of uncertainty in input parameters on lifecycle costs of four battery technologies across six electricity system applications. Based on input data collected from literature and via expert interviews, a probabilistic techno-economic model was built that calculates lifecycle costs and systematically addresses uncertainty in input parameters by applying a Monte Carlo simulation. The main conclusion of this paper is that the present uncertainty in cost and technical parameters of batteries exceeds by far the differences in lifecycle costs across technologies. For most electricity storage applications, the absolute differences in mean lifecycle costs across technologies are negligible compared to the uncertainty ranges of the mean lifecycle costs. Therefore, a competition still exists between the four analyzed battery technologies and so far a leading technology has yet to emerge in any of the investigated applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is among the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), entirely reliant on coal, petroleum and some locally available renewable energy sources to satisfy energy needs. 22.7% of the electricity is generated by biomass, solar, landfill gas and hydro and the remaining by fossil fuels. Even with continual oil price volatilities and specific economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities compared to continental areas, Mauritius has successfully provided 100% electricity to all its residents. However, with a growth in population and economy, Mauritius faces a crucial challenge to supply more electrical power to all requiring sectors. Renewable energy appears to be the most effective solution to cater for the increase in electricity demand but there are still huge challenges to overcome for massive deployment of more renewable energy. In this context, this paper reviews the current electricity industry and fuel sources for electricity production in Mauritius. It also describes future energy policies for more renewable energy integration within the energy mix by 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation expansion planning (GEP) problem involves the determination of types, location and construction time of new generation technologies which should be added to the existing system in order to meet the growing demand over a planning horizon. It is a vital issue due to electricity-dependent aspect of everyday life as well as most production and service systems in society. Over the past few decades, the GEP has experienced multifarious changes resulting in emerging a multitude of new models and solving methods. In this context, many studies have been carried out to achieve optimal expansion strategies with respect to the different energy-related issues, such as electricity market, uncertainties, low carbon economy requirements, distributed generation, renewable sources, energy policies, demand-side programs, and so on. In pursuance of finding out further research ideas in the field of GEP and identify less-addressed areas, a need for a comprehensive review of accomplished studies has been felt. By reviewing almost all aspects that have been considered in the GEP as yet, the present paper provides a detailed classification of a large number of done GEP studies. Reviewing results provide useful insights into the future of GEP research activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing presence of Li-Ion batteries (LIB) in mobile and stationary energy storage applications has triggered a growing interest in the environmental impacts associated with their production. Numerous studies on the potential environmental impacts of LIB production and LIB-based electric mobility are available, but these are very heterogeneous and the results are therefore difficult to compare. Furthermore, the source of inventory data, which is key to the outcome of any study, is often difficult to trace back. This paper provides a review of LCA studies on Li-Ion batteries, with a focus on the battery production process. All available original studies that explicitly assess LIB production are summarized, the sources of inventory data are traced back and the main assumptions are extracted in order to provide a quick overview of the technical key parameters used in each study. These key parameters are then compared with actual battery data from industry and research institutions. Based on the results from the reviewed studies, average values for the environmental impacts of LIB production are calculated and the relevance of different assumptions for the outcomes of the different studies is pointed out. On average, producing 1 Wh of storage capacity is associated with a cumulative energy demand of 328 Wh and causes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 110 gCO 2 eq. Although the majority of existing studies focus on GHG emissions or energy demand, it can be shown that impacts in other categories such as toxicity might be even more important. Taking into account the importance of key parameters for the environmental performance of Li-Ion batteries, research efforts should not only focus on energy density but also on maximizing cycle life and charge-discharge efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One purpose of the reformation of electric power system in China is to enable the power system to absorb a higher proportion of renewable energy. Currently, there are still such problems for China's renewable energy as high cost price, poor power regulating ability and insufficient consumptive space. As an important means of developing renewable energy power generation, distributed generation becomes a highlight in this reformation of electric power system. Under the background of reformation in power system, we describe the current overall market situation of distributed generation and the situation of distributed photovoltaic generation in China and further analyze the future policy environment of distributed generation. At the same time, we also analyze the system, technical and economic obstacles in the development of distributed generation. Market designs are made on various aspects like the objective principle, market types (spot market, futures market, financial market, ancillary service market and retail market) and transaction modes (bilateral contract, multilateral transaction platform and power pool). We also build institutional arrangement for smooth transition mechanism, problem-solving mechanism, independent accounting mechanism in power transition and distribution, full acquisition mechanism and Renewable Portfolio Standard. Discussions on the operation mode for the distributed generation are also shown in this paper based on the policies, regulations of the reformation and technical condition (micro-grid). Through our research, we finally put forward five policy proposals to provide support to the development of distributed generation during the reformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a literature review on smart grid concepts, considering generation, transmission and distribution of electricity besides smart consumption, including smart home, Demand-Side Response Programs, and Active Demand-Side Management. An analysis of the smart grid development in Brazil is performed, presenting the policy and regulation efforts beyond investments. This analysis takes account a pattern for smart grid development, and one may observe that Brazil is going towards a smart grid full implementation; however it could take decades and requires adjusts from govern, regulatory agency, utilities and consumers, and more investments. Moreover, some of the major smart grid projects in Brazil are presented, and their characteristics are compared considering the technologies used, location and electric utility goals. Depending on the electric utilities objectives, one may observe similarities and differences between concepts adopted and location of the Brazilian smart grid pilot projects. The first objective is the validation and replicability of the pilot project implemented; once, the project location is a sample of the utility׳s energy market or it is a particular area of interest, like an off-grid powered island with high environmental restrictions, for instance. The second objective is creating a model of sustainable smart grid with national visibility, once the project location is a touristic place. The conception of smart grid is aligned with sustainability, and it is a tendency in Brazil a massive entry of smart grid technologies in the next years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria is faced with chronic electricity crisis that has resulted in the crippling of most sectors of the economy. It is estimated that only 40% of Nigerians are connected to the national grid and the connected population are exposed to frequent power outages. Nigeria׳s electricity grid is mainly powered by large hydropower and depleting hydrocarbon resources. Fossil-based electricity generation contributes not only to increase in carbon footprints, but also exposes the country to changes in price of petroleum resources and political instability from the oil producing region of the country. The country is blessed with abundant Renewable Energy (RE) resources that have not been fully exploited; these renewable resources have the potentials to change the status quo of power generation and consumption in the country. Availability of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) in all parts of Nigeria has been demonstrated in several studies. However, there is presently no comprehensive review of RE development in Nigeria. This contribution aims to fill this gap by focusing on the current status and future prospects of RE in Nigeria as well as identifying the key challenges confronting full scale RE development in the country. We discussed the existing government policies and legislations, and proposed others that can help speed up the adoption of RE in Nigeria. We also compared RE development in Nigeria with four other sub-Sahara African countries. We hope that this paper will stimulate further research on how to address the energy crisis in Nigeria using the RESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy sector provides fuel for much of everyday life, particularly economically and socially. Fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, a well-functioning and resilient energy sector is vital for maintaining the operation of critical infrastructures, including, most importantly, the health sector, and timely economic recovery. Notwithstanding its importance in everyday life and crises, the energy sector itself is currently in a complex and far-reaching transformation to combat climate change whilst supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and society, mainly through the development of variable renewable energy sources (RES) such as wind and solar photovoltaics. This paper highlights the need for energy resilience as countries face the triple challenge of the COVID-19 health crisis, the consequent economic crisis, and the climate crisis. Focusing on Europe, it is advanced here that with the ability to balance fluctuating electricity generation and demand, flexibility allows the energy sector to utilise low-carbon RES reliably, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable energy future. This paper derives five urgent policy recommendations for Europe that address possible impacts of COVID-19 on the economic and societal prerequisites for flexibility in energy systems. • Considers the COVID-19 pandemic as an instigator for change. • Highlights the importance of flexibility for resilient energy systems. • Derives five policy recommendations concerning flexibility in energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term energy strategy issued by the German government in 2010 and 2011 embraces a substantial reduction of CO 2 emissions and high shares of renewable energy in electricity production, along with energy efficiency improvements and an accelerated nuclear phase-out. While several studies illustrate scenarios reaching these targets, there are substantial uncertainties pertaining to key assumptions, particularly long-term electricity demand and the large-scale availability of offshore wind and carbon capture and storage (CCS). This paper explores conditions under which model-based scenarios for the German electricity sector comply with the official targets for CO 2 emission reductions and renewable shares. We apply the energy system model LIMES-D, which allows for a joint optimization of generation and transmission capacities. The results indicate that reducing electricity demand plays a crucial role for attaining the government׳s targets. Scenarios for which either offshore wind or CCS is not available show an even stronger need for a decreasing electricity demand to reach the targets and a different pattern of transmission capacity expansion than is the case with full technology availability. Hence, a broad technology portfolio could in turn hedge against future power demand increases that may challenge the joint attainment of the German decarbonization and renewable energy targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-grids have been developed for over two decades as building blocks for future smart grids. Micro-grids have appeared with the advantages such as control flexibility, easy connection of renewable resources, high efficiency and immunity to large area blackouts. Similar to other countries, development of micro-grids in China has gone through from the early stage of AC microgrids to the current varieties of AC, DC and hybrid AC/DC micro-girds based on their applications. Many technical problems have been solved and new problems are continuously appeared during the development process. This paper presents a past, today and future for development of micro-grids in China. The current status of micro-grids and renewable energy sources in China is presented first. The topologies of the micro-grids in China are then introduced and classified into three types. Different control techniques of the micro-grids are introduced. Finally, technical challenges and future prospect of micro-grids in China are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a huge energy demand, the small hydropower (SHP) has undertaken a rapid development in the past six decades in China. Especially in the recent three decades, the increasing environmental pressure has promoted its development rate and the significance of its management and operation. The number of SHP stations in China has exceeded 45,000 with a total installed capacity of more than 68 GW, ranked the first in the world. SHP provides approximately 5% of China׳s gross electricity generation and is the major backbone for rural electrification. However, how to manage and operate SHP effectively is still a difficult problem in China. In this paper, the current status of SHP in China is investigated. A special emphasis is given to their dispatching management. The southwestern province of Yunnan, ranked second in exploitable potential and first in established capacity of SHP in China, is taken as a typical example for the management and operation of SHP. The difficulties and challenges of management and operation of SHP in Yunnan province are depicted. A case system for the SHP management in Yunnan is introduced in details. It is believed that the system should be beneficial for regions with rich SHP resources in China and elsewhere as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key policy analyzed in this paper, is the achievement of a significant decarbonization of the Greek Energy System by the year 2050 through the decarbonization of the two sectors presently responsible for the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions, namely power and transport. The objective is to reduce GHG emissions by 2050, through the maximization of renewable energy sources (RES) penetration in electricity, with a simultaneous intensive electrification of the transport sector and the electrical interconnection of non-connected islands. An important parameter considered in the present work is that expansion planning of power systems under environmental constraints leads to a rather complex techno-economic analysis involving large scale penetration of Renewable Energy Sources. The penetration level of variable renewable electricity is subject to a number of restrictions implied by the need for (a) storage capacity to decrease the energy curtailment which can occur when the customer load is low and RES electricity generation is high (b) fast reserve capacity to deal with variations of variable RES or combined heat and power (CHP) electricity generation (c) transmission system expansion related to the penetration of areas with high RES potential. New methodologies are developed and a number of novel scenarios are formulated in conformity with the European energy strategy towards 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical damping of point-absorber wave energy converters is crucial to optimize the power output. Many circuit topologies have been proposed, but the possible increase in power absorption must be weighed against parameters such as cost, reliability and control system complexity. In this paper, the known electrical damping circuits are categorized, described and compared. The hydrodynamic damping of the buoy is covered, and how a linear generator can be used as a power take-off unit to apply a damping force. A qualitative comparison of the circuits is presented in the end. A more complex and costly power electronics system may be viable for wave energy converters (WECs) of large-scale power rating. However, for farm operation with small-scale WECs, a simpler and passive damping may be more suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Global electricity demands are increasing at rapid pace. Energy supply, their usage and technologies involved need to be more economical, environment friendly and socially sustainable. Efforts are being done all over the globe to reduce this greenhouse effect; and renewable energy technologies to combat climate changes, which require extensive changes to the current electricity generation and distribution systems. To meet this goal, it is required to optimize the grid operations and available resources to meet the ever increasing energy demands in an efficient, effective and environment sustainable way. It has been found that smart grid technologies have not been so popular due to some obstacles that are hindering its maturation and rapid deployment. An attempt has been made to identify and analyze the barriers to implement smart grid technologies adoption. Twelve relevant barriers towards implementation of smart grid technologies have been identified from extensive literature review and duly validated with experts׳ (from academia and industry) opinions. Also, valuable experts׳ opinions have been utilized to identify contextual relationships among these important barriers and a hierarchical model has been developed based on Interpretive Structural Modeling methodology. Matrice d׳Impacts Croises-Multipication Applique´ an Classment (MICMAC) analysis has also been used to: classify the barriers based upon dependence and driving power; and validate developed ISM based model. “Lack of Regulatory Framework” barrier has been identified as driver or independent level barrier i.e. most important bottom level barrier hindering adoption of smart grid technologies. The developed structured model will help to understand interrelationships and interdependencies among the identified barriers to implement smart grid technologies. Different solutions for handling these identified barriers have also been suggested in the paper. Organizations involved in power generation and distribution may be benefited by understanding of these barriers, their interactions and suggested mitigation solutions towards effective adoption of smart grid technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reviews the production and consumption of traditional and renewable energy in Spain over the past two decades. It also presents an overview on the development of renewable energy, such as solar (photovoltaic and photothermal), wind, biomass, hydropower, marine and geothermal energies in Spain. A brief overview of the legislation regulating renewable energy in Spain is offered. It was shown that the installed renewable energy of 32,472MW represented 11.6% of the country׳s primary energy consumption. Furthermore, the installed renewable energy average of electric power in Spain was 0.7kW per capita and 59kW/km2. Wind energy continues to experience a good growth rate, and does not seem to be affected by regulations, which has made it the most sustainable renewable energy in Spain. Finally, an analysis of energy production and consumption, renewable and non-renewable energy by province is made. The data indicates that highly populated and industrialised provinces made more efficient use of their energy from an electrical consumption viewpoint. This uneven growth was not motivated solely by the existence or lack of renewable energy resources but by the autonomous community or province in their socio-economic context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a smart(er) grid context, the existence of dynamic tariffs and bidirectional communications will simultaneously allow and require an active role from the end-user concerning electricity management. However, the residential end-user will not be always available to manage energy resources and decide, based on price signals and preferences/needs, the best response actions to implement or the best usage of the electricity produced locally. Therefore, energy management systems are required to monitor consumption/generation/storage and to make the best decisions according to input signals and the user's needs and preferences. The design of adequate algorithms to be implemented in those systems require the prior characterization of domestic electricity demand and categorization of loads, according to availability, typical usage patterns, working cycles and technical constraints. Automated demand response actions must be tailored and chosen according to this previous analysis of load characteristics. In this paper, a characterization of household electricity consumption is presented and an operational categorization of end-use loads is proposed. The existing potential for demand response to a diversified set of management actions is described and a tool to assess the impact of implementing several actions with different rates of penetration of energy management systems is presented. The results obtained show the potential savings for the end-user and expected changes in the load diagram with a decrease of the aggregated peak electricity demand and a smoothed valley. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents long-term analysis of wind speed data in terms of annual, seasonal and diurnal variations at Tindouf, which is situated on the south west region of Algeria. The wind speed data was collected over a period of 08years between 1976 and 1984. The study showed that the long-term seasonal wind speeds were found to be relatively higher during September compared to other months. The diurnal change in long-term mean wind speed indicated that higher electricity could be produced during 09:00–18:00h, which also coincides with higher electricity demand period. The annual wind energy production and capacity factor, obtained using wind speed frequency distribution and wind power curve of 1000kW wind turbine and RETScreen software were found comparable with each other if unadjusted energy production values calculated by the software were used rather than the renewable energy delivered. Development of wind farm of 30MW installed capacity at this site could result into avoidance of 23,252tonnes/year of CO2 equivalents GHG from entering into the local atmosphere thus creating a clean and healthy atmosphere for local inhabitants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BIPV windows integrate solar cells within window glazing and do not only retain the functionality of conventional windows but also provide other benefits such as electricity generation and thermal insulation. BIPV windows are categorized into single glazed BIPV windows, double glazed BIPV windows with/without ventilation and vacuum BIPV windows depending on the configurations of the glazing. The electricity generation, thermal performance and optics of BIPV windows are reviewed in this paper. The results of this study showed that the total heat gain through BIPV windows are less than conventional windows in summer and hence the electricity used by air-conditioning in summer would be reduced. In addition to the electricity produced by BIPV windows, there are great potentials to reduce building energy consumption significantly in hot climate areas. The development and performance of BIPV blinds which integrate solar cells with blinds are also reviewed. BIPV blinds are grouped into outdoor PV blinds, indoor PV blinds and middle PV blinds according to the position of blinds relative to the windows. Future research directions are also suggested for this research domain. • The BIPV windows are grouped according to the configurations of the glazing. • The power generation, thermal performance and optics of BIPV windows are reviewed. • The development and performance of BIPV blinds are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global greenhouse gas emissions from energy production were approximately 40% higher in 2017 than in 2000 (International Energy Agency, 2018), and ambient particulate matter – one of the byproducts from fossil fuel combustion of most concern for public health – is now the fifth largest contributor to global disease (Cohen et al., 2017). Achieving the climate targets of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals requires better accounting for climate and health costs in energy planning. This paper quantifies trade-offs between selected energy infrastructure, climate, and health costs when meeting future electricity demand by increasing the share of renewable energy, with a focus on variable renewable energy (VRE; here: wind and solar photovoltaic power). Using a spatially and temporally resolved approach, we analyzed three scenarios for year 2030 for Northeast Brazil, characterized by 30%, 45%, and 70% of VRE (the latter corresponds to 100% renewable energy). We find that accounting for the health impacts from electricity generation is sufficient to economically justify deep decarbonization of Northeast Brazil's power sector. Full decarbonization is economically justified when the carbon price exceeds $20/tonne CO 2 , which is less than Brazil's country-level social cost of carbon and only 4.8% of the global social cost of carbon. Our study shows that regional climate and health costs from electricity generation alone can be greater than the additional infrastructure costs of decarbonization. Our results highlight how systematically accounting for health and climate costs in energy planning would economically justify the decarbonization of energy systems. • We quantify trade-offs between selected infrastructure, climate, and health costs. • We simulate scenarios with up to 100% renewable energy in Northeast Brazil. • We model the power system, particulate matter dispersion, and health impacts. • Country-level social costs of carbon and health costs justify deep decarbonization. • Health and climate costs should be systematically incorporated in energy planning. Theme: Techno-socio-economic and sustainability aspects of renewable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While renewable energy is making inroads in certain jurisdictions, there appears to be little enthusiasm or effort by many countries in the Global South when examining overall patterns of investment, despite numerous countries announcing renewable energy adoption goals. Various studies attribute this apparent lack of interest to a lack of legislative and regulatory instruments, promotional measures, and unattractive market structures. While these may be relevant factors, this study demonstrates that lack of interest can also stem from concerns over levels of unmet energy demand, coupled with the cost of energy generation. The influence of these two factors on the decision to invest in renewable energy is discussed and demonstrated through a case study on electricity generation planning in Ghana. The case study indicates that, given the projected levels of Ghana's electricity demand and expenses for generation capacity addition, the level of unmet demand could be as high as 18.5% if Ghana were to follow through with its 10% renewable electricity target by 2030. Correspondingly, the cost of electricity provision could increase by over US$221 Million annually – a substantial amount for any country, but particularly for those in the Global South. Results from the case study indicate some of the key reasons why Ghana is nowhere near its 10% renewable electricity target originally set for 2020, and why it is likely the new target year of 2030 will suffer a similar fate. Having highlighted these concerns, the paper then offers suggestions for increasing renewable energy in the Global South. • The study expounds on the major challenges that prevent countries in the Global South from fully embracing renewable energy. • The study advances the debate on the challenges of renewable energy adoption in the Global South from a quantitative point of view to put into perspective the magnitude of the challenges. • The study illustrates through a case study how these challenges have prevented Ghana from achieving its renewable energy target. • The study offer suggestions for increasing renewable energy in the Global South even in the presence of the challenges identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]