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Despite a substantial potential of renewable energy sources, the current energy supply system in Iran relies almost entirely on fossil fuel resources. It has imposed significant financial burden on the country and has led to considerable GHG emissions. Moreover, the country is confronting several challenges for harnessing alternative clean energy sources and promoting rational energy policies over the recent decades. To probe the root cause of these problems, this paper first provides an overview on the previous energy planning attempts in Iran. It shows that adequate commitment to a long-term energy planning could have meaningfully prevented these serious challenges. However, the previous studies have had some limitations in terms of employing appropriate planning tools, comprehensive evaluations, and scenarios definition and ranking. This paper thus proposes a power planning framework to assess the sustainability of future electricity scenarios for the period 2015–2050. MESSAGE, a systems engineering optimization model, is employed to evaluate the potential impacts of transitioning to a low-carbon electricity supply system. Using a combined AHP-TOPSIS method, the scenarios are then ranked based on 18 different techno-economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. The results indicate that scenario Cl_32, in which the share of non-hydro clean energy for electricity generation reaches 32%, is ranked best. • Iran's energy planning studies are reviewed. • A suitable link between energy planning and policy making is necessary for Iran. • A framework for sustainable development of the power sector is proposed. • MCDM is used to assess the sustainability of different scenarios. • The share of non-hydro clean energy technologies should increase up to 32% by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to anticipate social acceptance issues related to the deployment of the smart electricity grid by identifying underlying value conflicts. The smart electricity grid is a key enabler of the energy transition. Its successful deployment is however jeopardized by social acceptance issues, such as concerns related to privacy and fairness. Social acceptance issues may be explained by value conflicts, i.e. the impossibility for a technological or regulatory design to simultaneously satisfy multiple societal expectations. Due to unsatisfied expectations concerning values, social discontent may arise. This paper identifies five groups of value conflicts in the smart electricity grid: consumer values versus competitiveness, IT enabled systems versus data protection, fair spatial distributions of energy systems versus system performance, market performance versus local trading, and individual access versus economies of scale. This is important for policy-makers and industry to increase the chances that the technology gains acceptance. As resolving value conflicts requires resources, this paper suggests three factors to prioritize their resolution: severity of resulting acceptance issues, resolvability of conflicts, and the level of resources required. The analysis shows that particularly the socio-economic disparities caused by the deployment of the smart electricity grid are alarming. Affordable policies are currently limited, but the impact in terms of social acceptance may be large. • This paper reviews conflicting values in the smart electricity grid. • Scientific articles of interest are captured using topic models and semantic fields. • Five groups of value conflicts caused by the smart electricity grid are identified. • Acceptance issues may persist when conflicts are not resolved. • Resolvability, severity of acceptances issues, and resources required are suggested to prioritize value conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the foundation of the Peninsular Malaysia's electricity market reform and development towards successful of Incentive Based Regulation (IBR) implementation, when revising also the Special Industry Tariff (SIT), Time of Use (TOU) and Enhanced Time of Use (ETOU) tariff. The Malaysian characteristics of Price Based Program (PBP) pointed out are compared with other countries across several continents. Since PBP benefits the energy providers in order to enhance power system efficiency, the effectiveness of consumer side strategies to gain benefit from PBP should be given attention too. In this study, investigation has been focused on one of the PBP which is ETOU tariff; with regard to the impact of this new tariff in communicating to selected real data energy profile for all commercial and industrial tariff types through congruent analysis. Without any effort towards load management as well as Demand Side Management (DSM) strategies implementation, the dedicative consumers' electricity bill has increased significantly to approximately 0.5%–12% during ETOU tariff shifting. In order to overcome this issue, a novel formulation by using simultaneous demand side management strategies such as valley filling, load clipping and load shifting for the ETOU tariff optimization is proposed. Meanwhile, the momentous simulation analysis results has demonstrated that major commercial and industrial consumers should find out for about 20%–50% of load management; by selecting PBP activities before they can switch to new tariff program. • This paper highlight the important issue regarding to the new reform of electricity market in Malaysia which related to the demand side and demand response program. The Malaysian characteristics of Price Based Program (PBP) was pointed out since PBP benefits the energy providers and consumers in Peninsular Malaysia. • This paper has highlighted some of the case study investigation that has been focused to one of the PBP which is ETOU tariff; with regard to the impact of this new tariff in communicating to selected real data energy profile for all commercial and industrial tariff types through congruent analysis and finding. • It is hope that this paper will benefit huge groups of person that related to energy and economic especially among engineers, researchers, and consumers around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The recent recurrence of wind curtailment in China underscores the rigidity and vulnerability of China's electricity regulatory regime. Using the theory of "fragmented authoritarianism", this paper identifies key institutional barriers causing wind curtailment in China and develops a framework for analyzing China's electricity regulatory regime. Specifically, the fragmented institutional authorities and responsibilities lead to departmentalism and coordination problems, both vertically and horizontally. The resulting mismatches in the investment, generation, and distribution of the electric power sector reflect direct causes for China's wind curtailment. This paper recommends that an electric power system reform with established regional spot markets is needed to fix China's wind curtailment problem. Highlights • Complex reasons lie behind serious wind curtailment in China. • Wind curtailment has its roots in the electricity regulation regime of China. • Fragmented authority causes coordination problems in the power sector. • Mismatches permeates the investment, generation and distribution of power. • A regional power spot market is needed to fix the wind curtailment problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Advanced Fault Detection (FD) and isolation schemes are necessary to realize the required levels of reliability and availability and to minimize financial losses against failures. In particular, FD is essential in modern Wind Turbine Systems (WTSs) which are designed to generate electrical energy as efficiently and reliably as possible. This paper presents a practical FD framework using data-driven methods. The main objective is the early detection of involuntary abnormalities of various types and locations. Conventional methods are based on the exact model and/or signal patterns or hardware redundancy and they generally fail to address this issue. Alternatively, the presented algorithm is motivated by the availability of fast sensors and powerful computers yielding big data which can be explored to extract and exploit useful information. In a typical WTS, FD procedures face particular challenges attributed to high levels of measurement noise and sparse changes due to the fast dynamics as well as switching control and transients. In this scope, a minimum informative set of measured variables is proposed to describe accurately and completely the system behaviour under all operating conditions. Among data-based strategies, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis tools are recommended for this approach. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is used in this paper for its distinguished capabilities of dimensionality reduction, features de-correlation, and noise rejection. Multi PCA models are trained as a statistical reference reflecting the data variability in local zones and used in parallel for online FD. An adaptive threshold scheme, based on a modified EWMA control chart, is also used to efficiently evaluate the resulting residuals, so the overall algorithm is robust to outliers and sensitive to small and sudden abnormalities. Static and dynamic applications are investigated for FD in modern WTSs under different operation zones. The considered abnormalities span faults having different levels of severity and range from sensors and actuators to system faults. Compared to existing methods in the literature, the proposed framework demonstrates potential applications with a broader utilization scope and promising performance. Highlights • The detection of faults in wind turbines is studied including sensors/actuators and system faults. • A novel framework is presented based on multivariate statistical analysis of system data. • This cost-efficient strategy has online application potentials and superior results in terms of sensitivity and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper brings together several contemporary topics in energy systems aiming to provide a literature review based reflection on how several interrelated energy systems can contribute together to a more sustainable world. Some directions are discussed, such as the improvement of the energy efficiency and environmental performance of systems, the development of new technologies, the increase of the use of renewable energy sources, the promotion of holistic and multidisciplinary studies, and the implementation of new management rules and "eco-friendly and sustainable" oriented policies at different scales. The interrelations of the diverse energy systems are also discussed in order to address their main social, economic and environmental impacts. The subjects covered include the assessment of the electricity market and its main players (demand, supply, distribution), the evaluation of urban systems (buildings, transportation, commuting), the analysis of the implementation of renewable energy cooperatives, the discussion of the diffusion of the electric vehicle and the importance of new bioenergy systems. This paper also presents relevant research carried out in the framework of the Energy for Sustainability (EfS) Initiative of the University of Coimbra, linking the reviewed areas to the multidisciplinary approach adopted by the EfS Initiative. To conclude, several research topics that should be addressed in the near future are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an assessment of the obstacles to the development of non-conventional renewable energy sources in Colombia. In the study, eleven barriers were included in three clusters: technical, social and economic. These barriers obstruct renewable energy sources from contributing to the electricity market in Colombia, mainly in its non-interconnected areas. The energy sources analysed are solar photovoltaic power, wind power, biomass, geothermal and small hydroelectric power (less than 20 MW electricity). Obstacles and energy alternatives are included in an assessment model by means of Analytical Network Process. The method permits ranking the barriers and energy sources according to their influence in the network. That means, the more conflictive the obstacles and the more obstructed the energy sources, the higher their values. Four experts participated in the procedure representing different stakeholders in the electricity market of Colombia. The research showed the most important barriers are costs of investment and operating, lack of public and private coordination and lack of development planning for renewable energy sources. The most influenced (hindered by barriers) sources are wind power and geothermal power. However, the experts did not fully agree on those results and differences are discussed. The paper ends with some recommendations for overcoming the main obstacles against the participation of renewable energy sources in the Colombian electricity market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper focuses on the various modeling practices for the identification and apprehension of non-technical losses. The modeling practices are extremely vital to develop, upsurge energy performance, examine and foresee the performance of power transmission & distribution of the electrical system. The data mining based models are innovative and have the subsistence to examine an enormous potential of energy consumption records and performing area profile for preparing housing zone directing the electricity effective living. In this concern, support vector machine model, which classifies illegal customers is a form of advanced mix evolutionary neural network model. Optimum-path forest clustering process is activated to recognize legitimate and irregular profiles of an industry as well as commercial customers to find out theft of electricity. Real time state estimation technique determines a state approximation method in the actual stage for every conversion (transformation) point. Aforementioned allows us to regulate the parts to the maximum extent of non-technical losses through the radial distribution method. The support vector machine with genetic algorithm advances a hybrid method for the non-technical loss investigation and provide an automated assistance to dominate the electricity theft. This model is simplified version of support vector machine. Decision tree and Bayesian regularization networks are appropriated to identify the several kinds of patterns of losses in the electrical system. These practices have been accompanied concerning testing and validation for power system losses in the experimental laboratory. It operates in an influence tool intended to expedite the investigators and scientists. It assists short of spending a massive amount of money, time and energy in experimental events. Prior fabrication modeling methods are remarkably significant in replication of diverse kinds of solar electrical systems. Accordingly, this study concentrates on the base of modeling methods not only saves time but, also preserves the monetary investment in the electrical system. The benefit and imminent opportunity of modeling practices are also conferred in the review paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jurisdictions around the world are responding the to potential of smart grids in different ways. This paper employs a multi-level perspective approach to socio-technological transitions to examine why the Canadian province of Ontario has seen a relatively smooth transition of smart meter technologies from the niche to regime levels as compared with other Canadian provinces, and other jurisdictions in the United States, European Union, and Australia. The paper also examines the reasons for Ontario's advanced legislative and policy framework around Smart Grid development, relative to those of other provinces. The complex institutional landscape around electricity that has emerged in Ontario since the break-up of the province's monopoly utility Ontario Hydro in the late 1990s emerges as a significant factor in both outcomes. The role of the province's municipally-owned LDCs spell out "local distribution companies (LDCs) as the primary agents for smart meter deployment, as opposed to a dominant vertically integrated utility, appears to have had an important mediating effect on public opposition to smart meters. With respect to Smart Grid policy, the diversity of high capacity institutional actors that now define the province's electricity policy landscape has facilitated the emergence of several interagency policy development niches. In a manner consistent with the concept of technological niches in the socio-technical transitions literature, the interagency status of these policy niches has shielded them from the regime level selective pressures that would likely have existed in a more unified institutional structure, and empowered new policy ideas to move from the niche to regime levels. These outcomes have significant implications for the understanding of socio-technological transitions, particularly around the role of institutional complexity in the emergence of niches for technology and policy development purposes and in niche to regime level transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), buildings consume almost 90% of the total electricity used in the country. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent trends in energy consumption in the building sector as well as current efforts in promoting energy efficiency within UAE. Moreover, the paper explores available opportunities to improve energy efficiency of the UAE building sector. In particular, the impacts of three levels of energy retrofits are quantified based on results from existing literature and an optimization-based bottom-up analysis for residential, commercial, and governmental buildings. The analysis indicates that any level of energy retrofit for the existing building stock can be effective in reducing energy consumption and peak power demand as well as in lowering carbon emissions for UAE. It is estimated that a basic energy retrofit program applied to existing UAE building stock could achieve savings of 7550 GWh/year in electricity consumption, 1400 MW in peak electricity demand and reduce carbon emissions by 4.5 million tons/year per year. The program would have an average payback period of less than six months for the UAE government and would generate almost 9000 job-years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparison between empirical models in the literature and the development of new models for estimating global solar radiation on the horizontal surface in the city of Muğla/Turkey. The necessary meteorological data are collected using a Kipp and Zonen pyranometer installed at the University Campus of the Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University and the records are available from 2007 to 2015, inclusive. In total 105 literature models are assessed to estimate global solar radiation in the Muğla Province using MATLAB software program on the basis of statistical tests such as mean bias error (MBE), mean percentage error (MPE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute bias error (MABE), root mean squared error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R 2 ). The results indicate that only two models (Veeran and Kumar/model 24, Chegaar and Chibani/model 35) are within the ±10% acceptable statistical error limits. In this paper, 7 new models are calibrated in the same manner leading to less than 0.8 error values as high R 2 values. In order to reduce the error values of these models data sets are divided into two semesters (January–June and July–December). In addition, Benson's model is investigated and compared with the previous models. Finally, it is found that the cubic and quadratic models are appropriate for January–June and July–December periods, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil-fired power plants retrofitted with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) may have operational benefits for future low carbon power systems. This paper aims to review state of the art literature with the objective to identify whether carbon capture power plants would bring flexibility within future lower carbon power systems. To achieve this objective, at first, the work investigates flexible operation of CCS technology. In particular, flexibility enabling mechanisms and factors that affect the flexible operation of CCS are reviewed. Flexibility requirements and provision assessment tools/metrics for future low carbon power systems are reviewed with the aim to identify the favourite properties required for future low carbon technologies. The work then presents how flexible CCS might improve the conventional power plant flexibility properties. Moreover, the paper presents the value of flexible operation of CCS for different stakeholders while it also identifies different influencing factors of optimal plant operation and profitability. The different power system services that the CCS-equipped plants might serve are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature focused on the energy/electricity-growth nexus, highlighting how the focus has shifted from aggregated energy/electricity consumption towards specific energy sources. Moreover, it aims to shed light on the relationships between different energy/electricity sources and economic growth. Empirically, the paper focuses on the analysis of interactions between electricity generation in Spain under both the Special Regime ( SR ) and the Ordinary Regime ( OR ), and their relationship with economic activity. Data for Spain is studied for a time span from January 2003 to January 2016. The Toda-Yamamoto causality test is carried out to check for causality relationships. Additionally, both short- and long-run effects are assessed by using the ARDL bounds test approach. Overall, the results reveal high internal consistency when comparing the ARDL results with the causality analysis. The substitution effect was detected between OR and SR. However, the negative effect of the SR on economic activity deserves special attention by energy policymakers. This paper argues that the main challenge of renewable sources for policymakers is their cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2012 the Hungarian Government has decided to revise the country's National Renewable Action Plan, mostly due to the experienced changes of the economic environment and the continuously decreasing cost of renewable energy technologies. Present paper introduces the methodology and the most important results of this revision process, carried out by the Centre for Energy Research of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. First the results of Hungarian initiatives, aiming the increase of the share of renewable, were examined, then by analysis of technological and economic trends of recent years, new scenarios were set to reach the targets set by adopting the 2009/28/EC directive. [1] A multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) of all potential renewable technologies and their respective fuels served as a basis for the most competitive scenarios. The authors focused on five aspects: economy, environment, climate, job creation and innovation. Due to coverage constraints, present paper dominantly focuses on the review of the economical aspect, but in addition to those mentioned, further aspects may also be considered in the optimisation process. The results of the revision highlight that by 2020 Hungary will still mostly be using bioenergy in its renewable portfolio, which also allows the country to exploit its significant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a review of literature with an analysis on a selection of scientific studies for detection of non-technical losses. Non-technical losses occurring in the electric grid at level of transmission or of distribution have negative impact on economies, affecting utilities, paying consumers and states. The paper is concerned with the lines of research pursued, the main techniques used and the limitations on current solutions. Also, a typology for the categorization of solutions for detection of non-technical losses is proposed and the sources and possible attack/vulnerability points are identified. The selected literature covers a wide range of solutions associated with non-technical losses. Of the 103 selected studies, 6 are theoretical, 25 propose hardware solutions and 72 propose non-hardware solutions. Data based classification models and data from consumption with high resolution are respectively required in about 47% and 35% of the reported solutions. Available solutions cover a wide range of cases, with the main limitation found being the lack of an unified solution, which enables the detection of all kinds of non-technical losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the transition towards sustainable smart energy systems (SES), utilization of distributed intelligence has been gradually proposed along with the expansion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and advanced control services. Distributed intelligence (DI)-based control and management solutions proved a perfect complement to the existing control structures to handle the SES’ uncertainty which is getting quite complex with different system layers and involved stakeholders. Advanced modelling and simulation techniques are crucial here to realize and enable the applications of DI to enhance grid reliability while optimize market operation. However, several challenges arise while modelling DI applications and integrating them in the simulation platform due to the complexity of the multi-disciplinary smart grids. As an activity of IEEE Task Force on Interfacing Techniques for Simulation Tools, this paper mainly reviews the interface issues between modelling and simulation of physical, ICT, and application layers, as well as business processes of the whole smart energy systems. By means of a conceptual framework for SES development, this paper aims to position most of DI-based control applications in specific research domain and elaborate on their interface with the whole SES context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy demand across the globe has increased in many folds due to technological advancement, rapid growth in industries and increase in household energy demand. This led the engineers and planners to think and find the means to harvest the alternative energy sources other than the fossil fuel. Solar, wind, biomass, mini hydro are some of the resources used worldwide to generate energy as per the availability of resources. This paper presents a comparative performances of various stand alone solar photovoltaic(PV), grid connected PV and hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) studied across the globe. The standalone PV system is used to supply electricity to a small habitats/hamlets or to a single household. Hybrid energy system consists of two or more energy sources for generation of power for rural electrification in off grid locations and in grid connected PV systems, excess electricity produced is injected to the grid thereby generating additional income. The research works carried out by various researchers around the globe on renewable energy sources particularly for rural electrification is discussed in this paper. Besides this the utilisation of renewable electricity for Plug-in-Electric Vehicles (PEV) studied across the globe were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity is the fastest-growing final form of energy. The strong growth of renewable in many countries raises their share in global power generation to one-third by 2040 [1] . Lack of access to electricity is one of the biggest troubles facing the world's poor, with over 1.6 billion left in the dark globally. The substantial majority of human beings live in rural areas of developing countries which is too far away to be reached through the national grid. For their lighting needs they depend on candles, kerosene lanterns, and firewood* This consequence in an each day rate that is high priced in the long run. Long-term, solar energy is the most practical and low-budget way of bringing power to far flung communities. Small-scale, distributed solar home systems provide an effective and affordable way to bring light to people without electricity. Egypt's electricity use has been growing swiftly as a end result of economic growth in the closing decade. However, Egypt has a massive of its populace residing in rural areas access to energy is still a challenge. The power sector is key to Egypt's monetary development and poverty decrease goals. This paper represents support sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. The paper refers to renewable energy for rural populations with no access to centralized electricity power. The focus is on solar electrical energy and its economic applications for village electrification. The Paper goals to compare between electrical energy cost (kWh) using PV panels, diesel generator and the end of result suggests the cost of 1 kWh from the PV system is less than diesel system for rural residential electricity are 0.22$/kWh and 0.5$/kWh respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed energy resources (“DERs”) are being adopted throughout the world. Aggregators are lauded by some as critical in enabling DERs to provide these valuable electricity services at scale; in this light, regulatory and policy bodies are discussing the role of aggregators and even the need to support their market entry. In order to shed light on the economically efficient regulation of aggregators in electricity systems, this paper systematically assesses the economic fundamentals of aggregators. We perform a critical review of the value of aggregators, defining the factors that determine their role in power systems under different technological and regulatory scenarios. We identify three categories of value that aggregators may create: fundamental, transitory, and opportunistic. Fundamental value is intrinsic to aggregation and is independent of the market or regulatory context. Transitory value can be significant in the near term, but may be diminished by technological or regulatory advances. Finally, opportunistic value emerges as a result of regulatory or market design flaws and may endanger the economic efficiency of the power system. This paper provides a template for regulators to encourage the efficient development of aggregators while eliminating the potential for economic inefficiencies through opportunistic aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small scale hydropower is one of the technology options to generate and supply electricity to grid off and rural applications with almost zero emission. Malaysia is blessed with abundance of water sources and receives high rain volume per year which can be used to generate power. This paper is carried out to present the potential of small scale hydropower in Malaysia and its current status at low head location and rural electrification. Moreover, the relevant research literatures for small scale hydropower technology and the challenges facing by small renewable energy power in Malaysia are also reviewed. The review of available works display that the estimated hydropower resources in Malaysia are registered to be 29,000 MW, of which 500 MW is from small (mini)-hydro power. For this, a total of 149 sites for small hydropower potential have been identified in the country and the expected potential by 2020 is 490 MW. Despite hydro-power technologies are preferable choices for energy generation in Malaysia, they have not been fully exploited yet due to some technical, economical, and institutional challenges. Therefore, this paper can provide information for further investigations on the application of small scale hydropower for rural electrification in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a theoretical framework, based on New Institutional Economics (NIE) concepts, to guide the development of community microgrids. Given limited application thus far of such energy systems, this paper also draws on empirical studies and experiences from the planning and development of other public/community infrastructure and utility services in the development of this framework. It links an efficient ownership and governance structure with transactional characteristics such as asset idiosyncrasy, frequency, and uncertainty (defined in Section 3.1). The key role of the customers and the microgrid service provider, and more specifically their 'bilateral monopoly' relationship and its effects on the choice of institutional structure, is highlighted. The paper examines the optimum conditions for public, private or hybrid financial ownership, and for unified or network governance through long-term contracting. This allows ex-ante investment uncertainty and ex-post appropriation risks to be efficiently managed. The analysis suggests that long-term contract completeness, future demand for electricity and level of uncertainty are the determining factors in the selection of institutional structure. This has significant real-world implications for the communities seeking to achieve electricity self-sufficiency and environmental benefits through community microgrids, service providers and other private or public actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years, the fast-growing energy needs across the world have intensified a central challenge: how to reduce the generation and operation costs in power systems and, in parallel, to minimize the hydrocarbon emissions. Moreover, one-quarter of world's population still lacks access to electricity, as the cost of building conventional power grids is not affordable by third world countries. On the other hand, behind-the-meter (BTM) energy systems offer cost-effective solutions to aforementioned challenges, as they enable end-users to satisfy their energy needs with distributed energy generation and storage technologies. To that end, this paper presents a detailed survey of BTM energy management systems. The paper starts with the classification of the electrical loads with respect to their physical properties, priority ranking, and sizes. Next, the literature on BTM energy management systems is systematically classified into three main categories: technology layer, economic layer, and social layer. The technology layer spans the studies related to power systems including distributed generation and storage technologies, whereas the economic layer shows how economic incentives along with optimization and scheduling techniques are employed to shape the energy consumption. The social layer, on the other hand, presents the recent studies on how to employ social sciences to reduce the energy consumption without requiring any technological upgrades. This paper also provides an overview of the enabling technologies and standards for communication, sensing, and monitoring purposes. In the final part, a case study is provided to illustrate an implementation of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combustion of fossil fuels for purposes of energy production has accelerated the rate at which the planet is warming, thereby causing adverse effects on natural ecosystems across the globe. The consequences of climate change arising from the use of conventional fuels such as coal, oil, and gas demands a shift towards the use of sustainable, emissions-free renewable energy technologies. When planning for the implementation of new energy systems, several factors must be examined in order to determine the viability of a system to meet energy demands in a sustainable and efficient manner. This paper provides an overview of tidal current turbines (TCTs), examining how they function to produce electricity, the possible environmental impacts surrounding large-scale implementation, associated economic factors, and public acceptability. A case study of the Gulf of St. Lawrence is presented as an implementation site, demonstrating the potential for TCTs to assist in phasing out the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation on the Newfoundland island interconnected electricity system. A multi-criteria decision making matrix is presented to discern the benefits of TCTs compared to fossil fuels for the purpose of electricity generation. The paper concludes by examining the potential future of TCTs in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy and other sectors, policymakers are increasingly seeking to mobilise investment in renewable electricity with support mechanisms. The objective of this paper is to assess the value of utility-scale solar PV using a multidisciplinary approach. In many cases renewable energy strategies are developed by investors and policymakers on the basis of a relatively narrow analysis of costs. However, as policies should be designed to maximise societal welfare, a wider paradigm is needed in decision-making. This paper argues for an impact assessment of renewable electricity generation that integrates its value from investor, utility, policy maker and end-user perspectives. We propose a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment, combining engineering production cost estimation with financial and market analysis of utility-scale solar PV in Ireland. The results show that while from an investor's perspective solar PV generation is, and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future, relatively expensive in a country with low solar irradiation such as Ireland, there are benefits for the electricity system in terms of reduced wind curtailment and, to a lesser extent, CO 2 emissions. This demonstrates why the wider costs and benefits of integrating a renewable electricity technology to the system need to be considered in assessment of renewable policy support mechanism. Policy makers can then seek to maximise the system benefits while minimising the cost of any policy supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview about the hydro-thermal scheduling problem. In an electrical power system power generators have to be scheduled over a time horizon in order to supply system demand. The scheduling problem consists in dispatching the available generators to meet the system electric load while minimizing the operational costs related to fuel and possible load curtailments. In a system with a large share of hydro generation, different from a thermal dominant power system, the uncertainty of water inflows play an important role in the decision-making process. In this setting the scheduling of generators has to be determined considering different future possibilities for water availability. Also, in the existence of a cascade system, the availability of water to produce electricity in hydro plants is influenced by decisions taken in upstream reservoirs. These issues complicate the hydro-thermal scheduling problem that often in the literature is modeled as a multi-stage stochastic program. In this paper we aim to give an overview about the main ideas behind this problem. We present model formulations, a solution technique, and point out to new developments related to this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive review on mathematical modeling methods of photovoltaic (PV) solar cell/module/array which can be used for power system dynamic modeling purpose. The intermittent and non-linear properties of PV solar cells necessitate accurate modeling of such elements for power system studies. Large scale integration of photovoltaic distributed generation (PVDG) systems into the smart power grid can adversely affect the stability of whole network if the solar plant is not designed properly. A model of solar cell which can predict the PV system output precisely would be helpful to improve reliability and stability of the intelligent utility network. For the smart grid applications which integrate the rapidly growing technologies together with renewable resources, the suitable dynamic model of PV plant is very essential at preliminary evaluation steps. In this paper, a new classification is presented on existing PV cell/module/array modeling methods. Modeling techniques are categorized in two main classes, namely, circuitry based methods and equation based methods. The former class encompasses two sub-classes i.e. embedded function blocks (EFBs) and piecewise linear circuit (PLC) techniques. The second class also consists of two sub-classes i.e. analytical and numerical techniques. The characteristics of each class and its sub-classes are also analyzed and compared to others. Comparison between the methods in both categories indicates that the former class is easy to implement in power system simulation software. The latter class can be exploited to estimate parameters of solar cell in collaboration with EFBs method and vice versa. The second class is more accurate than the first although its computational burden is further. It is envisaged that this paper can serve researchers and designers who work in the field of solar power plant dynamic modeling as useful source of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an updated review of the literature on the power system frequency response due to a large generator loss with the increasing penetrations of wind and PV generations. At present, these wind/PV generators continue to increase their visibility as a source of cleaner electricity generation, and play a significant role in the electricity market׳s energy plans. Along with the increasing levels of wind/PV penetration in power system networks, there is an increasing concern over the network frequency response especially under the loss of a large synchronous generator. It is widely agreed upon that the frequency response has become more susceptible with the increase of wind/PV generation due to the lack of inertial support from these generators. This paper aims to review the recent literature into the system frequency response in the likelihood of the sudden loss of a large conventional generator with the increasing penetration of wind/PV generation. This literature review attests that existing primary control support schemes may not provide adequate frequency support for some networks with an increase of wind/PV generation. The prominent finding is that system operators do not have access to any specific tool that would allow them to determine the required frequency support on a real-time basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the photovoltaic technology, the world’s market trends in the past few years and its future map till 2050. The paper shows the PV market development in the world in terms of cumulative installed PV capacity from 2000 to 2013 as actual PV installation in all the world in terms of total installed PV capacity (135 GW), annual installed PV capacity (37 GW) and PV electricity energy generated in each year. According to the forecast of global PV generation, China is expected to be the largest producer of PV electricity soon after 2020. By contrast, the United States’ share is expected to remain at about 15% starting 2020 onwards, while Europe’s share is expected to decrease constantly from 2015 to 2045. The paper also shows that almost all of the energy consumption in Egypt was met by oil and natural gas at 41% and 46% respectively. The remainder was supplied by coal and renewable energy sources. The current demand forecast expects a six percent demand growth per year over the next seven years. Egyptian Electric Holding Company is currently implementing new generation projects to produce 7000 MW over the next few years. For the purpose of designing and sizing PV systems the paper presents the five relevant economic methods of financial analysis that are often used for making building investment decisions. These methods are payback analysis, net benefit analysis, saving-to-investment ratio, adjusted internal rate of return and life-cycle cost. In the same manner, the paper presents two case studies of the financial assessment analyzing PV systems in Egypt. The first case is relates to the on-grid PV 10 MW power plant for different sites, while the second paper describes the finance analysis of a standalone off-grid PV system generating electricity to feed a residential house in rural area of Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the impact of electricity market opening on sustainability of electricity market models. The paper aims to identify what electricity market organization models are the best ones based on the established sustainability criteria. The sustainability criteria include the main sustainability aspects of power sector (economic, social, and environmental). The methodology has been designed to evaluate organisational models of electricity market, which allows performing an extensive evaluation, encompassing all aspects of sustainable development. The evaluation methodology, which has been designed for the evaluation of energy market organisation model, provides the basis for the identification of indicators that have the most significant impact on sustainability; also it lays down the premise for the establishment of critical values and possible changes and the analysis of reasons for the changes in sustainability. The paper applies developed model for sustainability assessment of electricity market models in several world countries having different electricity market organisation structures. The selection of 12 developed world countries (11 of them are OECD countries) from various continents was made based on availability of fully liberalized electricity markets in these countries. The proposed assessment allows to review and compare electricity market models in terms of achieving main targets of sustainable power sector development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that the first industrial revolution was based on Steam Engine (coal as energy source), and the second on oil and electricity, where both these revolutions are actually "high carbon" revolutions, it is logical to expect that the third industrial revolution should be based on systems of renewable energy sources (RES), in order to minimize the problems arising from climate changes and to achieve sustainable development. However, the usage of the RES technologies and daily/weekly storage of energy and their connection to smart grids is not enough for the expected third industrial revolution. The start of this revolution would require technologies that have a great potential for further development and ability to supply, at any time, the necessary energy and power to a settlement/city, as well as drinking water, meeting the peak load requirements, continuously throughout the year, and independently of external sources of energy and drinking water. This would be provided from intermittent RES energy (solar, wind, etc.) and sea or other unclean source of water as natural resources. In that context, this paper presents a radically new technological solution: Key Engine which uses only natural resources: the sun, sea and gravity, in order to continuously and simultaneously supply a consumer with energy, power and drinking water. This solution has all the essential features required to start a third industrial revolution. The basic unit of Key Engine consists of the solar thermal (ST) generator with parabolic trough collectors through which sea water flows directly, absorbing thermal energy of solar radiation. After the separation of steam from seawater, the steam drives turbines and generators and produces electricity that is delivered to Pump Storage Hydroelectric (PSH) facility with seawater, which balances the daily and seasonal surpluses and shortages of energy, thus ensuring a continuous supply of electric power and energy to a consumer. At the same time, the water that comes out of the turbine, passes through the water treatment unit and is stored in drinking water reservoir, enabling continuous supply of the same consumer with drinking water. The paper presents theoretical aspects of Key Engine, model for optimal sizing and practical formulas for the calculation of characteristic values of the system, which could be the basis for further scientific research, development and innovative solutions that would help engineers in practice for numerous and diverse applications of Key Engine. In order to verify the derived mathematical relationships and models for optimizing the Key Engine in real conditions, the case study of the island of Vis in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, has been considered, along with total annual irradiance of 1575 kW h/m 2 a, total annual electric energy consumption of 20 GW h and drinking water consumption of 453,382 m 3 . The obtained results: power of ST generator of 52 MW, working volume of the upper reservoir of 7 hm 3 , total annual electric energy production of 62 GW h/a, and drinking water production of 480,754 m 3 /a, clearly show that the new technology can fully meet the needs of the considered consumer for energy and drinking water. As the basic idea of Key Engine relies on the use of natural resources, i.e. RES energy and sea, the paper presents only the starting solution, whereby, apart from the sun, RES can be wind, or other renewable sources, that can perform separation of vapor from seawater and thus produce drinking water, as well as energy simultanously. Also, energy storage may not be performed solely by the PSH technology, but also by any other technology that can provide seasonal balancing of energy. All this suggests that the Key Engine can be understood as an open-source for RES technology development and thus bring changes in all three aspects of sustainable development: economy, society and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity has become a vital source of energy for social and economic development in modern era. Likewise, the issues of its planning and management have grown complex. To address complexity in decision making, researchers have chosen system dynamics (SD) modelling and simulation technique. A state-of-art of such studies published during the period 2000–2013 is presented in this paper. The contribution of this review lies in categorizing the literature based on the important and contemporary researched areas. These research areas include models developed for policy assessment, generation capacity expansion, financial instruments, demand side management, mixing methods, and finally micro-worlds. Review shows that policy assessment and generation capacity expansion are the two most modelled topics. Financial instruments models evaluate different mechanism to support renewable technologies whereas mixing-methods channelize descriptive approach of SD into evaluating a single objective. Demand side management and micro-worlds are the least focused categories in SD. This paper also discusses the individual models in each category highlighting their construct, outcomes and any deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy extraction and conversion from ocean waves are being increasingly regarded as a research hotspot. Many different wave energy conversion systems have been proposed to convert wave energy into electricity. The paper reviewed and analyzed the hydraulic transmission technologies used in various kinds of wave energy conversion systems, and introduced a water/oil integrated transmission system used in wave energy converter to reduce the pollution caused by hydraulic oil leakage. This paper also proposed a digital hydraulic cylinder group, which could regulate the pressure of hydraulic power take-off system and reduce the energy interference in multiple devices deployed in arrays. The wave power generation applications will develop rapidly due to the fading fossil energy resources and serious environmental pollution, while the hydraulic transmission technologies with water/oil integrated transmission and digital hydraulic cylinder group will be of crucial importance to the process of the development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential growth in electricity demand has driven the Distributed Generation (DG) technology a boost in the power system. The use of DG is beneficial to power utilities, DG owners׳, and end-users in terms of reliability, power quality, and economics. However, to fully utilize the benefits of DGs, some technical issues need to be addressed. Islanding condition is one of the most important issue in this context. Until now, several islanding detection techniques have been proposed for detecting the islanding condition. This paper presents a brief overview of existing islanding detection techniques with their relative merits and demerits. Apart from this, the paper presents an islanding detection strategy suitable for hybrid DG resources of mini-hydro and Bio-Mass. The proposed strategy uses average rate of change of reactive power and load shift strategy to detect islanding of the distribution network. The performance of proposed strategy is validated on various islanding and non-islanding events. The results of proposed strategy are compared with other existing techniques in terms of fast islanding detection, and non-detection zone. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy is effective in detecting islanding phenomenon possesses fast detection and negligible non-detection zone region compared to existing islanding detection techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development calls for the use of sustainable energy systems. However, the way in which a geothermal resource is utilized will ultimately determine whether or not the utilization is sustainable. Energy usage is set to increase worldwide, and geothermal energy usage for both electricity generation and heating will also increase significantly. The world׳s geothermal resources will need to be used in a sustainable manner. The sustainable utilization of geothermal energy means that it is produced and used in a way that is compatible with the well-being of future generations and the environment. This paper provides a literature review of the linkages between geothermal energy developments for electricity generation and sustainable development, as well as a review of currently available sustainability assessment frameworks. Significant impacts occur as a result of geothermal energy projects for electricity generation and these impacts may be positive or negative. The need for correct management of such impacts through a customized sustainability assessment framework is identified and the foundation for sustainability assessment framework for geothermal energy development is built in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in IT, control and forecasting capabilities have made demand response a viable, and potentially attractive, option to increase power system flexibility. This paper presents a critical review of the literature in the field of demand response, providing an overview of the benefits and challenges of demand response. These benefits include the ability to balance fluctuations in renewable generation and consequently facilitate higher penetrations of renewable resources on the power system, an increase in economic efficiency through the implementation of real-time pricing, and a reduction in generation capacity requirements. Nevertheless, demand response is not without its challenges. The key challenges for demand response centre around establishing reliable control strategies and market frameworks so that the demand response resource can be used optimally. One of the greatest challenges for demand response is the lack of experience, and the consequent need to employ extensive assumptions when modelling and evaluating this resource. This paper concludes with an examination of these assumptions, which range from assuming a fixed linear price–demand relationship for price responsive demand, to modelling the highly diverse, distributed and uncertain demand response resource as a single, centralised negative generator, adopting fixed characteristics and constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor state of electricity supply system in Nigeria is threatening the welfare and security of life and properties of millions of individuals with adverse economic consequences for the country. The inadequacy of the national grid, especially the inability of the electricity generation capacity to match increasing demand in the country has led to increasing agitation for increased penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into the electricity supply mix. While great attention has been focused on the potential of RESs for electricity generation in the country, little or no attention has been given to the application of Smart/Micro-Grid (SM-G) technologies to the ageing Nigeria grid infrastructures and electrification of the rural areas. The aim of this paper is to bring into focus the benefits and challenges of enabling SM-G in the electricity supply system in Nigeria. SM-G will bring benefits to the electricity stakeholders in form of improvements in reliability, efficiency, economics, environment, security and safety. The paper gives an overview and reviews the current state of the electricity supply system in the country. It discusses the SM-G concepts and associated technologies, and highlights how they can help address the electricity problems in the country. The challenges of applying these concepts in Nigeria context are also discussed. Enabling SM-G in the country will not only lead to improvement in the quality, efficiency and reliability of the electricity grid, but also promote the provision of electricity supply to the remote rural areas using RESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of the Malawi energy situation and the potential of renewable energy resources including solar, wind, biomass, hydro and geothermal. Despite a range of efforts by local and international stakeholders to increase access to modern energy sources in the country, 89 per cent of Malawi׳s energy is still sourced from traditional biomass mainly fuel wood. Only 8 per cent of the population in Malawi have access to electricity but installed capacity of electricity generation is lower than demand. This leads to load shedding by the electricity supplier; consequently electricity supply in Malawi is unreliable and micro and macroeconomic activities are significantly affected. Solar, non-traditional biomass (crop residues and forest residues not burnt on three stone fireplaces, and biogas), hydro, wind and geothermal are potential energy resources that could enhance Malawi׳s energy security. However, unreliable financing mechanisms for large scale energy projects; shortage of trained human resource; lack of coordination among local institutions; unclear regulation enforcement; and sometimes political governance impede sustainable delivery of energy projects. The Malawi energy policy targets and drivers are also discussed in the paper. Based on the prevailing energy situation, a PESTLE analysis is provided in this paper outlining a novel thinking for addressing the political (P), economic (E), social (S), technological (T), legal (L), and environmental (E) challenges that constrain the development of renewable energy technologies in Malawi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of distributed renewable energy sources has increased concerns about the fairness of electricity pricing, particularly in the residential sector. Hence, many recent studies have focused on topics of equity in residential electricity tariffs. This paper reviews such studies and places them in a historical context of the study of electricity tariffs and the study of pricing fairness. Studies of scenarios with attention to distributed renewables growth tend to focus primarily on one of three matters: (a) normative concerns, (b) quantifying tariff (or more generally, policy) fairness, and (c) quantifying the transitional fairness of pricing decisions over multi-year timespans. After the review, research gaps in each category are illustrated. This paper also provides stringent comparisons of common methodological choices regarding their influence on fairness calculations. These comparisons highlight choices that ensure rigor and comparability in future studies of tariff fairness. This review provides researchers and policy-makers with a wider perspective of the current state of understanding of the effects of D-RES increases on distributional concerns in residential electricity pricing. • Research on equity in electricity tariffs falls into one of three categories. • Normative aspects of electricity tariffs under high D-RES are weakly understood. • Some research quantifies the equity aspects of different D-RES relevant tariff designs. • Some research considers such tariffs as they evolve over longer time horizons. • Much variety in assumptions, methods, and data exists in studies of tariff equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a review of economic, technical and health issues in the process of replacing fossil fuel-based generators with stand-alone solar electricity systems; in addition, we provide case study evidence from a particularly important country in this respect, where solar-based systems are becoming an alternative - Nigeria. There is a large literature of technical-economic analyses of back-up fossil-fuel generators that has become increasingly critical over the last years. On the one hand, diesel- and gasoline-based electricity generators are expensive in the long-run (accounting for fuel, operation, and maintenance) and have severe negative health impacts, in addition to contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, until recently they represented the only option for access to electricity in off-grid and weak-on-grid regions. We show that the changing economics of stand-alone solar home systems, in combination with new payment and business model concepts, are rapidly becoming an alternative to back-up generators. In addition, the paper reviews literature on the negative health effects of generators, and provides own estimates, utilizing the Multi-Tier Framework for measuring energy access, on the socioeconomic cost of replacing generators with solar solutions in Nigeria. We then question if their replacement by solar-based systems is the way forward for Nigeria's energy transformation, by comparing end-user finance models, such as pay-as-you-go and energy-as-a-service. The paper derives some policy conclusions and finishes with an outlook of open research questions. • Review of energy situation in Nigeria and the prevalent use of back-up generators • Renewable energy alternatives, especially solar home systems (SHSs), are strong alternatives. • Social cost of carbon for back-up generators are critically high. • SHSs are more affordable for most Nigerians, although back-up generators still prevail for elevated consumption levels. • Social cost of carbon and new financing plans will accelerate the transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings consume about 41.1% of primary energy and 74% of the electricity in the U.S. Better or even optimal building energy control and operation strategies provide great opportunities to reduce building energy consumption. Moreover, it is estimated by the National Energy Technology Laboratory that more than one-fourth of the 713 GW of U.S. electricity demand in 2010 could be dispatchable if only buildings could respond to that dispatch through advanced building energy control and operation strategies and smart grid infrastructure. Energy forecasting models for building energy systems are essential to building energy control and operation. Three general categories of building energy forecasting models have been reported in the literature which include white-box (physics-based), black-box (data-driven), and gray-box (combination of physics based and data-driven) modeling approaches. This paper summarizes the existing efforts in this area as well as other critical areas related to building energy modeling, such as short-term weather forecasting. An up-to-date overview of research on application of building energy modeling methods in optimal control for single building and multiple buildings is also summarized in this paper. Different model-based and model-free optimization methods for building energy system operation are reviewed and compared in this paper. Agent based modeling, as a new modeling strategy, has made a remarkable progress in distributed energy systems control and optimization in the past years. The research literature on application of agent based model in building energy system control and operation is also identified and discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy storage becomes a key element in achieving goals in energy sustainability that lead to energy and cost savings. This paper discusses various types of energy storage including compressed air energy storage (CAES), flywheel energy storage (FES), pumped hydro energy storage (PHES), battery energy storage (BES), flow battery energy storage (FBES), superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), super capacitor energy storage (SCES), hydrogen energy storage, synthetic fuels, and thermal energy storage (TES) with additional information about the recent update of the technology. In the final part of this paper, the comparison and barriers to deploying the technologies are also given in order to give a better view about the energy storage technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper focuses on the impact of the electricity market regulation on generating technologies, including renewable in Lithuanian and Poland. The paper aims to identify how the regulatory and non-regulatory factors have influenced investors′ choices. A country case studies approach were applied to analyse and address define the main factors that have influenced investors′ choice of technology mix in electricity market in transition. The major findings of the analysis entail: the main driving forces behind the rationale for reform; electricity reform characteristics; the impact of electricity market reform on electricity prices and electricity market reform and non-reform related factors that have influenced investor′s choice for a specific generation technology or a technology mix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A Compressed Air Energy Storage System is a means of storing energy which can then be used when the demand for energy increases. In this system, air is compressed in a cavern when power prices are low, and this air is used to run a natural gas-fired turbine to generate power when prices go up, with the aim of profiting from the price difference. This type of system can independently compress air, generate electricity, or do both. However, the prices of electricity and natural gas fluctuate, which directly impacts the amount of revenue that can be made, and this requires the calculating of estimates to optimize operation strategies and maximize profit. For these reasons, this is a crucial energy storage technology that requires economic analyses to justify investment decisions in power markets. In this paper, a mixed integer programming method is developed to schedule the operation of the system for forward market prices that are estimated using a markov-based probabilistic model. Then an algorithm that includes two separate modules in a simulation is employed to optimize the annual operation of the system. The paper presents a case study for Turkey as well as economic analyses based on probabilistic forward prices and the profits obtained from the optimization module. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources offer the potential to substantially decrease carbon emissions from both the transportation and power generation sectors of the economy. Mass adoption of EVs will have a number of impacts and benefits, including the ability to assist in the integration of renewable energy into existing electric grids. This paper reviews the current literature on EVs, the electric grid, and renewable energy integration. Key methods and assumptions of the literature are discussed. The economic, environmental and grid impacts of EVs are reviewed. Numerous studies assessing the ability of EVs to integrate renewable energy sources are assessed; the literature indicates that EVs can significantly reduce the amount of excess renewable energy produced in an electric system. Studies on wind–EV interaction are much more detailed than those on solar photovoltaics (PV) and EVs. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electricity is always considered as an important ingredient for development of a country. Energy deficit affects the growth rate of the country and causes discomfort to the consumer. The power shortage in Karachi, the largest city and economical hub of Pakistan, is highly hampering the progress of the city. Presently the energy deficit in the city is around 328MW. This paper presents an analytical analysis of incorporation of small residential windmills to reduce the power shortage in Karachi. To estimate the wind energy potential in the city, four years wind data is collected from Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) at various heights (10m, 30m, 50m, 75m and 100m). The statistical calculations on wind data using SPSS software show that the city has an enormous wind potential available. A case study is also carried to show the effect of incorporation of small residential wind mills in power system. The results shows 1678MWh of energy could be saved if 50% of residential consumers are equipped with small windmills. The paper also discusses the possible resistance in the introduction of small residential windmills in domestic sector. The potential benefits to the utility and consumers are also presented in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dealing with Renewable Energy Resources (RERs) requires sophisticated planning and operation scheduling along with state of art technologies. Among many possible ways for handling RERs, Demand Response (DR) is investigated in the current review. Because of every other year modifications in DR definition and classification announced by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the latest DR definition and classification are scrutinized in the present work. Moreover, a complete benefit and cost assessment of DR is added in the paper. Measurement and evolution methods along with the effects of DR in electricity prices are discussed. Next comes DR literature review of the recent papers majorly published after 2008. Eventually, successful DR implementations, around the world, are analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sub-Saharan Africa is generally one of the most electricity deprived regions in the world. Since the 1990s, the World Bank and other relevant and respected multilateral organisations have consistently advocated that the required finance to develop sub-Saharan Africa's essential electricity capacity should be sourced from the private sector. However, despite this ongoing advocacy, the private sector has been unenthusiastic to answer this call. Much of the literature attributes this reticence to a lack of 'good governance': principally negative behaviours such as corruption. Instead, in this paper we argue that this is too simplistic an explanation, as private investment has still been able to thrive in other locations where such negative behaviours have existed. To support this argument, we utilise an interdisciplinary approach to review three separate academic governance perspectives, to deliver a more comprehensive view. These are: 1) Financial Investment Governance , the private sector investor's perspective, which focuses on the rules and institutions (or lack of) that directly influence the financial investment environment; 2) Political Governance, the political economy perspective, which relates to the negative, indirect investment consequences resulting from the way that governments govern; and 3) Technological Governance, a 'systems' perspective, which encompasses how the standard structure and organisation of the wider electricity delivery system in each country, negatively impacts such investment. In discussion and conclusion, we find that if the development policy perspective for delivering electricity access to the region is to be successfully constructed around private investment, as the multilateral development community advocates, it will need to accommodate 15 distinct issues that can be identified from this comprehensive review of governance. • Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the most electricity deprived regions in the world. • The private sector has been unenthusiastic and reluctant to channel investment towards electricity infrastructure. • This study utilises three different academic approaches to explain why. • These are: 1) Financial Investment Governance , 2) Political Governance, and 3) Technological Governance. • A synthesis identifies 15 distinct governance issues that need overcome to better govern energy poverty and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy is expected to become the main electricity source in the world in the coming decades, with solar and wind power taking a big share of the energy supply. Although there has been a remarkable advance on renewable energy technologies, their integration is still difficult for regulators, market designers and system operators due to the high variability and limited predictability of solar and wind resources. Measures can be adopted to ease their integration, among them geographical diversification. There is plenty of literature about the diversification of solar and wind resources and there is a common conclusion: greater dispersion smooths out power production. However, literature on the effects of spatial diversification on the power system, electricity prices and renewable energy market value is much scarcer. This paper studies the effects of spatial diversification and questions whether integration policies are incentivizing the placement of renewable generators where they provide the highest value to the electricity system in Chile. Using real data and a simplified dispatch model the analysis presented shows evidence of the effects of diversification on wind and solar market value in Chile. Results suggest that spatial diversification has a strong positive effect on the market value of renewable energy, especially in scenarios with active transmission and hydro-storage constraints. Wind market value may vary up to US$10/MW h depending on the level of diversification and the spatial and temporal constraints of the system and, given current storage capacity of hydro reservoirs, the solar market value may increase US$5/MW h due to diversification if transmission capacity is enough. Even though these results must be observed with caution, because they depend on the assumptions made, there is an important effect of renewable spatial diversification that should be observed by regulators. • Effects of spatial diversification on the power system and its prices. • Strategies to mitigate the value drop of variable renewable energies. • Spatial diversification has a positive effect on market value of renewable power. • Storage is important resource to alleviate market value drops of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference rules-of-thumb advise equator-facing orientations and slopes near the site's latitude as the optimal conditions for photovoltaic (PV) systems to maximize annual solar electricity production. However, if the electricity consumption profile is considered, this layout will most likely increase net load variance on the electricity grid at sunrise and sunset, which ought to be avoided. Making use of a variety of orientations and inclinations can help to minimize this impact, especially in cities where plentiful area of diversely oriented façades and rooftops is particularly relevant for broadening the peak of PV production throughout the day. Providing electricity not only around solar noon but also in the morning and late afternoon, when demand from residential buildings increases, helps to maximize self-consumption/-sufficiency and reduces costs for end-users and utilities. Until recently, due to high installation costs, there was little interest in this non-optimal PV systems configurations. In the last five years, however, the paradigm started to shift, triggered by the growing interest from municipalities that seek energy transition through currently more affordable PV systems and, on the other hand, by the duck-curve phenomena reported in pioneering "solar cities". This paper reviews studies that address the use of non-optimal azimuths and tilts to better match utility- and distributed-scale demand and supply. • Review of PV systems in non-optimal conditions and their value to the prosumers and the electricity system. • Reference rule of "south-/northwards, latitude ±10°" rarely applies. • Load-matching should be the main driver for PV systems sizing. • Urban environment has potential to load-match with PV at utility-scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Extraordinary declines in the cost of photovoltaic systems (PV), combined with a growing range of energy efficient consumer technologies (EE), has driven significant deployment of these two options in many jurisdictions. This deployment has proven to be a key way to mitigate the risks of catastrophic climate change. However, existing retail electricity arrangements can create mixed incentives for households contemplating investing in both PV and EE. This is caused by net metering arrangements that value self-consumption of PV generation far more than PV exports to the grid. This means that falling household demand due to EE may significantly reduce the financial value of PV. Meanwhile, the continuous cost decline of battery storage systems (BS) has encouraged more PV owners to consider storing PV exports to maximise self-consumption. However, there has been little research on whether the addition of BS could reduce barriers to the combined uptake of PV and EE. In this paper, real PV generation and electricity consumption data is used from numerous households in Sydney (Australia), together with a battery cyclelife model, to assess the financial outcomes of combining PV, EE and BS. The results indicate that EE can reduce PV system revenue, that adding BS to a combination of PV and EE generally increases PV revenue, that BS costs are still high for this residential application, and that the uptake of EE can result in deeper BS cycling which reduces the battery lifetime. Highlights • Energy efficiency (EE) reduces the household revenue from a PV system. • The addition of batteries (BS) increases the combined value of PV and EE. • Battery costs are still too high for this residential application. • The uptake of EE can result in deeper BS cycling which reduces the battery lifetime. • Overall, EE reduces the value of a battery in the presence of Time-of-Use tariffs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]