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Solar PV has been a cornerstone for the energy policy makers around the globe. It is because the environmental effects of solar energy are low as compared to the conventional energy sources. It is free and virtually inexhaustible. Developed countries have long been in the business of using solar energy for energy generation. However, for the third world countries like Pakistan, the use of solar energy for power generation is a relatively new experience. In recent months, Pakistan has shown a paradigm shift in its renewable energy policy and invested on mega power plants based on solar PV system. This paper reviews the recent exponential rise of using solar energy for power generation in Pakistan. The results of this paper will not only help in understanding and hence, curbing the power crisis in Pakistan, but will also be relevant to the other countries of the third world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Croatia has enormous renewable energy potential, particularly solar, but it is underperforming with regard to its use both for electricity production and heating. Paper focuses on the reasons therefor by analyzing the policy with regard to environment, subsidies, the role of international financial institutions, monopoly dimension of power utility companies, as well as social dimension. The author presents proposals for changing the status quo in order for Croatia to catch up with regard to securing reasonable solar and other renewable energy share in its energy supply. Apart from the state as regulator which has various instruments at its disposal to implement thoroughly the renewable energy use, local authorities should assume central role and responsibility for solarizing their territories and generating the energy locally from other renewable energy sources available on their territory. Municipal utility companies would thus add electricity production to their regular activities and could provide installation and maintenance services for individual energy generating systems within the territory of their competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant number of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analyses of renewable energy technologies is available in the literature, even though there is a lack of consistent conclusions about the life cycle impacts of the different technologies. The reported results vary consistently, according to the size and the technology of the considered plant, thus limiting the utility of LCA to inform policy makers and constituting a barrier to the deployment of a full awareness on sustainable energies. This variability in LCA results, in fact, can generate confusion regarding the actual environmental consequences of implementing renewable technologies. The article reviews approximately 50 papers, related to more than 100 different case studies regarding solar energy (Concentrated Solar Power, Photovoltaic), wind power, hydropower, and geothermal power. A methodology for the harmonization of the results is presented. The detailed data collection and the results normalization and harmonization allowed a more reliable comparison of the various renewable technologies. For most of the considered environmental indicators, wind power technologies turn out to be the low end while geothermal and PV technologies the high end of the impact range where all the other technologies are positioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Global exploitation of renewable energy technologies is increasing rapidly due to the concern in global warming and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. Most of the countries in the world are blessed with two or more renewable energy sources (RES) and hence have formulated policies to boost the utilization of RES for their electricity production. An assessment of renewable electricity scenario is essential for research and development related works in the field of renewable energy technologies in order to further develop the renewable energy industry. Recent developments in installation capacities, costs and reductions in electricity costs of major RES based electricity generation methods are discussed in this paper. It also includes the past growth and future expectations of renewable electricity production. The analysis shows that if the current developments in renewable industry continue, then a major share of global electricity production in the future could be supplied by renewable energy technologies. The analysis further shows that a significant amount of fuel cost and pollutants emission can be reduced by the increased use of RES based electrical power production technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper aims to present the feed-in tariff (FiT) outlook in Malaysia, which is in the process of being enacted through a Renewable Energy (RE) Policy by the Government of Malaysia (GoM). A brief in policies leading towards the RE policy and the potential of each RE sources under FiT mechanism have been discussed. The successful utilisation of RE source in electricity generation and the FiT implementation globally are positive indicators to implement FiT in Malaysia. Potentials of FiT on biomass, biogas and solid waste energy are currently very promising in Malaysia, but it is solar energy which is predicted to be the main RE of the future, surpassing all other REs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oman relies on gas and oil resources fuels for almost all of its energy needs. Almost 99% of its power generation is based on natural gas. However, the country''s natural gas supplies are currently largely committed, and it may become a net importer soon. Therefore, there is a need to look for alternative energy resources. This paper presents a review of the assessed potential of renewable resources and practical limitations to their considerable use in the perspective of present scenarios and future projections of the national energy for Oman. Solar and wind are likely to play an important role in the future energy in Oman provided that clear policies are established by the higher authority for using renewable energy resources. Rural Areas Electric Company has initiated solar and wind pilot projects in its concession area to confirm the performance and efficiency of renewable technologies in local conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]