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Global anthropogenic activities resulting in the emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere have increased the challenges faced from climate change. The greater awareness of the need to mitigate climate variability has brought about intense focus on the adverse impacts of fossil-fuel based energy on the environment. Being the single largest source of carbon emissions, energy supply has attracted much attention and more so that, climate change impacts extend beyond national boundaries. Since energy use is sine qua non to economic development, scientists have reiterated the necessity of developing and utilising renewable energy. Although, past and present CO 2 emissions have and are majorly caused by industrialized countries, it is envisaged that future GHGs emissions would be mostly from developing countries as they industrialize. Renewable energy sources that include biomass, hydroelectric, wind, solar and hydrothermal systems, are carbon-neutral, releasing relatively no emissions. This paper discusses the initiatives associated with the provision of renewable energy to the energy mix in Nigeria as an indication of the country’s commitment to adopt a sustainable development strategy in shaping the economy. It reviews the literature and employs a discourse analysis to examine the limited use of renewable energy sources in Nigeria and the factors prevailing against their development. The paper concludes by identifying social and political obstacles as most significant roadblocks towards rapid implementation of a green economy through the deployment of renewable energy for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven years on since the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its efforts in combating climate change, fossil fuels remain the most dominant global energy source. As the total replacement of fossil fuel energy is not expected to take place immediately in the near future, the International Energy Agency has repeatedly declared carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as a key technology for mitigating climate change. However, CCS lacks the scale required for substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power generation. Even though CCS is one of the key technologies for mitigating climate change, why has this technology not had an international breakthrough? To shed light on this question, this paper employs a simple model of energy generation, scrutinizes the economic drivers of CCS based on the analytical results, and discusses the possible obstacles that can prevent a widespread rollout of the technology. This is followed by a state-of-the-art in literature pertaining to the economics of CCS, and a discussion that points to a dichotomy between the economic theory and reality. The study concludes with some policy suggestions and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Distributed generation (DG) using renewable energy resources, is intended to reduce the impact of power generation from fossil fuels on climate change. Microgrids (MGs) represent a method of interconnecting several low voltage (LV) renewable energy sources and loads to the distribution system. Multi-microgrids (MMGs) integrate distributed generators (DGs) and MGs with medium voltage (MV) distribution systems. Protection system design for MGs pose significant challenges due to bi-directional flow from DGs as well as lower fault current levels due to the inverter connected DG sources in islanded MGs. This paper reviews the coordination strategies and protection schemes that have been proposed for MGs to address these challenges. The protection coordination strategies based on communication and time grading including their relative performance are described. The advantages and limitations of existing MG protection schemes are discussed. As most of these protection schemes apply to relatively small MGs, they may need to be extended for larger MG configurations in practical power systems. Some future directions for research in the protection system design for both MGs and MMGs are also outlined in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Interest in renewable energy in Ireland has increased continually over the past decade. This interest is due primarily to security of supply issues and the effects of climate change. Ireland imports over 90% of its primary energy consumption, mostly in the form of fossil fuels. The exploitation of Ireland''s vast indigenous renewable energy resources is required in order to reduce this over-dependence on fossil fuel imports to meet energy demand. Various targets have been set by the Irish government to incorporate renewable energy technologies into Ireland''s energy market. As a result of these targets, the development in wind energy has increased substantially over the past decade; however this method of energy extraction is intermittent and unpredictable. Ireland has an excellent tidal current energy resource and the use of this resource will assist in the development of a sustainable energy future. Energy extraction using tidal current energy technologies offers a vast and predictable energy resource. This paper reviews the currently accepted tidal current energy resource assessment for Ireland. This assessment was compiled by Sustainable Energy Ireland in a report in 2004. The assessment employed a 2-dimensional numerical model of the tidal current velocities around Ireland, and from this numerical model the theoretical tidal current energy resource was identified. With the introduction of constraints and limitations, the technical, practical, accessible and viable tidal current energy resources were obtained. The paper discusses why the assessment needs updating including the effect on the assessment of the current stage of development of tidal current turbines and their deployment technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The evidence of relationships between climate change induced by greenhouse gases of anthropogenic origin, and energy-economic issues (inappropriate use of fossil fuels and technologies, uncertainty in fuels price and demand trends, etc.) asks for the adoption of a holistic approach in order to re-orient the anthropogenic activities’ system towards a configuration that harmonizes environmental protection, economic growth and security of energy supply. In this framework, energy system sustainability represents one of the major challenge the EU is facing and its implementation passes through a path of coordinate actions carried out by local governments in which objectives of sustainable development become integral part of strategic programming. The aim of this research is to provide local administrations with an analytical support tool to guide key strategic decisions in energy and climate planning on the medium-long term, assessing the possible role of local energy systems in the achievement of sustainable objectives at national/European scale. This paper focuses on the implementation of a partial equilibrium TIMES-generated model in a real case study, the regional energy system of Basilicata region (Southern Italy). First, it describes the adopted methodology. Second, it is provided a step-by-step description and characterisation of the reference energy system and the model’s data input which represents the first step for an in-depth knowledge of the present energy system on which to build effective and sustainable local energy and climate plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments have failed to act at the scale and pace necessary to avert the climate crisis. This paper explores one key constraint on global action to combat climate change: resistance mounted by the fossil fuel industry. The economic losses that the fossil fuel industry is likely to incur as a result of climate stabilization include stranded assets and reduced profits. Using a methodology that emulates the expectations and valuation procedures used by fossil fuel firms, I estimate the magnitude and distribution of wealth losses from stranded assets for the upstream fossil fuel industry (i.e., firms and governments involved in fossil fuel extraction) under 1.8 °C and 1.5 °C climate stabilization scenarios. I also explore the timing of expected future profit losses and compare historical profit margins between fossil fuel and renewable energy firms. Results show that fossil fuel reserves will suffer a devaluation of 37%–50%, amounting to $13-$17 trillion. This implies a strong incentive for fossil fuel producers to continue resisting climate stabilization. Over half (51%–63%) of the reserve devaluation stems not from fuels left in the ground but from price decreases for fuels that will still be extracted and sold during climate stabilization, indicating that even low-cost producers stand to bear large losses. Three-quarters of stranded assets belong to governments, implying formidable political obstacles in nations with nationalized fossil fuel ownership. The profitability analysis reinforces these findings. My results point to strategic demand reduction of fossil fuels as a key strategy for overcoming industry resistance. • Estimates stranded fossil fuel assets in 1.5 °C and 1.8 °C scenarios. • Fossil fuel reserves suffer a devaluation of $13-$17 trillion (37%–50%). • Most stranded assets stem from fuels still produced during climate stabilization. • Three-quarters of stranded assets belong to governments. • Fossil fuels remain significantly more profitable than renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments have failed to act at the scale and pace necessary to avert the climate crisis. This paper explores one key constraint on global action to combat climate change: resistance mounted by the fossil fuel industry. The economic losses that the fossil fuel industry is likely to incur as a result of climate stabilization include stranded assets and reduced profits. Using a methodology that emulates the expectations and valuation procedures used by fossil fuel firms, I estimate the magnitude and distribution of wealth losses from stranded assets for the upstream fossil fuel industry (i.e., firms and governments involved in fossil fuel extraction) under 1.8 °C and 1.5 °C climate stabilization scenarios. I also explore the timing of expected future profit losses and compare historical profit margins between fossil fuel and renewable energy firms. Results show that fossil fuel reserves will suffer a devaluation of 37%–50%, amounting to $13-$17 trillion. This implies a strong incentive for fossil fuel producers to continue resisting climate stabilization. Over half (51%–63%) of the reserve devaluation stems not from fuels left in the ground but from price decreases for fuels that will still be extracted and sold during climate stabilization, indicating that even low-cost producers stand to bear large losses. Three-quarters of stranded assets belong to governments, implying formidable political obstacles in nations with nationalized fossil fuel ownership. The profitability analysis reinforces these findings. My results point to strategic demand reduction of fossil fuels as a key strategy for overcoming industry resistance. • Estimates stranded fossil fuel assets in 1.5 °C and 1.8 °C scenarios. • Fossil fuel reserves suffer a devaluation of $13-$17 trillion (37%–50%). • Most stranded assets stem from fuels still produced during climate stabilization. • Three-quarters of stranded assets belong to governments. • Fossil fuels remain significantly more profitable than renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change due to greenhouse gases emission from fossil fuels has prompted several governments to channel resources in the commercial utilisation of renewable energy sources. Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources that is highly untapped and underutilized. Australia has the highest average solar radiation per square metre of any continent in the world. This paper will focus on the need to improve solar energy utilisation in Australia, challenges facing it and the future benefits. This study shows successfully storing and transferring solar energy will ensure that this energy source will make a significant contribution to Australia''s electricity grid supply in the future and Australia will be well positioned to assist in meeting its growing clean energy demand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) is a fast growing segment among renewable energy (RE) systems, whose development is owed to depleting fossil fuel and climate-changing environmental pollution. PV power output capacity, however, is still low and the associated costs still high, so efforts continue to develop PV converter and its controller, aiming for higher power-extracting efficiency and cost effectiveness. Different algorithms have been proposed for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). Since the choice of right converter for different application has an important influence in the optimum performance of the photovoltaic system, this paper reviews the state-of-the-art in research works on non-isolated DC–DC buck, boost, buck–boost, Cúk and SEPIC converters and their characteristics, to find a solution best suiting an application with Maximum Power Point Tracking. Review shows that there is a limitation in the system''s performance according to the type of converter used. In can be concluded that the best selection of DC–DC converter which is really suitable and applicable in the PV system is the buck–boost DC–DC converter since it is capable of achieving optimal operation regardless of the load value with negotiable performance efficiency and price issue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wind energy, commonly recognized to be a clean and environmentally friendly renewable energy resource that can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, has developed rapidly in recent years. Its mature technology and comparatively low cost make it promising as an important primary energy source in the future. However, there are potential environmental impacts due to the installation and operation of the wind turbines that cannot be ignored. This paper aims to provide an overview of world wind energy scenarios, the current status of wind turbine development, development trends of offshore wind farms, and the environmental and climatic impact of wind farms. The wake effect of wind turbines and modeling studies regarding this effect are also reviewed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China has strived to develop new and renewable energy resources to meet its energy demands due to issues of pollution, sustainability, and climate change related to the consumption of fossil fuels. Offshore wind power development in coastal China has attracted more and more attention because it can not only utilize the abundant natural resources but also relieve power constraint in coastal China. This paper studies the development of offshore wind power in China, providing information including the wind resources in China''s coastal areas, policies promulgated by the central government to favor the sound development of offshore wind power, regional planning and progress of offshore wind power, R&D of offshore wind power technology and theory, as well as the pilot projects set up in Shanghai and Jiangsu. In addition, challenges related to offshore wind power development are depicted, and recommendations are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The world driven by the concern for climate change and by growing prices for fossil fuels is trying to make a more drastic shift towards renewable energy sources (RES). The Kyoto Protocol mechanisms are considered to assist this process in both developed and developing countries. The scope of this paper is to analyze the so far gained experience by the implementation of the clean development mechanism (CDM), in order to investigate its role in the formation of wind energy markets in developing countries. For this purpose we make a brief overview of existing incentives for the RES support within hosting countries. Then, we exploit the available CDM databases in order to identify the influence of CDM activities on the development of the corresponding wind energy markets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electricity generation in different countries is based on a variety of fuel mixes compromising solid fossil fuels, oil, natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy sources. While in the past, national energy agendas have directed the optimal utilisation of domestic resources as a means to achieve supply security, today''s environmental debates are influencing the electricity fuel mix in new directions. In this paper we examine the electricity sectors of Germany, Greece, Poland and the UK in an attempt to identify the policy and technology choices implemented in each country. The country selection is deliberately made to facilitate an extended overview of national agendas, varying domestic energy resources and industrialisation levels but still within the common EU framework. The focus is placed on policies related to two objectives, climate change mitigation and improving electricity supply security. The theoretical framework developed provides the possibility to assess the electricity sector independence at a national level using a multi-parametric analysis of the fuel mix data. Through a comparative assessment of the knowledge gained in different countries the authors provide insights and suggestions that allow for an improved understanding of the trade-offs and synergies that various policy options may introduce. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]