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In this paper, the influence of dust and extreme dust events in the renewable energy generation in the island of Tenerife has been studied. Two different models have been proposed: one model to estimate the influence of atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) in the Photovoltaic (PV) generation, and a second model that captures the influence of a set of weather and temporal variables, including PM, in the renewable generation of the island. Additionally, the hypothetic situation of extreme dust events occurring in a future 100% renewable electric system in the island of Tenerife is analyzed. Results show the interconnections between PM2.5, PM10 and wind resources on the present and future power output in the Island, and how the future storage capabilities need to take into account these events for a necessary increase in resilience related to climate change and related extreme weather events. • Extreme dust events in renewable energy generation for islands is studied. • Models are based on the influence of atmospheric PM in the PV generation. • The hypothetic situation in a future 100% renewable electric system is analyzed. • Results show the interconnections between PM2.5, PM10 and wind resources. • Storage capabilities need to take into account for a necessary increase in resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The outcome of COP15, the conference on climate change in Copenhagen, was the Copenhagen Accord which was recognised by the 193 countries that attended. The Accord set no compulsory limits on carbon emissions, and none of the countries that introduced it – USA, China, India [with Brazil and South Africa] – has signed the Annexe to the Kyoto Agreement, committing them to limit their emissions. Climate change is only of secondary importance to them compared with eradicating poverty. Nevertheless three of these countries are in the lead currently for installing renewables, far ahead of most of those [only 37 out of 187 countries world-wide] who are committed to limiting their emissions. This paper explains why. The main function of renewable energy is to save fuel, thereby reducing energy imports and maintaining security of energy supplies without the need to fight world wars over them. Also, being capital intensive with all the money paid up-front, renewables avoid the price fluctuations that bedevil the oil and other fossil fuel industries. As capacity is doubling every 3 years, renewables prices will come down with savings of scale, so wind power in particular will soon be the cheapest form of power. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The availability and reliability of wind power depend a great deal on current and future climate conditions, which may vary in light of possible global climate change (GCC). Long-term energy planning, however, does not normally take possible future GCC into consideration, which may turn out to be a risky exercise. In the case of Brazil, the untapped wind power potential is known to be impressive, provided that climate conditions remain the same over time. The focus of this study is to analyze some possible impacts of GCC on the wind power potential of Brazil, by simulating wind conditions associated with the IPCC A2 and B2 Scenarios. Results based on the HadCM3 general circulation model and the analysis of the country''s wind database indicate that the wind power potential in Brazil would not be jeopardized in the future due to possible new climate conditions. On the contrary, improved wind conditions are expected, particularly in the Northeast coast of the country. Therefore, investments in wind power generation can be an interesting way to expand renewable energy production in Brazil. However, given the large uncertainties associated with GCC models and scenarios, the findings of this paper should be viewed as a possibility rather than as a projection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]