Search

Showing total 5 results
5 results

1. Renewable energy potential towards attainment of net-zero energy buildings status – A critical review.

Author

Christopher, S., Vikram, M.P., Bakli, Chirodeep, Thakur, Amrit Kumar, Ma, Y., Ma, Zhenjun, Xu, Huijin, Cuce, Pinar Mert, Cuce, Erdem, and Singh, Punit

Subjects
*RENEWABLE energy sources, *GREENHOUSE gases, *COMMERCIAL buildings, *POTENTIAL energy, *COMMERCIAL building energy consumption, *BUILDING-integrated photovoltaic systems, *CARBON emissions, *RESOURCE exploitation, *ENERGY consumption
Abstract

Global warming, climate change, and resource depletion have forced us to reconsider energy usage and efficiencies over the last few decades. Residential and commercial buildings are both large energy consumers, so improving energy and material usage efficiency in this sector is a common research topic. According to a recent study, the Building Sector (BS) accounts for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. The primary objective of this paper is to examine and assess the potential of Renewable Energy Systems (RES) and their combinations for enhancing energy efficiency in the BS. Specifically, the focus will be on converting low energy-efficient buildings into highly efficient ones. The potential of the RES and their combinations for the BS is evaluated based on payback durations, energy generation, and reduction of CO 2 emissions. The optimization flow charts for the RES, feasibility studies, commercialization road maps of energy storage systems and the necessity of control mechanisms for enhancing RES efficiency were discussed. Additionally, the technology drawbacks are discussed, along with various innovative techniques recommended to direct future study in this area. Finally, this article assists the audience clear idea in the selection of the right combination of potential RES based on different conditions to achieve deep decarbonization in BSs. • Buildings sector (BS) responsible for 40% of GHG emissions. • Study assesses potential of Renewable Energy System (RES) in BS. • RES evaluated on payback, energy generation, and CO 2 reduction. • Optimization, feasibility and commercialization studies were discussed. • Article recommends right RES combinations for deep decarbonization in BS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

2. Determinants of greenhouse gas emissions: A new multiplicative approach analysing the impact of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sector mix.

Author

Liobikienė, Genovaitė and Butkus, Mindaugas

Subjects
*ENERGY consumption, *CLIMATE change mitigation, *GREENHOUSE gases, *SERVICE industries, *ENVIRONMENTAL degradation, *INDUSTRIAL energy consumption
Abstract

The mitigation of climate change is the main issue for environmental policymakers. A large number of authors analysed the impact of various factors on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this paper, we proposed a multiplicative approach to use 2- and 3-way interactions simultaneously in order to analyse the effects of energy efficiency, renewable energy and sector mix as the moderators that shape the economic activity – environmental degradation nexus. The results encompassing global panel data show that the turning point increased from 1990 to 1995 to 2002–2007 and decreased afterwards. Considering the analysis of moderators, a high share of agriculture and industry sectors make the curve flat with a positive slope and a high level of economic activity was associated with more GHG emissions with no turning point. The marginal effect of energy efficiency to reduce the negative impact of agriculture and industry sectors was growing. Meanwhile, the marginal effect of renewables to reduce the negative impact of agriculture and industry sectors was diminishing. Service sector and energy efficiency, service sector and renewables worked as the substituting forces reducing GHG emissions with a diminishing marginal rate of substitution. Therefore, this study confirms that the economic activity – environmental degradation relationship is very complex and further studies should consider the role of the moderators of this nexus. [Display omitted] • Technique, composition effects should be considered as moderators of HGH emissions. • The multiplicative approach was applied to model interactions of GHG factors. • Agriculture, industry sectors made the economic activity GHG emissions curve flat. • Marginal effect of renewables to reduce GHG emissions was diminishing. • Service sector and renewables worked as substituting forces reducing emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2021
Full Text
View/download PDF

3. Net Zero Energy Buildings: Variations, Clarifications, and Requirements in Response to the Paris Agreement.

Author

Moghaddasi, Haleh, Culp, Charles, Vanegas, Jorge, and Ehsani, Mehrdad

Subjects
*RURAL electrification, *GREENHOUSE gases, *ENERGY consumption, *CLIMATE change, *ELECTRIFICATION
Abstract

Buildings contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that cause environmental impacts on climate change. Net Zero Energy (NZ) buildings would reduce greenhouse gases. The current definition of NZ lacks consensus and has created uncertainties, which cause delays in the adoption of NZ. This paper proposes a Process for Clarification to Accelerate the Net Zero (PC-A-NZ) through three integrated steps: variations, strategies, and requirements. We expand on the results in published NZ literature to clarify the differences in definition and strategy. The objective of this review is to (1) distinguish current variable parameters that are slowing the acceptance of NZ, and (2) focus the discussion internationally on moving faster toward applying NZ to a larger common agreement. The publications of global NZ target assessment and energy efficient strategies will be reviewed to address the main requirements in expediting NZ's successful progress. Our NZ review analysis highlights (1) how the existing NZ definitions and criteria differ, (2) how calculation strategies vary, and (3) how standards and requirements are often localized. The proposed PC-A-NZ will help policymakers and stakeholders to re-evaluate the existing definitions, standards, and requirements to optimize the use of renewable technologies, improved energy efficiency and electrification to speed up achieving the NZ targets. Definition: There are multiple NZ definitions that vary in source and supply requirement, timescale, emission source, and grid connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2021
Full Text
View/download PDF

4. Climate-Informed Decisions : The Capital Investment Plan as a Mechanism for Lowering Carbon Emissions

Author

Whittington, Jan and Lynch, Catherine

Subjects
WIND TURBINES, CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION, GLOBAL EMISSIONS, ECONOMIC GROWTH, GASES, GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTIONS, ALLOCATION, GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, RENEWABLE‐ENERGY, GAS‐EMISSIONS, ABSORPTION, CARBON‐INTENSITY, LAND USE, EMISSIONS, RENEWABLE ENERGY, INCOME, INVESTMENTS, INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT, EMISSIONS INVENTORIES, FOREST SERVICE, GAS, WATER TREATMENT, FOSSIL FUELS, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, ABATEMENT, GREENHOUSE GAS, CARBON ABATEMENT, MARGINAL ABATEMENT, FINANCIAL MARKETS, POWER PLANTS, GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION, MODELS, GREENHOUSE‐GAS, MARKETS, CAPACITY, FINANCE, LEAD, COMBUSTION, CARBON SUPPLY, ACCESS TO FINANCING, OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, EFFICIENCY GAINS, GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORIES, GLOBAL WARMING, EMISSION FACTORS, COST‐BENEFIT ANALYSIS, CARBON EMISSIONS, SINK, ENERGY DEMAND, EMISSION COEFFICIENTS, CONSUMPTION, CARBON FOOTPRINT, ATMOSPHERE, GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY, EMISSION REDUCTIONS, GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, MARKET, SUPPLY, GREENHOUSE‐GAS‐EMISSIONS, ANTHROPOGENIC EMISSIONS, GREENHOUSE, CARBON SINK, EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS, DEMAND, CLIMATE CHANGE, MARGINAL ABATEMENT COST, ECONOMIC THEORY, WIND POWER, CATALYSTS, ELECTRICITY, CARBON, ENERGY, COAL, METHANE, GREENHOUSE GAS ABATEMENT COST, CARBON DIOXIDE, GAS EMISSION, PORTFOLIO, GREENHOUSE GAS ABATEMENT, LESS, CARBON INVENTORIES, TEMPERATURE, ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CAPITAL COSTS, CARBON SOURCES, VALUE, EMISSION FACTOR, METHANE GAS, IPCC, AIR, POLICIES, FOREST, CLIMATE PROTECTION, POLICY, REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, ENERGY DATA, GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION, CLIMATE‐PROTECTION, ENERGY SECURITY, INVESTMENT DECISIONS, ENERGY USE, CO2, CARBON ECONOMY, GREENHOUSE GASES, ENERGY‐EFFICIENCY, FUELS, CLEAN ENERGY, ABATEMENT COST, CARBON EQUIVALENT, POWER GENERATION, CARBON REDUCTIONS, NATURAL GAS, FINANCIAL RESOURCES, BENEFITS, ENERGY REDUCTIONS, GAS TURBINES, RESOURCE ECONOMICS, FISCAL POLICIES, EMISSION TARGETS, CARBON‐EMISSIONS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AIR QUALITY, WIND, TAX CREDIT, ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION, CAPITAL COST, FINANCIAL SUPPORT, CLIMATE, REVENUES, GAS EMISSIONS, GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INVENTORIES, GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION TARGETS, MONETARY ECONOMICS, ENERGY SOURCES, SOLAR RADIATION, RADIATION, ECOSYSTEM, GHG, EMISSION, FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS
Abstract

Global trajectories for reducing carbon emissions depend on the local adoption of alternatives to conventional energy sources, technologies, and urban development. Yet, decisions on which type of capital investments to make, made by local governments as part of the normal budget cycle, typically do not incorporate climate considerations. Furthermore, current academic and professional literature specific to climate change draws attention to decision-making tools that would require access to technical expertise, data, and financial support that may not be practical for cities in low- and middle-income countries. Arguably, the methodologies most able to effect this transformation will be those that are convenient and affordable to administer, and that offer straight-forward low carbon alternatives to traditional forms of infrastructure investment. Current methodologies for capital investment planning that do not take climate change into consideration can result in prioritization of investments that diverge from a low carbon path and a potential missed opportunity to reap financial benefits from efficiency gains. This paper concludes that relatively minor alterations to common procedures can reveal the trade-offs and local benefits of low carbon alternatives in the capital investment planning process. This paper was written as an input to the preparation of the Climate-Informed Capital Investment Planning Guidebook, a how-to guide for local government staff, which will be published in 2015.

Published
2015

5. Wood-Based Biomass Energy Development for Sub-Saharan Africa : Issues and Approaches

Author

World Bank

Subjects
NUTRIENT CONTENT, CARBON FINANCE, CLEAN DEVELOPMENT, FOSSIL FUEL EMISSIONS, NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, WOOD FUEL, APPROACH, ENERGY POVERTY, SOLID FUELS, NATURAL FORESTS, BIOMASS ENERGY, URBAN HOUSEHOLDS, CHARCOAL PRODUCTION, PRIMARY ENERGY SUPPLY, EMPLOYMENT, ENERGY PRICE, EMISSIONS, RENEWABLE ENERGY, JATROPHA, RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS, CLIMATIC CONDITIONS, OIL EQUIVALENT, ELECTRIFICATION, FOREST SERVICE, FOREST COVER, BLACK CARBON, FOSSIL FUELS, AIR POLLUTANTS, ENERGY SOURCE, CARBONIZATION, PARTICULATE, FOREST RESOURCES, SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT, FOREST MANAGEMENT, DEMAND FOR ENERGY, COLORS, COMBUSTION, ORGANIC CARBON, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, TRADITIONAL ENERGY SECTOR, CARBON FUND, ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS, EXPLOITATION, PETROLEUM, GLOBAL WARMING, PRIMARY ENERGY, ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY, LOW-CARBON, FUEL CONSUMPTION, PYROLYSIS, GHGS, RAIN, FUEL SOURCES, EMISSIONS FROM DEFORESTATION, ENVIRONMENTAL, BIOMASS FUEL, EMISSION REDUCTIONS, FOSSIL FUEL, PRICE CHANGES, ENERGY PROJECT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, GREENHOUSE, FORESTRY PROJECTS, COMBUSTION CHAMBER, CHRONIC BRONCHITIS, TRADITIONAL BIOMASS, BIOMASS BURNING, CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABLE FOREST, RURAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURAL CROPS, RURAL ENERGY, FOREST DEGRADATION, BIOMASS, FOREST ECOSYSTEM, RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, METHANE, CARBON CREDITS, FORESTS, BIOMASS SECTOR, ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CROP WASTE, AIR, FOREST REMOVAL, ENERGY RESOURCES, FOREST, CO, AIR POLLUTION, ENERGY SECURITY, PRECIPITATION, DEGRADED LANDS, CO2, FOREST INVESTMENT, FUELWOOD RESOURCES, COMMERCIAL ENERGY, ECONOMIC VALUE, SOLID BIOMASS, RURAL USERS, CONVERSION EFFICIENCY, GRID ELECTRICITY, FUELS, FUEL SOURCE, BIOMASS FUELS, KEROSENE, TAX REVENUES, SOURCE OF ENERGY, HOUSEHOLD ENERGY USE, REDUCING EMISSIONS, CARBON BIOMASS, LIGHTING, ACCESS TO MODERN ENERGY, ENERGY STRATEGIES, FOREST LAW, CARBON MONOXIDE, CLIMATE, ENERGY NEEDS, UNEP, GHG, CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM, INTERNATIONAL FORESTRY RESEARCH, CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION, EMISSIONS FROM LAND USE, SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT, INVESTMENTS IN ENERGY, ECONOMIC GROWTH, OXYGEN, COOKING, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES, CARBON SEQUESTRATION, ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, RURAL HOUSEHOLDS, VILLAGE LEVELS, POPULATION GROWTH, CARBON NEUTRAL, FOSSIL, ACCESS TO ENERGY, WOOD FUELS, RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM, ENERGY OUTLOOK, OIL, RENEWABLE ENERGY ACCESS, BALANCE, FOREST LOSS, RELIABILITY OF SUPPLY, BIOGAS, RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, GREENHOUSE GAS, ABSENCE OF OXYGEN, PRIMARY SOURCE OF ENERGY, MODERN FUELS, CONVERSION OF WOOD, SOLID BIOMASS FUEL, RAW MATERIAL, RURAL AREAS, CHARCOAL, PARTICLES, AGRICULTURAL WASTE, ENERGY MANAGEMENT, FUEL SWITCHING, ENERGY DEMAND, NATURAL RESOURCE, FOREST STOCKS, BURN FUEL, CROP, ATMOSPHERE, EFFICIENT STOVES, FORESTRY SYSTEMS, WOOD BURNING, ENERGY STRATEGY, FOREST CARBON, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, GENERATION, CARBON SINK, SMOKE, ACCESS TO ENERGY SERVICES, BIOFUELS, EUCALYPTUS PLANTATIONS, CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENT, BIOMASS ENERGY RESOURCES, ELECTRICITY, COAL, PARTICULATE MATTER, CARBON DIOXIDE, WOODY BIOMASS, EUCALYPTUS TREES, ALTERNATIVE FUELS, FOREST RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, ELECTRIC GRID, FOREST AREA, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, BIOMASS ENERGY USE, FUEL USE, LAND DEGRADATION, ENERGY USE, ENERGY PLANNING, LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, GREENHOUSE GASES, FUEL TYPES, CLEAN ENERGY, WOOD CONSUMPTION, HEAT, WOOD ENERGY, COMBUSTION PROCESS, EMISSIONS FROM ENERGY, SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, RESIDENTIAL ENERGY, PRODUCTION OF CHARCOAL, QUANTITY OF FUEL, BIOMASS USE, ETHANOL, FORESTRY, DUNG, LOSS OF FOREST, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, WOOD SPECIES, AVAILABILITY, PRIMARY ENERGY SOURCE, WIND, BIOMASS PRODUCTION, USE OF BIOMASS, NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY SECTORS, HOUSEHOLD ENERGY, COLLECTION SYSTEMS, AFFORESTATION, ENERGY SOURCES, FUEL WOOD, DEFORESTATION, EMISSION, TONS OF CARBON, FOREST AREAS
Abstract

Nearly half the world's population and about 81 percent of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) households rely on wood-based biomass energy (fuel wood and charcoal) for cooking. This degree of reliance is far greater than in any other region. While the use of biomass fuels in China, India and much of the developing world has peaked or will do so in the near future, SSA's consumption will either remain at very high levels or even grow over the next few decades. Population growth, coupled with strong urbanization dynamics and relative price changes of alternative fuels, offset the important achievements made over the past decade by significant investments in energy access, rural and urban electrification, off-grid energy developments, and the promotion of alternative energy sources. With increasing economic development, the demand for energy is increasing as well and consumers depend on a broader portfolio of energy sources to satisfy growing energy needs. While electricity and other energy sources are needed to satisfy additional energy needs emerging with economic development, a vast majority of Sub-Saharan African consumers continue to use wood based biomass energy for cooking. Especially electricity is not regarded a suitable alternative for cooking given equipment and use costs. Biomass burning in cook stoves also emits black carbon (BC) as part of visible smoke, which is particulate matter that results from incomplete combustion. Climate science now views BC as the second or third largest warming agent after carbon dioxide, alongside methane. In the case of biomass cooking, the warming effects of BC and the cooling effects of organic carbon that is also emitted during the burning appear to be closely balanced. Given the present uncertainty about the net impact, additional research is currently underway. Black carbon has also an impact at the regional level: it accelerates melting of ice and snow, and contributes to regional pollution which can alter climatic conditions and precipitation patterns over a wide area. This paper advocates that any policy reform should entail a combination of clear rules, transparent enforcement, strong incentives and awareness-creation/capacity development. Key stakeholders and the general public need guidance by way of information campaigns, training, and demonstration projects to ensure that awareness-deficits or false perceptions do not curtail policy implementation. The bureaucratic and administrative barriers e.g. overcomplicated forest management planning requirements, complex fiscal systems and land tenure procedures may inhibit development and thus warrant critical reflection. The regulatory framework needs to integrate externalities in order to promote adequate pricing of charcoal, and thus enhance regional economies.

Published
2011