This edited book presents a comprehensive analysis of the multidimensional aspects associated with decision making in renewable energy investment projects. It delves into the interplay between interdisciplinary studies, sustainability considerations, and circular economy principles within the renewable energy sector. By examining the impact of these interconnected domains, the book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities inherent in decision making for renewable energy investments. The book is tailored to a diverse audience, including researchers, scholars, and professionals in the fields of renewable energy, sustainability, circular economy, and business management. It is equally suitable for graduate and undergraduate students studying environmental studies, renewable energy, sustainability, and related disciplines. Professionals working in the renewable energy industry, including project developers, investors, and policymakers, will find valuable insights to inform their decision-making processes. Additionally, engineers, economists, social scientists, and environmental consultants interested in interdisciplinary studies and their intersection with renewable energy will benefit from the book's comprehensive analysis.

Masterarbeit aus dem Jahr 2009 im Fachbereich BWL - Sonstiges, Note: 1,7, FOM Essen, Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management gemeinnützige GmbH, Hochschulleitung Essen früher Fachhochschule, Veranstaltung: MBA, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Renewable energies became a crucial factor within the energy industry. They developed from a fringe area to a competitive and sustainable alternative for nuclear power as well as for other energy types. The increasing importance of the use of renewables is also the result of an effective support policy for example by the German government. The focus of this master thesis lays on the electricity usage of renewable energies because nowadays electricity becomes a vital drug without alternative; otherwise the 24:7 rhythms of the today ́s information society would not be possible and this yields to needs which have to be fulfilled by the utility companies. This thesis analyses how decisions could be made by handling these situations. Special emphasis is given to the interaction on the markets of the renewable sector and the resulting impacts on different players. The task creates new challenges to the analysis of decision making. In order to deal with this, a questionnaire is developed which is made for the concept of the prisoners’ dilemma which is an example out of the game theory. Game theory as special approach of the overall decision making theory helps to understand how market players interact in different alternatives. The main challenge involved is the level of detailed information to predict in a certain kind the moves of the market ́s player. The outcome of the developed questionnaire is used to fill the payoffs within the game matrix without no real equilibrium, which is necessary for a certain validation of the decision, can be found. The analysis part puts all information together and develops such a tool for an easier and more structured way to make a decision based on the game theory and the decision making process. The quintessence is that the game theory allows analyzing the interaction in the renewables energy market to find out if a strategic approach, a joint venture or the do nothing alternative is the best way to play the game within the renewables market. Two practical examples finally verify the results.

With immense consumption of resources, increased global warming, and environmental pollution, the energy sector has inevitably embraced sustainability. Countries are releasing plans and programs to shift their fossil fuel-dependent energy sectors into clean energy sectors, and projections show that renewable energy will be a significant part of nations’ energy mixes in the near future. Optimization and decision-making techniques have been commonly used in the energy sector as problems encountered in this sector are complex and therefore need comprehensive techniques to solve them. With the uncertainty and high-cost issues of renewable resources, the complexity increases in the sector and requires optimization and decision-making techniques. Optimization and Decision-Making in the Renewable Energy Industry analyzes renewable energy sources using current mathematical methods and techniques and provides advanced knowledge on key opportunities and challenges. The book discusses current and trending mathematical methods, tests their validity and verification, and considers their practical application in the field. Covering topics such as urban sustainability and renewable energy systems, this reference work is ideal for practitioners, academicians, industry professionals, researchers, scholars, instructors, and students.

This book provides a critical approach to research on the social acceptance of renewable energy infrastructures and on energy transitions in general by questioning prevalent principles and proposing specific research pathways and lines of inquiry that look beyond depoliticised, business-as-usual discourses and research agendas on green growth and sustainability. It brings together authors from different socio-geographical and disciplinary backgrounds within the social sciences to reflect upon, discuss and advance what we propose to be five cornerstones of a critical approach: overcoming individualism and socio-cognitivism; repoliticisations – recognising and articulating power relations; for interdisciplinarity; interventions – praxis and political engagement with research; and overcoming localism and spatial determinism: As such, this book offers academics, students and practitioners alike a comprehensive perspective of what it means to be critical when inquiring into the social acceptance of renewable energy and associated infrastructures.

Although transition to renewable energy seems to score high on the Dutch policy agenda, the Netherlands ranks lowest on the European ranking list that measures the percentage of renewable energy use. Due to uncertain conditions, for many renewable energy projects it is hard to create a strong business case. Especially solar energy projects face difficulties in getting profitable. Last yearʼs several solar energy projects (mainly cooperatives) were established in the Netherlands. This paper provides an insight in the organization and financial decision making of this solar energy projects. The outcomes of this research draws upon literature study and interviews done with several stakeholders among which the initiative takers of six solar energy projects and ambassador of the ASN-bank (sustainable investment bank). Besides the insights that this study generates, it will result in propositions that can be used as a starting point for future research in this field.