The main aim of this book is to provide a state of the art of the Levelized Cost of Energy calculation for energy communities from both a theoretical, defining a systematic analysis approach, and a practical point of view, providing results for three representative real case studies. The book is structured in four clear chapters which cover everything from the fundamentals of power system configuration and the LCOE concept, to the definition of the aggregated system LCOE and its impact on electricity markets and energy policies. It presents case studies, within multiple examples for energy generation and storage, making it a brief but well-rounded review. The book will be useful for researchers and academics in energy economics, power systems and energy policies, for energy policy makers and students.

For 200 years industrial civilization has relied on the combustion of abundant and cheap carbon fuels. But continued reliance has had perilous consequences. On the one hand there is the insecurity of relying on the world's most unstable region - the Middle East - compounded by the imminence of peak oil, growing scarcity and mounting prices. On the other, the potentially cataclysmic consequences of continuing to burn fossil fuels, as the evidence of accelerating climate change shows. Yet there is a solution: to make the transition to renewable sources of energy and distributed, decentralized energy generation. It is a model that has been proven, technologically, commercially and politically, as Scheer comprehensively demonstrates here. The alternative of a return to nuclear power - again being widely advocated - he shows to be compromised and illusory. The advantages of renewable energy are so clear and so overwhelming that resistance to them needs diagnosis - which Scheer also provides, showing why and how entrenched interests and one-dimensional structures of thinking oppose the transition, and what must be done to overcome these obstacles.The new book from the award-winning author of THE SOLAR ECONOMY and A SOLAR MANIFESTO demonstrates why the transition to renewable energy is essential and how it can be done.

Gravity Energy Storage provides a comprehensive analysis of a novel energy storage system that is based on the working principle of well-established, pumped hydro energy storage, but that also recognizes the differences and benefits of the new gravity system. This book provides coverage of the development, feasibility, design, performance, operation, and economics associated with the implementation of such storage technology. In addition, a number of modeling approaches are proposed as a solution to various difficulties, such as proper sizing, application, value and optimal design of the system. The book includes both technical and economic aspects to guide the realization of this storage system in the right direction. Finally, political considerations and barriers are addressed to complement this work. - Discusses the feasibility of gravity energy storage technology - Analyzes the storage system by modelling various system components - Uniquely discusses the characteristics of this technology, giving consideration to its use as an attractive solution to the integration of large-scale, intermittent renewable energy

Wind power is fast becoming one of the leading renewable energy sources worldwide, not only from large scale wind farms but also from the increasing penetration of stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems. These systems are primarily of benefit in small-scale applications, especially where there is no connection to a central electricity network, and where there are limited conventional fuel resources but available renewable energy resources. By applying appropriate planning, systems selection and sizing, including the integration of energy storage devices to mitigate variable energy generation patterns, theses systems can supply secure reliable and economic power to remote locations and distributed micro-grids.Stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems is a synthesis of the most recent knowledge and experience on wind-based hybrid renewable energy systems, comprehensively covering the scientific, technical and socio-economic issues involved in the application of these systems.Part one presents an overview of the fundamental science and engineering of stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems and energy storage technology, including design and performance optimisation methods and feasibility assessment for these systems. Part two initially reviews the design, development, operation and optimisation of stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems – including wind-diesel, wind -photovoltaic (PV), wind-hydrogen, and wind-hydropower energy systems – before moving on to examine applicable energy storage technology, including electro-chemical, flywheel (kinetic) and compressed air energy storage technologies. Finally, Part three assesses the integration of stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems and energy technology into remote micro-grids and buildings, and their application for desalination systems.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems is a standard reference for all renewable energy professionals, consultants, researchers and academics from post-graduate level up. - Provides an overview of the fundamental science and engineering of stand-alone hybrid and wind energy systems, including design and performance optimisation methods - Reviews the development and operation of stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems - Assesses the integration of stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems and energy storage technology into remote micro-grids and buildings, and their application for desalination systems

This Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report (IPCC-SRREN) assesses the potential role of renewable energy in the mitigation of climate change. It covers the six most important renewable energy sources - bioenergy, solar, geothermal, hydropower, ocean and wind energy - as well as their integration into present and future energy systems. It considers the environmental and social consequences associated with the deployment of these technologies, and presents strategies to overcome technical as well as non-technical obstacles to their application and diffusion. SRREN brings a broad spectrum of technology-specific experts together with scientists studying energy systems as a whole. Prepared following strict IPCC procedures, it presents an impartial assessment of the current state of knowledge: it is policy relevant but not policy prescriptive. SRREN is an invaluable assessment of the potential role of renewable energy for the mitigation of climate change for policymakers, the private sector, and academic researchers.

PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS, Third Edition, surveys the range of sustainable energy sources and the tools that engineers, scientists, managers, and policy makers use to analyze energy generation, usage, and future trends. The text provides complete and up-to-date coverage of all renewable technologies, including solar and wind power, biofuels, hydroelectric, nuclear, ocean power, and geothermal energy. The economics of energy are introduced, with the SAM software package integrated so students can explore the dynamics of energy usage and prediction. Climate and environmental factors in energy use are integrated to give a complete picture of sustainable energy analysis and planning.

The book provides a comprehensive review of renewable energy from an economic perspective throughout the last two hundred years, starting from traditional renewable energy based on bio and hydro energy. The focus is on modern renewable energy based on geothermal, wind, and solar energy. It emerged when innovative entrepreneurs captured opportunities for valuable energy services. As the services with renewable energy expanded, the costs of technologies decreased entailing global commercialisation. This enables larger access to energy and emission reduction of carbon dioxide, but also causes larger differences in the energy resources across countries which impedes international policies. That optimistic viewpoint on the shift to the global low-carbon economy is largely based on statistical data about purchasing power, energy consumption and businesses, and valuable energy services in many countries on all continents. The data are presented in 70 tables, graphs, and figures, most of them original. Interpretation of the data are useful in support of decisions making about sustainable development in civil society, businesses, and policy makers as well as for the verifications of scholarly hypotheses and projections in energy and climate policies.