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| 1 |
ID:
096148
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2010.
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| Summary/Abstract |
The European Union has yet to determine how exactly to reach its greenhouse gas emissions targets for the future. One potential answer involves large-scale development of concentrated solar power (CSP) in the North African region, transmitting the power to Europe. CSP is a relatively young and little utilized technology and is expensive when compared to other methods of generation. Feasibility studies have shown it is possible to generate enough power from CSP plants in Africa to spearhead the EUs climate goals. However, the costs of such a project are less well known. Currently, CSP must compete with low cost coal-fired electricity plants, severely hindering development. We examine the possible investment costs required for North African CSP levelized electricity cost to equal those of coal-fired plants and the potential subsidy costs needed to encourage growth until the technologies reach price parity. We also examine the sensitivity of investment and subsidies to changes in key factors. We find that estimates of subsidy amounts are reasonable for the EU and that sensitivity to such factors as perceived risk and learning rates would enable policy-makers to positively influence the cost of subsidies and time required for CSP to be competitive with coal.
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| 2 |
ID:
169882
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Several studies have investigated large scale renewables, electricity networks and the potential for a supergrid, both in the US and the Europe. However, much of this work is focused on technical and economic barriers and under-recognises social, political and other non-technical aspects. This paper builds a conceptual framework to analyse the non-technical barriers, engagement of stakeholders and social risks to the proposed supergrids in the US and Europe. In doing so, we find 12 different non-technical situations (barriers) on each region that are present in the implementation of a supergrid, and can help guide the development of these economically efficient projects to address the social barriers and risks that they may face. From our results, we suggest a set of policy recommendations, parting with the introduction of an overarching body of governance for the coordination and implementation of the supergrid. This, we hope, provides a map and encouragement for policymakers, investors and stakeholders looking to develop and complete these megaprojects; recognising that some configuration of a supergrid is required to achieve a full penetration of renewables. Therefore, the results of this paper have a significant contribution in decarbonising energy production and supply systems, complying with national and international climate ambitions.
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| 3 |
ID:
122747
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2013.
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| Summary/Abstract |
This paper defines and compares two strategies for integrating intermittent renewables: SuperGrid and SmartGrid. While conventional energy policy suggests that these strategies may be implemented alongside each other, the paper identifies significant technological and socio-economic conflicts of interest between the two.
The article identifies differences between a domestic strategy for the integration of intermittent renewables, vis-à-vis the SmartGrid, and a cross-system strategy, vis-à-vis the SuperGrid. Policy makers and transmission system operators must understand the need for both strategies to evolve in parallel, but in different territories, or with strategic integration, avoiding for one strategy to undermine the feasibility of the other. A strategic zoning strategy is introduced from which attentive societies as well as the global community stand to benefit.
The analysis includes a paradigmatic case study from West Denmark which supports the hypothesis that these strategies are mutually exclusive. The case study shows that increasing cross-system transmission capacity jeopardizes the feasibility of SmartGrid technology investments.
A political effort is required for establishing dedicated SmartGrid innovation zones, while also redefining infrastructure to avoid the narrow focus on grids and cables. SmartGrid Investment Trusts could be supported from reallocation of planned transmission grid investments to provide for the equitable development of SmartGrid strategies.
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