Jennifer A. Hayward

Realizing the Potential of Renewable and Distributed Generation

Publisher Summary This chapter provides the results of a modeling analysis that considers the value that smart grids may provide by enabling the increased use of intermittent renewable and distributed generation. Modeling clearly shows that savings from allowing an increased proportion of intermittent renewable and distributed generation can be very significant when considering how the world may meet the dual challenge of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases while accommodating the ongoing growth in demand. These savings are only realized by considering the long-term change to energy supply because of the lifetimes of the assets involved. This has important implications for smart grid use, planning, and development, which will be needed to ensure these renewable technologies reach their full potential. The more traditionally noted benefits such as increased reliability, security, and consumer awareness, the development of a smart grid appears to be a very favorable mechanism to help the world reduce its green- house gas emissions while maintaining current levels of supply enjoyed in many of the worlds developed countries.

Towards Zero Carbon Scenarios for the Australian Economy

Australia’s high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita reflects its relatively high proportion of fossil fuels in energy consumed, high usage of less efficient private transport and high production of non-ferrous metals per capita. The dominance of coal-fired electricity generation masks Australia’s rich diversity of renewable energy resources. This analysis examines multiple pathways towards achieving deep GHG emissions reduction by 2050 towards a zero emission energy sector. The electricity and transport sectors can achieve the greatest GHG emissions reductions of 70–80% by 2050. The direct combustion sector has a harder abatement task owing to fewer directly substitutable low emission energy sources. Strong global climate ambition, supporting high carbon prices, and the successful management of high shares of variable renewable electricity (VRE) generation are important in achieving deep emission reductions. Further research and development is required to unlock the potential of additional sources of low emission energy such as hydrogen and solar thermal heat to ensure emissions can be completely eliminated without the need to purchase potentially higher cost emission credits from other domestic sectors or the international market.

A solar fuels roadmap for Australia - study outcomes

This paper summarises the key findings and recommendations of a 3.5 year study into the research, development and demonstration priorities to establish a solar fuels industry in Australia. While Australia has one of the best solar resources in the world, it also has an abundance of conventional fuels such as coal and natural gas. The country is heavily dependent on fossil fuels for its primary energy supply and international trade, and is seeking pathways to reduce emissions intensity. While renewable electricity will be able to displace fossil fuels in the electricity sector, this only addresses about 16% of energy consumption by end use.Concentrating solar fuels (CSF) are produced either in full or in part from concentrated solar energy, and can provide either complete or partial reduction of the CO2 emissions associated with energy consumption. Our study reviewed the various potential solar thermal technology pathways and feedstocks available to produce a range of CSF products such as hydrogen, ammonia...