Mark Howells

Sustainable development policies and measures: institutional issues and electrical efficiency in South Africa

An innovative approach is introduced for helping developing countries to make their development more sustainable, and also to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a co-benefit. Such an approach is proposed as part of the multilateral framework on climate change. The concept of sustainable development policies and measures (SD-PAMs) is outlined, making clear that it is distinct from many other approaches in starting from development rather than explicit climate targets. The potential of SD-PAMs is illustrated with a case-study of energy efficiency in South Africa, drawing on energy modelling for the use of electricity in industry. The results show multiple benefits both for local sustainable development and for mitigating global climate change. The benefits of industrial energy efficiency in South Africa include significant reductions in local air pollutants; improved environmental health; creation of additional jobs; reduced electricity demand; and delays in new investments in electricity generation. The co-benefit of reducing GHG emissions could result in a reduction of as much as 5% of SAs total projected energy CO2 emissions by 2020. Institutional support and policy guidance is needed at both the international and national level to realize the potential of SD-PAMs. This analysis demonstrates that if countries begin to act early to move towards greater sustainability, they will also start to bend the curve of their emissions path.

Long-Term Energy Systems Planning : Accounting for Short-Term Variability and Flexibility

Limiting global climate change to +2 °C may require an increase of renewable electricity generation from a 20% share today to close to 50% by 2035, according to the International Energy Agency. As ...

Energy futures : trends and options for the world and for South Africa, with emphasis on the generation of electricity : presentation and paper

Fossil fuels, driving heat engines, provided 62% of the worlds electricity in 1993. Coal was the dominant fuel, with 38% of total generation, but gas the quickest growing.

Technoeconomic assumptions adopted for the development of a long-term electricity supply model for Cyprus

The generation mix of Cyprus has been dominated by oil products for decades. In order to conform with European Union and international legislation, a transformation of the supply system is called for. Energy system models can facilitate energy planning into the future, but a large volume of data is required to populate such models. The present data article provides information on key modelling assumptions and input data adopted with the aim of representing the electricity supply system of Cyprus in a separate research article. Data in regards to renewable energy technoeconomic characteristics and investment cost projections, fossil fuel price projections, storage technology characteristics and system operation assumptions are described in this article.

Need for Reliability and Measuring Its Cost

Abstract At present, power supply in the EU is characterized by a relatively high reliability. It should, however, not be taken for granted given the increasing shares of variable RES. Choosing the socioeconomically optimal level of reliability to aim for requires a thorough understanding of the socioeconomic costs of electricity supply interruptions. This chapter provides guidance on how to measure the consequences of supply interruptions and thus determine the value of electricity supply security.

A multi-criteria analysis approach to evaluate GHG mitigation and development

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a hypothetical case study development to show how certain industrial electrical energy efficiency measures can meet national development goals and reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions. These measures are evaluated in three scenarios: a base case in which government development goals such as job creation are emphasized. This scenario accounts for aspects such as profitability and ease of use, although these are given a lower priority; a profit-driven case in which profitability and ease of implementation are favored above development goals such as job creation; an environmental interest case, in which aspects such as water conservation are the focus. Each scenario involves at least one objective. For each GHG mitigation measure, one calculates the values of their associated attributes and then goes onto evaluate their scores in terms of the objectives. The chapter further illustrates how uncertainty can be handled, and allows accurate characterization of current and future scenarios. In addition, government can assign weightings that are appropriate and consistent with national prerogatives.

Greenhouse gas reduction impacts of energy efficiency policies

Publisher Summary Energy efficiency in South Africa has received little attention in the past, largely because of the low cost of energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy recognizing the benefits of focus on energy efficiency, including improved industrial competitiveness and lower levels of indoor air pollution in low cost housing, has developed a draft energy strategy which includes policies and measures (PAMS) that are used to encourage energy efficiency. The PAMS suggests focus on implementing standards and promoting awareness. In this chapter an attempt is made to quantify the effects these PAMS have on the final energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions of the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. The greenhouse gas emissions of fuels burnt on site as well as those used to generate electricity are included in the analysis. The Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning system tool is used to model the measures and quantify their impact on energy demand between 2003 and 2013. The industrial (including mining), commercial, residential, and transformation sectors are modeled to quantify the impact on final energy demand and account for the greenhouse gases emitted during electricity generation. Three scenarios are modeled: A baseline, theoretical potential and likely savings scenario. These different scenarios are used to complete a comparative analysis of the effects the PAMS have on energy demand and greenhouse gas reduction.