Patrícia Pereira da Silva

A biorefinery from Nannochloropsis sp. microalga – Energy and CO2 emission and economic analyses

Are microalgae a potential energy source for biofuel production? This paper presents the laboratory results from a Nannochloropsis sp. microalga biorefinery for the production of oil, high-value pigments, and biohydrogen (bioH2). The energy consumption and CO2 emissions involved in the whole process (microalgae cultivation, harvest, dewater, mill, extraction and leftover biomass fermentation) were evaluated. An economic evaluation was also performed. Oil was obtained by soxhlet (SE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The bioH2 was produced by fermentation of the leftover biomass. The oil production pathway by SE shows the lowest value of energy consumption, 177-245 MJ/MJ(prod), and CO2 emissions, 13-15 kgCO(2)/MJ(prod). Despite consuming and emitting c.a. 20% more than the SE pathway, the oil obtained by SFE, proved to be more economically viable, with a cost of 365€/kg(oil) produced and simultaneously extracting high-value pigments. The bioH2 as co-product may be advantageous in terms of product yield or profit.

Energy efficiency of higher education buildings: a case study

Purpose – This paper aims to propose an energy efficiency plan (with technical and behavioural improvement measures) for a Portuguese higher education building – the Teaching Building of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra (FEUC). Design/methodology/approach – The study was developed in the context of both the “Green Campus – Challenge for Energy Efficiency in Higher Education” and the Energy for Sustainability Initiative of the University of Coimbra, Portugal. An energy audit was conducted based on the analysis of the energy consumption profiles. A monitoring campaign was carried out to measure and disaggregate the electricity consumption. The consumption of natural gas and water were also assessed. The building envelope and the heating and lighting systems were also evaluated. Some patterns of energy-environmental behaviours of the academic community were investigated through a Web-based survey. Findings – The energy efficiency plan contemplates short-term tangible/intangible actions. ...

Technoeconomic Assessment on Innovative Biofuel Technologies: The Case of Microalgae

Innovative technologies and sources of energy must be developed to replace fossil fuels and contribute to the reductions of emissions of greenhouse gases associated with their use. In this perspective, algal biofuels are generating substantial awareness in many countries. As of today, it has been shown that it is scientifically and technically possible to derive the desired energy products from algae in the laboratory. The question lies, however, in whether it is a technology that merits the support and development to overcome existing scalability challenges and make it economically feasible. In this context, the overall purpose of this study is to provide an integrated assessment of the potential of microalgae as a source to produce biofuels, while confronting it with competing emerging biofuel technologies. It is intended to provide a comprehensive state of technology summary for producing fuels from algal feedstocks and to draw some insights upon the feasibility and technoeconomic challenges associated with scaling up of processes.

A new perspective to account for renewables impacts in Portugal

Departing from the main query of how to re-design the existing RES-E incentive model in view of a tighter integration with the Iberian Electricity Market, a restructured proposal of the current feed-in tariff remuneration model is presented. The paper begins with the existing energy policy context in Portugal, in section II. A summary of the most recent changes in the Portuguese electricity systems are presented in section III. Section IV identifies how RES-E (special regime) production costs impact on the electricity final price. Section V describes the remuneration model employed by the Portuguese Energy Regulator (ERSE) and proposes an innovative methodological approach. Section VI compares both methodologies results from experimentation with 2008 and 2009 data, and section VII concludes. Results show that electricity consumers would have avoided paying approx. 3.2 and 7.9 €/MWh, each of the years, to subsidize RES-E in case the new methodology was pursued and investors profitability maintained.

Determinants of change in electricity distribution system operators - a review and survey

The role of electricity distribution system operators (DSOs) in the European Union (EU) is changing. This paper aims at identifying the determinant factors for change at the DSO level. This is achieved through a two-staged research approach. Firstly, an exploratory analysis of the existing literature is conducted to identify candidate determinants. Secondly, the candidate determinants are evaluated, in terms of their adequacy and impact on DSOs, through a stakeholder consultation aggregating the perspectives of 30 experts. Through this study 22 determinant factors, within the institutional, technological and organisational dimensions were identified and validated as causes of organisational change for DSOs. Policy makers can build on these findings for the development of policies that take the organisational dynamics into account which can result in a more robust understanding of the necessary policy framework to facilitate the ongoing transition at the DSO level.

Governance of the emerging biofuel markets in European Union: the Portuguese context

European Union supports alternative fuels, in particular, biofuels to comply with the triple objective of reducing greenhouse gases emissions, diversifying fuel supply and developing long-term replacements for fossil fuels. The European Community set the goal to substitute 20% of the fossil fuels for road transport with alternative fuels by 2020 but the present market penetration of the biofuels is still very low. To support the market transition from conventional to alternative fuels, policies have been taken in the past and are defined at present, but many uncertainties remaining. It is crucial to provide an assessment of the effectiveness of policy measures and to investigate the appropriate policy recommendations to support market transition to alternative fuels. This paper surveys and discusses European Union energy markets and the instruments to promote biofuels, including policies, legislation and provision for possible tax exemptions or reductions for renewable energy sources. The circumstances of biofuels in Portugal are also analysed.

Policy-adaptation for a smarter and more sustainable EU electricity distribution industry: a foresight analysis

The European Union (EU) transition to a smarter and more sustainable electricity sector is driven by climate change adaptation and technological developments. For the electricity distribution industry, this has contributed to a growing need to understand how these network monopolies should adapt their role, activities, and responsibilities for a redesigned electricity market, given the growth of distributed generation, and the increased control and monitoring capabilities. Considering this, a foresight study on business model innovation, technological adaptation, and market design policy alternatives is presented. A Policy Delphi method was applied, involving two iterative survey rounds and 207 European experts, which assessed 57 policy alternatives. The results highlight adaptation challenges for implementing new technologies and business practices. Experts support innovation and transition to new roles, and innovative services, while warranting that core electricity distribution activities are secured. This shift in roles is expected to be achieved through research and development (R&D) support policies, innovation friendly regulatory frameworks, and concerted actions at the EU and Member States level. The results provide policy-adaptation guidelines for electricity distribution industry stakeholders.

Integration of Central West Europe spot electricity markets: An update

This paper aims to assess the level of integration of the Central-West Europe (CWE: Germany - EEX, France - Powernext, the Netherlands - APX, Belgium - BPX and Luxembourg) regional electricity spot markets created under the initiative launched by the European Regulators Group for Electricity and Gas and essential to comply with the targets set in the Florence Regulatory Forum. As always, the integration of the European Central-West regional electricity spot markets relies on the physical interconnection between the transmission systems. Development of interconnection capacities within the region has been pursued as reported by the different Transmission System Operators, recognising that interconnection capacity is considered to be a critical factor to ensure market integration. Electricity spot market integration in the CWE region was appraised by assessing day-ahead spot electricity prices (from 1st of January 2007 to the 31st December 2012) in each spot market. Taking into consideration the adoption of the market coupling mechanism between EEX and the trilateral Pow ern ext, APX and BPX on the 9th of November 2010, a structural break in the data was evaluated through Granger-cause and impulse response analysis undertaken based on econometric models. To the best of our knowledge this approach is the first to perform a detailed analysis grounded on several econometric models to trace the effects of the introduction of the market coupling mechanism.

The role of microalgae in the deployment of biofuels: contrasting algae and solar technologies

With this study, it is aimed to provide an integrated review of the likelihood of microalgae deployment in the framework of biofuels production, while confronting it with emerging technologies, namely solar power. In this framework, a comparison study between the evolution of solar energy and algae biofuels will be made to draw lessons for what could be a possible success path of microalgae biofuel technology. This paper presents a discussion of the ongoing development of policies to optimise production and to encourage emerging energy technologies. To provide insightful arguments, this paper builds upon the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and the European Directives, 2010 scenarios made available by the International Energy Agency regarding energy technologies perspectives, among scientific state-of-the art literature.

Assessment of electricity distribution business model and market design alternatives: Evidence for policy design:

The transition toward smart electricity distribution grids is transforming the European electricity sector. This has contributed to increased attention by policy makers regarding the future role of electricity distribution system operators in a more flexible, digital, and renewables-based electricity system. A better understanding on how to support the adaptation of the electricity distribution industry can contribute to the introduction of an effective policy framework. Our research provides evidence for policy design by presenting the results of a Policy Delphi study focused on business model and market design adaptation alternatives. We highlight the importance of supporting innovation and a more proactive approach to adaptation from both distribution system operators and regulators. Our findings support the importance of electricity distribution for neutral market facilitation, contributing to market development and enabling new market players. The results obtained support policy makers working on electricity sector adaptation and can contribute to the ongoing market redesign efforts under the Energy Union.