This text book presents a comprehensive picture for the economic aspects, feasibility and adaptability as well as modelling of alternative energy sources and their interconnections. The economic analysis for each mode of energy source is preceded by the introduction of the sources basic structural components and operational as well as fuel characteristics.

A component in the America's Energy Future study, Electricity from Renewable Resources examines the technical potential for electric power generation with alternative sources such as wind, solar-photovoltaic, geothermal, solar-thermal, hydroelectric, and other renewable sources. The book focuses on those renewable sources that show the most promise for initial commercial deployment within 10 years and will lead to a substantial impact on the U.S. energy system. A quantitative characterization of technologies, this book lays out expectations of costs, performance, and impacts, as well as barriers and research and development needs. In addition to a principal focus on renewable energy technologies for power generation, the book addresses the challenges of incorporating such technologies into the power grid, as well as potential improvements in the national electricity grid that could enable better and more extensive utilization of wind, solar-thermal, solar photovoltaics, and other renewable technologies.

Publisher Description

This text book presents a comprehensive picture for the economic aspects, feasibility and adaptability as well as modelling of alternative energy sources and their interconnections. The economic analysis for each mode of energy source is preceded by the introduction of the sources basic structural components and operational as well as fuel characteristics.

This major reference work brings together for the first time key articles on the economics of renewable energy. From a modest role as a backstop technology in the 1970s to a central role in low carbon transitions today, this collection reveals the emergence and growing importance of this sub-field of economics. Topics covered in this timely volume include the costs of renewable power (taking account of issues related to technological development, intermittency and interconnection), policies that promote renewable energy development, its public and private demand, and its impact on the environment and the economy. This indispensable collection is complemented by a comprehensive introduction that will serve as an essential source of reference for students and researchers.

This volume presents refereed papers based on the oral and poster presentations at the 4th International Conference on Renewable Energy Sources, which was held from June 20 to 23, 2017 in Krynica, Poland. The scope of the conference included a wide range of topics in renewable energy technology, with a major focus on biomass and solar energy, but also extending to geothermal energy, heat pumps, fuel cells, wind energy, energy storage, and the modeling and optimization of renewable energy systems. The conference had the unique goal of gathering Polish and international researchers’ perspectives on renewable energy sources, and furthermore of balancing them against governmental policy considerations. Accordingly, the conference offered not only scientific sessions but also panels to discuss best practices and solutions with local entrepreneurs and federal government bodies. The Conference was jointly organized by the University of Agriculture in Krakow, the International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR), the Polish Society of Agricultural Engineering, AGH University of Science and Technology (Krakow), the Polish Society for Agrophysics under the patronage of the Rector of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, and the Polish Chamber of Ecology.

Solar energy is a substantial global industry, one that has generated trade disputes among superpowers, threatened the solvency of large energy companies, and prompted serious reconsideration of electric utility regulation rooted in the 1930s. One of the biggest payoffs from solar’s success is not the clean inexpensive electricity it can produce, but the lessons it provides for innovation in other technologies needed to address climate change. Despite the large literature on solar, including analyses of increasingly detailed datasets, the question as to how solar became inexpensive and why it took so long still remains unanswered. Drawing on developments in the US, Japan, Germany, Australia, and China, this book provides a truly comprehensive and international explanation for how solar has become inexpensive. Understanding the reasons for solar’s success enables us to take full advantage of solar’s potential. It can also teach us how to support other low-carbon technologies with analogous properties, including small modular nuclear reactors and direct air capture. However, the urgency of addressing climate change means that a key challenge in applying the solar model is in finding ways to speed up innovation. Offering suggestions and policy recommendations for accelerated innovation is another key contribution of this book. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of energy technology and innovation, climate change and energy analysis and policy, as well as practitioners and policymakers working in the existing and emerging energy industries.

Growing energy demand and environmental consciousness have re-evoked human interest in wind energy. As a result, wind is the fastest growing energy source in the world today. Policy frame works and action plans have already been for- lated at various corners for meeting at least 20 per cent of the global energy - mand with new-renewables by 2010, among which wind is going to be the major player. In view of the rapid growth of wind industry, Universities, all around the world, have given due emphasis to wind energy technology in their undergraduate and graduate curriculum. These academic programmes attract students from diver- fied backgrounds, ranging from social science to engineering and technology. Fundamentals of wind energy conversion, which is discussed in the preliminary chapters of this book, have these students as the target group. Advanced resource analysis tools derived and applied are beneficial to academics and researchers working in this area. The Wind Energy Resource Analysis (WERA) software, provided with the book, is an effective tool for wind energy practitioners for - sessing the energy potential and simulating turbine performance at prospective sites.

The new green industrial revolution is driven by a variety of global environmental concerns. In some regions, it is spurred by the scarcity of cheap affordable renewable energy that will also lead to a reduced reliance on fossil fuel in the production of power. In others, it is driven by a need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power generation. This book provides a comprehensive review of the most popular green "disruptive technologies in energy production as well as their economic impact. In addition, the book includes a multitude of international case studies where these technologies are currently deployed and their economic impact on the region. - Clearly explains the scientific, engineering, technological, and economics driving the Green Revolution in power generation - A guide to technologies such as renewable energy, smart green grids, and emission control technologies - Packed with international case studies that provides real-world examples of how these technologies are currently being deployed around the world - Explains the economic impact which these new technologies will play in building global sustainability