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Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems and Electricity Generation: Market, Economics, and Technology

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "C: Energy Economics and Policy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 14085

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jennifer A. Hayward

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Guest Editor

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia
Interests: energy economics; techno-economic modelling; technological development; hydrogen energy systems; ocean renewable energy and remote area power systems

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world is undergoing a transition of our electricity systems, with increasingly higher penetrations of variable renewables. In addition, there are plans in several countries for exporting renewable energy via cables or by producing hydrogen by the electrolysis of water, converting it into an energy carrier and then shipping it overseas. Industry is exploring the use of renewable energy and hydrogen, which may lead to new products such as green steel.

In order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and to have a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 ºC, the world needs to continue the transition to renewable energy across all energy sectors and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

There are many and varied interlinked technical, market, and economic challenges involved in this transition. One example is the challenge of scaling up hydrogen production, which requires domestic and international markets for hydrogen. Technical challenges include the rapid scale-up of the hydrogen value chain, and economic challenges include the cost and efficiency of electrolysis compared to the incumbent technology for hydrogen production and steam methane reformation.

We are seeking submissions for this Special Issue that explore aspects of the renewable energy transition.

Dr. Jennifer A. Hayward
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

renewable energy
energy transition
renewable technologies
renewable grid integration
hydrogen

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 6844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Electricity Generation Dispatch in Mexico: An Uncertain Road towards Sustainability

by Karla Miranda, Ana Victoria Tarín-Santiso, Armando Llamas-Terrés and Oliver Probst

Energies 2022, 15(23), 8831; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238831 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1587

Abstract

A comprehensive assessment was conducted for the electricity dispatch in the Mexican National Interconnected System for the 2017–2021 period, as well as the projected period of 2022–2030, with special attention on emissions and the transition to clean energy. The reported official generation data for the 2017–2021 period were compared to the results of both one- and multi-node dispatch modeling. The officially reported generation mix was found to be sub-optimal in terms of costs and emissions. A small part of the differences can be traced back to transmission constraints. Some of the remaining discrepancies can be explained by out-of-merit order dispatch favoring fossil fuel power plants. While transmission constraints were not critical for the 2017–2021 period, an increasing unbalance between regions with cost-effective generation (exporting regions) and importing regions was found, calling for inter-region transmission corridor reinforcements in the near future. The 2022–2030 emissions dramatically depend on the contemplated scenario. The existing project pipeline would allow for a 45% fraction of clean electricity by 2024, but the projection of current policies, with a renewed focus on generation from fossil fuels, makes a reduced generation from clean sources more likely. A clear policy path is required to bring Mexico’s emissions in line with its national and international clean energy and climate change mitigation goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems and Electricity Generation: Market, Economics, and Technology)

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11 pages, 2587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Teaching Energy Economics in the GCC: A Synergistic Approach between Engineering and Economics

by Yishu Zhou, Joseph D. Smith and Greg Gelles

Energies 2022, 15(19), 6953; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15196953 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1131

Abstract

Issues related to safe and abundant energy production have been prominent in recent years. This is particularly true when society considers how to increase the quality of life by providing low-cost energy to citizens. A significant concern of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relates to the environmental effects of energy production and energy use associated with climate change. Efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and increase the use of renewable energy, together with the price volatility of fossil fuels, have seriously impacted the economics of many oil-producing countries, particularly the Gulf States, which has led to efforts to make their economies more diverse and less dependent on oil production. In this article, we introduce a multidisciplinary energy economics course developed at the Missouri University of Science and Technology that can be easily adopted by GCC universities to enhance future generations’ understanding of energy challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems and Electricity Generation: Market, Economics, and Technology)

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13 pages, 3229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advances in Energy Hybridization for Resilient Supply: A Sustainable Approach to the Growing World Demand

by Haider Al-Rubaye, Joseph D. Smith, Mohammed H. S. Zangana, Prashant Nagapurkar, Yishu Zhou and Greg Gelles

Energies 2022, 15(16), 5903; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15165903 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1360

Abstract

Energy poverty, defined as a lack of access to reliable electricity and reliance on traditional biomass resources for cooking, affects over a billion people daily. The World Health Organization estimates that household air pollution from inefficient stoves causes more premature deaths than malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Increasing demand for energy has led to dramatic increases in emissions. The need for reliable electricity and limiting emissions drives research on Resilient Hybrid Energy Systems (RHESs), which provide cleaner energy through combining wind, solar, and biomass energy with traditional fossil energy, increasing production efficiency and reliability and reducing generating costs and emissions. Microgrids have been shown as an efficient means of implementing RHESs, with some focused mainly on reducing the environmental impact of electric power generation. The technical challenges of designing, implementing, and applying microgrids involve conducting a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to evaluate these systems’ environmental and economic performance under diverse operating conditions to evaluate resiliency. A sample RHES was developed and used to demonstrate the implementation in rural applications, where the system can provide reliable electricity for heating, cooling, lighting, and pumping clean water. The model and findings can be utilized by other regions around the globe facing similar challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems and Electricity Generation: Market, Economics, and Technology)

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18 pages, 4316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Soiling and Frequency of Optimal Cleaning of PV Panels in Palestine

by Ramez Abdallah, Adel Juaidi, Salameh Abdel-Fattah, Mahmoud Qadi, Montaser Shadid, Aiman Albatayneh, Hüseyin Çamur, Amos García-Cruz and Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro

Energies 2022, 15(12), 4232; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15124232 - 08 Jun 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2514

Abstract

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels is dependent on certain factors, such as dust effects. Even though Palestine’s energy issues are well-known, no research has been undertaken on the soiling effect on solar energy generation in Palestine’s climatic circumstances. The study’s findings can aid Palestine’s efforts to achieve long-term energy sustainability and solar energy use. Outdoor research was conducted in Tulkarm, Palestine, to explore the impact of dust on PV systems. The current study examined the impact of dust accumulation based on the Mediterranean climate. To accomplish this, a one-year experiment was conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2021. An 85-kW PV power plant at Tulkarm was utilized in the study. Knowing the efficiency reduction over time will aid in minimizing cleaning expenses by selecting the most appropriate cleaning interval. The results concluded that in January, February, November, and December, there will be a two-month cleaning period, monthly cleaning in March and October, as well as two weeks of cleaning in April and May. It may also be concluded that the plant should be cleaned weekly throughout the months of June, July, August, and September. This recommendation is necessary to maintain the PV panel plant operating at peak efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems and Electricity Generation: Market, Economics, and Technology)

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Review

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25 pages, 8966 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of the Modern Maximum Power Tracking Algorithms for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator of Wind Power Conversion Systems

by Xuan Chau Le, Minh Quan Duong and Kim Hung Le

Energies 2023, 16(1), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010402 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2011

Abstract

Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) are considered green generators, environmentally friendly, and fully suitable energy sources to replace fossil energy sources. WECS’s output power is hugely dependent on the random nature of the wind. There are many solutions to improve the output power for WECSs, such as adjusting the profile of turbine blades, locating installation places, improving generators, etc. Nevertheless, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for WECSs are optimal and the most effective because they are flexible in controlling different variable wind speeds and match all types of WECS. The parameters on the generator side control or the grid side control will be adjusted when MPPT algorithms are used, allowing the output power of WECSs to be maximized while maintaining stability in variable-speed wind. There are various MPPT algorithms, but the current problem is their efficiency and whether it requires deep knowledge to select the best MPPT solutions because each method has different advantages and disadvantages. This study has implemented an overview of modern maximum power tracking algorithms applied to permanent magnet synchronous generators in WECS with MPP methods based on speed convergence, efficiency, self-training, complexity, and measurement of wind parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems and Electricity Generation: Market, Economics, and Technology)

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28 pages, 2796 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Solar Concentration Systems and Its Potential Application in Angola

by Erany D. G. Constantino, Senhorinha F. C. F. Teixeira, José C. F. Teixeira and Flavia V. Barbosa

Energies 2022, 15(19), 7124; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197124 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

Energy demands have been increasing worldwide, endangering the future supply–demand energy balance. To provide a sustainable solution for future generations and to comply with the international goal to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050, renewable energies have been at the top of the international discussions, actively contributing to the energy transition and climatic policies. To achieve the international goal, Angola proposed a long-term strategy that promotes a fair and sustainable development of the national territory by means of improving the electric sector. Among all the renewable resources, solar energy is found to be the most promising solution since it has the second major renewable energy potential in Angola. However, the main problem related to solar energy is the efficiency of the solar systems and the electrical and thermal energy storage. As part of the solution, Concentration Solar Power (CSP) can make a sounder contribution to the transformation of the Angolan energy sector since it enables a significant increase in energy intensity through the concentration of solar energy. Moreover, the large applicability of this technology can contribute to the development of the rural regions which still struggle for energy equity. By considering the potential of CSP, this work presents the status of the Angolan energy sector, and focus is provided on the solar potential of the country. The advantages of the CSP technologies with emphasis on the parabolic dish systems are presented, and the contribution and innovative solutions for the enhancement of thermal efficiency are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems and Electricity Generation: Market, Economics, and Technology)

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21 pages, 2602 KiB

Open AccessReview

Power Transmission Lines: Worldwide Research Trends

by Francisca Alcayde-García, Esther Salmerón-Manzano, Miguel A. Montero, Alfredo Alcayde and Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro

Energies 2022, 15(16), 5777; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15165777 - 09 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2927

Abstract

The importance of the quality and continuity of electricity supply is increasingly evident given the dependence of the world economy on its daily and instantaneous operation. In turn, the network is made up of power transmission lines. This study has been carried out based on the Scopus database, where all the publications, over 5000 documents, related to the topic of the power transmission lines have been analyzed up to the year 2022. This manuscript aims to highlight the main global research trends in power transmission lines and to detect which are the emerging areas. This manuscript cover three main aspects: First, the main scientific categories of these publications and their temporal trends. Second, the countries and affiliations that contribute to the research and their main research topics. Third, identification of the main trends in the field using the detection of scientific communities by means of the clustering method. The three main scientific categories found were Engineering, Energy and Computer Science. This research is most strongly developed in China, as the top 10 institutions are from this country, followed by USA and in third place by Russia. Twelve lines of research have been detected: Line Inspection, Leakage Current, Magnetic Fields, Fault Location, Icing, Lines Design, Natural Disasters, Temperature, Half-wave, Arc Flash, Pattern Recognition, and Artificial Intelligence. This research will open new perspectives for future research on power transmission lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Renewable Energy Systems and Electricity Generation: Market, Economics, and Technology)

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