Italian Views on Sustainable Energy: Trends in the Representations of Energy, Energy System, and User, 2009–2011

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Sarrica ◽  
Sonia Brondi ◽  
Paolo Cottone
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Political Debates ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Content Analyses ◽  
Continuing Motivation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Bear Witness

This article examines the contents of the representations of sustainable energy in Italy from 2009 to 2011. In particular it explores the representations of energy, energy systems, and users. The article's starting point was the assumption that critical points may change the relationship between communities and the represented issues, and that new representations may be dialogically elaborated following relevant societal events. Political debates and newspaper articles dealing with sustainable energy were subjected to content analyses. Results show that the representations bear witness to the prevalence of economic and strategic approaches and a view of citizens whereby, even when involved in decentralized systems, they are required to stay passive. Alternative contents seem not to challenge the hegemonic view of energy. A clear trend toward sustainability is lacking, suggesting the absence of a continuing motivation to look at energy taking into account the civic growth of the population.

scholarly journals Towards Sustainable Heat Supply with Decentralized Multi-Energy Systems by Integration of Subsurface Seasonal Heat Storage

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (23) ◽  
pp. 7958
Author(s):  
Els van der Roest ◽  
Stijn Beernink ◽  
Niels Hartog ◽  
Jan Peter van der Hoek ◽  
Martin Bloemendal
Keyword(s):  
Heat Pump ◽  
Heat Storage ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Threshold Temperature ◽  
Energy System Model ◽  
Heat Demand ◽  
Seasonal Heat

In the energy transition, multi-energy systems are crucial to reduce the temporal, spatial and functional mismatch between sustainable energy supply and demand. Technologies as power-to-heat (PtH) allow flexible and effective utilisation of available surplus green electricity when integrated with seasonal heat storage options. However, insights and methods for integration of PtH and seasonal heat storage in multi-energy systems are lacking. Therefore, in this study, we developed methods for improved integration and control of a high temperature aquifer thermal energy storage (HT-ATES) system within a decentralized multi-energy system. To this end, we expanded and integrated a multi-energy system model with a numerical hydro-thermal model to dynamically simulate the functioning of several HT-ATES system designs for a case study of a neighbourhood of 2000 houses. Results show that the integration of HT-ATES with PtH allows 100% provision of the yearly heat demand, with a maximum 25% smaller heat pump than without HT-ATES. Success of the system is partly caused by the developed mode of operation whereby the heat pump lowers the threshold temperature of the HT-ATES, as this increases HT-ATES performance and decreases the overall costs of heat production. Overall, this study shows that the integration of HT-ATES in a multi-energy system is suitable to match annual heat demand and supply, and to increase local sustainable energy use.

scholarly journals Sustainable Energy Autarky and the Evolution of German Bioenergy Villages

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 4996
Author(s):  
Dariusz Pieńkowski ◽  
Wojciech Zbaraszewski
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Resources ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Closed Economies ◽  
Sustainable Energy System

The concept of an autarky has a long history and meaning related to its negation and unpopularity. In liberal schools of economics, autarky is usually considered from the perspectives of economic trade protectionism, closed economies, and threats to welfare. Nevertheless, the concept of autarky has gained a new meaning, understood as the local utilization of renewable energy resources from the perspective of their inter- and intragenerational distribution. Local action is shaped by the global perspective. This research consists of three steps. First, a model of energy autarky has been offered based on the system theory. The model shows the variety of the structures and features of energy systems offered in today’s debates on energy autarky. Second, the key postulates of sustainable development have been presented to define an autarkical sustainable energy system. Finally, the concept of bioenergy villages in Germany has been presented to illustrate the approach to energy autarky. The research shows that the concept of autarky and single solutions, such as the use of renewable resources, are not themselves a success from the perspective of sustainable development; this misunderstanding is well illustrated by the evolution of the German concept of bioenergy villages into smart villages.

Design and analysis of grid-connected sustainable urban residential energy systems

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Kumar ◽  
Tavishi Tewary
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Residential Energy ◽  
Load Profile ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model

Purpose Earlier most of the research groups have designed and developed hybrid renewable energy system models with technological, scientific and industrial advancement for the energy systems, but slight attention has been paid towards the grid-connected sustainable urban residential energy systems (SUReS) for metropolitan cities. The current research wishes to design, model and analyze grid-connected energy system for residential applications for sustainable urban residential energy system. The works aims to explore the potential of the augmented energy system for grid-connected energy system. Design/methodology/approach The proposed grid-connected SUReS are validated for a sample location at New Delhi (India) with a hybrid optimization model for electric renewable (HOMER) software to define and understand the various load profile. It presents the sensitivity analysis approach to validate the design of the proposed energy system. Findings The obtained results reports the key barriers, proposed model and scenarios for sustainable urban energy system development. Research limitations/implications Similar approaches can be replicated to design and develop an independent, self-sustainable cleaner and environmental-friendly energy system in the future scenario for the extension of complex grid infrastructures. Practical implications It will assist the stakeholder in solving the complex urban sustainability issues raised due to the shortage of energy. Social implications It will offer a clean and environment friendly sustainable energy resources with reduced carbon emissions. It will benefit sustainable energy resources with a mix of challenges and opportunities, to suggest an approach for implementation of efficient energy policies to optimize the existing and forthcoming energy systems. Originality/value The current research offers a design and model to analyze grid-connected energy system sustainable urban residential applications. It explores the potential of the augmented energy system. The proposed model are validated for a sample location with HOMER simulation software to define and understand various scenarios of the multiple load profile. The work presents the sensitivity analysis approach to validate the proposed energy system.

scholarly journals Distributed Energy Systems and Energy Communities Under Negotiation

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Riikka Kojonsaari ◽  
Jenny Palm
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Distributed Energy ◽  
Decentralized System ◽  
Sustainable Energy System

AbstractNew decentralized energy-generation technologies have turned economies of scale upside down while becoming more economically viable. At the same time, the increased penetration of information technologies has led to new opportunities to manage infrastructure in a less hierarchical, more flexible way. Together with citizen demands for control over energy, these two converging trends has put energy communities (ECs) on the agenda, potentially advancing the transition towards more sustainable energy systems, despite hindrances encountered on the way. This paper presents a case study of the planning process of a sustainable city district in Sweden, using participatory observations and interviews conducted with included stakeholders. We analyse how the included stakeholders has reasoned about establishing a sustainable energy system in the area, including a microgrid. The discussions on a microgrid comprised two parallel discourses, coexisting but seldomly explicitly confronted. The distribution system operator in the area promoted a distributed energy system (DES) solution, while the property developers opted for a microgrid organized more as a citizen energy community (CEC). We discuss why the CEC proponents so far has lost the battle of creating a community owned smart grid. We conclude that the different models, a DES and a CEC, comprise different values and an increased focus on energy communities could shift the transition pathway towards a more decentralized system involving other prioritise than just economical.

Integrierte Produktions- und Energiesystemplanung*/Integrated production and energy system planning

2017 ◽  
Vol 107 (04) ◽  
pp. 207-212
Author(s):  
P. Burggräf ◽  
M. Dannapfel ◽  
J, Utsch ◽  
J. Uelpenich ◽  
M Kasalo
Keyword(s):  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Integrated Planning ◽  
System Planning ◽  
Integrated Production ◽  
Increase Energy Efficiency ◽  
Reduce Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy System Planning ◽  
The Relationship

In der Produktionstechnik bestehen hohe Potenziale, um den Energieverbrauch zu senken und die Energieeffizienz zu steigern. Eine integrierte Planung von Produktions- und Energiesystem verspricht die Erreichung dieser Optimierungspotenziale. Der Beitrag beschreibt eine Methodik, welche eine Einteilung der Beziehungsintensitäten zwischen den beiden Planungsbereichen ermöglicht. Daraus ergibt sich die Grundlage für die Schnittstellenanalyse zwischen der Planung auf Informations- und Parameterebene.   At present, there is still high potential to reduce energy consumption and to increase energy efficiency. An integrated planning of production and energy systems promises to rise these optimization potentials. This paper describes a methodology that allows a classification of the relationship intensities between planning activities of production and energy system planning. This provides the basis for an interface analysis between the planning activities on an information and parameter level.

scholarly journals Actuating the European Energy System Transition: Indicators for Translating Energy Systems Modelling Results into Policy-Making

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariliis Lehtveer ◽  
Lisa Göransson ◽  
Verena Heinisch ◽  
Filip Johnsson ◽  
Ida Karlsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Investment Model ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
System Modelling ◽  
Electricity System ◽  
Climate Targets ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Systems Modelling

In this paper, we define indicators, with a focus on the electricity sector, that translate the results of energy systems modelling to quantitative entities that can facilitate assessments of the transitions required to meet stringent climate targets. Such indicators, which are often overlooked in model scenario presentations, can be applied to make the modelling results more accessible and are useful for managing the transition on the policy level, as well as for internal evaluations of modelling results. We propose a set of 13 indicators related to: 1) the resource and material usages in modelled energy system designs; 2) the rates of transition from current to future energy systems; and 3) the energy security in energy system modelling results. To illustrate its value, the proposed set of indicators is applied to energy system scenarios derived from an electricity system investment model for Northern Europe. We show that the proposed indicators are useful for facilitating discussions, raising new questions, and relating the modelling results to Sustainable Development Goals and thus facilitate better policy processes. The indicators presented here should not be seen as a complete set, but rather as examples. Therefore, this paper represents a starting point and a call to other modellers to expand and refine the list of indicators.

scholarly journals Recent Advances in the Analysis of Sustainable Energy Systems

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Calise ◽  
Mário Costa ◽  
Qiuwang Wang ◽  
Xiliang Zhang ◽  
Neven Duić
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Energy Policy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
District Heating ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Smart Energy Systems

EU energy policy is more and more promoting a resilient, efficient and sustainable energy system. Several agreements have been signed in the last few months that set ambitious goals in terms of energy efficiency and emission reductions and to reduce the energy consumption in buildings. These actions are expected to fulfill the goals negotiated at the Paris Agreement in 2015. The successful development of this ambitious energy policy needs to be supported by scientific knowledge: a huge effort must be made in order to develop more efficient energy conversion technologies based both on renewables and fossil fuels. Similarly, researchers are also expected to work on the integration of conventional and novel systems, also taking into account the needs for the management of the novel energy systems in terms of energy storage and devices management. Therefore, a multi-disciplinary approach is required in order to achieve these goals. To ensure that the scientists belonging to the different disciplines are aware of the scientific progress in the other research areas, specific Conferences are periodically organized. One of the most popular conferences in this area is the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) Series Conference. The 12th Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems Conference was recently held in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The present Special Issue of Energies, specifically dedicated to the 12th SDEWES Conference, is focused on five main fields: energy policy and energy efficiency in smart energy systems, polygeneration and district heating, advanced combustion techniques and fuels, biomass and building efficiency.

scholarly journals The role of the Swedish municipalities in the transition towards sustainable energy systems

2019 ◽  
pp. 124-135
Author(s):  
Maria Andersson ◽  
Louise Ödlund ◽  
Hanna Westling
Keyword(s):  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Business Community ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Sustainable Energy Systems

Climate change is affecting the planet on a global level and it is of vital importance that actors in the energy system work together to achieve political goals, such as the United Nations' goal which states that the global temperature increase should be kept far below 2 °C. There is a need of actions and collaboration throughout the society. The aim of this paper is to make visible the role of Swedish municipalities in the transition towards sustainable energy systems. The paper presents a study of some ongoing activities and collaborations for increased sustainability where municipalities play a clear role. The study focuses on three areas; (1) municipalities´ activities towards citizens and business community, (2) municipalities’ activities linked to collaboration with other actors, and (3) challenges related to these activities. The study is based on information from a literature search and interviews. Representatives from eight Swedish municipalities have been interviewed. The result shows that the municipalities are involved in various activities and collaborations. This is done via networks, projects, consulting, information dissemination, showing good examples, tryout activities and nudging. Some important challenges have been found. One of them is the transport sector and how to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Another is to consider that the Swedish energy system is spread over a large geographical area with different opportunities and limitations concerning electricity production and the sizes of the municipalities. Energy system measures and policy programs need to consider these differences to minimize the risk for sub-optimal energy-system measures. A third challenge is the lack of time and resources within the municipalities to engage enough in energy and climate issues.

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