scholarly journals An Integrated Approach to Risk and Impacts of Geo-Resources Exploration and Exploitation

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4178
Author(s):  
Maria Vittoria Gargiulo ◽  
Alexander Garcia ◽  
Andrea Paulillo ◽  
Ortensia Amoroso ◽  
Ernesto Salzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Critical Importance ◽  
Exploration And Exploitation ◽  
Support Decision Making

Geo-resources are widely exploited in our society, with huge benefits for both economy and communities. Nevertheless, with benefits come risks and impacts. Understanding how such risks and impacts are intrinsically borne in a given project is of critical importance for both industry and society. In particular, it is crucial to distinguish between the specific impacts related to exploiting a given energy resource and those shared with the exploitation of other energy resources. A variety of different approaches can be used to identify and assess such risks and impacts. In particular, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and risk assessments (RAs) are the most commonly adopted. Although both are widely used to support decision making in environmental management, they are rarely used in combination perhaps because they have been developed by largely different groups of specialists. By analyzing the structure and the ratio of the two tools, we have developed an approach for combining and harmonizing LCA and MRA; the resulting protocol envisages building MRA upon LCA both qualitatively and quantitatively. We demonstrate the approach in a case study using a virtual site (based on a real one) for geothermal energy production.

An integrated approach to assess both risk and impacts related with geo-resources exploration and exploitation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Vittoria Gargiulo ◽  
Alexander Garcia ◽  
Ortensia Amoroso ◽  
Paolo Capuano
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Risk Sources ◽  
New Perspective

<p>To the welfare of both economy and communities, our society widely exploits geo-resources. Nevertheless, with benefits come risks and even impacts. Understanding how a given project intrinsically bares such risks and impacts is of critical importance for both industry and society. In particular, it is fundamental to distinguish between the specific impacts related to exploiting a given energy resource and those shared with the exploitation of other energy resources. In order to do so, it is useful to differentiate impacts in two categories: routine impacts – caused by ordinary routine operations, investigated by Life-cycle assessment with a deterministic approach – and risk impacts – caused by incidents due to system failure or external events, investigated by risk assessments with a probabilistic approach. The latter category is extremely interesting because it includes low probability/high consequences events, which may not be completely independent or unrelated, causing the most disastrous and unexpected damages. For this reason, it is becoming more and more crucial to develop a strategy to assess not only the single risks but also their possible interaction and to harmonize the result obtained for different risk sources. Of particular interest for this purpose is the Multi-Hazard/Multi-Risk Assessment.</p><p>The aim of our work is to present an approach for a comprehensive analysis of impacts of geo-resource development projects. Routine operations as well as risks related to extreme events (as e.g.,seismic or meteorological) are linked using a Multi-Hazard Risk (MHR) approach built upon a Life-Cycle analysis (LCA). Given the complexity of the analysis, it is useful to adopt a multi-level approach: (a) an analysis of routine operations, (b) a qualitative identification of risk scenarios and (c) a quantitative multi-risk analysis performed adopting a bow-tie approach. In particular, after studying the two tools, i.e. LCA and MRA, we have implemented a protocol to interface them and to evaluate certain and potential impacts.</p><p>The performance of the proposed approach is illustrated on a virtual site (based on a real one) for geothermal energy production. As a result, we analyse the outcome of the LCA, identify risk-bearing elements and events, to finally obtain harmonised risk matrices for the case study. Such approach, on the one hand, can be used to assess both deterministic and stochastic impacts, on the other hand, can also open new perspective in harmonizing them. Using the LCA outputs as inputs of the MRA can allow the analyst to focus on particular risk pathways that could otherwise seem less relevant but can open new perspective in the risk/impact evaluation of single elements, as we show in this case study.</p><p>This work has been supported by S4CE ("Science for Clean Energy") project, funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 - R&I Framework Programme, under grant agreement No 764810 and by PRIN-MATISSE (20177EPPN2) project funded by Italian Ministry of Education and Research.</p>

scholarly journals Methods for Aggregation and Remuneration of Distributed Energy Resources

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Faria ◽  
João Spínola ◽  
Zita Vale
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Distributed Energy Resources ◽  
Virtual Power ◽  
Distributed Energy ◽  
Distributed Energy Resource ◽  
Technical Operation ◽  
Made In

Distributed energy resource integration in power systems has advantages and challenges in both the economic and the technical operation of the system. An aggregator, as in the case of a Virtual Power Player, is essential in order to support the operation of these small size resources. Innovative approaches capable of supporting the decisions made in terms of resource scheduling, aggregation and remuneration are needed. The present paper addresses a methodology capable of managing resources through the activities of an aggregator, providing different choices of aggregation and remuneration strategies. The methodology is validated in a case study regarding a 21-bus network, composed of 20 consumers and 26 producers.

scholarly journals In-Stream Tidal Energy Resources in Macrotidal Non-Cohesive Sediment Environments: Effect of Morphodynamic Changes at Two Bays in the Upper Gulf of California

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anahí Bermúdez-Romero ◽  
Vanesa Magar ◽  
Markus S. Gross ◽  
Victor M. Godínez ◽  
Manuel López-Mariscal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Gulf Of California ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Tidal Energy ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Error Statistics ◽  
High Resolution Models

While many in-steam tidal energy resource studies have been carried out globally, very few studies have assessed the effect of seabed changes on tidal energy resources. For coastal regions in particular, where the seabed is generally more mobile than in deep waters, bathymetric evolution could have a significant effect on tidal energy production. Here two high-resolution models, one purely hydrodynamic and one morphodynamic, are used to analyse the potential effect of natural morphodynamic evolution on tidal energy resources at two macro-tidal sandy bays, Adaír Bay and San Jorge Bay, in the Upper Gulf of California, Mexico. The high-resolution models are validated using a low-resolution model and ADCP observations to assess the agreement between model predictions and observations of tides at three ADCP moorings within the domain of interest. The models’ skill is evaluated using several error statistics such as the mean relative error, the root mean square error (RMSE), and the correlation coefficient. It was found that the regions with the largest bed changes, and also the largest renewable energy resources, were near the shore. Moreover, the results indicated a good correlation between a) regions with the most significant depth changes, and b) the regions where the difference in annual energy production with and without depth change was largest. Finally, the morphodynamic model was run for two years, and the evolution of a zonal profile (in the west-east direction) off the coast at the southeastern corner of Adaír Bay was inspected. This profile evolved towards a featureless equilibrium profile, in good agreement with the morphological classification for macro-tidal sandy environments and with the model assumptions. But most importantly, this natural evolution would not be detrimental to tidal energy exploitation at the site.

scholarly journals Evaluating Social Housing Retrofit Options to Support Clients’ Decision Making—SIMPLER BIM Protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Tzortzopoulos ◽  
Ling Ma ◽  
João Soliman Junior ◽  
Lauri Koskela
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Information ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Support Decision Making

The UK government made significant commitments to upgrading the energy efficiency of seven million British homes by 2020, aiming at reducing carbon emissions and addressing fuel poverty. One alternative to achieve better energy performance in existing houses is retrofit. However, there are difficulties associated with retrofitting social housing. It is currently challenging to compare scenarios (retrofit options) considering costs, potential energy efficiency gains, and at the same time minimising disruption to users. This paper presents a Building Information Modelling (BIM) protocol aimed to support decision making by social housing owners. It adopts BIM to simulate alternative retrofit options, considering: (a) potential reductions in energy consumption, (b) 4D BIM for retrofit planning and reduction of users’ disruption and (c) simulation of costs. A what-if scenario matrix is proposed to support decision making in the selection of social housing retrofit solutions, according to client and users’ needs. A case study of the retrofit of a mid-terrace house is presented to demonstrate the workflow. The main output of the work is the BIM protocol, which can support client decision making in diverse social housing retrofit projects, considering all three elements (energy simulation, planning for reduced disruption and cost estimation) in an integrated fashion. Such an integrated approach enables clients to make better informed decisions considering diverse social housing retrofit options through a simple process using readily available BIM technology.

scholarly journals Analysis of the global energy resource market

2020 ◽  
Vol 178 ◽  
pp. 01058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia Volotkovskaya ◽  
Natalya Volotkovskaya ◽  
Alexander Semenov ◽  
Anastasia Semkova ◽  
Oleg Fedorov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Quantitative Changes

The paper analyses the global demand for various energy resources in recent years. Nowadays, qualitative and quantitative changes in structure of distribution and consumption of energy resources take place. The paper has reviewed a number of papers predicting two-fold increase in the global energy production market by 2040. A number of other papers also predict the shift of energy demand from the USA and EU countries to the Asian market. The paper presents percentage distribution of world’s energy requirements satisfied by the six types of resources among which oil, gas, and coil are still predominant. Some papers have stated that the demand for natural gas will continue to grow faster than the demand for oil or coil in the future. To confirm or deny this theory the authors have designed the mathematical model showing trends in demand for gas compared to the total demand for oil and coal; as a result, two different polynomial functions have been obtained with almost the same probability confirming this prediction. Trends in energy production and change of global energy demand across regions over the past twenty years have been studied. The studies show that, in general, energy production has been increased for the last decade. However, due to economic crises fluctuations, energy production in EU countries has abruptly decreased; it results in displacement of the EU countries from the market by the countries of the Middle East and the Near East. The paper also notes such important factors as decrease in solid fuel production in Great Britain; steady increasing importance of renewable energy sources for the last few years; reducing of the rate of nuclear energy development by some key countries; general lack of energy recourses in EU countries, etc.

The Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2013

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 373
Author(s):  
Stuart Webster ◽  
Sandip Patel
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Hydraulic Stimulation ◽  
Exploration Process ◽  
Management Regime

These Regulations have been proposed under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967 to replace the existing Schedule of Onshore Petroleum Exploration and Production Requirements 1991 (Amended 21 May 2010). The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) is the agency that administers the regulations on behalf of the Minister and keeps the Minister informed of petroleum or geothermal energy resource activities. A draft was released on 5 April 2014 for public comment. The precise form and language of the proposed Regulations may change after public consultation, but the intent of the regulations will remain the same. The regulations will provide the framework for administration and compliance for petroleum field developments, geothermal energy projects, well construction and data submission and release. Activities are expected to be carried out in accordance with good oilfield practice and be compatible with the optimum long-term recovery of petroleum or geothermal energy. The Resource Management and Administration Regulations (RMA) have moved from a prescriptive type of regime to an objectives-based risk management regime requiring operators to manage their operations ensuring world’s leading practice and a fit-for-purpose design. It is expected that operators will apply the relevant standards appropriate for their activities. It is understood also that technology will change and that standards might be changed to embrace the new technology. It is this factor that makes objectives-based regulation more apt than prescription-based regulation. Another factor is that prescription is unlikely to cover every possible circumstance that might occur. The focus is on a whole-of-life approach to exploration and development, from an initial exploration process, through any well interventions all the way to final decommissioning. This includes requiring titleholders to consider what maintenance and monitoring programs will be in place throughout the life of wells and to be ready for eventual decommissioning. The DMP has a continuous improvement process which involves monitoring developments in regulation worldwide. Published papers on drilling, completion, hydraulic stimulation, cementing and production on both conventional reservoirs and also shale and tight sands have been, and continue to be, researched to ensure that the regulations cover all aspects of petroleum and geothermal resource development.

scholarly journals A Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation Architecture for Integration of Smart Buildings and Distributed Energy Resources in Micro Grids

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
G. Costanzo ◽  
L. Ferrarini ◽  
G. Mantovani ◽  
A. Krusteva ◽  
M. Georgiev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Production ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Distributed Energy Resources ◽  
Hardware In The Loop ◽  
Distributed Energy ◽  
Smart Buildings ◽  
Smart Building ◽  
Micro Grids

Abstract This paper presents the design, implementation and test of hardware in the loop simulation architecture for integration of Smart Buildings and distributed energy resources in Micro Grids. The rationale for this work is the integration of off-the-shelves devices in a HIL simulation setup within software development. The architecture and preliminary results are presented, together with a case study for integrating flexible units, such as a space heating system and Electric Vehicles in a Smart Building equipped with local solar energy production.

scholarly journals Closed-Loop Systems for Geothermal Energy Exploitation from Hydrocarbon Wells: An Italian Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10551
Author(s):  
Martina Gizzi
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Type Systems ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Closed Loop Systems ◽  
Italian Case ◽  
Systems Models

Geothermal energy resources associated with disused hydrocarbon wells in Italian oilfields represent a considerable source of renewable energy. Using the information available on Italian hydrocarbon wells and on-field temperatures, two simplified closed-loop-type systems models were implemented in the Python environment and applied to a selected hydrocarbon well (Trecate4) located inside the Italian Villafortuna–Trecate field (Northwestern Italy). Considering the maximum extracted working fluid temperatures, Coaxial WBHE turned out to be a better performing technology than the U-tube version. The obtained outflow temperatures of the working fluid at the wellhead for Coaxial and U-tube WBHEs of 98.6 °C and 84 °C, respectively, are both potentially exploitable for ensuring a multi-variant and comprehensive use of the resource through its application in sectors such as the food industry, horticultural and flower fields.

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