Creating and testing a survey to assess the impact of renewable energy technologies on quality of life

2013 ◽  
Vol 56 (04) ◽  
pp. 103-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Christidis ◽  
Claire Paller ◽  
Shannon Majowicz ◽  
Phil Bigelow ◽  
Ashley Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Distribution Method ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Local Case ◽  
The Impact

With the increasing concerns regarding fossil fuels and nuclear energy, greater attention is being placed on alternate renewable energy technologies (RETs) such as wind, solar, and bioenergy. However, implementation of modern RETs has become controversial, as adverse health effects are a major concern. Although local case studies have suggested a relationship between wind turbines and health, there is a gap in the scientific knowledge. Epidemiological studies with adequate data collection tools and analyses are needed, particularly in the Canadian context. We reviewed surveys used in relevant environmental health literature, created a data collection tool for use in populations exposed to wind turbines, and piloted the survey content and distribution method. Our pilot response rate was 25.5% (45/200). The mean age of survey respondents was 57.6 years (SD: 12.76) with 57% of the respondents being female; respondents were not significantly different than the target population with respect to age or sex. The survey and methods presented here can be used in future studies to assess the health impacts of renewable energy technologies.

Analysis of Avoided Carbon-Dioxide Due to Photovoltaic and Wind Turbine Technologies Displacing Electrical Peaking Facilities

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarod C. Kelly ◽  
Deepak Sivaraman ◽  
Gregory A. Keoleian
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
San Antonio ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emission ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Renewable Technology

Many studies that examine the impact of renewable energy installations on avoided carbon-dioxide utilize national, regional or state averages to determine the predicted carbon-dioxide offset. The approach of this computational study was to implement a dispatching strategy in order to determine precisely which electrical facilities would be avoided due to the installation of renewable energy technologies. This study focused on a single geographic location for renewable technology installation, San Antonio, Texas. The results indicate an important difference between calculating avoided carbon-dioxide when using simple average rates of carbon-dioxide emissions and a dispatching strategy that accounts for the specific electrical plants used to meet electrical demands. The avoided carbon-dioxide due to renewable energy technologies is overestimated when using national, regional and state averages. This occurs because these averages include the carbon-dioxide emission factors of electrical generating assets that are not likely to be displaced by the renewable technology installation. The study also provides a comparison of two specific renewable energy technologies: photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines. The results suggest that investment in PV is more cost effective for the San Antonio location. While the results are only applicable to this location, the methodology is useful for evaluating renewable technologies at any location.

scholarly journals The Impact of Magnetic Materials in Renewable Energy-Related Technologies in the 21st Century Industrial Revolution: The Case of South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wallace Matizamhuka
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Magnetic Materials ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Permanent Magnets ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
The Impact

Magnetic materials specifically permanent magnets are critical for the efficient performance of many renewable energy technologies. The increased reliance on renewable energy sources has accelerated research in energy-related technologies the world over. The use of rare-earth (RE) metals in permanent magnets continues to be a source of greater concern owing to the limited RE supply coupled with dwindling reserves on the globe. This review focuses on how this has impacted on the state-of-the-art magnetic materials that continue to play a pivotal role in driving renewable energy technologies. Magnetic materials are perceived as key in driving the 21st century industrial revolution, and the participation of South Africa in this energy paradigm is critical in driving a new industrial revolution within the African continent. A number of opportunities are highlighted, and clarity is given on the several ubiquitous misconceptions and the risks on the heavy reliance on a single source for RE magnetic materials.

Impact of public R&D as market matures: Evidence from solar PV industry

2020 ◽  
pp. 0958305X2098158
Author(s):  
Hanee Ryu ◽  
Hyejae Jung
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Public Research ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Change Rate ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Technology Maturity ◽  
The Impact

Our study concentrates on the impact of public research and development (R&D) as solar PV market matures. This paper tried to distinguish the concepts of market maturity and technology maturity and to approach them measurably. Considering the concept of cost reduction rate and number of patent change rate, we estimates maturity indicator respectively. Next, we estimate how market and technology maturity interact with public R&D. Finally, we examine whether the R&D effect varies depending on market maturity. This study suggests the implications of the R&D policy of renewable energy technologies at various maturity levels by making the concept of market maturity which is commonly used and measuring the R&D effect according to market maturity.

Design of Carbon-Neutral Residential Communities in Kuwait

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baqer Ameer ◽  
Moncef Krarti
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Efficiency Measures ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Residential Communities ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Carbon Neutral

In this paper, a general methodology for designing carbon-neutral residential communities is presented. Both energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies are considered in the design approach. First, energy end-uses for the buildings within the community are optimized based on a set of cost-effective energy efficiency measures that are selected based on a life-cycle cost analysis. Then, renewable energy technologies are considered to meet the energy needs for the residential community and ensure carbon-neutrality on an annual basis. The methodology is applied to design optimal and carbon-neutral hybrid electrical generation systems for three Kuwaiti residential communities with different sizes and energy efficiency designs. For Kuwait, it is found that wind turbines can cost-effectively generate significant electricity to meet most of the energy needs for the residential communities and thus reducing the country's reliance on fuel-based power plants. Specifically, it is found that wind turbines can generate electricity at a cost of $0.068/kWh well below the current grid power production costs of $0.103/kWh. Moreover, the analysis indicates that concentrated solar power (CSP) can be utilized to achieve carbon-neutral residential communities but at a levelized energy cost of $0.13/kWh slightly lower than the current grid power generation and distribution costs of $0.133/kWh.

scholarly journals Institutional and Policy Assessment of Renewable Energy Sector in Afghanistan

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Murtaza Ershad
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
International Investors

Renewable energy resources could play a vital role in the sustainable economic, social, and environmental development of Afghanistan. Heavy reliance of rural households on firewood, rising costs of fossil fuels, outdoor and indoor air pollution, and climate change are some of the challenges that can be addressed by diversifying our power production fuel inputs and adopting renewable energy technologies. In order to deploy and scale up renewable energy technologies and improve access to sustainable energy, clear policies and targets and dedicated institutions are crucial. Fortunately, Afghan government with the support of international community is setting ambitious targets for the renewable energy sector and is encouraging national and international investors to take part in the generation, transmission, and distribution of renewable energy especially electricity through Power Purchase Agreements or very cheap land leases. Thus, the objectives of this report are (I) to review the existing institutions in the field of renewable energy, (II) to review renewable energy policies and targets in Afghanistan, and (III) to identify institutional and policy gaps and recommend solutions.

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