• Energy Research

AbstractWe develop a novel approach to analysing decarbonisation strategies by linking global resource inventories with demographic systems. Our ‘mine-town systems’ approach establishes an empirical basis for examining the spatial extent of the transition and demographic effects of changing energy systems. The research highlights an urgent need for targeted macro-level planning as global markets see a decline in thermal coal and a ramp up of other mining commodities. Our findings suggest that ramping up energy transition metals (ETM) could be more disruptive to demographic systems than ramping down coal. The data shows asymmetry in the distribution of risks: mine-town systems within the United States are most sensitive to coal phase-out, while systems in Australia and Canada are most sensitive to ETM phase-in. A complete phase-out of coal could disrupt demographic systems with a minimum of 33.5 million people, and another 115.7 million people if all available ETM projects enter production.

AbstractWe develop a novel approach to analysing decarbonisation strategies by linking global resource inventories with demographic systems. Our ‘mine-town systems’ approach establishes an empirical basis for examining the spatial extent of the transition and demographic effects of changing energy systems. The research highlights an urgent need for targeted macro-level planning as global markets see a decline in thermal coal and a ramp up of other mining commodities. Our findings suggest that ramping up energy transition metals (ETM) could be more disruptive to demographic systems than ramping down coal. The data shows asymmetry in the distribution of risks: mine-town systems within the United States are most sensitive to coal phase-out, while systems in Australia and Canada are most sensitive to ETM phase-in. A complete phase-out of coal could disrupt demographic systems with a minimum of 33.5 million people, and another 115.7 million people if all available ETM projects enter production.

Abstract Solar energy is clearly a promising option among the many available sources of renewable energy, and its market has seen outstanding growth. Careful evaluation to determine suitable locations for photovoltaic installations is needed, however, as their efficiency is highly dependent on exposure to sun. Especially in urban environments, quantifying the shadows cast by other buildings and vegetation canopies may be essential. In the present study, we used light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess the influence of shading vegetation on solar irradiation estimates in five European towns. The fraction of annual solar irradiation lost to shading by existing vegetation ranged between 3% and 11%. The fraction lost was higher in winter and lower in summer. Due to greater incoming solar radiation in summer, however, more than 50% of annual loss was accounted for in summer. We suggest that at the broad scale of whole cities the influence of vegetation on rooftop solar potential estimates is negligible (especially in densely populated areas). Analyses which do not consider vegetation because of data availability nevertheless provide valuable insight into localities' solar potential.

Abstract Solar energy is clearly a promising option among the many available sources of renewable energy, and its market has seen outstanding growth. Careful evaluation to determine suitable locations for photovoltaic installations is needed, however, as their efficiency is highly dependent on exposure to sun. Especially in urban environments, quantifying the shadows cast by other buildings and vegetation canopies may be essential. In the present study, we used light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess the influence of shading vegetation on solar irradiation estimates in five European towns. The fraction of annual solar irradiation lost to shading by existing vegetation ranged between 3% and 11%. The fraction lost was higher in winter and lower in summer. Due to greater incoming solar radiation in summer, however, more than 50% of annual loss was accounted for in summer. We suggest that at the broad scale of whole cities the influence of vegetation on rooftop solar potential estimates is negligible (especially in densely populated areas). Analyses which do not consider vegetation because of data availability nevertheless provide valuable insight into localities' solar potential.