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This paper presents a new method, based on the Smart Energy Systems concept. The aim is to increase the share of renewable energy penetration on islands. The method is applied to the island of Gran Canaria (Spain), considering the entire energy system of the island. Several smart renewable energy strategies are proposed following a cross-sectoral approach between the electricity, heating/cooling, desalination, transport and gas sectors. The different smart renewable energy strategies were applied in a series of steps, while looking for a transition from the current energy system to a nearly 100% renewable energy system. Based on the results, the study concludes that the suggested method is applicable for increasing renewable integration on islands and can potentially be used in helping energy planners to take decisions about priorities in development of the sector to improve such integration. The results indicate that, for the case of Gran Canaria, a 75.9% renewable energy system could be attained with technologies that can be implemented at present. Furthermore, it is shown that a nearly 100% renewable energy system in Gran Canaria is technically feasible and could be achieved if certain technologies acquire greater maturity. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd 443 421 2,048 5,537 Q1 Q1 SCIE

The increasing depletion of natural resources, combined with a wider set of pressures on the environment, has, in recent years, highlighted the need for a more efficient use of energy and a development process that involves alternative energy sources. Energy efficiency has received much attention as a solution, implying both monetary and emissions savings. However, the latter may be partially offset by the income and demand effects of the former, both in more efficient sectors and in spreading to the wider economy. This is the problem of rebound effects. Taking Spain as a case study, and introducing an energy-related CGE model that develops the inclusion of renewables, this paper evaluates a combination of efficiency initiatives to deliver both reduced energy use by households and a more sustainable supply of energy. Our findings suggest that a package aimed at improving efficiency in household electricity and petroleum use, combined with a more competitive supply of energy from renewable sources, may be the only way to get reductions in all energy use, and thus benefit the economy. Specifically, we consider how this package may lead to positive economic impacts and associated rebound effects, where the latter are focused on a greener energy supply.

Abstract Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is a growing reality worldwide and its development involves implementing techniques to log and estimate the solar resources available. In this paper an easy methodology for the pre-classification of facades in BIPV projects has been described. This step is previous to the calculation of the complete solar potential in a building, and don't include the shape and shading factors. The proposed methodology covers the development of a new model that allows the irradiation factor (IF) to be estimated on facades with only 2 input parameters: the latitude of the place and the azimuth angle of the photovoltaic generator. The necessary tools to assess the “Energetic Efficiency Rating” for BIPV facades are provided, as an initial stage to be applied by architects and engineers.

Abstract We will consider cumulative socioeconomic impacts in environmental impact assessment and mitigation processes. Cumulative impacts from several simultaneous projects are greater than aggregate impacts for projects built in isolation. Impacts of energy facilities provide a baseline for potential cumulative impacts in a number of regions. Case studies illustrate the importance of cumulative impacts, as well as their uneven treatment in the environmental impact statement (EIS) process. Important institutional, legal, and practical considerations associated with cumulative impacts are analyzed, and descriptions are offered of how cumulative impact assessments can be used as tools in decision-making.

Abstract Building energy consumption is vulnerable to climate change due to the direct relationship between outside temperature and space cooling/heating. This work quantifies how the relationship between climate change and building energy consumption varies across a range of building types at different spatiotemporal scales based on estimates in 925 U.S. locations. Large increases in building energy consumption are found in the summer (e.g., 39% increase in August for the secondary school building), especially during the daytime (e.g., >100% increase for the warehouse building, 5–6 p.m.), while decreases are found in the winter. At the spatial scale of climate-zones, annual energy consumption changes range from −17% to +21%, while at the local scale, changes range from −20% to +24%. Buildings in the warm-humid (Southeast) climate zones show larger changes than those in other regions. The variation of impact within climate zones can be larger than the variation between climate zones, suggesting a potential bias when estimating climate-zone scale changes with a small number of representative locations. The large variations found in the relationship between climate change and building energy consumption highlight the importance of assessing climate change impacts at local scales, and the need for adaptation/mitigation strategies tailored to different building types.

Abstract Average energy consumption per U.S. household has fallen by just under 20% in the last ten years. Much of this drop occurred after 1979, when gas and electricity prices as well as oil prices rose in real terms. The response of households to higher prices has involved physical modifications on and in the home and changes in behavior. Many actions have been taken by households, but the most important single factor has been a significant reduction in indoor temperatures. The greater energy efficiency of new homes and appliances has also helped to depress residential energy demand, although improvements have levelled off in the last few years. There are signs that the momentum of energy conservation is less now than it was 2 years ago, but it appears that energy prices will be high enough to discourage households from returning to former energy-using practices. Along with the continued replacement of homes and appliances with more efficient models, and other factors such as the migration to wanner regions and the movement to more apartments and smaller homes, this will probably keep U.S. residential energy consumption at about its present level through the 1980s.

This study investigated the impact of varying natural gas composition on the exhaust emissions from a waste hauler equipped with a 2002 Cummins 8.3L, C Gas Plus, lean burn, spark ignited natural gas engine and an oxidation catalyst while operated on the William H. Martin Refuse Truck Cycle on a chassis dynamometer. The vehicle was tested on seven different fuel gas blends with varying compositions of light hydrocarbon species and inerts, resulting in different properties in terms of methane number and Wobbe number. The higher hydrocarbons gases exhibited higher fuel economy and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions. NOx (Nitrogen oxides) emissions were also impacted by fuel composition, and increased for gases with higher levels of heavier hydrocarbons. THC (Total hydrocarbons), CH4 (methane), CO (carbon monoxide), PM (particulate matter), and particle number emissions all showed some reductions for the gases with higher hydrocarbons, higher Wobbe numbers, and higher energy content. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were the most dominant aldehydes in the tailpipe, and decreased with the low methane number and high Wobbe number gases. Ammonia emissions did not show consistent fuel trends, however, ammonia emission levels were higher for the higher speed and load phase of the cycle.

Urban water networks can contribute to the energy transition of cities by serving as alternatives sources for heating and cooling. Indeed, the thermal energy potential of the urban water cycle is considerable. Paris is taken as an example to present an assessment of the field performance of a district-scale waste water heat recovery system and to explore potential techniques for emergency cold recovery from drinking or non-potable water networks in response to heat-waves. The case heat recovery system was found to provide significant greenhouse gas emission reductions (up to 75%) and limited primary energy savings (around 30%). These limited savings are found to be mainly due to the performance of the heat pump system. Three emergency cold recovery techniques are presented as a response to heat-waves: subway station cooling, ice production for individual cooling, and "heat-wave shelter" cooling in association with pavement-watering. The cold generation potential of each approach is assessed with a special consideration for mains water temperature sanitary limitations. Finally, technical obstacles and perspectives are discussed.