Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Self-Sufficiency (energy)'

Energy has become an important issue for governments, communities and individuals, as concerns about energy prices, security of supply and climate change increase. Community scale low carbon energy systems could play an important role in future energy systems, but until recently UK government policy focussed on centralised energy systems. A number of rural communities elsewhere in Europe have made transformational whole settlement transitions from fossil fuel dependent towards renewable powered energy systems; however, the number of these in the UK is limited. Using a case study approach of European and UK cases, this research examines: reasons why rural communities embark on journeys towards whole place energy self-sufficiency; what capacities are present and contributions of these on outcomes achieved; whether there are similarities or differences between Europe and the UK and whether these are generalisable. European cases are examined using secondary and UK cases mainly primary data sources. Cases had varying rationales for embarking on whole settlement approaches to energy self-sufficiency. Whilst these don’t appear to determine the degree of energy self-sufficiency achieved, a whole settlement approach was considered important. No cases achieved energy self-sufficiency, but most made significant progress towards this and the idea did function as a boundary object. A number of capacities were present across all the cases such as public funding for energy system delivery, some capacities were present in the majority of cases and there were differences in capacities between the European and UK cases including leadership by local government. If the UK is serious about whole place energy self-sufficiency there needs to be; a commitment to public funding and resolving whether local authorities at their current scale and resourcing can provide leadership, or if alternative forms of local governance need to be found.

The consequences of over-reliance on fossil fuels for energy supply, namely climate change and security of supply, are pushing for the use of local, renewable energy sources which are usually variable in nature, prompting the need for energy storage. Today, there is a trend towards distributed energy storage, justified by the distributed nature of renewable energy sources and the important share of energy consumption in buildings. Important information on such small scale energy storage installations, however, is still missing and the results of the existing literature vary widely. To account for these research gaps, a thorough characterisation of energy storage technologies is performed, together with the dimensioning and optimisation of such installations in buildings, as well as some aspects of their impact on the grid.It is found that storage is still far from grid parity and expensive when compared to other solutions, although necessary for a high share of renewables. Also, energy storage is subject to important economies of scale and technical limitations that counter the reasoning for a distributed approach. There is an important lack of practical information on several energy storage technologies, and many studies on distributed storage use downsized values from large-scale installations that do not correctly depict smaller installations, leading to biased results. Nevertheless, today, lithium-ion batteries seem to be the most appropriate electrical energy storage technology for buildings, being well adapted to short term storage. On the other hand, a very high share of renewables will push for long term storage, itself a challenge given the high cost brought by a low utilisation factor. A high share of distributed generation also impacts the grid, a problem which most final consumers have no economic incentive to mitigate. Storage by itself, without a sound control strategy, does not help as it tends to increase the load variability while the peak load remains the same. Specific control algorithms could change that but incentives must be present, namely through the adaptation of current grid tariffs that do not correctly allocate existing costs. These findings are essential in the future planning of energy systems as well as in energy policy.
Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur et technologie
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

This work deals with the potential of nuclear energy in general and in our country. Nuclear energy offers as almost a necessary alternative to fill growing demand for electricity in our country and the world. Increased attention is paid to the electricity market in our country, the role of nuclear energy in the Czech energy mix and the possibilities of its use in the future as an alternative to other energy sources (renewable, fossil resources), and savings and imports from abroad. The author summarizes the main benefits, but also the risk that nuclear energy brings. Does not forget the attitude of environmentalists, opponents and the public to the nuclear issue, which improves long-term, giving scope for the use of nuclear energy.

A growing world population has resulted in an increasing number of people being homeless or living in inadequate housing. In addition, the threatening climate crisis and the world’s limited resources calls for a more sustainable way of living. The organization Stockholm Tiny House Expo aims to contribute a solution to these issues: an artificial island with several tiny houses, able to adapt to rising sea levels, having net-zero-waste and completely self-sufficient regarding energy. This island will symbolize the sustainable development goals and will be an attraction for tourists, as well as create several job opportunities. In order to realize this vision, research needs to be conducted to find solutions to make this island become reality. Therefore, the aim of this project is to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of a high degree of self-sufficiency regarding energy, by locally producing heat and power, on an artificial island in Stockholm. Firstly, a literature review is conducted to find suitable technologies to supply the island with heat and power. Subsequently, the software tools IDA ICE and HOMER Pro are used to simulate the energy demand and supply of the island. Eight different scenarios, with different types of supply and demand, are created to investigate different possibilities of the island. The scenarios are evaluated using technical-, economic- and environmental key performance indicators. A scenario where the demand is reduced and heat and power are supplied only by resources on the island, is deemed most relevant based on Stockholm Tiny House Expo’s vision. A sensitivity analysis is therefore performed on this scenario. The results indicate technical and environmental feasibility; however, the economic evaluation showed that this scenario will be non-profitable. Although the scenario is non-profitable, if further measures are taken to create a pricing model to customers, it could be possible. In conclusion, the results of this research indicate that it is possible for Stockholm Tiny House Expo to be self-sufficient regarding heat and power solely utilizing renewable energy. The evaluation of the results, however, showed that it is not economically feasible. In addition, the national grid did not contribute to an impact on the surrounding environment, nor to a considerable amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, grid connection is recommended for Stockholm Tiny House Expo.
En växande världspopulation har resulterat i att ett ökande antal människor är hemlösa eller bor i bristfälliga bostäder. Den hotande klimatkrisen och jordens begränsade tillgångar kräver dessutom en hållbarare livsstil. Organisationen Stockholm Tiny House Expo vill bidra med en lösning till dessa problem: en artificiell ö med flera småhus, som kan anpassa sig till stigande havsnivåer, har noll nettoavfall och är helt självförsörjande gällande energi. Denna ö kommer symbolisera FN:s hållbarhetsmål och vara en turistattraktion så väl som skapa ett flertal arbetsmöjligheter. För att förverkliga denna vision krävs forskning för att hitta lösningar och göra denna ö till verklighet. Därmed är syftet med detta projekt att undersöka den ekonomiska och miljömässiga genomförbarheten av en hög grad av självförsörjning av energi, genom att lokalt producera kraft och värme, på en artificiell ö i Stockholm. Först utförs en litteraturstudie för att hitta lämpliga teknologier för att försörja ön med kraft och värme. Därefter används programvarorna IDA ICE och HOMER Pro för att simulera energibehovet och energiförsörjningen för ön. Åtta olika scenarier, med olika typer av försörjning och behov, konstrueras för att undersöka olika möjligheter för ön. Scenarierna utvärderas med hjälp av tekniska-, ekonomiska- och miljömässiga nyckeltal (key performance indicators). Ett scenario där behovet är reducerat samt att kraft och värme endast försörjs av resurser på ön, bedöms vara mest relevant baserat på Stockholm Tiny House Expos vision. En känslighetsanalys utförs därför på detta scenario. Resultaten tyder på att scenariot är tekniskt och miljömässigt genomförbart; dock visade den ekonomiska utvärderingen att det inte är lönsamt. Trots detta så skulle det kunna vara möjligt om vidare åtgärder tas för att skapa en prissättningsmodell mot kunderna. Sammanfattningsvis så tyder resultaten på att det är möjligt för Stockholm Tiny House Expo att vara självförsörjande gällande kraft och värme som endast utnyttjar förnybar energi. Utvärderingen av resultatet visade dock att det inte är ekonomiskt genomförbart. Det nationella kraftnätet bidrog dessutom inte till påverkan på den omgivande miljön och inte heller någon betydande mängd växthusgasutsläpp. Följaktligen rekommenderas nätanslutning för Stockholm Tiny House Expo.

The task of this master thesis is to evaluate the potential and economic feasibility of a solar photovoltaic project at the Castle Château de la Chaize, situated near Lyon in France. The domain of the Château de la Chaize aims to be more ecologically responsible, by producing organic wine, using geothermal energy and producing its own electricity, using solar energy. The solar system would hence be used to produce the electricity that the castle and the vineyard would use. Since the whole domain is changing in order to be more sustainable, the energy consumption is still unclear. Three consumption scenarios are thus studied to model: the current situation (108 MWh), the change in energy needs due to the renewal of the wine making process (568 MWh), and finally the additional energy demand due to the construction of a spa on the domain lands (1056 MWh). The project site is also situated in the domain, near the Castle. The meteorological data and the shading scene are gathered from databases and site visits. Since the site is oriented towards the North-West and the South and East sides are blocked by a forest, significant shading losses are expected. In order to maximize the potential of the PV system, the use of Li-Ion batteries, to increases the self-generated part of the consumed electricity, is also considered. Simulations for the system production and the matching of the consumption and production is lead using the PVsyst software. Standard modules and inverters are used to run the simulation. The different configurations (energy consumption, size of the PV system, battery,...) are compared using the self-generation rate (part of the energy that is consumed that comes from the PV system) and financial criteria such as the Internal return rate or the profit at year 20. The results show that using a solar system to provide electricity for the current scenario would not be financially viable. For the renovation scenario, the best system design is the southward oriented fixed tilted plane at 350 kWp. It generates a profit of 71 k€ and has a self-generation ratio of 31.5 %. For the spa scenario, the 350 kWp south-oriented system is also the most interesting, with a self-generation rate of 29.8 % and IRR of 9.33 %. The financial analysis of the systems with batteries shows that the investment costs of the storage system are too high, and its lifetime is too short to be profitable. It would be interesting to see the evolution of the energy storage market, that is expected to develop, to see the economic interest of installing storage systems.
Uppgiften för detta examensarbete är att utvärdera potentialen och den ekonomiska genomförbarheten för ett solcellsfotovoltaikprojekt vid slottet Château de la Chaize, beläget nära Lyon i Frankrike. Domänen för Château de la Chaize syftar till att vara mer ekologiskt ansvarig, genom att producera ekologiskt vin, använda geotermisk energi och producera sin egen elektricitet med solenergi. Därför skulle solsystemet användas för att producera den elektricitet som slottet och vingården skulle använda. Eftersom hela området utvecklas för att bli mer hållbar är energiförbrukningen fortfarande oklar. Tre konsumtionsscenarier studeras sålunda för att modellera: den aktuella situationen (108 MWh), förändringen i energibehov på grund av förnyelsen av vinframställningsprocessen (568 MWh) och slutligen den extra energibehovet på grund av ett nytt spa på domänen landar (1056 MWh). Projektplatsen ligger också i domänen, nära slottet. Meteorologiska data och skuggningsscenen samlas in från databaser och webbplatsbesök. Eftersom platsen är inriktad mot nordväst, och södra och östra sidan blockeras av en skog, förväntas betydande skuggningsförluster. För att maximera PV-systemets potential övervägs också användning av Li-Ion-batterier för att öka den självgenererade delen av den förbrukade elen. Simuleringar för systemproduktion och matchning av konsumtion och produktion är bly med hjälp av PVsyst-programvaran. Standardmoduler och inverterare används för att köra simuleringen. De olika konfigurationerna (energiförbrukning, storleken på PV-systemet, batteriet, ...) jämförs med hjälp av självproduktionshastigheten (en del av energin som förbrukas som kommer från PV-systemet) och ekonomiska kriterier som intern avkastning eller vinsten vid år 20. Resultaten visar att användning av ett solsystem för att tillhandahålla el till det aktuella scenariot inte skulle vara ekonomiskt hållbart. För renoveringsscenariot är den bästa systemdesignen det söderutorienterade fasta lutningsplanet med 350 kWp. Det ger en vinst på 71 k € och har en egenproduktionsgrad på 31,5 %. För spa-scenariot är det sydorienterade systemet med 350 kWp också det mest intressanta, med en egenproduktionshastighet på 29,8 % och IRR på 9,33 %. Den ekonomiska analysen av systemen med batterier visar att investeringskostnaderna för lagringssystemet är för höga och att dess livslängd är för kort för att vara lönsam. Det skulle vara intressant att se utvecklingen av energilagringsmarknaden, som förväntas utvecklas, att se det ekonomiska intresset av att installera lagringssystem.

Este trabalho apresenta os estudos técnicos para implantação de um sistema de geração de energia que atenda a demanda dos circuitos eletroeletrônicos de um queimador de biogás, tornando-o autossuficiente energeticamente e viabilizando sua instalação em locais distantes e não atendidos pelo sistema convencional de distribuição de energia. O projeto do sistema de geração de energia tem como base a associação das tecnologias fotovoltaica e termoelétrica direta, tipo efeito Seebeck. O queimador de biogás descrito neste projeto é instalado em miniestações de tratamento de efluentes com produção de biogás, onde o aproveitamento energético da forma tradicional é inviável em função da baixa e inconstante vazão de biogás. O queimador de biogás possui um circuito eletrônico de controle que determina o tempo de combustão do biogás, onde, através de um microcontrolador, recebe informações do circuito eletrônico de controle e registra o volume de biogás queimado, objetivando a obtenção dos créditos de carbono. O queimador de biogás tem como objetivo somente o saneamento, provocando a queima do gás metano (CH4) presente no biogás e permitindo a busca por créditos de carbono, contribuindo para a diminuição dos efeitos provocados pelos gases do efeito estufa (GEE). Durante os estudos, foi constatado que a energia gerada pelo painel fotovoltaico é suficiente para atender a demanda de energia do circuito eletroeletrônico do queimador de biogás, enquanto que o sistema termoelétrico direto obteve resultados desprezíveis. Constatou-se também que parte do circuito do controlador de carga, utilizado nesse estudo, pode futuramente ser inserida no firmware do microcontrolador já existente no projeto, reduzindo assim significativamente os componentes do circuito.
This paper presents the technical studies for the implementation of a system of power generation to meet the energy demand of biogas burner electronics circuits, making it self-sufficient energy and enabling installation in remote locations not served by the conventional system of energy distribution. The design of the power generation system is based on the combination of photovoltaic technologies and thermoelectric direct like Seebeck Effect. The biogas burner described in this project is installed in mini-stations for treatment and biogas production, where energy reuse in the traditional way is not feasible due to the low and variable flow of biogas. The biogas burner has an electronic control circuit which determines the time of combustion of biogas, which, through a microcontroller receives information from the electronic control circuit and registers the volume of biogas flared aiming to get carbon credits. The biogas burner, aims only sanitation, causing burning methane gas (CH4) present in biogas and allowing the search for carbon credits, helping to reduce the effects caused by greenhouse gases (GHG). During the studies, it was found that the energy generated by the photovoltaic panel is enough to attend the energy demand of the electronics circuit of biogas burner, while the direct thermoelectric system obtained a negligible result. It was found that part of the charge controller, used in this study, in the future can be inserted into the firmware of the microcontroller existing of the in the project, reducing therefore the circuit components significantly.

Energy storage is of increasing interest as an enabler of incorporating renewable intermittent power in the power systems globally. There are several technologies for energy storage, and this thesis focuses on battery energy storage systems (BESS). Previous research has shown that it is difficult to install BESS with a payback time within the battery lifetime, making it a challenge to realise profitable investments. The complexity of developing an optimal control of the battery is also documented in research as another challenge. Optimal sizing of the BESS could be a solution to the challenge of reaching profitability. The thesis is identifying and analysing some important technical and energy-related parameters affecting the performance of BESS installations. Identification and analysis of parameters affecting the performance will help build insight into the optimization of BESS and help enable the development of more efficient sizing and operation. By developing an algorithm simulating the BESS when controlled using two different strategies, this thesis additionally contributes to the research by displaying the complexity of battery control, which is realised by the energy management system (EMS). Thereby the thesis is adding to the research base for the future development of smarter and more optimal EMS. The main research methodologies used in the thesis was a literature study and a case study. The results suggested that the energy management strategy used in the battery control was gravely affecting the performance in terms of economic profitability, self-sufficiency and environmental impact. It was also implied that it is difficult to develop an efficient battery control to reach the full potential of the storage system. The main conclusions in this paper are that the most important parameters to consider when implementing a battery storage in a residential multifamily building are battery technology, battery capacity, building load, renewable energy generation, energy management strategy as well as the electricity prices and investment cost. The energy management strategy most favourable for the case building studied was found to be a combination of optimizing the self-sufficiency and performing peak shaving. It would also be preferable to further develop the battery control to also take electricity prices and balance services into consideration. For this, AI and machine learning could be integrated in the control of the system. According to the case study results, the lithium ion battery technology had better potential for reaching economic profitability while the nickel metal hydride technology showed better potential in terms of environmental performance. The choice of battery technology and energy management strategy should however be adjusted to the customer specific demands and prerequisites.

Operational performance of grid-connected microgrid with integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity production and battery energy storage (BES) is investigated.  These distributed energy resources (DERs) have the potential to reduce conventionally produced electrical power and contribute to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  This investigation is based upon the DER’s techno-economic specifications and theoretical performance, consumer load data and electrical utility retail and distribution data.  Available literature provides the basis for DER specification and performance.  Actual consumer load profile data is available for residential and commercial consumer sector customers.  The electrical utility data is obtained from Mälarenergi, AB.  The aim is to investigate how to use simulations to specify a grid connected microgrid with DERs (PV production and a BES system) for two consumer sectors considering a range of objectives.  An open-source, MATLAB-based simulation tool called Opti-CE has successfully been utilized.  This package employs a genetic algorithm for multi-objective optimization.  To support attainment of one of the objectives, peak shaving of the consumer load, a battery operational strategy algorithm has been developed for the simulation.  With respect to balancing peak shaving and self-consumption one of the simulations supports specification of a commercial sector application with 117 kWp PV power rating paired with a lithium ion battery with 41.1 kWh capacity.  The simulation of this system predicts the possibility to shave the customer load profile peaks for the month of April by 20%.  The corresponding self-consumption ratio is 88%.  Differences in the relationship between the load profiles and the system performance have been qualitatively noted.  Furthermore, simulation results for lead-acid, lithium-ion and vanadium-redox flow battery systems are compared to reveal that lithium ion delivers the best balance between total annualized cost and peak shaving performance for both residential and commercial applications.

The economic level of the individual states, the community and the global economy depends on reliable activity and the results of individual economic sectors and subsectors, including all participants in this process. From the entire spectrum of economic sectors the energy sector has been selected as the most important and critical infrastructure in the Czech Republic, the EU, and in the world. The selected energy sector subdivides into other subsectors: electricity, natural gas and oil. The work deals with the analysis of the above mentioned sectors, their fundamentals, stocks, consumption, equipment, resources, entities, price developments and potential risks. The aim of the work is to analyse the state of the energy resources in the Czech Republic, the EU, and in the world, including current and potential threats, to which the key infrastructures have to face.

L’énergie électrique évoque la légende grecque du roi Midas qui transformait en « or » tout ce qu’il touchait. Depuis sa création artificielle, l’électricité change en « or » les conditions d’existence de l’humanité en favorisant le progrès, par l’amélioration du confort des populations ou sa promotion et, par la stimulation des activités productives. Dans cette perspective, elle donne accès à la jouissance effective des droits fondamentaux en raison de son incidence sur l’alimentation, l’éducation, la santé, l’eau potable et l’assainissement, au travail, etc. Cette importance justifie le fondement juridique, notamment constitutionnel, que la République du Niger a attribué à son développement. Pour atteindre les objectifs de souveraineté énergétique et d’accès universel à l’énergie, une volonté politique ferme des pouvoirs publics, ainsi que le soutien des partenaires techniques et financiers, sont nécessaires. Cependant, elle requiert autant, sinon davantage, l’expansion de l’électricité, comme forme d’énergie unique. Ce besoin d’expansion concentre la réflexion sur les conditions et moyens ; il éprouve l’exercice des pouvoirs et des droits. Cette thèse africaine pour les africains repose sur une démarche du droit vivant, celle qui réintègre le droit dans son environnement, en mêlant de nombreuses disciplines juridiques (voire non juridiques comme la science économique ou politique). L’auteur soutient que le cadre juridique de l’expansion de l’électricité en tant que condition du développement économique et social est riche, mais néanmoins perfectible. Il souligne deux aspects complémentaires. Il observe d’abord que les responsabilités de souveraineté de l’État sont préservées dans la détermination des options énergétiques et le contrôle du sous-secteur de l’électricité. Il montre ensuite que la République du Niger a fait le choix de promouvoir l’initiative privée qui s’inscrit dans les cadres du service public et de l’autonomie individuelle
Electricity evokes the Greek legend of King Midas, who turned everything he touched into “gold”. Since its artificial creation, electricity has been turning the conditions of human existence to “gold”, by fostering progress through people's comfort or its promotion improving, and through productive activities boosting. From this point of view, it gives access to the effective enjoyment of fundamental rights, because of its impact on food, education, health, drinking water and sanitation, work, etc. This importance justifies the legal basis, especially constitutional, that the Republic of Niger has given to its development. To achieve the objectives of energy sovereignty and universal access to energy, a firm political will on the part of public authorities, and the support of technical and financial partners, are required. However, it requires just as much, if not more, expansion of electricity as a single form of energy. This need for expansion focuses thought on conditions and means; it tests the exercise of powers and rights. This African thesis for Africans is based on a living law approach, one that reintegrates law into its environment, blending numerous legal disciplines (and even non-legal disciplines such as economics and politics). The author argues that the legal framework for the expansion of electricity as a condition for economic and social development is rich, but nevertheless perfectible. He highlights two complementary aspects. Firstly, he observes that the State's sovereign responsibilities are preserved in determining energy options and controlling the electricity sub-sector. Secondly, he shows that the Republic of Niger has chosen to promote private initiative within the framework of public service and individual autonomy

The project examines the possibilities to develop a local and sustainable model for food production in Uppsala with focus on diet, farming methods and different types of greenhouse installations. With the simulation software VIP energy 3.1.1 the energy balance and temperature development of greenhouses of different materials were calculated for different operating cases. The results were also compared when the greenhouse was installed stand-alone or integrated to the wall of a small standard or passive house. With a starch based diet and biological farming methods research suggests it is possible to produce food efficiently without compromising the environment or our health. The yearly food needs for a family of four that follows the suggested diet was estimated to 4362 kg and the outdoor land required to produce it was calculated to 4676 m2 through organic yield statistics. The area could however be reduced to 2813 m2 if the only starch staple in production was potatoes. The tender growing season in a greenhouse constructed with a covering of 5 mm glass or 5-16Ar-5 mm was calculated to 85 and 148 days respectively. The energy use required for year round production of mushrooms in the respective greenhouses was calculated to 53 or 16 kWh/m2,year. Half hardy plants required 399 or 173 kWh/m2,year and tender plants 953 or 358 kWh/m2,year. When the greenhouses were connected to the wall of a small house the heating demand could be reduced by up to 22 % depending on the operating case.

Photovoltaic in the Czech Republic has gone through significant development during last few years. The thesis describes physical principle of converting solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic power plant is a set of technologic components connected together to utilize solar energy and convert it into electric energy that could be distributed to electric power network. Review of the photovoltaic development in the Czech Republic and the list of the biggest operational photovoltaic power plants present important data for assessment of the current status of photovoltaic technology in the Czech Republic. Chapter operations and maintenance of photovoltaic power plants summarizes the most common causes of failures and presents diagnostic tools for service requests. Due to legislative changes, hybrid photovoltaic power plants construction has been prioritized as it is economically more efficient now. Construction of new hybrid photovoltaic power plant was assessed analytically using SWOT analysis that evaluates strong and weak sides of the projects in comparison with opportunities and threats of construction. After evaluation of obtained data the next steps of the hybrid photovoltaic power plant’s construction plan are proposed. The first part of hybrid photovoltaic power plant design contains PVGIS program's data evaluation, which provides sunlight intensity information for specified area. Obtained data were used in the second part of the design to determine proper components selection for family house hybrid photovoltaic power plant. Finally the economic view of the design and return of investments were assessed.

As energy security and climate issues are emerging as global concerns, it is commonly agreed that a transition from a conventional centralized energy system, which is largely based on combustion of fossil fuel, to a more sustainable decentralized energy system that includes mainly renewable energy sources is necessary and urgent. Due to the highly variable geographical qualities of renewable energy sources, spatial energy planning is becoming essential. This study aims to address the challenges in linking spatial modelling with assessment of regional energy consumption and renewable energy supply potential. A novel approach for exploring the feasibility of achieving energy self-sufficiency through matching energy deficit areas with energy surplus areas is proposed. A method for energy deficit and surplus area matching is developed and implemented in a VBA- based tool that serves as a decision-support tool by exploring possible future deployment of renewable energy in decentralized ways. Achieving Ontario residential electricity self-sufficiency through solar PV energy on an annual basis is explored as a case study. The results show that it is technically feasible for Ontario to be residential electricity self-sufficient through the development of solar PV energy with energy deficit areas within the region getting energy supply from nearby energy surplus areas. The case study implies that regional residential electricity self- sufficiency is achievable and it is useful for planners and policy makers to bear the regional energy deficit-surplus matching idea in mind when making urban and energy plans.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Geografia Humana, Planeamento e Territórios Saudáveis apresentada à Faculdade de Letras
ABSTRACT Globally, the dominant energy paradigm of our time is being challenged and changed. As the negative impacts, conflicts and uncertainty over the future supply of fossil fuel energies persists, alternative options are increasingly being adopted and promoted. Principal amongst these are renewable energies, options believed to be sustainable, cleaner and to have a lower environmental impact than that of our current carbon energy regime. Shifting to a renewable energy regime, however, is bound to bring with it its own set of impacts, conflicts and challenges, as energy affects the landscape and the landscape affects energy. The purpose of this study has been to examine the change to a new renewable energy paradigm through an energy geography lens. This study has attempted to do so by examining a remote island where a shift from the dominant fossil fuel paradigm to one powered by renewable energies is taking place. The Island of Pico in the Autonomous Region of the Azores was selected for this analysis. This island, being an outermost region of the EU, was selected due to the fact that it has an isolated energy system that is not connected to any outside energy source, and therefore, it has to produce all its energy locally. It was believed that Pico may serve as an example of how a place that is totally dependent on fossil fuel imports may aim to switch to locally produce 100% of its energy from renewable sources. This study was carried out in three parts: first, a theoretical component involving a literature review on types of energy and the discipline of geography; second, an examination of paradigm shifts on two other EU Islands; and third, a practical component involving a case study analysis conducted on Pico Island through structured interviews and a survey questionnaire. Such a change in paradigm does seem possible for Pico, as the vast majority of participants believed such a change was possible, that it would be positive for Pico and its image, and they are open to seeing it happen. How, if and when Pico will achieve a 100% shift of paradigm remains to be seen. It was also found that it remains unclear as to whether Pico Island may follow or adapt the models used by other islands or if it must develop its own model to make this shift. This is something that requires further study. Keywords: energy geography; renewable energy systems, energy paradigm, remote islands, energy self-sufficiency.
RESUMO Globalmente, o paradigma dominante de energia do nosso tempo está sendo desafiado e modificado. Em razão dos impactos negativos, dos conflitos e da incerteza quanto ao futuro fornecimento de combustíveis fósseis, alternativas estão sendo cada vez mais adotadas e impulsionadas. A principal delas, são as energias renováveis, consideradas sustentáveis, limpas e de menor impacto ambiental se comparadas ao atual regime de energia de carbono. Entretanto, uma mudança para o regime de energia renovável, inevitavelmente, traz consigo impactos, conflitos e desafios, a exemplo da energia afetar a paisagem e a paisagem afetar a energia. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a mudança de um paradigma de energia fóssil para um novo paradigma de energia renovável, sob a perspectiva da ‘energy geography’. Este estudo buscou examinar essa mudança em uma ilha remota, onde esta transição de paradigma de energia está a ocorrer. A Ilha do Pico, localizada na Região Autónoma dos Açores, uma região ultraperiférica da União Europeia, foi selecionada para essa análise. Isso se deve ao fato de que a ilha possui um sistema de energia isolado que não está conectado a nenhuma fonte de energia externa e, portanto, necessita produzir localmente toda a sua energia. Acredita-se que o Pico pode ser um exemplo de como um lugar totalmente dependente da importação de combustíveis fósseis, pode mudar para produzir 100% de sua energia a partir de fontes renováveis. Este trabalho foi organizado em três partes. A primeira, apresenta uma revisão da literatura sobre os tipos de energia e a disciplina da geografia; a segunda, examina as mudanças de paradigma energético em outras duas ilhas da UE; e a terceira, apresenta a análise do estudo de caso realizado na Ilha do Pico através de entrevistas estruturadas e questionários de pesquisa.Tal mudança de paradigma parece ser possível para o Pico, conforme a opinião da grande maioria dos participantes do estudo. Eles acreditam que essa mudança é possível; que ela será positiva para o Pico e sua imagem; e que estão abertos para que isso aconteça. Como, se e quando o Pico alcançará 100% da mudança de paradigma ainda não sabemos.Também não sabemos se a ilha do Pico seguirá ou se adaptará aos modelos usados por outras ilhas, ou se deve desenvolver o seu próprio modelo para fazer essa mudança. Isso é algo que requer um estudo mais aprofundado.Palavras-chave: ‘energy geography’; sistemas de energia renovável; paradigma energético; ilhas remotas; energia autossuficiente.

Recently, one of the more significant measures on the part of the Cuban government to enhance resiliency of the existing economy was the announcement of a series of economic and social policy proposals referred to as lineamientos. These emphasize the importance of achieving long-term solutions for sustainable development, including, among other things, a need to improve food and energy self-sufficiency for the country. This research explores the possibility that an eco-industrial development approach could support these goals with a focus in the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors. Two concepts were applied to this intended new paradigm; namely integrated food and energy systems (IFES) and industrial symbiosis (IS). Three municipalities of the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba provided the regional basis for the research and were explored using an asset mapping approach to identify key facilities, material inputs, outputs and flows, infrastructure, and skills sets. Consultations with various stakeholder groups were conducted to gain insight in the current relationships and existing operational conditions that could inform the types of barriers and opportunities related to undertaking exchange and collaborative activities. The findings show that residues and by-products flows from various agricultural and agro-industrial operations can provide the basis for symbiotic networks that enable the generation of energy and added -value products of use to the region. The symbiotic linkages among agricultural and agro-industrial actors can give rise to an integrated food and energy production network (IFEPN) in the region where existing agricultural cooperatives, along with other emerging forms of social enterprise can support the development of this network. Considered a vital approach to solve problems in Cuba, collaboration is their most valuable asset for the successful development of the network.

With increasing intermittency from renewable energy production, such as solar and wind power, the need of increased flexibility is quickly arising. The Åland Islands have an energy transition agenda to reach the goal of having a 100 % renewable energy system. Since there is no possibility of hydro power acting as regulatory power on Åland, reaching the goal is a challenging task. Increasing flexibility can be achieved by either implementing energy storage in the system or by matching the demand with the production.  Therefore the purpose of this study was to estimate and evaluate the technical potential of demand response (DR) on Åland, both for 2019 and for a scenario in 2030 where the domestic production of wind and solar have increased. Six areas of interests were identified; electric heating, refrigeration processes, lighting, ventilation and air conditioning, electric vehicles and industries. The import from Sweden to Åland was examined since high import coincides with either low domestic renewable production or high consumption and therefore indicates when flexibility is most required. The results show that the technical potential of DR on Åland can lower the maximum electricity import from Sweden by 18 % in 2019. 4.3 % of the total import can be moved to times when there is less stress on the grid. Electric heating is the biggest contributor, and can by itself lower the import with three fourths of the total reduction. The domestic renewable production in 2019 is too low for DR to have an effect on self-sufficiency. For 2030 the self-sufficiency and utilization of domestic renewable production could be increased with 4.2-9.9 % and 5.4-12 % respectively when using DR, depending on if vehicle-to-grid is implemented on a large scale or not. The cost of DR is still unclear, and it varies between the different resources. However, electric heating seems to be a less expensive alternative to batteries, while providing a similar service.

Ao longo dos últimos anos, tem-se verificado grandes mudanças no mercado energético global, sendo os Estados Unidos da América um dos grandes protagonistas. A presente investigação tem como principal objetivo compreender e clarificar o conceito de independência energética/auto-suficiência energética e averiguar a possibilidade e o alcance deste propósito por parte dos Estados Unidos da América, desde a Revolução do Shale. Ao longo desta investigação haverá oportunidade de estudar as políticas energéticas assumidas durante aproximadamente os últimos 40 anos, obter informações sobre a segurança energética dos Estados Unidos, bem como formas de exploração energética americana, política para exportação de energia e impactos geopolíticos. Facilmente se observa ao longo deste trabalho que a auto-suficência não pode ser vista numa perspetiva de criação de condições para o isolacionismo americano mas sim numa perspetiva de instrumentalização e proteção dos seus aliados.
Over the past few years, there has been great changes in the Global energy market, with the United States of America as one of the major protagonists. The main goal of the present investigation is to understand and clarify the notion of energy Independence or Self-sufficiency and verify the possibility to achieve this goal, by the United States. Throughtout this research, there will be opportunity to study the US energy policies of the last 40 years, obtain informations about US energy security, and learn about american energy exploration, exports policy and geopolitical impacts of the Shale Revolution. Lastly, in this research it is easily observed that self-sufficiency can not be seen in a perspective of creating conditions for American isolationism but rather in a perspective of instrumentalization and protection of their allies