Rural Smart Grids enables the incorporation of distributed generation as while as the development of the rural communities. In this paper Smart Grid characteristics are presented and challenges of its integration in the network are analysed. Differential characteristics of Rural Smart Grids are summarized and areas that should be investigated to achieve their high scale implementation are pointed out.
This paper sets out to analyse organisations in the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), working in the field of energy provision, and their contribution to the so-called energy transition from the perspective of social innovation. By showing the practical application of the concept of social innovation and its convergence and synergies with the SSE, we review the extent to which Basque Renewable Energy SSE alternatives are experiences that incorporate socially innovative elements. In addition, we study three cases through these approaches in order to observe the real and potential benefits that experiences based on social innovation can bring to energy transition. This research uses an exploratory research design. Based on primary and secondary data sources, we analyse the main characteristics of social innovation (governance, co-production and co-construction, and plural economy) of these organisations. The main contribution of our research is to analyse the means by which certain initiatives are implemented through projects framed using the most prominent theoretical models focused on energy transition, social innovation and a social and solidarity-based economy, all aimed at achieving a low-carbon society.The study concludes that the energy generation and/or commercialization entities analysed in the Basque Country (Spain) demonstrate the characteristics necessary to be considered as social innovation: collaborative governance models; co-production and co-construction of a wider distributed, less centralized energy model with a closer connection to citizens; a plural economy, and hybridization of resources of diverse origin. These experiences, based on SSE and social innovation, make a relevant contribution to a more just and democratic energy transition on a local scale.
Abstract. Large industry is focusing on off-shore wind generation solutions which permit extra large turbine dimensions. In an economically recessing situation it may be sensible to underline the good results observed in distributed and local generation. Attending to consumer proximity, cities and urban areas are to be studied. These locations present renewable resource scarcity in general. However, several authors, following the evolution of regulations in countries like UK, present the advantages of small wind. From the point of view of generator concept options experimental comparative analysis' results are included. Finally, a mathematical model for small radial flux permanent magnet synchronous generators (RF-PMSG) is included and verified by means of a contrasted simulator in Matlab Simulink. The implemented simulator will permit more accurate and analytical comparatives between small wind generator solutions.
Rural environments present different electrification needs compared with the urban industrial areas. Those particularities imply rethinking electrification strategies taking into consideration economical, social and environmental aspects. In that respect, renewable distributed generation linked with microgrids presents interesting features for remote or sparsely populated areas. This paper presents the environmental advantages of using renewable generation, and displays a comparative characterization of rural/urban loads, a discussion of the most extended microgrid topologies, a comparative of available storage techniques and a literature review of the main steps in the process of designing a new microgrid.
Achieving the ambitious targets set by Europe in its 2050 roadmap, moving away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources, while reducing carbon emissions, will require a radical change in Europe’s energy system. Much of the action that will enable this energy transition to be realised in a democratic way is at the local level. It is at this level that many of the decisions regarding the energy transition desired by European citizens will have to be taken. The methodology used in this study is based on data collection, literature review, data validation and analysis. A part of this analysis will also be taken by the mPower project as a diagnostic baseline. The first finding of this research work is that energy transition data availability at the local level is quite low. Second, the local authorities are experiencing difficulties in decarbonising their energy consumption. Finally, the factor with highest positive relationships with other energy transition variables is the number of people employed in the field of energy transition. The results suggest that in order to lead a participatory energy transition, the workforce specifically dedicated to energy transition is a key factor, clearly differentiating it from staff working on the general energy field.
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