Local ownership, smart energy systems and better wind power economy

The Benefits of Local Cross-Sector Consumer Ownership Models for the Transition to a Renewable Smart Energy System in Denmark. An Exploratory Study

“…This is seen as problematic given that the potential of this strategy is limited as increasing shares of VRE are implemented in neighbouring market zones and energy systems. Therefore, the cross-sector integration approach is expected to be essential to improve wind power utilisation and business economy [9,12] and reduce overinvestments in the electricity grid [8]. The new incentives for P2H in DH systems are seen as a positive step to promote distant and local cross-sector integration, although the results of the policy are still to be seen and evaluated.…”

“…However, the merit order effect and curtailment because of grid congestion reduce the profitability of wind investments as increasing volumes of wind power enter in the electricity system. Increasing flexible demand through cross-sector integration (e.g., P2H) has been presented as a solution to raise wind energy utilisation and, in this way, improve wind economy [9,12]. Therefore, the co-ownership of wind turbines and flexible demand (e.g., P2H in DH systems) could improve the economy of wind turbines-as long as both are located within the same electricity grid congestion node [21].…”

“…As the implementation of VRE progresses, these technologies are facing greater local opposition [6], lower market prices due to the merit-order-effect, and curtailment due to electricity grid congestion [7]. Several studies conclude that these organisational challenges could be addressed with cross-sector integration (i.e., by integrating the electricity, heating and cooling (H&C), and transport sectors) [8,9] and local inclusive ownership models [10], such as local consumer cooperatives or local municipal companies [11]. However, the institutional incentive system does not yet promote these solutions to the levels that are necessary to address the above mentioned challenges and to implement a renewable SES [12], not even in countries and local regions already pressed by the high shares of VRE, e.g., Denmark.…”

Rescaling the Governance of Renewable Energy: Lessons from the UK Devolution Experience

“…Coupled with this, we have focused on energy objects (large-scale electricity provision) which have perhaps the greatest path dependencies, with the requirements of grid network support, markets and finance strongly reinforcing logics of spatial integration rather than deviation. Alternative, 'softer' energy pathways (Lovins, 1977) such as the pursuit of 100% Renewable Energy Regions 20 might well put a greater premium on effective urban or regional level action (Hvelplund, Mö ller, & Sperling, 2013), to better knit together flows of electricity, heat and transport energy. However, rather than simply imagine how rescaled institutional arrangements might better foster more radical sustainable development pathways, it is important to understand why rescaling alone can be insufficient for dislodging dominant systems of resource provision and how core modes of governing may endure after rescaling has taken place.…”

Polish Society in the Light of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources

“…An example is Europe, where since 2008 the majority of new energy installations have been based on renewable energy sources (Hvelplund et al, 2013).…”