Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Krishnakumar R. Vasudevan, Vigna K. Ramachandaramurthy, Gomathi Venugopal, J. B. Ekanayake, S. K. Tiong
Summary: This paper critically reviews the impact of renewable energy on the instability of power systems and explores the advantages and limitations of pumped hydro storage as an energy storage system. Through data analysis and classification of control strategies, the study aims to advance the development of pumped hydro storage technology.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Stefano Casarin, Giovanna Cavazzini, Juan Ignacio Perez-Diaz
Summary: Non-programmable Renewable Energy Sources (RES) add pressure to the grid, and this research aims to assess the benefits of hybridizing a Variable-speed Pumped Storage Hydro Power (PSHP) with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) in Sardinia island (Italy), to improve flexibility and power availability.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Giovanna Cavazzini, Alberto Benato, Giorgio Pavesi, Guido Ardizzon
Summary: Wind and solar energy are renewable sources with great potential but require energy storage solutions to address supply-demand mismatches. The hybridization of seawater PHES with a wind farm can improve revenue and resolve imbalances in power generation.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
D. Dubbers
Summary: According to the laws of fluid mechanics, modular offshore pumped hydro-energy storage systems like StEnSEA do not have advantages over similar but much cheaper onshore systems.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Economics
Chi Kong Chyong, David Newbery
Summary: This article presents a calibrated unit commitment dispatch model applied to the GB electricity market, focusing on the economic analysis of hydro pumped storage (PS) stations. The study finds that an increase in variable renewable electricity (VRE) can increase the profit of PS stations, with the effect depending on the generation mix. A higher share of wind and solar energy in the system is required to achieve similar profitability with a more flexible system.
Article
Energy & Fuels
R. M. Nienhuis, M. van Rooij, W. A. Prins, B. Jayawardhana, A. I. Vakis
Summary: We introduce a novel offshore pumped hydro energy storage system called the Ocean Battery and investigate its performance in comparison to conventional pumped hydro storage. The results show that the Ocean Battery has the potential to be integrated with variable renewable energy sources and provide bulk energy storage.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mario Cascetta, Fabio Licheri, Rosa P. Merchan, Mario Petrollese
Summary: This study analyzes the expected performance of an innovative PTES system integrated with a CSP plant. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of the integration and the ability of the system to participate in energy arbitrage.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Papadakis C. Nikolaos, Fafalakis Marios, Katsaprakakis Dimitris
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive review of pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems, focusing on their fundamental principles, design considerations, and various configurations. It emphasizes the crucial role of PHS systems in integrating renewable energy, mitigating peak load demands, and enhancing grid stability.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohammed Qudaih, Bernd Engel, Daan P. K. Truijen, Jeroen D. M. De Kooning, Kurt Stockman, Justus Hoffstaedt, Antonio Jarquin-Laguna, Ruben Ansorena Ruiz, Nils Goseberg, Lucas de Vilder, Jeremy D. Bricker, Melvin Joseph, Mehrdad Zangeneh, Kristina Terheiden
Summary: The pan-European power grid is facing the challenge of high fluctuations and non-dispatchability with the increasing penetration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE), necessitating the introduction of Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Among the different ESS options, Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is cost-effective and has a longer lifespan. This paper introduces a grid-forming controlled converter coupled with low-head PHS, which can enhance grid stability and provide various Ancillary Services (AS).
IET RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nicholas Gilmore, Thomas Britz, Erik Maartensson, Carlo Orbegoso-Jordan, Sebastian Schroder, Martino Malerba
Summary: This study assesses the feasibility of micro-pumped hydro energy storage on a continental scale and suggests using agricultural reservoirs to reduce construction costs. Through a survey of farm dams in Australia, a large number of suitable pumped hydro sites are identified. Compared to lithium-ion batteries, pumped hydro storage has lower costs for larger storage capacities, despite lower discharge efficiency, making it a viable option for reliable and low-carbon power systems in rural communities.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiuxing Yin, Zhigao Zhao, Weijia Yang
Summary: This paper proposes an event-triggered model predictive control (MPC) approach for marine pumped hydro-electric storage (MPHS) to achieve real-time offshore wind-wave power complementarity in an integrated offshore renewable energies (OREs) and MPHS system. The approach includes a deep learning wind-wave power predictor for ultra-short term power forecasting of the OREs and a real-time nonlinear explicit MPC method for controlling the MPHS to compensate for power oscillations from the OREs. The proposed approach is demonstrated through a case study and achieves high accuracy in meeting load demand.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Olatunji M. Adeyanju, Pierluigi Siano, Luciane N. Canha
Summary: This article presents a dedicated microgrid planning and operation approach that considers pumped-hydro storage (PHS) to support distribution network (DN). The approach allows dedicated microgrids to solely serve the distribution system, reducing the overall operation cost and increasing revenue. By incorporating a short-term operation capacity index, power purchase agreement, and levelized energy cost, the microgrid's sensitivity to operation penalty is minimized, enabling it to maximize profit.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Subhash Yadav, Pradeep Kumar, Ashwani Kumar
Summary: This paper proposes a 100% renewable-based isolated microgrid system that aims to minimize the overall energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions through optimal scheduling and hybrid energy storage.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Apostolos G. Papakonstantinou, Apostolos I. Konstanteas, Stavros A. Papathanassiou
Summary: This study examines solutions for operating isolated grids with 100% renewable energy sources (RES), focusing on frequency control and stability. A case study on the Greek island of Ikaria is conducted, considering various measures such as deflector control, wind farm's primary reserves, enhanced variable speed pump control, and battery energy storage. Simulation results demonstrate that deflector control allows effective frequency regulation, albeit at the expense of energy efficiency, while variable speed pumps contribute to primary regulation during contingencies. Battery storage decisively enhances frequency control, operation security, and tracking of wind power variations.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Georgios E. Arnaoutakis, Georgia Kefala, Eirini Dakanali, Dimitris Al Katsaprakakis
Summary: Insular power systems, characterized by their unique land morphology, require dedicated designs to achieve higher renewable energy penetration. The island of Rhodes serves as a case study for implementing offshore wind turbines, concentrating solar power, and pumped-hydro storage to achieve high renewable energy penetration.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bjarne Steffen
Summary: The study provides a comparative analysis of green financial policy output in OECD countries from 2001 to 2019, revealing an accelerated increase in policy output since the Paris Agreement. However, there are significant differences in policy output between countries, with some important financial center countries implementing fewer policies. The study suggests a research agenda to deepen understanding of this important yet under-studied area of climate policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Florian Egli, Friedemann Polzin, Mark Sanders, Tobias Schmidt, Alexandra Serebriakova, Bjarne Steffen
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Pahle, O. Tietjen, S. Osorio, F. Egli, B. Steffen, T. S. Schmidt, O. Edenhofer
Summary: As renewable energy technology costs decrease, there is a growing demand to eliminate policy support. However, removing support policies could lead to higher financing costs, slower deployment of renewable energy capacity, and increased carbon prices. Policymakers should be aware of this risk and take necessary measures.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mark Sanders, Alexandra Serebriakova, Panagiotis Fragkos, Friedemann Polzin, Florian Egli, Bjarne Steffen
Summary: As the energy transition accelerates and renewable energy technologies become cost-competitive with fossil fuels in many countries, the availability of finance could become a bottleneck. However, current macro-economic models lack detailed consideration of financial markets and the impact of financing barriers and policy interventions on the energy transition.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Churchill Agutu, Florian Egli, Nathaniel J. Williams, Tobias S. Schmidt, Bjarne Steffen
Summary: To electrify 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, substantial investments are needed. This study establishes an open source electrification model by incorporating cost of capital values and specific risks faced by investors. The research finds that the cost of capital for off-grid electrification is much higher than previously estimated and scaling up off-grid finance can significantly reduce electrification costs.
Article
Management
Bjarne Steffen, Valerie Karplus, Tobias S. Schmidt
Summary: The study examines the adoption of renewable energy by state-owned and private utilities in the EU, finding that state-owned utilities are more likely to invest in renewables. This tendency is influenced by the presence of pro-adoption policies and state enforcement capabilities. The findings have broader implications for the role of state-owned enterprises in technological change in the energy sector and beyond.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lukas Lanz, Bessie Noll, Tobias S. Schmidt, Bjarne Steffen
Summary: This study categorizes and investigates the charging costs of electric vehicles across 30 European countries and charging options, revealing significant variations and suggesting different policy options for cost reduction. The analysis also examines the impacts and relevance of publicly accessible charging station utilization, finding that the charging costs at these stations are already competitive with fuel costs.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yacob Mulugetta, Youba Sokona, Philipp A. Trotter, Samuel Fankhauser, Jessica Omukuti, Lucas Somavilla Croxatto, Bjarne Steffen, Meron Tesfamichael, Edo Abraham, Jean-Paul Adam, Lawrence Agbemabiese, Churchill Agutu, Mekalia Paulos Aklilu, Olakunle Alao, Bothwell Batidzirai, Getachew Bekele, Anteneh G. Dagnachew, Ogunlade Davidson, Fatima Denton, E. Ogheneruona Diemuodeke, Florian Egli, Eshetu Gebrekidan Gebresilassie, Mulualem Gebreslassie, Mamadou Goundiam, Haruna Kachalla Gujba, Yohannes Hailu, Adam D. Hawkes, Stephanie Hirmer, Helen Hoka, Mark Howells, Abdulrasheed Isah, Daniel Kammen, Francis Kemausuor, Ismail Khennas, Wikus Kruger, Ifeoma Malo, Linus Mofor, Minette Nago, Destenie Nock, Chukwumerije Okereke, S. Nadia Ouedraogo, Benedict Probst, Maria Schmidt, Tobias S. Schmidt, Carlos Shenga, Mohamed Sokona, Jan Christoph Steckel, Sebastian Sterl, Bernard Tembo, Julia Tomei, Peter Twesigye, Jim Watson, Harald Winkler, Abdulmutalib Yussuff
Summary: Aligning development and climate goals in Africa requires country-specific approaches to energy system development, taking into account the unique starting points and uncertainties of each country. Policy, finance, and research recommendations are provided to identify suitable energy pathways for development and enable their implementation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lena Klaassen, Bjarne Steffen
Summary: Reaching net zero GHG emissions requires significant investments in low-carbon infrastructure. To redirect finance flows, sustainable finance regulation is emphasized by the European Union. However, there is a lack of understanding of the specific investment shifts needed, which may hinder the development of crucial technologies. A meta-analysis reveals the substantial investment shifts required for climate-relevant infrastructure until 2035, especially in power plants, electricity grids, and rail infrastructure. These findings emphasize the importance of sustainable finance policies that consider the financing structures of these sectors.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Paul Tautorat, Bjorn Lalin, Tobias S. Schmidt, Bjarne Steffen
Summary: There is a lack of systematic research on decarbonization in the cement and steel industries. This study fills this gap by analyzing the direction of innovation through data sets, topic modeling, and quantifying publication volume. The results show a shift from efficiency improvements to deep decarbonization solutions in the research on cement and steel production, with a positive but stagnating effect on energy consumption and emission intensity.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Katherine E. Lonergan, Florian Egli, Sebastian Osorio, Giovanni Sansavini, Michael Pahle, Tobias S. Schmidt, Bjarne Steffen
Summary: Energy system models provide optimal investment pathways and guide policymakers in the low-carbon energy transition. However, the representation of the cost of capital (CoC) in these models remains unclear, despite its strong influence on outcomes. A review of 58 model-based publications suggests a lack of guiding principles for determining CoC, with many relying on unfounded assumptions. To address this, the study identifies barriers and suggests practical steps, including heuristic guidelines for differentiated CoC rates. Overall, improving the treatment of CoC will enhance the quality of model-based policy advice.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Niccolo Manych, Florian Egli, Nils Ohlendorf, Tobias S. Schmidt, Bjarne Steffen, Anna Stuenzi, Jan Christoph Steckel
Summary: The construction of new coal-fired power plants is often funded by foreign banks, driven by the opportunities for technology export. This paper provides the first quantitative evidence for this hypothesis on a global scale, using a novel dataset that tracks financial involvement and equipment manufacturers in coal units. The findings reveal that financial institutions from various countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Western nations, provide loans to coal units abroad, accompanied by technology exports. Semi-structured interviews suggest that political economy factors contribute to this correlation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florian Egli, Rui Zhang, Victor Hopo, Tobias Schmidt, Bjarne Steffen
Summary: Climate change is increasingly important to senior decision makers in the private sector, making corporate renewable electricity procurement more relevant to the energy transition. The largest corporate initiative, RE100, has 315 members and aims to foster RE procurement. However, the impact of such initiatives remains unclear due to global level reporting. A new approach is developed to map RE100 companies' electricity procurement to jurisdictions worldwide, revealing limited impact on global energy transition. To increase impact, RE100 should focus on interim targets, expansion, and aligning corporate interests in countries with less ambitious renewable energy targets.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florian Egli, Churchill Agutu, Bjarne Steffen, Tobias S. Schmidt
Summary: The electrification cost in sub-Saharan Africa varies greatly, and solar-powered standalone systems significantly reduce the cost. On average, electrification can be provided at a cost of 7 cents per person per day. Policymakers should consider electrification cost curves for different countries to develop targeted policies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bjarne Steffen, Paul Waidelich
Summary: This study provides a systematic review of capital cost determinants and proposes a comprehensive framework with four hierarchical levels. The study finds that technology level and financial sector level drivers have significant impacts on capital cost, and that drivers differ between corporate finance and project finance structures, interacting through multiple feedback channels. Policy decisions can strongly influence the capital cost of energy projects, but need to consider relevant determinants across sectors and policy domains.
PROGRESS IN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Economics
Marie-Louise Arlt, David Chassin, Claudio Rivetta, James Sweeney
Summary: This paper examines the impact of real-time pricing and load automation on residential distribution systems. The study finds that implementing real-time pricing can result in an aggregate welfare gain of 39 USD per customer and year. However, it also notes that RTP and load automation may significantly increase peak system load. Introducing a market-based demand management system can further enhance welfare gains and reduce grid investment.
Article
Economics
Javier Jorquera-Copier, Alvaro Lorca, Enzo Sauma, Stefan Lorenczik, Matias Negrete-Pincetic
Summary: As countries update their climate ambitions, low-carbon hydrogen production and use present opportunities for emissions reductions and economic development. A case study for Chile shows that integrating hydrogen and electricity networks can lower system costs and enhance renewable integration, but policy support is needed to address concerns related to water and land use.
Article
Economics
Dawit Guta, Hisham Zerriffi, Jill Baumgartner, Abhishek Jain, Sunil Mani, Darby Jack, Ellison Carter, Guofeng Shen, Jennifer Orgill-Meyer, Joshua Rosenthal, Katherine Dickinson, Rob Bailis, Yuta Masuda
Summary: Household solid fuel use is detrimental to health and the environment. The Indian government's PMUY subsidy has successfully promoted the adoption of LPG by millions of households. However, there is limited understanding of the decision-making process to reduce solid fuel use after transitioning to cleaner fuels. This study found that factors such as household wealth, social status, education level, and the prevalence of LPG use in the village are positively associated with LPG consumption and the discontinuation of solid fuel use. On the other hand, factors such as distance to LPG refill delivery, household size, and the PMUY subsidy are negatively associated with the share of LPG use.
Article
Economics
Nicolas Morell-Dameto, Jose Pablo Chaves-Avila, Tomas Gomez San Roman, Pablo Duenas-Martinez, Tim Schittekatte
Summary: This paper assesses the performance of differently implemented forward-looking network tariff designs and proposes an innovative coordination mechanism to increase predictability in a future with many flexible customers. The study reveals that if large shares of customers synchronize their responses to highly time-varying and locational-specific network charges, it can lead to unexpected reinforcements.
Article
Economics
Alexandra Gritz, Guntram Wolff
Summary: Russia's weaponization of gas supplies shook the energy security of Central and Eastern Europe in 2022. The region responded by increasing alternative energy supplies and developing new gas supply routes. Renewable energy, nuclear energy, and hydrogen play important roles in the long-term. Mitigating the impact of this shock requires the EU to prioritize the integrity of its energy market.
Article
Economics
Jaroslaw Kantorowicz, Marion Collewet, Matthew DiGiuseppe, Hendrik Vrijburg
Summary: Economic costs are a major political obstacle to investing in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The method of financing plays a crucial role in determining public opposition to government green investments, with debt financing being less opposed than broad-based taxes. This study suggests that credit market tools, such as green bonds and debt for climate swaps, can be politically efficient in increasing support for green financing. Carbon taxes and wealth taxes are found to be the most preferred options.
Article
Economics
Kun Guo, Liyuan Luan, Xiaoli Cai, Dayong Zhang, Qiang Ji
Summary: This paper investigates China's energy trade stability using a survival analysis approach. It finds that the energy trade linkages between China and 153 other countries are complex and unstable, with short periods of trade with many countries. Geopolitically risky regions, such as the Middle East and Africa, have the lowest trade stability. Climate risks have significant effects on energy trade stability. The paper proposes several policy options to improve energy trade stability in China, with special attention to increasing global climate risks.
Article
Economics
Simona Bigerna, Piyush Choudhary, Nikunj Kumar Jain, Silvia Micheli, Paolo Polinori
Summary: This study estimates the willingness to pay of Indian urban consumers for a continuous supply of electricity using contingent valuation method. The findings show that the amount consumers are willing to pay depends on the duration of power outages, with households preferring shorter outages. Income and environmental attitude also positively influence higher willingness to pay. These insights can inform policymakers in designing more reliable and customer-centric energy generation and distribution models.
Article
Economics
Temilade Sesan, Unico Uduka, Lucy Baker, Okechukwu Ugwu, Ewah Eleri, Subhes Bhattacharyya
Summary: This study examines the impact of the regulatory framework on rural electrification and universal energy access goals in Nigeria's mini-grid sector. The findings suggest that while the current framework has fostered sector growth, additional measures are necessary to ensure equitable distribution of access among rural populations.
Article
Economics
Rui Shan, Noah Kittner
Summary: Energy storage is a cornerstone in decarbonization planning as it reduces operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing resilience and renewables integration. However, storage developers in different regions have varying economic and environmental considerations, thereby requiring policy intervention to achieve long-term emission reductions.
Article
Economics
Tung Durmaz, Sevil Acar, Simay Kizilkaya
Summary: This study investigates the phenomenon of strategic capacity withholding in the Turkish electricity market and its relationship with the capacity remuneration mechanism. The empirical results provide strong evidence of strategic capacity withholding and show that the capacity mechanism contributes to the duration of failures. The study offers important insights for policymakers, including the implementation of a random verification mechanism and restructuring of the capacity mechanism in Turkey.
Article
Economics
Tii N. Nchofoung
Summary: The study finds that oil price shocks have a negative impact on Africa's energy transition, particularly in rural areas and net crude oil exporting countries. However, oil price shocks cannot explain the urban-rural differences in clean energy access. Therefore, increasing investment in clean energy and technologies in rural areas is necessary to enhance the resilience of the energy sector to oil price shocks.
Article
Economics
Najia Saqib, Muhammad Usman, Ilhan Ozturk, Arshian Sharif
Summary: This study examines the impact of environmental technologies, financial growth, and energy use on ecological footprint and green growth. Environmental innovation and renewable energy deployment contribute to green growth, while financial expansion and non-renewable energy use have negative effects on the environment. The study also identifies causal relationships between different factors.
Article
Economics
Yessica C. Y. Chung, Noxolo Kunene, Hung-Hao Chang
Summary: The Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is considered an innovative technology for building a green society. This study investigates the impact of REC purchases on stock return and volume in Taiwan between 2017 and 2021. The findings suggest that REC purchases have a positive effect on stock returns of manufacturing firms but not service firms. The frequency of REC purchases is also an important factor in the relationship between REC purchase and firm value. Additionally, the study reveals that public attention to environmental pollution plays a crucial role in positive stock returns and volume, while ESG disclosure is negatively associated with returns and volume.
Article
Economics
Seife Ayele, Wei Shen, Yacob Mulugetta, Tadesse Kuma Worako
Summary: This paper addresses the challenges of governing energy procurement from a mix of non-hydropower renewable energy sources supplied by independent producers. Building on political economy analysis and five case studies of independent producer projects from Ethiopia, it seeks to understand the root causes of the protracted delays and limited extent of procurement by independent producers. The key contestations lie in managing long term contracts, risk, uncertainty and in developing the institutional and human capacity to transition.
