A number of renewable energy technologies are being explored today, including distributed generation, wind repowering, and recycling energy storage batteries. A key goal is to promote renewable energy technology development and the corresponding market growth. Financial incentives for renewable energy development and utilization are important, as they can lower up- front investment commitments and encourage design innovation. However, many obstacles still stand in the way of such development. In this article, we will discuss some key topics and their potential solutions.
Distributed generation
The development of distributed generation in renewable energy technology has several key benefits. These include the ability to supply remote regions with power, solving local supply issues, ensuring back-up supply during grid failures, reducing peak loads, providing diverse energy products, combining cooling and heating capabilities, and improving integrated utilization efficiency. Additionally, distributed generation improves power factor and reduces power loss. As a result, distributed generation is an essential part of renewable energy technology development.
In this article, we’ll outline key factors for success. First, we’ll define distributed generation. By definition, distributed generation is electricity generated close to the point of use. Typically, this means wind, solar, or geothermal energy. Distributed generation is an important component of renewable energy technology development, and state and local governments can implement policies and programs that encourage the development of distributed generation, thereby helping to overcome market and regulatory barriers. The following resources will provide more information on distributed generation.
Wind repowering
Wind repowering has numerous advantages over traditional forms of energy production. The new turbines have higher specific energy production than the older ones. Annual energy production increased by more than 2300 MWh between 2001 and 2003 and by almost ten thousand MWh between 2008 and 2015. This increase is attributable to the sharp increase in the performance of new turbines. In addition, wind repowering can be facilitated by the development of a policy environment.
In Denmark, the first wave of repowering saw turbines that were 11-12 times more powerful than the ones that were decommissioned. However, in later waves, the differences decreased and turbines were only about five or six times more powerful than their decommissioned counterparts. In Germany, wind repowering projects began in 2014, but data from repowering projects is only available from that time.
Recycling energy storage batteries
One way to reduce pollution and conserve resources is by recycling energy storage batteries. The European Commission estimates that only 15 percent of cobalt used in batteries can be recycled today. Lithium and silicon, the anode materials in batteries, cannot be recycled economically, and can’t be used in new battery production. But a Belgian company called Umicore is one of the leading recyclers of lithium ion batteries in Europe, and has developed technology that enables it to recycle 7,000 metric tons of lithium ion batteries per year. That’s equivalent to about 35,000 electric vehicles.
A number of EU member states have joined forces to develop energy storage batteries and have contributed to the SET Plan. In addition to this, three emerging technologies have been identified to help increase the capacity of renewable energy storage. These technologies use recyclable materials and contribute to the circular economy. They can help meet the goals of the SET Plan, as well as contribute to the development of a more secure energy grid. These technologies can help to reduce global warming by as much as 50 percent, and are crucial in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon society.
Education and training programs for renewable energy technology development
There are several important factors to consider when developing a renewable energy technology. First, countries must create a market for renewable energy. Then, they must remove the barriers to diffusion of renewables by establishing the necessary administrative, financial, and legal infrastructures. Finally, governments should play an important role in promoting renewable energy technologies by initiating studies to determine the potential of renewable energy resources. A list of such factors is given below.
The demand for skilled personnel is particularly acute in developing countries, where there is a severe shortage of trained professionals. A global study of education data found that the supply of qualified professionals is insufficient, particularly in developing countries. The study also found that education and training programs for renewable energy technologies are often mismatched with the needs of the industry. To overcome this problem, some countries have begun to move toward online training for renewable energy professionals.
