1.

Review of energy system flexibility measures to enable high levels of variable

renewable electricity
Peter D. Lund, Juuso Lindgren, Jani Mikkola, Jyri Salpakari Renewable and Sustainable
Energy Reviews, Volume 45, May 2015, Pages 785-807

Abstract
The paper reviews different approaches, technologies, and strategies to manage large
scale schemes of variable renewable electricity such as solar and wind power. We consider
both supply and demand side measures. In addition to presenting energy system flexibility
measures, their importance to renewable electricity is discussed. The flexibility measures
available range from traditional ones such as grid extension or pumped hydro storage to more
advanced strategies such as demand side management and demand side linked approaches,
e.g. the use of electric vehicles for storing excess electricity, but also providing grid support
services. Advanced batteries may offer new solutions in the future, though the high costs
associated with batteries may restrict their use to smaller scale applications. Different P2Ytype of strategies, where P stands for surplus renewable power and Y for the energy form or
energy service to which this excess in converted to, e.g. thermal energy, hydrogen, gas or
mobility are receiving much attention as potential flexibility solutions, making use of the
energy system as a whole. To functionalize or to assess the value of the various energy
system flexibility measures, these need often be put into an electricity/energy market or
utility service context. Summarizing, the outlook for managing large amounts of RE power in
terms of options available seems to be promising.

Financing and risk management of renewable energy

projects with a hybrid bond
Original Research Article
Renewable Energy, Volume 75, March 2015, Pages 779-787
Cheuk Wing Lee, Jin Zhong

Abstract
Although many incentive schemes and renewable energy policies, such as feed-in tariffs and
tax credits, have been imposed to boost renewable energy investment, renewable energy
investment still necessitates huge initial capital costs and involves numerous uncertainties.
Unless the problems are well addressed, renewable energy developments are hindered. In this
paper, we present a new financing instrument, called hybrid bond, to build renewable energy
projects. The hybrid bond consists of a portfolio of renewable energy projects. It does not
only financially support the initial capital costs, but also manages the risks associated with
renewable energy investment. Key risks including market risks, credit risks, liquidity risks,
operational risks and political risks are identified and managed. In the proposed framework, it
reveals that the sale of a hybrid bond can finance a substantial share of upfront capital costs
of renewable energy projects and the use of hybrid bond is able to manage major
uncertainties.

Highlights
1. High upfront costs of renewable energy projects are often a hurdle for investors and
developers.
2. Risks associated with renewable energy projects are different to traditional projects.
3. A hybrid bond is introduced to finance renewable energy projects and to address the
problems.
4. With the use of the hybrid bond, major uncertainties are identified and managed.
5. A hypothetical example illustrates how a hybrid bond is applied.

Renewable energy potentials in Cameroon: Prospects

and challenges
Original Research Article
Renewable Energy, Volume 76, April 2015, Pages 560-565
Asan Vernyuy Wirba, Abdullahi Abubakar Mas'ud, Firdaus Muhammad-Sukki,
Salman Ahmad, Razman Mat Tahar, Ruzairi Abdul Rahim, Abu Bakar Munir, Md
Ershadul Karim

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Abstract
This paper aims at discussing the renewable energy potentials in delivering parts of the
energy needs in Cameroon. The country has an enormous renewable energy potential. The
lack of clear renewable energy policy in the mix is an issue that needs to be addressed
urgently by the Cameroonian government policy makers. The absence of commitment and
enthusiasm from the government is weakening the sector potentiality to be developed either
by private sector investments and also foreign investors. Solar, wind and thermal energy
plants are essential to meet the electrification of Cameroon.

Highlights
1. Overview of the current energy demand in Cameroon is presented.
2. Present and future development of renewable energy (RE) are discussed.
3. RE policy in Cameroon is evaluated.
4. Recommendations are provided to promote RE in the country.

 Extended-power pinch analysis (EPoPA) for

integration of renewable energy systems with
battery/hydrogen storages
Original Research Article
Renewable Energy, Volume 80, August 2015, Pages 1-14
Iman Janghorban Esfahani, SeungChul Lee, ChangKyoo Yoo

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Abstract
An extended-power pinch analysis (EPoPA) is proposed as a means of extending the power
pinch analysis (PoPA) for optimal design of renewable energy systems with battery and
hydrogen storage (RES-BH). The EPoPA concept is based on the storage of wasted electricity
that cannot be stored by the battery bank designed by PoPA. This energy is stored in the form
of hydrogen and is discharged in the form of electricity when the external electricity source is
needed. EPoPA graphical and numerical tools are introduced to determine the minimum
required external electricity source, wasted electricity sources, and appropriate hydrogen
storage system capacity of the RES-BH system during first and normal operation years.
Furthermore, the integration of the RES-BH system with a diesel generator as a high reliable
system is investigated in view point of economic. The optimal sizes of diesel generator and
hydrogen storage system components, such as electrolyzer, fuel cell and hydrogen tank are
obtained with the minimization of the total annual cost (TAC) of the system. The
implementation results of the EPoPA tools on three possible case studies indicate that EPoPA,
unlike other process integration methodologies such as PoPA, is able to optimally design
RES-BH systems.

Highlights
1. Proposing the extended-power pinch analysis (EPoPA) for renewable energy
systems.
2. Definition of extended-power composite curve (EPoCC) as the graphical
approach.
3. Proposition of extended-power cascade analysis as the numerical tool.
4. Determination of the optimal hydrogen storage system and diesel generator
sizes.
5. Implementation of proposed EPoPA for three possible yearly case studies.

 Sustainable energy system design with distributed

renewable resources considering economic,
environmental and uncertainty aspects
Original Research Article
Renewable Energy, Volume 78, June 2015, Pages 165-172
M.A. Abdullah, K.M. Muttaqi, A.P. Agalgaonkar

Abstract
Electricity generation using renewable energy generation technologies is one of the most
practical alternatives for network planners in order to achieve national and international
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. Renewable Distributed Generation (DG)
based Hybrid Energy System (HES) is a sustainable solution for serving electricity demand
with reduced GHG emissions. A multi-objective optimisation technique for minimising cost,
GHG emissions and generation uncertainty has been proposed in this paper to design HES for
sustainable power generation and distribution system planning while considering economic
and environmental issues and uncertainty in power availability of renewable resources. Life
cycle assessment has been carried out to estimate the global warming potential of the
embodied GHG emissions from the electricity generation technologies. The uncertainty in the
availability of renewable resources is modelled using the method of moments. A design
procedure for building sustainable HES has been presented and the sensitivity analysis is
conducted for determining the optimal solution set.

Highlights
1. Hybrid energy system design for sustainable distribution network is
presented.
2. Environmental, economic and reliability aspects are considered for the
design.
3. Levelised cost of energy is considered for economical aspect of design.
4. Embodied emission is considered for environmental aspect of design.
5. Supply continuity is considered for uncertainty aspect of design.

Sizing of off-grid renewable energy systems for drip

irrigation in Mediterranean crops
Original Research Article
Renewable Energy, Volume 76, April 2015, Pages 566-574
Javier Carroquino, Rodolfo Dufo-Lpez, Jos L. Bernal-Agustn

Abstract
In the Mediterranean region, there are many drip irrigation systems with pumps that are
powered by diesel generator sets (gensets). Although they could be powered by renewable
energy produced on-site, technical and economic factors make that difficult. Moreover, the
seasonal nature of demand requires an oversizing of energy generation and/or storage,
increasing system costs. In this paper, we sought renewable energy systems that were
economically optimal. We focused on six farming facility case studies to find the optimal
energy generation solution using a simulation and optimization tool based on genetic
algorithms. Photovoltaic-diesel hybrids and diesel systems were found to be optimal, with
energy costs from 0.13 to 1.08 /kWh and from 0.32 to 0.52 /kWh, respectively. The strong
effect of demand management was an interesting finding, as it may indicate significant
system size and cost reductions. In addition, the optimum photovoltaic fixed tilt angles
depended not only on the seasonal profile of the demand, but also on the pumping schedule.
Although the difference between market interest rates and the rise of fuel prices strongly
influences the advantage of incorporating, or not, renewable generation, this study supports
that hybrid photovoltaic-diesel systems can make profitable use of renewable energy in drip
irrigation.

Highlights
1. There are many drip irrigation systems whit pumps are powered by diesel
gensets.
2. These drip irrigation systems could be powered by renewable energy
produced on-site.
We sought renewable energy systems in order to reduce the energy costs of
diesel.
We used a simulation and optimization tool by genetic algorithms.
3. The results show that it is profitable the use of renewable energy in this type
of irrigation.

Public policy influence on renewable energy

investmentsA panel data study across OECD
countries
Original Research Article
Energy Policy, Volume 80, May 2015, Pages 98-111
Friedemann Polzin, Michael Migendt, Florian A. Tube, Paschen von Flotow

Abstract
This paper examines the impact of public policy measures on renewable energy (RE)
investments in electricity-generating capacity made by institutional investors. Using a novel
combination of datasets and a longitudinal research design, we investigate the influence of

different policy measures in a sample of OECD countries to suggest an effective policy mix
which could tackle failures in the market for clean energy. The results call for technologyspecific policies which take into account actual market conditions and technology maturity.
To improve the conditions for institutional investments, advisable policy instruments include
economic and fiscal incentives such as feed-in tariffs (FIT), especially for less mature
technologies. Additionally, market-based instruments such as greenhouse gas (GHG)
emission trading systems for mature technologies should be included. These policy measures
directly impact the risk and return structure of RE projects. Supplementing these with
regulatory measures such as codes and standards (e.g. RPS) and long-term strategic planning
could further strengthen the context for RE investments.

Highlights
1. Panel data study on the effectiveness of policies to induce RE investments.
2. Novel combination of datasets (BNEF/IEA) in solar, wind and biomass sectors.
3. FIT proves to be more effective than subsidies for less mature technologies.
4. RPS and tradable permit systems seem more effective for mature
technologies.
5. A long-term strategic planning framework is useful to attract institutional
investors.

Chapter 8 - Hydrogen Production from Renewable

EnergiesElectrolyzer Technologies
Electrochemical Energy Storage for Renewable Sources and Grid Balancing,
2015, Pages 103-128
Tom Smolinka, Emile Tabu Ojong, Jrgen Garche

Abstract
Water electrolysis represents one of the simplest approaches to produce hydrogen and oxygen
in a zero-pollution process by using electricity for the electrochemical decomposition of
water. Three main technologies can be distinguished according to the electrolyte used in the
electrolysis cell: alkaline electrolysis with a liquid electrolyte, proton exchange membrane
electrolysis with an acidic ionomer, and high-temperature steam electrolysis with a solid
oxide as the electrolyte. In this chapter a general overview of these three technologies and
their main characteristics are given. Choice of materials, cell concepts, and system layouts
will be introduced and discussed. Drawbacks and advantages in terms of coupling with
renewable energy sources will be considered for each technology. Finally, an overview of
manufactures and cost issues are presented.

 Is there dependence and systemic risk between oil and

renewable energy stock prices?
Original Research Article
Energy Economics, Volume 48, March 2015, Pages 32-45
Juan C. Reboredo

Abstract
We study systemic risk and dependence between oil and renewable energy markets using
copulas to characterize the dependence structure and to compute the conditional value-at-risk
as a measure of systemic risk. We found significant time-varying average and symmetric tail
dependence between oil returns and several global and sectoral renewable energy indices.
Our evidence on systemic risk indicates that oil price dynamics significantly contributes
around 30% to downside and upside risk of renewable energy companies. These results have
important implications for risk management and renewable energy policies.

Highlights
1.We study systemic risk and dependence between oil and renewable energy
markets.
2. Dependence and conditional value-at-risk is obtained through copulas.
3.Oil and renewable energy displayed time-varying average and symmetric tail
dependence.
4. Oil price contribution to the downside and upside risks of renewable energy
companies was around 30%.

Strengthening the palm oil biomass Renewable Energy

industry in Malaysia
Original Research Article
Renewable Energy, Volume 60, December 2013, Pages 107-115
Mohd Shaharin Umar, Philip Jennings, Tania Urmee

Abstract
The palm oil industry contributes 85.5% of the total biomass production in Malaysia, hence
offering great potential for large-scale power generation. Despite being a tool that was
designed to steer renewable energy development, the Small Renewable Energy Power
(SREP) scheme has failed to stimulate the growth of the industry. To assist the industry, a
new Feed-in Tariff (FiT) regime was introduced in 2011 with an ambitious 2080 MW national
renewable energy target by the year 2020. Palm oil biomass is projected to contribute
800 MW of grid-connected capacity towards this target, a huge step up from the 40 MW
capacity reached during the SREP period. This study investigates whether the current
downstream value chain mechanism under the new policy system is capable of supporting

such a high capacity goal. The main objective of this study therefore is to evaluate the
sustainability of components that constitute the value chain, including the availability of palm
oil biomass supply, bio-energy conversion technology and the costs and alternatives to grid
extension. In order to understand the industry problems, this study uses a mixed methodology
approach involving a combination of market survey and regulators' interviews. The
aggregated results from these techniques were later discussed by focus group experts
representing both industry and government stakeholders before arriving at a final consensus.
Potential future strategies deriving from this research include options to explore the potential
use of less sought after large fibre and palm frond. Centralising a technology hub facility
offers an alternative approach to encourage conversion to a low carbon technology at the
existing mills. Smart-partnership collaboration for building a large-scale biomass plant is
worth consideration as it lowers the business risks and enhances economies of scale. Finally,
off-grid solutions involving decentralized generation would help to avoid further grid
infrastructure investment.

Highlights
1. We recommend a fuel collection hub and explore the potential use of less
sought after large fibre and palm frond.
2. We suggest centralising a technology hub facility to encourage conversion to
a low carbon technology at the existing mills.
3. Smart-partnership collaboration for building a large-scale biomass plant is
worth consideration as it lowers the business risks and enhances economies
of scale.
4. Off-grid solutions involving decentralized generation would help to avoid
further grid infrastructure investment.

Generating renewable energy from oil palm biomass in

Malaysia: The Feed-in Tariff policy framework
Original Research Article
Biomass and Bioenergy, Volume 62, March 2014, Pages 37-46
Mohd Shaharin Umar, Philip Jennings, Tania Urmee

Abstract
The renewable energy (RE) industry in Malaysia began in 2001 in the context of the growing
concern about future depletion of conventional fuels and the global environmental concerns
about greenhouse gas emissions. The Small Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) is a tool
that was first designed to drive the development of the industry based on the abundance of oil
palm biomass reserves and other identified renewable energy resources. Due to the slow
uptake of this scheme, a new system, the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) was introduced in 2011 to
stimulate the industry. By considering the deficiencies of the previous scheme, this paper
examines the sustainability of the FiT policy framework in steering the future expansion of
small-scale biomass renewable energy businesses in Malaysia. Resulting from the evaluation
of the current policy settings and a market based appraisal, this work outlines strategies for

enhancing the scheme and suggests future studies aimed at improving the flaws in the present
system.

Highlights
1. Extend the FiT bandwidth capacity restrictions to all of the eligible renewable
technologies under the FiT systems.
2. Differentiate the tariff level by considering the location and local conditions of
the plant site.
3. Modify the revenue streams from the renewable fund.
4. Revise the quota system.

An overview of renewable hydrogen production from

thermochemical process of oil palm solid waste in
Malaysia
Review Article
Energy Conversion and Management, Volume 94, April 2015, Pages 415-429
Seyed Ehsan Hosseini, Mazlan Abdul Wahid, A. Ganjehkaviri

Abstract
Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy carriers for the future of the world due to its
tremendous capability of pollution reduction. Hydrogen utilization is free of toxic gases
formation as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. Hydrogen production can be
implemented using a wide variety of resources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy and
renewable and sustainable energy (RSE). Amongst various RSE resources, biomass has great
capacity to be employed for renewable hydrogen production. Hydrogen production from
palm solid residue (PSR) via thermochemical process is a perfect candidate for waste-to-well
strategy in palm oil mills in Malaysia. In this paper, various characteristics of hydrogen
production from thermochemical process of PSR includes pyrolysis and gasification are
reviewed. The annual oil palm fruits production in Malaysia is approximately 100 million
tonnes which the solid waste of the fruits is capable to generate around 1.05 1010 kgH2
(1.26 EJ) via supercritical water gasification (SCWG) process. The ratio of energy output to
energy input of SCWG process of PSR is about 6.56 which demonstrates the priority of
SCWG to transform the energy of PSR into a high energy end product. The high moisture of
PSR which is the most important barrier for its direct combustion, emerges as an advantage in
thermochemical reactions and highly moisturized PSR (even more than 50%) is utilized
directly in SCWG without application of any high cost drying process. Implementation of
appropriate strategies could lead Malaysia to supply about 40% of its annual energy demand
by hydrogen yield from SCWG of PSR.

Highlights
1. 40% of energy demand of Malaysia could be supplied by thermochemical
process of PSR.

2. SCWG of PSR is preferable thermochemical process due to char and tar

elimination.
3. Potential of H2 production from SCWG of PSR is 1.05 1010 kgH2 per year in
Malaysia.
4. Highly moisturized PSR could be used in hydrogen production by SCWG
process.

Utilization of palm solid residue as a source of

renewable and sustainable energy in Malaysia
Review Article
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 40, December 2014,
Pages 621-632
Seyed Ehsan Hosseini, Mazlan Abdul Wahid

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Abstract
Today, global energy consumers are addicted to fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal.
Although it has been anticipated that fossil fuels will be depleted soon, these fuels are still
dominant as the primary source of energy in the world. Recently, many efforts have been
done to substitute renewable alternative fuels to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Biomass
as one of the earliest energy sources appears to be the most promising renewable energy
source due to its numerous resources and its environmentally sound characteristics. Since
Malaysia is agriculture based tropical country, many crops such as palm, paddy rice and
sugarcane are cultivated in this region. Malaysian palm oil industry generate huge amounts of
palm solid residue (PSR) biomass such as empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm fiber, shell,
trunks and fronds as byproducts which are capable to be taken into account in the energy mix
of the country. In this paper, an overview of the PSR generation from Malaysian palm oil
industries and its social and economic effects has been given. Indeed, performance of the
direct combustion of PSR in terms of PSR composition, properties, heating value, emissions
and its effects on the equipment or the components of the boilers have been reviewed. It has
been found that the very high moisture content of PSR of palm industry makes their
collection and transportation expensive, therefore energy conversion process could be
inefficient and utilization of these materials inside the palm oil mills seems more beneficial.

Hydrogen rich gas from oil palm biomass as a potential

source of renewable energy in Malaysia
Review Article
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 15, Issue 2, February
2011, Pages 1258-1270

 M.A.A. Mohammed, A. Salmiaton, W.A.K.G. Wan Azlina, M.S. Mohammad

Amran, A. Fakhrul-Razi, Y.H. Taufiq-Yap

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Abstract
Oil palm is one of the major economic crops in many countries. Malaysia alone produces
about 47% of the world's palm oil supply and can be considered as the world's largest
producer and exporter of palm oil. Malaysia also generates huge quantity of oil palm biomass
including oil palm trunks, oil palm fronds, empty fruit bunches (EFB), shells and fibers as
waste from palm oil fruit harvest and oil extraction processing. At present there is a
continuously increasing interest in the utilization of oil palm biomass as a source of clean
energy. One of the major interests is hydrogen from oil palm biomass. Hydrogen from
biomass is a clean and efficient energy source and is expected to take a significant role in
future energy demand due to the raw material availability.
This paper presents a review which focuses on different types of thermo-chemical processes
for conversion of oil palm biomass to hydrogen rich gas. This paper offers a concise and upto-date scenario of the present status of oil palm industry in contributing towards sustainable
and renewable energy.