Posts filed under 'Utilities'
In promoting distributed electricity generation the Green Paper makes mention of the scope for more efficient transportation. Local generation obviously provides much more scope for combined heat and power (CHP) and combined cycle electricicity generation (eg CCGT).
But it may only be as the new decentralised electricity network becomes a reality, with local generation and the embedding of renewables, that a true comparison becomes apparent between it and the older hierarchical system.
Does distributed generation inevitably result on lower network losses? Will the lower system voltages have an impact on efficiency levels? Local generation requires fuels, rather than generated electricity, to be brought close to the point of use. What is the impact in terms of response to the greater variations in load demand levels which are being created by modern society?
November 21st, 2005
Much of recent European investment in electricity generation in Europe has been based upon combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) fuelled by natural gas This is currently much more efficient than coal, with lower carbon emissions, but we should remember that in Europe electricity is often generated from coal which would be difficult to use in any other way.
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Has the strategic longer-term value of Europe’s coal resources and reserves been fully assessed? In fact the Energy Efficiency Green Paper does not say a great deal about coal, although it is of course not directly addressing this issue, and does recognise the priority of addressing clean coal technology and support the improvement in the energy yield of coal-fired plants beyond 50%.
November 16th, 2005
Is it a bit unfair of the Green Paper to contrast the efficiency of older large coal-burning power stations in Europe (25%) with the 58% now being achieved by combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT)?
Many of these large coal-burning stations are now ending their end of life, and would in any case be difficult and expensive to modify to meet new legislation on SOx and NOx emissions. They were originally built to high standards in terms of their electricity generating efficiency.
November 14th, 2005
The way in which small commercial and domestic heating and lighting installations are chosen and installed in the EU, and the level of energy management expertise applied, appears to be very uneven. Work is often undertaken by tradesmen and installers, and heating plant is available over retail counters.
It is a considerable challenge to optimise efficiency, both in existing and new installations. Ideally this should involve a detailed survey using qualified heating engineers, professional energy consultants or consulting engineers.
Steps would include a site audit, detailed design and calculation of performance levels, the sizes of boilers and radiators, the design and siting of controls and thermostats, options for integrating new technology, supplementary needs including insulation.
November 10th, 2005
The EU Competition Commissioner’s investigation into European gas and electricity markets is expected to be complete during 2006, with an interim report by end-2005, within the consultation period for the Green Paper. It is expected to be discussed by the Energy Council (Council of Energy Ministers) in December.
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It will be interesting to see if the investigation includes any reference to the energy efficiency dimension. Before liberalisation European gas and electricity suppliers were probably the most active promoters of energy efficiency, the rational use of energy, new energy technology, consumer advice etc.
Apart from their responsibilities under the proposed Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive, utilities are mentioned in the Green Paper only in connection with their position as a sector stakeholder for undertaking promotional initiatives in the Doing More with Less campaign.
November 3rd, 2005