How do you assess the sustainability of different renewable energy sources?

Energy Return on Investment (EROI) is an important metric for assessing the efficiency and sustainability of different energy sources. It measures the ratio of usable energy produced by a system to the energy expended to establish and maintain that system. A higher EROI indicates a more efficient and sustainable energy source, as it requires less energy input to produce a given amount of energy output. For example, the EROI for solar PV systems varies widely depending on the technology and location. Estimates range from as low as 1.5 to as high as 34.2, with a mean harmonized EROI between 8.7 and 34.2 for different PV module technologies.

Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROI) is a key concept to measure the efficiency of energy sources There might be some energy sources with low EROI that might be financially viable due to financial subsidies. One needs to be aware that the subsidies might be at risk in the long term

Avalie o EROI comparando a energia gerada com a energia investida na produ??o. Fontes com EROI mais alto, como a eólica, geralmente s?o mais sustentáveis, pois retornam mais energia em rela??o ao consumo inicial.

Wholistic Approach According to me there is a misconception about renewable energy sources. We only consider the change in output for example when opting for solar power, we compare the air pollution we could prevent compared to electricity generated by coal power plant. However, we should not forget that for solar, we have to utilise silicon panels. We do not consider what is the emission, water consumption and on expiry of the solar panels what would be the land filling. So I think there should be wholistic approach while assessing the renewable energy source.

Hay que analizar la capacidad de reducción de emisiones de CO2 y otros contaminantes dependiendo de cada caso. La disponibilidad y la eficiencia energética de cada fuente, como la solar, eólica, hidroeléctrica y geotérmica. Examinar el impacto ambiental de la instalación y operación, asegurándose de que minimicen da?os a la biodiversidad y los ecosistemas. Revisar el ciclo de vida completo de la tecnología, desde la fabricación hasta el desmantelamiento. Verificar el potencial de escalabilidad y la capacidad de integración en la red eléctrica sin comprometer la estabilidad. Cabe valorar los beneficios socioeconómicos, como la creación de empleo local y el acceso equitativo a la energía.

Resource efficiency is a key vertical where the company can save money and it is also good for the environment Companies can maximize these opportunities early in a Sustainability journey.

Resource use for some renewables can be significant, so responsible sourcing and life cycle assessments are essential. For example, solar panels require critical minerals, so understanding their extraction practices is crucial. #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy

Considere a quantidade e o tipo de recursos naturais utilizados. Fontes como solar e eólica têm menor consumo de água e terras em compara??o com a bioenergia, que pode exigir grandes áreas agrícolas e água.

To assess the sustainability of different renewable energy sources, it is essential to conduct environmental impact. This can be done by: a. Conduct an LCA to evaluate the environmental impacts of the energy source, from extraction and production to usage and disposal. b. The next step is to measure the GHG emissions associated with the energy source. Renewable energy sources should have low to zero emissions. c. Also, assess the use of natural resources such as water, land, and minerals. Consider the sustainability of resource extraction & the potential for resource depletion. d. Finally, evaluate the impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity. Renewable energy projects should minimize habitat destruction and avoid harm to wildlife.

Another aspect of sustainability is the environmental impact during a renewable energy source's operational phase. You need to consider whether the energy source emits pollutants, disrupts wildlife, or has other ecological consequences. For instance, while hydropower is clean during operation, it can significantly alter river ecosystems. Understanding these impacts helps you weigh the benefits against potential environmental costs.

Analise os efeitos ambientais, como emiss?es de CO?, polui??o e impacto sobre a biodiversidade. A energia hidrelétrica, por exemplo, pode causar altera??es significativas nos ecossistemas aquáticos, enquanto a solar tem um impacto menor após a instala??o.

For example, while hydropower is clean during operation, it can significantly alter river ecosystems. Considering the environmental impact during a renewable energy source's operational phase is crucial. Assessing pollutant emissions, wildlife disruption, and other ecological consequences helps balance the benefits against potential environmental costs.

Technological maturity refers to how developed and reliable a renewable energy technology is. Mature technologies are usually more efficient, cost-effective, and have a well-understood impact on the environment. When assessing sustainability, look at how long the technology has been in use and how much it has evolved. This can give you insights into its reliability and long-term viability as a sustainable energy source.

Avalie o estágio de desenvolvimento e a disponibilidade para implanta??o em larga escala. Tecnologias maduras, como a solar fotovoltaica, apresentam menores riscos e custos de implementa??o em compara??o com op??es emergentes como a energia das ondas.

Economic viability of Sustainability projects are key to understand A durable Sustainability strategy will also need to be economically viable and deliver a good return on investment above the cost of capital of the provider of capital

The economic viability of renewable energy sources is integral to their sustainability. This encompasses not only the initial investment and ongoing operational costs but also the potential for job creation and economic growth. Sustainable energy sources should be competitive with traditional energy sources in terms of cost and have the potential to contribute positively to the economy.

Examine os custos de instala??o, opera??o e manuten??o. Fontes como a energia solar têm se tornado mais econ?micas devido à queda nos pre?os dos painéis, enquanto outras, como a geotérmica, podem ter altos custos iniciais.

End-of-Life Plans can't be an afterthought! Sustainable practices extend to a technology's entire lifecycle. Decommissioning plans that minimize waste and prioritize recycling are crucial for truly sustainable renewable energy. #SustainableEnergy #CircularEconomy

My best 3 tips: 1. Environmental Impact: Evaluate the lifecycle emissions, resource usage, and ecological effects of each energy source. 2. Economic Viability: Analyze costs, return on investment, and long-term financial benefits, including maintenance and operational expenses. 3. Scalability and Reliability: Assess the potential for large-scale deployment and the consistency of energy supply to meet demand.