This course builds on the Introduction to Renewable Energy Technology and Solutions (PHYS2701) and provides a detailed assessment of renewable energy systems and their applications globally, with more focus give to the role of these systems in transforming Caribbean energy sectors. The course targets both scientific and non-scientific learners and allows an exploration of various quantitative assessments of proposed renewable energy solutions for different contexts and needs. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills and apply concepts through use of computational software for resource assessment. Laboratory tools will be integrated in the classroom. This course is comprised of three core components: technical aspects of RE technologies, the socioeconomic impacts, and policies to harness energy cross the Caribbean.
1. The integration of RESs including: Energy capture, efficiency, variability, and installation. Current penetration levels and installed capacity in the Caribbean. Role of RESs in greenhouse gas mitigation. Renewable energy resource assessment. Quantifying renewable energy sources from energy capture to energy use by the consumer. Brief discussion on the social issues involved. Grid improvement and energy storage 2. Cost-analysis of RESs and energy cost scenarios including. Overview of the economics of RESs including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and Net Present Value (NPV). Consumer pricing including Tariffs, and Incentives. Payback periods - Comparison of capital upfront costs across renewable types. Investment and inertia to RESs globally with particular focus to the Caribbean. Governance of RESs - Targets and National Policy including innovative RES policy in the Caribbean. Community-invested programmes - energy auditors, energy practitioners, ESCO Jamaica. RESs of the future - Innovative strides in renewable energy capture. Major industry players such as Tesla are used to highlight a large issue plaguing RESs, energy storage and transmission. For instance, Tesla’s new research in the Caribbean (Barbados in particular) which utilizes electric cars as a means of energy storage. 3. Transitioning to RESs across the Caribbean. The area delves into the ideas and the mainstream process from the resource to the respective power plant of resource farm. Barriers and Innovations - accessing international sustainable energy finance Environmental impact, and government policies targeted on RE development Feed-in tariff system Tax credits Guaranteeing grid access and priority for renewable capacity
• Final Written Examination (2 hours) 50% • Course Work: 50% •1 In-course Test 15% •Research paper 15% (Word limit: approximately 1500) •Group project/Laboratory Work 10% •Oral presentation 10%
On successful completion of the course, students should be able to: 1. Apply quantitative approaches to investigating renewable energy systems including: installed capacity; level of penetration; payback period; supply and demand; energy and power modelling. 2. Demonstrate In-depth understanding of scientific principles associated with various renewable energy systems. 3. Discuss renewable energy issues in the contexts of Jamaica and the Caribbean. 4. Evaluate the role of renewable energy systems (RESs) in energy diversification and their limitations. 5. Evaluate modern applications of sustainable energy models.
Required reading Boyle, G. (2012). Renewable Energy: Power for a sustainable future. Oxford University Press. ISBN-13: 978-0199545339 David, M. (2008). Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air. UIT Cambridge Ltd. ISBN 978-0- 9544529-3-3 (paperback). (https://www.withouthotair.com/) Recommended reading Alexander Ochs et al., Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS): Baseline Report and Assessment (Washington, DC: Worldwatch Institute, 2015) (http://www.worldwatch.org/system/files/C-SERMS_Baseline_10.29.2015.pdf) Shakuntala Makhijani, Alexander Ochs, et al., Jamaica Sustainable Energy Roadmap: Pathways to an Affordable, Reliable, Low-Emission Electricity System (Washington, DC: Worldwatch Institute, 2013).
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