Climate change - Low carbon and renewable energy

Title

Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms

Reference

Journal of Applied Ecology 49 (1), 38-46.

Author(s)

Ferrer, M., de Lucas, M., Janss, G.F.E., Casado, E., Muñoz, A.R., Bechard, M.J., Calabuig, C.P.,

Study type

Peer Review Journal  

Abstract

Wind farms generate little or no pollution. However, one of their main adverse impacts is bird mortality through collisions with turbine rotors. 2. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies have been based on observations of birds before the construction of wind farms. We analysed data from 53 EIAs in relation to the actual recorded bird mortalities at 20 fully installed wind farms to determine whether this method is accurate in predicting the risk of new wind farm installations. 3. Bird data from EIAs were compared with bird collisions per turbine and year at functional post-constructed wind farms to identify any relationship between pre- and post-construction studies. 4. Significant differences in birds recorded flying among the 53 proposed wind farms were found by the EIAs. Similar results were obtained when only griffon vultures Gyps fulvus and other raptors were considered. There were significant differences in indexes, including the relative index of breeding birds close to proposed locations, among the 53 proposed wind farm sites. 5. The collision rate of birds with turbines was one of the highest ever recorded for raptors, and the griffon vulture was the most frequently killed species. Bird mortality varied among the 20 constructed wind farms. 6. No relationship between variables predicting risk from EIAs and actual recorded mortality was found. A weak relationship was found between griffon vulture and kestrel Falco sp. mortality and the numbers of these two species crossing the area. 7. Synthesis and applications. There was no clear relationship between predicted risk and the actual recorded bird mortality at wind farms. Risk assessment studies incorrectly assumed a linear relationship between frequency of observed birds and fatalities. Nevertheless, it is known that bird mortality in wind farms is related to physical characteristics around individual wind turbines. However, EIAs are usually conducted at the scale of the entire wind farm. The correlation between predicted mortality and actual mortality must be improved in future risk assessment studies by changing the scale of these studies to focus on the locations of proposed individual wind turbine sites and working on a species specific level.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2011.02054.x/abstract

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mferrer@ebd.csic.es

Title

Concentrating solar power: its potential
contribution to a sustainable energy future

Reference

EASAC policy report 16 November 2011

Author(s)

European Acadamies Science Advisory Council

Study type

Report

Abstract

This report has been prepared by EASAC to place before the European institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg a major challenge that could help to
improve energy security in Europe over the next 50 years. It is a grand challenge aimed at combining the best European innovation in science, technology
and engineering with the skills of visionary politicians
and policy-makers. The study has confirmed that the solar resource and
technological potential are such that CSP based in Southern Europe and the MENA region could make a substantial contribution to future energy needs.
Technological developments that are in train, or may reasonably be anticipated, should enable CSP to be cost-competitive with fossil-fi red electricity generation
at some point between 2020 and 2030 (and potentially earlier in particular circumstances) provided that CSP capacity continues to be deployed at a sufficient rate. Incorporating thermal energy storage in CSP plants
enables them to provide dispatchable electricity, and to help achieve reliable operation of an electricity system as the proportion of electricity provided by variable renewable sources, such as wind and photovoltaics,
increases.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Energy infrastructure
Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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www.easac.eu
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info@easac.eu

Title

Energy-Water Nexus for Mass Cultivation of Algae

Reference

Environ. Sci. Technol., 2011, 45 (13), pp 5861-5868
DOI: 10.1021/es200109z

Author(s)

Cynthia Folsom Murphy and David T. Allen

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Microalgae are currently considered a potential feedstock for the production of biofuels. This work addresses the energy needed to manage the water used in the mass cultivation of saline, eukaryotic algae grown in open pond systems. Estimates of both direct and upstream energy requirements for obtaining, containing, and circulating water within algae cultivation systems are developed. Potential productivities are calculated for each of the 48 states within the continental U.S. based on theoretical photosynthetic efficiencies, growing season, and total available land area. Energy output in the form of algal biodiesel and the total energy content of algal biomass are compared to energy inputs required for water management. The analysis indicates that, for current technologies, energy required for water management alone is approximately seven times greater than energy output in the form of biodiesel and more than double that contained within the entire algal biomass. While this analysis addresses only currently identified species grown in an open-pond system, the water management requirements of any algae system will be substantial; therefore, it is critical that an energy assessment of water management requirements be performed for any cultivation technology and algal type in order to fully understand the energy balance of algae-derived biofuels.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy

Keywords

N/A

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es200109z
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cfmurphy@mail.utexas.edu

Title

Methane and the greenhouse-gas footprint of natural gas from shale formations.

Reference

Climatic Change, 2011
DOI: 10.1007/s10584-011-0061-5

Author(s)

Robert W. Howarth, Renee Santoro, Anthony Ingraffea.

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

We evaluate the greenhouse gas footprint of natural gas obtained by highvolume
hydraulic fracturing from shale formations, focusing on methane emissions.
Natural gas is composed largely of methane, and 3.6% to 7.9% of the methane from shale-gas production escapes to the atmosphere in venting and leaks over the lifetime of a well. These methane emissions are at least 30% more than and perhaps more than twice as great as those from conventional gas. The higher emissions from shale gas occur at the time wells are hydraulically fractured-as methane escapes from flow-back return fluids-and during drill out following the fracturing. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential that is far greater than that of carbon dioxide, particularly over the time horizon of the first few decades following emission. Methane contributes substantially to the greenhouse gas footprint of shale gas on shorter time scales, dominating it on a 20-year time horizon. The footprint for shale gas is greater than that for conventional gas or oil when viewed on any time horizon, but particularly so over 20 years. Compared to coal, the footprint of shale gas is at least 20% greater and perhaps more than twice as great on the 20-year horizon and is comparable when compared over 100 years.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy
Climate change and energy >> Greenhouse gas emissions >> Terrestrial emissions

Keywords

Methane, Greenhouse gases, Global warming, Natural gas, Shale gas,
Unconventional gas, Fugitive emissions, Lifecycle analysis, LCA, Bridge fuel,
Transitional fuel, Global warming potential, GWP

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.springerlink.com/content/e384226wr4160653/
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rwh2@cornell.edu

Title

Methane contamination of drinking water accompanying gas-well drilling and hydraulic fracturing

Reference

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011;
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1100682108

Author(s)

Stephen G. Osborn, Avner Vengosh, Nathaniel R. Warner, Robert B. Jackson.

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Directional drilling and hydraulic-fracturing technologies are dramatically increasing natural-gas extraction. In aquifers overlying the Marcellus and Utica shale formations of northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York, we document systematic evidence for methane contamination of drinking water associated with shale-gas extraction. In active gas-extraction areas (one or more gas wells within 1 km), average and maximum methane concentrations in drinking-water wells increased with proximity to the nearest gas well and were 19.2 and 64 mg CH₄L^-1 (n=26), a potential explosion hazard; in contrast, dissolved methane samples in neighboring nonextraction sites (no gas wells within 1 km) within similar geologic formations and hydrogeologic regimes averaged only 1.1 mg L-1 (P < 0.05; n = 34). Average δ¹³C-CH₄ values of dissolved methane in shallow groundwater were significantly less negative for active than for nonactive sites (-37 ± 7‰ and -54 ± 11‰ respectively; P < 0.0001). These δ¹³C-CH₄ data, coupled with the ratios of methane-to-higher-chain hydrocarbons, and δ²H-CH₄ values, are consistent with deeper thermogenic methane sources such as the Marcellus and Utica shales at the active sites and matched gas geochemistry from gas wells nearby. In contrast, lower-concentration samples from shallow groundwater at nonactive sites had isotopic signatures reflecting a more biogenic or mixed biogenic/thermogenic methane source. We found no evidence for contamination of drinking-water samples with deep saline brines or fracturing fluids. We conclude that greater stewardship, data, and-possibly-regulation are needed to ensure the sustainable future of shale-gas extraction and to improve public confidence in its use.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy
Risk assessment >> Hazards >> Industrial accidents
Water >> Water quality >> Water pollution and safety

Keywords

groundwater, organic-rich shale, isotopes, formation waters, water chemistry

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2011/05/02/1100682108
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jackson@duke.edu

Title

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report Renewable Energy Sources (SRREN) Summary for Policy Makers

Reference

Author(s)

Coordinating Lead Authors: Ottmar Edenhofer (Germany), Ramon Pichs-Madruga (Cuba), Youba Sokona (Ethiopia/Mali), Kristin Seyboth (Germany/USA)

Study type

Report

Abstract

The Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (SRREN) of the IPCC Working Group III provides an assessment and thorough analysis of renewable energy technologies and their current and potential role in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.The results presented here are based on an extensive assessment of scientific literature, including specifics of individual studies, but also an aggregate across studies analyzed for broader conclusions. The report combines information on technology specific studies with results of large-scale integrated models, and provides policy-relevant (but not policy-prescriptive) information to decision makers on the characteristics and technical potentials of different resources; the historical development of the technologies; the challenges of their integration and social and environmental impacts of their use; as well as a comparison in levelized cost of energy for commercially available renewable technologies with recent non-renewable energy costs.
Further, the role of renewable energy sources in pursuing GHG concentration stabilization levels discussed in this report and the presentation and analysis of the policies available to assist the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies in climate change mitigation and/or other goals answer important questions detailed in the original scoping of the report.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy

Keywords

N/A

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report
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IPCC-Sec@wmo.int

Title

Biofuels: Ethical issues

Reference

Final Plenary Special Report Renewable Energy Sources (SRREN)
IPCC Summary report for policy makers report 2011

Author(s)

Nuffield Council on Bioethics

Study type

Report

Abstract

Concerns over energy security, economic development and climate change are driving the development of biofuels as one of a number of possible alternatives to fossil fuels for meeting global energy demands.Current methods of biofuel production have been associated with harms to the environment, threats to food security and human rights violations in countries where they are grown. New types of biofuels, such as lignocellulosic and algal biofuels, could help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst avoiding these problems, but commercial-scale production is some years away. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has published a report setting out an ethical framework to guide policy making for biofuels. The Council concludes that current UK and European policies encourage unethical practices and include few incentives for the development of new biofuels technologies.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy
Environmental technologies >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/biofuels-0
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bioethics@nuffieldbioethics.org

Title

Acceptance, acceptability and environmental justice: the role of community benefits in wind energy development

Reference

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Volume 54, Issue 4 May 2011 , pages 539 - 557 DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2010.521047

Author(s)

Authors: Richard Cowell; Gill Bristow; Max Munday

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Conflict around wind farm development has stimulated interest in 'community benefits' - the provision of financial or material benefits by the developers to the area affected by these facilities. By and large, both policy makers and researchers have couched the rationale for community benefits in instrumental terms, i.e. that an increased flow of community benefits will improve the social acceptability of these facilities and thereby expedite planning consent. This paper questions this conventional rationale. Proponents of this rationale neglect the institutionally structured terrain of the planning process; the provision of community benefits can shift in significance depending on whether or not the 'affected community' has any significant influence over wind farm projects. Similarly, our discourse analysis conducted in Wales shows that community benefits are seen predominantly as compensation for impacts, without any clear implication that they should change social attitudes. Our conclusion is that the dominant, instrumental rationale for community benefits obscures other, equally important justifications: the role of community benefits in promoting environmental justice; and how flows of community benefits might better serve the long-term sustainability of wind farm development areas.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy
Environmental information services >> Environmental communication >> Stakeholder/public engagement

Keywords

renewable energy, community, compensation, justice, planning

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09640568.2010.521047
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cowellrj@cardiff.ac.uk

Title

Do energy efficiency measures promote the use of renewable sources?

Reference

Environmental Science & Policy
Volume 14, Issue 4, June 2011, Pages 471-481

Author(s)

António C. Marques and José A. Fuinhas

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper analyses the factors behind the deployment of renewable energy, focusing particularly on the effect of energy efficiency policies and measures. The impact of these factors is appraised within the context of several phases of the use of renewable sources. We therefore apply the quantile regression technique to a set of 21 European Countries in two time spans: from 1990 to 1998, and from 1999 to 2006. We control variables of policy, environment, socioeconomic characteristics, and electricity generation. For the second period, energy efficiency policies and measures concerning renewable sources effectively promote renewables, namely in the take-off phase. We shed light on the lobbying effect of traditional energy industries, showing that it depends both on the period under analysis, and on the kind of traditional energy source.

Policy theme(s)

Resource efficiency >> Energy efficiency
Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy

Keywords

Renewable energy drivers, Quantile regression, Energy efficiency, Energy policy

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S146290111100013X
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amarques@ubi.pt acardosomarques@gmail.com

Title

Oil Shale as an Energy Resource in a CO2 Constrained World: The Concept of Electricity Production with in Situ Carbon Capture.

Reference

Energy & Fuels, Online March 11, 2011
DOI: 10.1021/ef101714x

Author(s)

Hiren Mulchandani and Adam R. Brandt

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Oil shale contains large amounts of stored chemical energy: over 1 trillion barrels of oil equivalent is present in the Green River formation of the United States alone. Unfortunately, extraction of energy from oil shale generally releases significant quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Liquid hydrocarbon (HC) fuels derived from oil shale have 1.2-1.75 times the fuel cycle GHG emissions of HC fuels produced from conventional oil. This paper proposes a concept that could provide transportation services from oil shale with significantly reduced carbon emissions, called electricity production with in situ carbon capture (EPICC). EPICC reduces CO2 emissions by (1) utilizing waste heat to retort shale; (2) retorting shale beyond the point of liquid hydrocarbon production, converting much of the organic carbon in oil shale to char which is left in the subsurface; and (3) using the produced HC gas to generate electricity, which provides transportation services with no tailpipe emissions. The resulting life cycle GHG emissions from EPICC amount to ≈110 g of CO2 per km, ≈0.5 times those of conventional fuel cycles or ≈0.33 times those from other proposed in situ oil shale conversion processes. Potential drawbacks of EPICC include uncertain operation of subsurface fuel cells, potential geophysical impacts without pressure management, and economic concerns associated with the value of stranded energy left in the formation and the long time period of retorting.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy
Environmental technologies >> Climate change mitigation >> Carbon capture and storage

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ef101714x
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abrandt@stanford.edu

Title

Nuclear Energy in Europe: Uranium Flow Modelling and Fuel Cycle Scenario Trade-Offs from a Sustainability Perspective

Reference

Environmental Science and Technology
dx.doi.org/10.1021/es103270a

Author(s)

Danielle M. Tendall, and Claudia R. Binder

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The European nuclear fuel cycle (covering the EU-27, Switzerland and Ukraine) was modeled using material flow analysis (MFA).The analysis was based on publicly available data from nuclear energy agencies and industries, national trade offices, and nongovernmental organizations. Military uranium was not considered due to lack of accessible data. Nuclear fuel cycle scenarios varying spent fuel reprocessing, depleted uranium re-enrichment, enrichment assays, and use of fast neutron reactors, were established. They were then assessed according to environmental, economic and social criteria such as resource depletion, waste production, chemical and radiation emissions, costs, and proliferation risks. The most preferable scenario in the short term is a combination of reduced tails assay and enrichment grade, allowing a 17.9% reduction of uranium demand without significantly increasing environmental, economic, or social risks. In the long term, fast reactors could theoretically achieve a 99.4% decrease in uranium demand and nuclear waste production. However, this involves important costs and proliferation risks. Increasing material efficiency is not systematically correlated with the reduction of other risks. This suggests that an overall optimization of the nuclear fuel cycle is difficult to obtain. Therefore, criteria must be weighted according to stakeholder interests in order to determine the most sustainable solution. This paper models the flows of uranium and associated materials in Europe, and provides a decision support tool for identifying the trade-offs of the alternative nuclear fuel cycles considered.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy
Resource efficiency >> Materials >> Material efficiency

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

N/A

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es103270a
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danielle.tendall@art.admin.ch  

Title

Providing all global energy with wind, water, and solar power
Part II: Reliability, system and transmission costs, and policies

Reference

Energy Policy (2011)
doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2010.11.045

Author(s)

Delucchi, M.A., Jacobson, M.Z.,

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This is Part II of two papers evaluating the feasibility of providing all energy for all purposes (electric power, transportation, and heating/cooling), everywhere in the world, from wind, water, and the sun (WWS). In Part I, we described the prominent renewable energy plans that have been proposed and discussed the characteristics of WWS energy systems, the global demand for and availability of WWS energy, quantities and areas required for WWS infrastructure, and supplies of critical materials. Here, we discuss methods of addressing the variability of WWS energy to ensure that power supply reliably matches demand (including interconnecting geographically dispersed resources, using hydroelectricity, using demand-response management, storing electric power on site, over-sizing peak generation capacity and producing hydrogen with the excess, storing electric power in vehicle batteries, and forecasting weather to project energy supplies), the economics of WWS generation and transmission, the economics of WWS use in transportation, and policy measures needed to enhance the viability of a WWS system. We find that the cost of energy in a 100% WWS will be similar to the cost today. We conclude that barriers to a 100% conversion to WWS power worldwide are primarily social and political, not technological or even economic.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Energy infrastructure
Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Renewable and low carbon energy

Keywords

Wind-power, Solar-power, Water-power

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421510008694
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madelucchi@ucdavis.edu

Title

Forest Bioenergy or Forest Carbon?
Assessing Trade-Offs in Greenhouse Gas Mitigation with Wood-Based Fuels

Reference

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto
Environ. Sci. Technol., 2011, 45 (2), pp 789-795

Author(s)

Jon McKechnie, Steve Colombo, Jiaxin Chen, Warren Mabee, and Heather L. MacLean

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The potential of forest-based bioenergy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when displacing fossil-based energy must be balanced with forest carbon implications related to biomass harvest. We integrate life cycle assessment (LCA) and forest carbon analysis to assess total GHG emissions of forest bioenergy over time. Application of the method to case studies of wood pellet and ethanol production from forest biomass reveals a substantial reduction in forest carbon due to bioenergy production. For all cases, harvest-related forest carbon reductions and associated GHG emissions initially exceed avoided fossil fuel-related emissions, temporarily increasing overall emissions. In the long term, electricity generation from pellets reduces overall emissions relative to coal, although forest carbon losses delay net GHG mitigation by 16-38 years, depending on biomass source (harvest residues/standing trees). Ethanol produced from standing trees increases overall emissions throughout 100 years of continuous production: ethanol from residues achieves reductions after a 74 year delay. Forest carbon more significantly affects bioenergy emissions when biomass is sourced from standing trees compared to residues and when less GHG-intensive fuels are displaced. In all cases, forest carbon dynamics are significant. Although study results are not generalizable to all forests, we suggest the integrated LCA/forest carbon approach be undertaken for bioenergy studies.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Renewable energy
Forests >> Forest services >> Forest industries/products
Land use >> Land use change

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es1024004
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hmaclean@ecf.utoronto.ca

Title

Geothermal energy recovery from underground mines

Reference

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Volume 15, Issue 2, February 2011, Pages 916-924

Author(s)

Andrew Hall, John Ashley Scott and Helen Shang

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Underground mines are extremely capital intensive, but despite this investment the traditional view has been that they have little useful value after closure. There are, however, potential positive uses of closed mines, in particular the generation of renewable geothermal energy. After closure, many mines flood and the relatively stable temperature of this water can be exploited by the use of geothermal recovery loops coupled to heat pumps. A review of the current situation, despite increasing pressures to identify sources of renewable energy, reveals that there are still only a limited number of existing and proposed installations. Nevertheless, a survey of those that do exist demonstrates the potential value of this approach. In particular, during the winter heat can be extracted from mine water and supplied for space heating, and in the summer the process can be reversed and the heat transferred back to the water to provide cooling

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Renewable and low carbon energy

Keywords

Mines, Geothermal, Energy recovery, Renewable energy

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136403211000376X
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jascott@laurentian.ca

Title

Waste Utilization and Biodiesel Production by the Green Microalga Scenedesmus obliquus

Reference

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, January 2011, p. 374-377, Vol. 77, No. 1 doi:10.1128/AEM.01205-10

Author(s)

Shovon Mandal and Nirupama Mallick

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Scenedesmus obliquus was cultivated in three types of waste discharges to couple waste treatment with biodiesel production. The lipid pool accumulation was boosted to 1.0 g liter-1 against 0.1 g liter-1 for the control. The waste-grown S. obliquus showed an increase in the content of the saturated fatty acid pool, which is desirable for good-quality biodiesel.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Renewable and low carbon energy

Keywords

Biodiesel, Algal biofuels

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://aem.asm.org/cgi/reprint/77/1/374
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nm@agfe.iitkgp.ernet.in

Title

Effects of bioenergy policies and targets on European wetland restoration options

Reference

Environmental Science & Policy Volume 13, Issue 8, December 2010,
Pages 721-732

Author(s)

Christine Schleupner and Uwe A. Schneider

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The EU is committed to combat climate change and to increase security of its energy supply. Bioenergy from forestry and agriculture plays a key role for both. Concurrently, the EU agreed to halt the loss of biodiversity within its member states. To fulfil the biodiversity target more nature conservation and restoration sites need to be designated. There are arising concerns that an increased cultivation of bioenergy crops will decrease the land available for nature reserves and for 'traditional' agriculture and forestry. To assess the role of bioenergy in light of possible negative impacts on ecosystems, the European Forest and Agricultural Sector Optimization Model (EUFASOM) assesses simultaneously economic and environmental aspects of land use. This study contributes to the assessment by analyzing the effect of bioenergy production on European wetland allocations by incorporating the spatial wetland distribution model SWEDI into EUFASOM. Results show that bioenergy targets increase land competition and thus marginal costs of wetland preservation but also of food prices. The designation of national wetland conservation targets, on the other hand, stimulates land use intensification in countries without these targets and here only a transfer of environmental stresses takes place. The model is able to illustrate regional differences of results.

Policy theme(s)

Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Renewable and low carbon energy
Agriculture >> Agricultural management >> Land use change
Land use >>Habitat maintenance
Land use >> Land use change

Keywords

Biomass, Conservation planning, Land use, Leakage

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901110001000
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christine.schleupner@zmaw.de

Title

Reference

Conservation Biology
Volume 24, Issue 6, pages 1644-1653, December 2010

Author(s)

GÁBOR HORVÁTH, et al

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Human-made objects (e.g., buildings with glass surfaces) can reflect horizontally polarized light so strongly that they appear to aquatic insects to be bodies of water. Insects that lay eggs in water are especially attracted to such structures because these insects use horizontal polarization of light off bodies of water to find egg-laying sites. Thus, these sources of polarized light can become ecological traps associated with reproductive failure and mortality in organisms that are attracted to them and by extension with rapid population declines or collapse. Solar panels are a new source of polarized light pollution. Using imaging polarimetry, we measured the reflection–polarization characteristics of different solar panels and in multiple-choice experiments in the field we tested their attractiveness to mayflies, caddis flies, dolichopodids, and tabanids. At the Brewster angle, solar panels polarized reflected light almost completely (degree of polarization d ≈100%) and substantially exceeded typical polarization values for water (d ≈30-70%). Mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Trichoptera), dolichopodid dipterans, and tabanid flies (Tabanidae) were the most attracted to solar panels and exhibited oviposition behavior above solar panels more often than above surfaces with lower degrees of polarization (including water), but in general they avoided solar cells with nonpolarizing white borders and white grates. The highly and horizontally polarizing surfaces that had nonpolarizing, white cell borders were 10- to 26-fold less attractive to insects than the same panels without white partitions. Although solar panels can act as ecological traps, fragmenting their solar-active area does lessen their attractiveness to polarotactic insects. The design of solar panels and collectors and their placement relative to aquatic habitats will likely affect populations of aquatic insects that use polarized light as a behavioral cue.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Habitat management
Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Renewable and low carbon energy

Keywords

evolutionary trap, habitat selection, maladaptation, polarized light pollution

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01518.x/abstract
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

roberba1@msu.edu