An International Newsletter On Energy Efficiency Issues In The Developing Countries

June 1996 - Volume 4, Nº 1

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CONTENTS

1) Papers & Reports

2) Partnership

3) Events

ENEWS is published with financial support from the International Energy Initiative - IEI and the State University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Brazil.
Founding Editor: Dr. Gilberto M. Jannuzzi, UNICAMP.
Founding Co-Editor: Dr. Ashok Gadgil, Lawrence Berkeley Lab..
Co-Editors: Koshy Cherail, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, Otavio Mielnic, IEI and Mr. Geoff Stiles, SADC Industrial Energy Management Project, Zimbabwe.
Information Officer: Dr. Mario O. Cencig (cencig@cesar.unicamp.br), UNICAMP.
Computing Assistant: F.P. Cardoso (fpc@fem.unicamp.br).
Please see additional information at the end.

Harnessing the Inexhaustible Energy of the Sun in the Philippines

Marcelo E. de la Cruz, Executive Director
Pablo C. Villaseñor, Senior Researcher
Institute of Sectoral Economics. University of Asia and the Pacific
Pearl Drive, Ortigas Complex, Pasig City, Philippines 1605

The sun's practical role in day-to-day human activities has long been proven. Solar energy is free and abundant. It can serve such purposes as space heating and cooling for houses and buildings, power generation on a small scale, and for food and medicine refrigeration, telecommunications, and water production. The Philippines, blessed with long hours of sunshine everyday, is advocating solar energy as a response to the lack of electrification, especially in the remote areas of the country.

Harnessing the inexhaustible energy of the sun is not as complicated as many think. Through the technology known as photovoltaics (PV) - perhaps the most attractive of all solar technologies - sunlight can be directly converted into electricity. Solar cells or PV can be installed anywhere, even in isolated places where houses are not connected to main electricity grids. The use of photovaltaics is also environment-friendly since the materials do not emit toxic wastes.

Going solar
In the 1960s, when large-scale use of solar energy was taking place in many industrialized countries, the Philippines was mainly dependent on oil. Three decades later, the share of renewables or nonconventional sources of energy was just above 10%, while that of solar energy was almost nil (see Table 1).

Coastal areas, upland communities, and interior barangays in the country were still deprived of electricity. Only 60% of total number of households benefited from a constant electric supply (see Table 2).

The use of solar energy is getting a foothold in the country, albeit at a snail's pace. Not known to most Filipinos, photovoltaics technology has been in the Philippines for over two decades. It was first employed at the lighthouses of the Philippine Coast Guard. The first major photovoltaic installation, though, was the 13,3-kilowatt peak (Kwp) central power plant installed in Pulong Sampaloc, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. A project of the Philippine-German Special Energy Programme (PGSEP), the plant supplies 70% of the rural community's power needs. More institutions are following the trail set by Bulacan's successful PV system.

Remote island electrification was made possible through PGSEP's efforts to advance photovoltaics. Burias Island in the province of Masbate now serves as a model site for the first PV-powered 280-Watt peak (Wp) medical refrigerator. The installation of other related solar-powered facilities, including a 72-Wp power supplier for a telegraph station, another 70-Wp facility for a video cine, and 10 demonstration solar home systems (SHS) is taking place. The 10 SHS were initially offered at P9,000 each (US$360); but the Burias residents whose main source of livelihood was agriculture, could not afford them. A cooperative known as the San Pascual Masbate Solar Power, Inc. (Sapmasopco) was formed, and has negotiated with the Developmente Bank on the Philippines (DBP) for a financing program for PV projects. Under the scheme, a solar home system will be available through a 25% downpayment. The balance will be paid within three years at an annual interest rate of 16%.

The Burias Island project was replicated in Verde Island, Batangas with the help of the Batangas Electric Cooperative (Batelec), PGSEP, and the National Electrification Administration (NEA). The project - directly managed by the Batelec - organizer cooperative Verde Island Power Association - was also a success.

In March 1987, the Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Company (PT&T) installed the Coto Relay Station in Candelaria, Zambales atop a mountain 3,500 feet (ft) above sea level. Though its site allows the station to obtain clear signals, the necessary power supply had to be transported to it. One solution to this difficulty was to use several diesel generator sets. But then, fuel supply also has to be hauled from the mountainbase up to the station. The PGSER came up with an alternative - that of converting sunlight into electricity onsite through the use of PV cells.

The Coto station now has two PV power supply systems. One is intended for the essential load (for telecommunications equipment) and the other for additional power needs (for perimeter lights, etc.). The PV array for the station's radio transceiver is composed of 52 monocrystalline modules capable of generating 1.8 kw of electricity. For the station's lighting system, there are four modules with a maximum capacity of 14 Wp. Excess energy generated during daytime is stored in a battery bank for nighttime use.

In the last quarter of 1987, a photovoltaics system was used to power a runway marker at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The solar-powered marker (a small device which sends radio signals to approaching aircrafts) consisted of a PV array with 12 small modules having a maximum capacity of 280 Wp, a storage battery, and battery control equipment.

In 1993, the Philippine Army purchased P1.5-million (US$60,000) worth of 60 solar panels, and 40 batteries and controllers to power its radio communications equipment.

As a proof of the growing popularity of solar energy, another undertaking was inaugurated in 1994 by officials of the Dutch Embassy, Philips-Philippines, DBP, Department of Energy's (DoE) Nonconventional Energy Division, and the residents of Barangay Belance in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya.

Until the inception of Belsolar project, the people of Belance were deprived of a regular power supply. The main electricity grid running through the major towns of Nueva Vizcaya was too far from the Barangay, which can be found in the Sierra Madre mountains, about 2,600 ft. above sea level. Extending the powerlines to reach Belance will require huge amounts of capital. Thanks to solar electrification, Belance families can now delight in their radioes and television sets.

In the initial phase of the project, 100 solar home systems - each, together with three special lamps, costed P21,000 (US$840) - were installed in households and shops. To make the facilities more affordable to rural residents, the DBP, through project implementor Saint Joseph Credit Union, offered a loan package with a reasonable interest rate.

Energy-giving measures
Authorities in the energy sector have stepped up efforts to popularize the use of indigenous energy sources, in particular the renewables. As stated in Section 5h of Republic Act 7638 (Department of Energy Act of 1992), the government, through DoE, has a duty to "formulate and implement a program for the accelerated development of nonconventional energy systems and the promotion and commercialization of its applications." In response to the above mandate, the Philippine legislature has introduced bills encouraging the application of nonconventional energy.

The administration of President Fidel V. Ramos now faces the challenge of pushing for the widespread utilization of nonconventional and renewable energy sources such as solar power. In line with Executive Order (EO) 215 which allows the private sector to participate in the production of electricity, the Renewable Energy Power Program (REPP) was designed. Under this scheme, a total of 150 Mwp of power will be generated using PV systems.

The Financing Energy Services for Small-Scale Users (Finesse) is another program which aims to support mature and market-ready renewable energy systems. It proposes to add power capacity by utilizing more than a million units of PV systems with an aggregate capacity of 28 Mwp.. A total of 132 units of solar water heaters for commercital establishments are also scheduled under the program.

Another project dubbed as Isang Libong Bahay: Pailaw Mula sa Araw (1000 PMA), a joint effort of the DoE and the Special Energy Programme (SEP) of the German Agency for Technical Cooperation, will enable the private sector to avail itself of the incentive package for SHS.

An ambitious plan called 1-MW Renewable Energy Systems Program will involve a large scale installation of renewable energy systems with a minimum capacity of one megawatt. This will start in 1998, or when the REPP and Finesse programs were proven effective. Its ultimate objective is the grid interconnection of solar photovoltaics.

Solar, so good
Government's move to finance individual solar projects is a welcome gesture for the private sector. Success stories such as those mentioned should pave the way for greater familiarization and acceptance of the public. This can be achieved further through the issuance of promotional materials by government establishments, and wider exposure by means of the print and broadcast media.

To allow breader access of individuals and institutions to solar energy facilities, cooperatives should be sufficiently funded. Local manufacturers may also be given tax incentives which can help reduce unit costs of solar plates.

Through these measures, the Philippines can expect a reliable and possibly inexhaustible source of electrical energy, which, in turn, will brighten the economic scene. We can then make hay while the sun shines.

Selected References

  • Boehnke, Heinz-Wolfgang. "The Energy of the Sun and Its Use Through Photovoltaic and Thermal Converters" in Introduction to Photovoltaic Utilization (proceedins of the First National training Workshop on Photovoltaic Technology, July 22-25, 1991).
  • Cabrera, Marities I. "Photovoltaic Utilization in the Philippines" in Introduction to Photovoltaic Utilization, 1991.
  • Department of Energy (DoE). ERDS Reports on Energy Resource Developments. Vol.1, No1, October 1994.
  • DoE, Philippine Energy Plan (199302000).
  • DoE, Philippine Energy Plan (1994-2010).
  • Magno, Leo "Cities Under the Sun" Metro Manila Real Estatc. Vol 1V, No. 1, January 1994.
  • Hislop, Drummond, ed. "Power From Solar Energy" in Energy Option: An Introduction to Small-Scale Renewable Energy Technologies, Intermediate Technology Publications, 1992.
  • Republic Act (RA) 7638/Department of Energy Act of 1992.
  • Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 5(I) of RA 7638.
  • "Telecom Mountain Station Operates on Solar" in Energy Alternatives.Vol.III, No4 - Vol.IV, No.1; October 1987 - March 1988.
  • "The Balance Solar Project: Bringing Electricity to the Barrio Households (Two Parts)" in The Philippine Star, June 9, 1994.
  • US National Academy of Sciences. "Solar Energy for Rural Development" in Development Digest. Vol. 15, No. 2, April 1977.
  • Zamora, Christopher G. "Electricity From Solar Energy" in Energy Conservation Journal. Vol VI, No.1, 1990.

    Table 1. Philippine Energy Mix
    (levels in million barrels of fuel oil equivalent [MMBFOE], shares & growth rate in %)

    Energy Sources Level 1992 Share 1992 Level 1993 Share 1993 Growth Rate
    I. INDIGENOUS ENERGY
    A. Conventional 23.030 18.4847 25.660 19.5739 11.42
    Oil and Gas 0.540 0.4334 1.190 0.9078 120.37
    Coal 5.000 4.0132 6.030 4.5998 20.60
    Hydro 7.660 6.1482 8.670 6.6136 13.19
    Geothermal 9.830 7.8899 9.770 7.4527 -0.61
    B. Nonconventional 14.970 12.0157 14.503 11.0631 -3.12
    Bagasse 5.060 4.0613 5.130 3.9132 1.38
    Agriwaste 9.460 7.5929 8.917 6.8020 -5.74
    Biogas 0.233 0.1870 0.291 0.2222 24.89
    Solar (SWH/PV) 0.004 0.0032 0.004 0.0031 0.00
    Others* 0.213 0.1710 0.161 0.1226 75.59
    II. IMPORTED ENERGY
    Oil 83.910 67.3488 88.160 67.2500 5.05
    Coal 2.680 2.1511 2.770 2.1130 3.36
    Total 124.590 100.0000 131.093 100.0000 5.22

    Note: SWH-solar water heaters, PV-photovoltaic
    * includes wind power, micro-htdro, and black liquor
    Source: DoE

    Table 2. Historical Electrification Profile )
    Year Energized Households ('000Potential Households ('000) Electrification Level (%)
    1986 5,164 8,616 60
    1987 5,404 8,714 62
    1988 5,607 8,800 64
    1989 5,825 8,864 66
    1990 6,254 9,180 68
    1991 6,475 9,307 70
    1992 5,785 9,584 60
    Source: Philippine Energy Plan (PEP)

    Energy Efficiency and Sustainability:
    New Paradigms

    Introduction:

    Ashok Gadgil and Gilberto Jannuzzi called for an informal meeting of those interested in discussing "Energy Efficiency and Sustainability -- New Paradigms" on the afternoon of the first day of the ACEEE Asilomar meeting: August 26, 1996. The basis of the discussion was the note prepared by Amulya Reddy for IEI regarding the need for a coalition of young energy analysts to initiate thinking about the next major energy and development paradigm that should become the conventional paradigm of the major institutions 20 years from now.

    Ashok Gadgil explained the background of this note and his previous discussions with Amulya Reddy, and then read out the full text of the IEI note to the group.

    Participants:

    Somewhat to our surprise, about 25 persons turned up. Most of them (except the latecomers) signed up on a circulated sheet. (see list at the end of this note). Unfortunately, there were not many participants from the developing world at this ACEEE conference (perhaps owing to there being no fellowships for the conference registration costs, as was the case with a previous ACEEE summer study).

    Discussion summary:

    The group discussed a number of themes in relation to Amulya's challenge. The discussion lasted for about 2 hours.

    At the onset, some of the attendees were of the opinion that the current "4" (this is a shorthand for the group humorously called the 'gang of 4') paradigm is not outdated in the first place. We have won a few battles, but not the war. There may be only lip service from the major institutions to the energy efficiency and development paradigm, but substantial action to back it up is still not here.

    Some said that many of the issues raised by "4" paradigm still exist, and that policies and actions are still in their early stages. However, the least that one needs to do is update the Johansson et al book on Energy for Sustainable Development, and also add to it a section on economics of the technologies discussed.

    However, many in the group felt that there are indeed a number of issues which are better understood at this point, that may justify a paradigm shift.

    The "4" paradigm treats energy as unique. This is no longer adequate. We now need to take this approach to broader issues extending it non-energy areas, such as other resource efficiencies.

    Unfortunately, the "4" paradigm has been misinterpreted in some places as a "technical fix" viewpoint. This has been the prevailing viewpoint, for example, in the analyses coming from some institutions. The "technical fix" is seen as unsustainable and unsatisfactory, since one may increase the material efficiency of a technology, but at the same time, use more of the end services (e.g., US cars have become more fuel efficient per kg of car, but in recent years their weights have increased faster than unit efficiency gains on a per-kg basis). It is important to sharpen the distinction between a sustainable development approach based on energy efficiency, and a technical fix approach supporting increasing consumerism and growth.

    Twenty years ago, energy consumption growth was a sacred thing. The "4" paradigm helped dethrone that concept. Energy consumption growth is no longer a totem. However, we are still far from winning the war in terms of how we fund energy efficiency in the world.

    This leads to the next area of discussion, that of quality of life. In the developed and undeveloped world alike, there is increasing evidence that our current pattern of consumption is leading to a degradation of quality of life in the form of health problems, high crime rates, and general social unrest. There seemed to be a consensus that it is important to begin to make explicit the links between energy efficiency and such issues as 1) cutting health problems related to air pollution and energy extraction and conversion, 2) the creation of jobs in the production and installation of efficient products, and 3) the improved level of service from modern technology (i.e. worker productivity, etc.). On the other hand quality of life is the common starting point driving consumption on both the industrial and developing countries, and addresses many of the non-energy issues as well (such as social equity, personal safety, health, environment, education, material efficiency, natural resource exhaustion, etc.). Thus this could prove a possible starting point for a fresh look for a new paradigm.

    Many felt that in the past, energy efficiency has been pushed largely on its direct economic benefits (lower energy bills), as opposed to its environmental benefits, which are often less quantifiable. A new emphasis on second and third order benefits might go a long way towards making energy efficiency a more attractive option for developing countries, not to mention developed countries.

    A closely related issue is that of how to effectively advocate energy efficiency in the developing world. The group noted that too often, energy efficiency is touted as a way to avoid costly dams or polluting power plants. However, a focus on the positive might be a better spin. For example, in countries where there is limited power to light a town, every incandescent bulb replaced with a compact fluorescent lamp, in turn, can save enough power to also power four other compact fluorescents in homes that have no electric lighting. This stress, though subtle, is important. Instead of telling an individual household to use less energy (which still has its own merits) one can provide four times as many residents with light. The positive spin is that the standard of living is being raised by adopting the technology.

    Another issue that emerged was the thinking of some of the participants that social equity should to be given more attention and emphasis in the next paradigm. It is unclear if the world will be a pleasant place if the growth in inequity in consumption and skewness of wealth distribution are not addressed in some way.

    Most agreed that the challenge posed by the IEI memo is a difficult one; however, there was a no sense that it was inappropriately or arrogantly posed.

    Outcomes:

    Ashok Gadgil offered that he will send by e-mail a summary of the finding to any of the participants who care to give him their e-mail address, and also send the summary to Amulya Reddy. Scott McGarghan offered to help draft a part of the summary and send it to Ashok. Many members in the group remarked that the IEI position on this matter was a open minded one, offering warm hearted support to the next round of path-breaking thinking on this matter.

    One possibility for the next step is to undertake e-mail discussion on this matter before a meeting.

    Participant's list (partial), with affiliations:

    -----------------------------------------------------
    Ashok Gadgil, MS 90-3058, LBNL, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
    Phone +(1) 510-486-4651, Fax: +(1) 510-486-6658
    preferred respose e-mail: ajgadgil@lbl.gov

    VII Brazilian Energy Congress

    VII Brazilian Energy Congress, together with II Latinamerican Seminar on Energy, from october 22 to 25, at the city of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil.
    Informations (in portugues) here.

    Postgraduate School On Light And Vision

    Academic Director: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carlos Kirschbaum
    Assistent Director: Dr. Elisa Colombo

    The National University of Tucumán, Argentina, offers postgraduate courses in the field of Lighting and Vision oriented to architects, engineers, physicists, psychologists and designers.

    **** 1996 Program ****

    Module I. LIGHTING AND PHOTOMETRY
    Duration: 60 hs - Date: March 18 to April 12
    Lecturers: Dr. Carlos Kirschbaum, Dr. Elisa Colombo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT)

    Module II PHYSICS AND THE BRAIN
    Duration: 40 hs - Date: April 8 to 19
    Lecturers: Dr. Juan G. Roederer, Fairbanks University, USA; Dr Orlando Bravo, UNT

    Module III. LIGHTING DESIGN. EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR
    Duration: 60 hs - Date: April 22 to May 10
    Lecturers: Dr. Carlos Kirschbaum, Ing. Mario Raitelli, and Ing. Eduardo Manzano, UNT

    Module IV. LIGHTING COMPUTATION
    Duration: 60 hs - Date: June 3 to 14
    Lecturers: Dr. David Dilaura, University of Boulder, Colorado, USA, Ing. Mario Raitelli, UNT

    Module V. TEMPORAL ASPECTS OF VISION. FROM THE RETINA TO THE CORTEX
    Duration: 40 hs - Date: July 22 to August 7
    Lecturers: Dr.Michael Cox, University of Bradford, England, Dr. Elisa Colombo, UNT

    Module VI. NATURAL LIGHTING
    Duration:40 hs - Date: 2 weeks in August
    Lecturers: Dr. David Carter, University of Liverpool, England

    Module VII. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING OF URBAN PLACES AND BUILDINGS IN SUBTROPICAL AREAS
    Duration:40 hs - Date: 2 weeks in September
    Lecturer: Dr. Lucia Mascaro, Universidad do Rio Grande do Sur, Brazil

    Module VIII. LABORATORY (Experimental work under tutorial supervision )
    Duration:60 hs - Date: October 1 - 30
    Dr. Carlos Kirschbaum, Dr. Elisa Colombo, Ing. Mario Raitelli, Ing. Jose Sandoval, Ing. Leonardo Assaf and Ing. Eduardo Manzano, UNT

    ENROLLMENT FEES:
    Per Module: U$S 250
    Complete Program: U$S 1800

    If you are interested or need further information please contact
    Carlos Kirschbaum or Dr. Elisa Colombo
    Instituto de Luminotecnia, Luz y Vision
    Universidad Nacional de Tucumán
    Av. Independencia 1800 - 4000 Tucumán - Argentina

    Telephone-Fax: +54 81 311896
    e-mail: lumino@untmre.edu.ar, postmaster@untct.edu.ar

    Joint Implementation (JI) Online

    JI Online is a WWW site dedicated solely to JI, energy efficiency, and other greenhouse gas mitigation efforts in the developing world.

    JI Online is located at http://www.ji.org

    The project is a partnership between the US Department of Energy and the International Utility Efficiency Partnerships program at the Edison Electric Institute, Washington, D.C.

    We are very interested in posting information on the Internet about these types of activities. This can include projects that require financial or technical support, information about the regulatory environment in host countries, or the results of your JI specific research. This service is provided free of charge.

    Please contact us for more information.

    Michael Rucker
    International Utility Efficiency Partnerships
    michree@eei.org
    +1 202 508-5510 tel
    +1 202 508-5360 fax

    International Climate Change Exhibit

    I am writing to draw your attention to the International Climate Change Technology Exhibit being held as part of the second Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP2), Geneva, Switzerland, July 8-18, 1996.

    Participation in the exhibit will provide you with a unique opportunity to meet key decision-makers from around the world who set priorities and implement national and global climate change projects.

    Some 1500 delegates will attend COP2, including members of national delegations, international financial institutions and United Nations and inter-governmental organizations.

    The exhibit is being organized by the Government of Canada, in cooperation with the Climate Change Secretariat. Its purpose is to encourage an exchange of ideas between delegates and exhibitors on the role of proven technologies, services and project concepts that help control greenhouse gas emissions.

    Exhibits will include technologies that reduce all forms of greenhouse has emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O) across all relevant industrial sectors. Most are expected to target energy efficiency and energy substitution or the reduction, capture and reuse/conversion of greenhouse gasses.

    The exhibit will consist of between 15-20 booths through which three groups of exhibitors will be rotated during the period of the COP. Thus a maximum of 60 organizations from around the world will be able to participate.

    For further information, please consult the International Climate Change Exhibit World Wide Web site ( http://www.bnet.ca/climate) or contact:

    Roy Woodbridge
    International Climate Change Exhibit Office
    Suite A, 78 George Street
    Ottawa, Ontario
    Canada K1N 5W1

    Tel: 613-789-1660
    Fax: 613-789-0539 email: climate@bnet.ca

    North American JI Workshop

    The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is undertaking a comprehensive program to facilitate North American Cooperation on Climate Change. The environment ministers of the CEC member countries (Canada, Mexico and the United States) designated climate change cooperation as one of four 1996 program priorities for the tri-national organization. Efforts to facilitate and promote Joint Implementation (JI) efforts in North America are an essential element of the CEC's climate change program.

    As one of the first steps in it 1996 program, the CEC is sponsoring the first North American workshop on Joint Implementation. The workshop will bring together government officials and interested private sector and non-governmental organization participants from each of the three countries to share information about national efforts, potential projects, and investment and financing opportunities for JI in the region. The workshop will be an excellent chance to become aquatinted with the JI opportunities in Mexico, in addition to sharing information with some of North America's leading JI experts from government and the private sector.

    The workshop is free and open to the public at the Sevilla Palace Hotel in Mexico City. Initial introductions and an opening cocktail reception will be held on April 16 from 7 to 9 pm. The workshop will begin at 8:30 on April 17. Additional information is available from the CEC Climate Change Program.


    The CEC was created by the North American Agreement for Environmental Cooperation to address regional environmental concerns, and facilitate tri-national cooperation on priority environmental issues. The agreement, signed by Canada, Mexico and the United States, complements the environmental provisions established in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

    Contact: Lynn M. Fischer
    Climate Change Program Manger
    514-350-4337 (tel)
    514-350-4314 (fax) lfischer@ccemtl.org

    UNEP Conference on AIJ

    In support of the first Conference of the Parties' decision to establish a pilot phase for activities implemented jointly (AIJ) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will convene an international conference in Costa Rica from May 20-24, 1996.

    The conference will provide the first global opportunity for the exchange of experience and information about AIJ projects and studies that are being developed around the world as the pilot phase gets underway. Conference participants will examine opportunities for leveraging additional financial resources and facilitating technology cooperation through AIJ, as well as other practical issues relating to the design, funding, implementation and evaluation of AIJ projects under the Convention. Project case studies will be chosen to reflect as much geographic and thematic diversity as possible.

    For more conference information on the conference please see the Conference Web Page: http://www.ji.org/jinews/wfed/form.htm

    Or contact:

    UNEP Conference on Activities Implemented Jointly c/o WFED
    1101 30th Street, NW - Suite 500
    Washington, DC 20007 USA
    Tel +1 (202) 364-8276
    Fax + 1 (202) 686-3771
    E-mail: LeifPC@nicom.com


    The World Foundation for Environment and Development (WFED) is an independent non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. and Oslo, Norway that has been established to promote international cooperation and conflict resolution initiatives in the field of environment and development.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE WFED WEB PAGE:
    http://www.ji.org/jinews/wfed.htm

    Workshop on Forestry Sequestration

    The IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme in conjunction with The Institute of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Edinburgh, UK is organising a workshop during the UNEP conference on AIJ to be held in Costa Rica (20-24 May)

    The subject of the workshop will be :

    THE SUSTAINABILITY OF CARBON SEQUESTRATION BY FORESTRY PROJECTS

    Sustainability is one of the principal requirements of a forestry strategy which is designed to store carbon over a time period long enough to be relevant to the problem of global warming. This workshop will concentrate on the question of sustainability and will address questions such as :

  • what are reasonable design requirements for forestry projects to ensure long-term effectiveness of carbon mitigation?
  • do current projects meet such design requirements or is their long-term effectiveness open to question?
  • would the adoption of specified design standards affect current estimates of the costs of carbon sequestration and on what scale could they be successfully applied?

    Short presentations will be made by experts in this field of work and discussion will be focused on specific questions, with the aim of reaching consensus on practical solutions to these problems.

    The IEA Greenhouse Gas programme would be glad to hear from anyone attending the UNEP conference if they are interested in taking part in this workshop.

    If you are working in this area but are not attending the conference, we would be glad to know about your interests for future discussion.

    Please contact :

    Bill Ormerod
    IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D programme
    e-mail: bill@ieagreen.demon.co.uk

    Workshop "Energy On-Line Data Base Systems"

    On May 20-22, 1996 will be held at Instituto de Eletrotécnica e Energia da Universidade de São Paulo-IEE/USP, in São Paulo-Brasil, the workshop "Energy On-line Data Base Systems". Such tools emerged from energy balances and presently are helpful to increase data handle speed and mix these information with other sort, like social and economical data, by example. The program is adressed to the utilities planning staff and will show the following systems:

  • Brazilian Energy Balance
  • Brazilian Available Energy Balance
  • Latin America International Energy System from OLADE
  • ENERDATA International System from France
  • INFOENER from IEE/USP
  • São Paulo State Energy Balance
  • Rio de Janeiro State Energy Balance

    Further information may be obtained with
    Sergio Pacca:
    by E-mail: sergio@iee.usp.br
    or by fax (55 11 8185031)

    AIJ Workshop in Indonesia

    The US Initiative on Joint Implementation, the Indonesian Environment Ministry and the Environment Agency of Japan are sponsoring a Southeast Asian Regional AIJ workshop in Jakarta on June 25-27, 1996. The workshop will focus on national AIJ programs, the international AIJ regime, and project development issues in the region and in the Indonesian market specifically. Government officials and representatives of industry and non-governmental organizations are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Carol Berrigan, Camber Corporation, in Washington DC at (202) 393-1648, fax (202) 628-8498 or email camberdc@access.digex.net.

    Quebec Energy Policy

    For anyone interested:

    A collaborative panel composed of key utility, refinery, union, environmental, consumer and aboriginal stakeholders in Quebec, of which I was a member, recently released its report on the future of energy in Quebec.

    The report, titled "Toward an Energy Efficient Quebec", was the fruit of a year's work, including extensive public hearings and information sessions, technical visits and closed-door meetings. The report is to serve as the basis for a new Energy Policy for Quebec.

    Among the more than 200 recommendations, the report strongly suggests creating a tradeable permits market for greenhouse gas emissions. The report suggests that Quebec should begin by establishing its own market, while at the same time lobbying its neighbouring states and provinces to establish a multilateral approach. The report urges the Quebec Premier to call a meeting of neighbouring state governors and provincial premiers to headstart discussions on an eventual market.

    Copies of the report can be obtained by calling the Public Debate on Energy Secretariat (Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources) at 1-418-646-7062. It can also be obtained at the Ministry's internet site at WWW.MRN.GOUV.QC.CA/MRN/ENERGIE.

    The translated English version will be available within approx. one week.

    For more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

    Philippe Dunsky
    HELIOS Centre
    Energy and Environmental Strategies
    4606, Avenue de l'Esplanade
    Montreal (Quebec)
    Canada H2T 2Y5
    Tel. + 514-849-8536
    Fax. + 514-849-6357
    Internet Helios@NetAxis.qc.ca

    Renewable Energy Topics of Interest

    Several respondants have asked me the purpose of my broadcast email regarding "Renewable Energy Topics of Interest." Others have stated that perhaps the request was too broad and should be more narrowly focussed and more details provided. Some have submitted lists of general references on Renewable Energy (many of which appear to be useful and are greatfully accepted). And, some have submitted information on specific topics, or their research or ideas concerning these specific topics. In most cases, the latter type of response has been most useful.

    Many of the topics I listed have been identified, in numerous studies and workshops over many years, as impediments to further renewable energy development in Hawaii (e.g., low current avoided cost payment; lack of government and other incentives; failure to include, and lack of appropriate methods for including, environmental benefits and other externalities in the resource selection process; a time-consuming, complex, and often duplicative permitting process).

    Other topics are of general interest to me and can be instrumental in further renewable energy resource development in Hawaii (e.g., non-utility applications such as water pumping, process heat production, and electric vehicle charging; and energy education at all levels).

    One of my primary areas of interest and the area which has considerable potential to encourage renewable energy development is the appropriate determination of avoided utility cost. The utilities maintain, and FERC decisions appear to confirm, that utilties are not required to pay independent power producers more than the utilities' avoided cost for electricity which they purchase.

    Unfortunately, at present in Hawaii, avoided costs have not been adequately and completely determined and the utilties only pay the avoided energy cost. The utilities here further maintain that intermittent renewable energy resources do not have any avoided capacity value or other avoided cost component values. However, numerous studies elsewhere have shown that they do.

    I am primarily interested in studies and methodologies which can evaluate and quantify the avoided cost benefits of intermittent renewable resources so that these avoided cost components can be incorporated into the payment price.

    Our own studies show that a relatively small increase in the avoided cost payment rate could make a number of wind energy projects cost effective in the near term and benefit other renewable technologies in the long term.

    On the other hand, determination and incorporation of externalities benefits is a more elusive and contentious undertaking. Almost everyone acknowledges that renewables provide externalities benefits, but there is little agreement on the magnitude of these benefits and how to incorporate them into the price that the renewable energy producer receives.

    I look at externalities as a kind of tie breaker, or icing on the cake. If a renewable energy project is cost effective or even nearly cost effective, it should be selected over a comparable fossil fuel or nuclear project because of its externalities benefits.

    However, unless we are able to provide the developer with adequate payment (including all avoided costs and a premium for externalities benefits), the project will not be developed. Therefore, my interest in this area is identifying and evaluating novel approaches to the incorporation of enternalitites benefits into the payment price and not just into the resource selection process.

    The State of Hawaii provides a number of incentives for renewable energy development (e.g., tax credits for wind, solar; special purpose revenue bonds; loans; some funding for demonstration and evaluation projects; etc.). However, over the two years there have been determined but unsuccessful efforts to eliminate tax credits. It is expected that these efforts will continue.

    I am trying to gather information on renewable energy incentive programs provided elsewhere and to analyze their relative cost-effectiveness. Of particular interest are green pricing, production incentives, net energy metering, investment credits, loan programs, and various government subsidies. A detailed and well-documented comparitive analysis of various renewable energy incentive programs will help to identify the more cost-effective programs and provide ammunition for their adoption.

    One area which seems to be of considerable importance in Hawaii today is the ability of renewable energy technologies to generate jobs and as a means of economic development to the state. Therefore, I am interested in information regarding the relative number of jobs created by renewable energy technologies vs. fossil fuel technologies (i.e., per unit of energy produced or capital invested).

    I am also interested in the economic benefits of keeping capital (dollars) in the state (and country) vs. exporting that capital for the purchase of imported fossil fuels. The economic development potential of exporting renewable energy technology expertise is also of interest. We need to determine what types of technology export and transfer programs have been developed elsewhere and which are appropriate for Hawaii.

    Power plant facility siting is a problem in Hawaii, as I am sure it is in many locations. Permitting these facilties is also a difficult, lengthly, and costly process. I am interested in any jurisdictions which have undertaken a permit process facilitation/streamlining program which might also include a simpler process for small-scale renewable energy projects.

    The intent here is not to reduce public involvement in this process but to identify and consolidate overlapping permit requirements. This would benefit both developers, environmentalists, and the general public by reducing the resources required to participate in the process. If you are aware of any successful efforts in this area, please let me know.

    Proper integration of renewables into the utility grid is also an important area. The utilties maintain that intermittent renewables can create adverse impacts on grid power quality (i.e, voltage and frequency fluctuations; low power factor; etc.). These are valid concerns. But, what is not known at this time are the penetration limits for various renewable resources, and their impacts on power quality and utility operation at different penetration levels. Additional information is also required on the combined effects of different amounts of different types of renewables.

    Therefore, I would like information on power quality case studies and methodologies which involve integration of renewables into utility grids. I am particularly interested in computer models which can be used to simulate utility grids incorporating renewables and energy storage systems. Also of interest are control systems and strategies which can maximize the use and minimize any adverse impacts of grid-connected renewables.

    Finally, I have a personal and professional interest in energy education programs, especially any related to renewable energy technologies at the post-secondary level. I plan to offer such courses at the community college or university level. In spite of its vast renewable energy resources and great interest on the part of the general public, Hawaii offers very little renewable energy-related education at the post-secondary level.

    I hope this addresses many of your questions and I look forward to hearing from you about the above topics.

    David Rezachek, Ph.D., P.E.
    Alternate Energy Specialist
    State of Hawaii-DBEDT-ERTD
    P.O. Box 2359
    Honolulu, Hawaii 96804-2359
    USA
    Phone: (808) 587-3814
    Fax: (808) 587-3820
    email: energy@pixi.com

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