Master's theses

Abstract of the thesis:

Transportation sector today relies heavily on fossil fuels and responsible on producing 20% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Decarbonizing this sector and the deployment of hydrogen vehicles could be the solution as it has zero emission while operation. The Hydrogen vehicle is already in progress and expanding in global economies. In this study, the world adoption of HFCVs along with advantages and barriers of this technologies are explored. Next, hydrogen development and projects in UAE are reviewed to find the potential of using hydrogen vehicles. Then, the potential target consumer of hydrogen vehicles is studied by using questionnaire survey. Finally, recommendation for implementing HFCVs in UAE is analysed from different area such as refuelling stations, hydrogen vehicle availability and hydrogen production. From all these results, this thesis finds that HFCVs have potential in the UAE but not soon as there is no infrastructure, also regulation, standards and policies need to be drafted. However, the environment awareness is high in UAE, which make the penetration of hydrogen vehicle technology promising.

Abstract of the thesis:

For household applications already green hydrogen technologies exist to produce electricity and heat. The fuel cells evaluated in this master thesis are Proton Exchange Membrane (PEMFC), Alkaline and Phosphoric Acid (PAFC). The evaluation was divided in technological, social, political and economic aspects. After the evaluation the PEMFC is the most viable fuel cell for implementation in household applications. During the comparison and evaluation of fuel cell technologies, facilitators like technology access and financial support were found along with challenges like information availability for the comparison and a standard certification system. After the evaluation some good practices are recommended like standardization of the information available, financial support for the specific case of household applications, further research and development of the technology, aligned project development and a different energy mix approach as the one defined as “All-Electric”.

Abstract of the thesis:

The research work consisted on assessing the APAC markets potential for renewable hydrogen production based on the current and planned renewable energy capacity, as a result of current renewable energy and hydrogen policies implementation. Based on this assessment, it was possible to determine if industry sectors using fossil fuel-based hydrogen (ammonia, methanol, oil refining and steel manufacturing) could effectively be decarbonized.

Abstract of the thesis:

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations have risen dramatically in number as costs have continued to fall, particularly for hardware and installation labor. However, the remaining soft costs, including customer acquisition costs, of residential solar PV installations remain stubbornly high.

Within the area of soft costs, customer acquisition costs, which include costs associated with lead generation, sales, marketing and employee salaries, have been identified as a key area ripe for improvement. Driving down customer acquisition costs will allow installers to lower their prices and thus increase adoption in a positive feedback cycle.

The primary question this research explores is:

• What are the drivers of high costs of customer acquisition in the US residential solar PV industry?

Secondary questions this research needed to answer in order to effectively answer this question are:

• What sales channels are currently being used by residential solar installers?
• Which channels generate the highest absolute volume of leads and sales?
• What are the lead-to-sale conversion rates?
• Which sales channels have high, average and low conversion rates?
• What are the relative costs related to each sales channel?

An examination of customer acquisition costs, including in depth interviews with 10 installers provided insights into the customer acquisition channels, conversion rates for various channels and the associated costs of each. These data points allowed bottom-up calculation of overall customer acquisition costs as well as a channel-by-channel analysis of the relative costs of each customer acquisition channel via case study.

Managerial positions within solar industry: project development, EPC, O&M

CEO of an R&D company in agritech industry

Consultant: Organizational culture assessment development

Abstract of the thesis:

In 2016, renewables made up two-thirds of new power added to the world’s grids. Photovoltaic industry accounted for 46% of all REN projects that year (REN21, 2017). In order to keep up with the existing trend and live up to high hopes of solar energy investors, PV asset owners, and energy policy makers for the bright future, the state-of-the-art approaches toward performance maximization need to be implemented. This fact will be even more emphasized in coming years as the fierce competition pushes the industry margins down and FIT schemes are being departed from in most territories. In an ideal solar world, a PV owner will be able to get 100 % correct weather data (as irradiation is the most important source of PV energy) a perspective PV site will receive in a given time, choose the most suitable location and appropriate technological set up, achieve highest system efficiency, and receive the highest possible return on his/her investment. In a real world, the uncertainty is the only certainty there is.The proposed master thesis will seek to explore yet unexplored seas of weather data methods used in the solar electricity market. In the scientific literature or in the professional PV world, one can easily find data on comparing and contrasting various technical features and functionalities of the most commonly used weather data methods. The aim of our academic endeavor, however, is to add one important criterion for consideration that has been missing in this field and that is the net economic value of weather data. “What’s in it for me”? What is the true value of weather data in the PV industry? How can the PV asset owner benefit from having weather data with lower uncertainty? Under what circumstances is it worth for him/her to use particular weather provision method over another one? These are the questions we seek to answer in the following parts of the thesis.The knowledge gained throughout this academic endeavor can serve as basis for preparing marketing strategy for irradiation campaign providers. From the broader perspective, overall solar ecosystem will benefit from the increased system efficiencies.

Abstract of the thesis:

This report has been written as an exposé for a Master’s Thesis for The Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin and the Renewables Academy (RENAC), and for MEYER TURKU OY, a shipyard that specializes in building highly complex, innovative and environmentally friendly cruise ships, carpassenger ferries and special vessels. Together with two sister shipyards in Germany, Meyer Werft in Papenburg and Neptun Werft in Rostock, Meyer Turku is one of the world’s leading cruise ship builders. This report has two distinctive parts: the first part will introduce the term and concept of Net Positivity. It will discuss briefly its background and origins, the distinction between sustainable thinking, CSR and net positivity and venture into theoretical ways a company should strategise in order to be net positive. The second part will discuss the report itself; the purpose of the study, how will it be researched, what kind of a research will it be, to whom it will be useful and what the possible outcomes will mean. This report will also give a solid understanding of the literature available; of both historical and current writings of the topic. And a project timeline and detailed plan.

Abstract of the thesis:

While Distributed Generation Solar PV-Roof Top projects (DGPV) has a plethora of advantages, there were barriers in scaling up the market growth and penetration as compared to utility scale in S.E. Asia markets. The thesis examines what are the potential barriers in upscaling DGPV segment and there by conducting quantitative analysis, propose risk mitigation as counter options for market gains in upscaling roof top projects.

Abstract of the thesis:

This Thesis in form of a case study analyses the overall attractiveness of the Croatian market environment for future wind farm developments to support or refute the viability of a market entry and to propose a potential strategy to be pursued by an EU-wide operating renewable energy project development company. The objective will be achieved by initially analysing the general political, economic, social, legal, and environmental framework for conducting business activities and future wind farm project developments in Croatia, before assessing the energy market, presenting the major steps for the development of Croatian wind farm projects, and subsequent routes to sell the generated electricity. Finally, the potential for the development of photovoltaic projects, and for the expansion into the neighbouring countries of former Yugoslavia will be analysed. The analysis confirmed that the Croatian market is and will remain attractive for the development of new wind farm projects given its high wind speeds along the Adriatic coast, its largely untapped wind resources and recently published legislation encouraging the deployment of additional wind farms to create a greener electricity generation system and to alleviate Croatia’s dependency on foreign energy imports by exploiting its native, renewable resources. Additionally, Croatia’s high solar irradiation levels sustain the development of photovoltaic farms, and its strategic location and country stability credited to its EU membership makes it a suitable starting point to explore the largely untapped, hence interesting renewable energy markets of former Yugoslavia. Due to the positive conclusion of the market analysis, several market entry options with varying levels of time and capital commitment (e.g. employee of mother company, native company representative, joint venture, merger and acquisition, and subsidiary establishment and greenfield investment) have been explored as potential market entry strategy. In addition, a method for the identification and feasibility assessment of greenfield project opportunities using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is presented. 

Abstract of the thesis:

This study starts with a summary of the current building integrated PV technologies available in the market with their advantages and examples of their applications in the middles east region. After that an environmental study covering technical, financial, and legal aspects of the PV market in this regions. Based on that a market segment in the BIPV sector was chosen and marketing strategy is prepared for a company working in this market segment evaluating the market potential and expected revenues. 

Abstract of the thesis:

The topic of this Master Thesis, which will be dealt with, is energy storage with a focus on Power-to-Gas (PtG), as energy storage solutions should be more and more important in countries with a high share of renewable energies on the overall energy mix. Nevertheless potential investors like Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM`s) have nowadays a reserved position to invest into energy storage solutions, due the uncertainty if energy markets really require energy storage and if an investment is accompanied by economic success. Therefore relevant markets will be analyzed according their macro-economic boundary conditions and an economic evaluation will be conducted by the simulation of suitable business models. Finally corporate measurements for successful market entry will be identified for companies with strategically interest to invest into energy storage solutions. The outcome has identified that the current situation on a national and international market level only allow commercialization of PtG by limitation or is accompanied of high economical risk when being applied. Nevertheless PtG can be of high relevance on the medium or long term, when very high fractions of renewable energies exist. Therefore companies of this sector should identify which role they would like to play in the future energy storage market and what measurements are therefore required.

Abstract of the thesis:

Izzat Marji Group (IMG) is a main leading Jordanian Company that incorporates Solar PV amongst its activities. This thesis explores the best expansion strategy for IMG into the Corporate Gulf Council (GCC) region. The research begins with the examination of the background information of IMG, then by distinguishing its most decisive key success factors, motives and challenges to venture into the GCC market.
The exploration analyzes the situation in three of the GCC countries: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Dubai. At that point, the selection criteria are resolved to recognize the preferred country into which the first footstep ought to be taken. Apparently, the potential demand for Solar PV in these virgin markets is very high, yet in the meanwhile, the risk and uncertainty of doing a concrete business is elevated. Considering this eccentric and unpredictable market situation and taking into account the other relevant factors and circumstances, the business idea is formed. The best expansion strategy has been closed by ‘'setting up the business office in Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone, focusing on the market in Kuwait, and getting the engineering support from Jordan’.
Considering this business concept, the market in the selected country ‘Kuwait’ is examined and the influencing factors are recognized. Appropriately, the favored market access strategy is determined to satisfy the particular market needs while in the meantime bearing in mind accommodating the capabilities of IMG.
Finally, the organizational business setup is established, encompassing all the essential elements to do a successful and sustainable business. Throughout the time, the outlook for the future growth prospects are constantly remembered.

Abstract of the thesis:

Historically district heating systems in Siberian cities at 100% rely on conventional fuels, such as coal and gas. The consequences are that the CHPs emit pollutants into the city air and coal ashes require spacious plots of land. The air pollution problem went to extremes over the past decades, therefore city residents are waiting for actions from the energy business and city's authorities. Unlike the electric energy production, Russian heating energy industry is not making any significant moves towards renewable energy. There are sporadic cases of renewable heating being implemented by businesses, individual households or small-scale housing buildings, but large energy companies seem rigid. Besides, state energy policies include no requirements of decarbonizing district heating, and no other stakeholders submit a request for renewable energy implementation. At the same time in Scandinavia, which has largely similar climate and DHS characteristics with Siberia, decarbonization of the district heating sector has come a long way and accumulated significant experience. In this thesis, via analysis of the main aspects of the problem derived from various information sources, the suggestions are made on the choice of renewable energy technologies to be applied in Siberia, and on the success factors that could drive the process. A novel idea of combining renewable heating energy projects and the recently introduced heat market model is proposed. Numerous research gaps are identified for future research.

Abstract of the thesis:

Customers are on the way to investing more in energy than utilities and generators in the future. However, today's energy system infrastructure and electricity markets are not designed for a customer-centric approach. To enable market participants, especially households, to digitally orchestrate low-carbon energy systems, the Thesis develops a concept for an Integrated Blockchain-based Energy-saving Certification Platform for Private Households in the Netherlands. The existing home energy management systems still have not attracted households, although they have been in the market for a long time. The simplified and easy-to-use implementation of energy-saving certificates for households can reduce household energy costs, demand in the residential sector, and contribute to net zero targets. The platform not only generates a certificate but also performs fast and easy trading of the certificate. The energy transition is an extensive topic that needs infrastructure upgrades on a bigger scale. This study's target is to encourage households to take energy efficiency measures alone, without any infrastructure need. Therefore, annual cost-benefit analysis is done from a household perspective instead of looking for key financial indicators. Additionally, it is shown in the sensitivity analysis that the economic condition of households is vulnerable to uncertainties such as high inflation and energy price increases. Energy-saving certificates can mitigate the effects of uncertainties and support the Netherlands’ successful heat transition in the residential sector.

Keywords: energy-saving certificate; energy efficiency; blockchain; smart contracts; internet of things; heat transition; residential sector; insulation; natural gas; Netherlands

Abstract of the thesis:

Despite COVID-19, the building sector was the only sector to miss its annual climate target in 2020 and 2021. This failure is compounded by the new, ambitious 2030 climate target of 65% greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Furthermore, projections show that the German building sector will miss its target by 23.9 Mt CO2e in 2030. Therefore, effective climate protection in the building sector requires an interplay of different instruments beyond the current level of ambition. The climate targets for the building sector can only be achieved if a rapid and significant increase in ambition is achieved. The analyzed climate protection instruments have proven relevant to emissions reductions in the building sector. Further renovation incentives must be created to achieve energy renovation targets (refurbishment rate/depth and heat transition) and annual climate protection targets in the building sector. The climate protection instrument’s target orientation must be a climate-neutral building stock by 2045. Furthermore, a life cycle perspective should be in the foreground to allow more precise allocation of the emissions caused by the building sector and, thus, more targeted design options for climate protection instruments. Additionally, the focus must be directed to the vital CO2 figure decisively anchored in the Climate Protection Act.

Abstract of the thesis:

Electricity demand-side flexibility is an underexplored opportunity to assist in the transition to an electricity market powered by renewable energy. This thesis explores policy development and implementation opportunities within Victoria, Australia of how to make investment in electricity demand-side flexibility profitable. By understanding the governance structure and regulatory framework, programs and investment already made and perceived and actual challenges and barriers that exist, policy implementation potential and recommendations will come from the research and analysis. The thesis begins by presenting a literature review about electricity demand-side flexibility including definitions and policy mechanisms, levers, and approaches. The research approach and methodology are inductive based on literature and document analysis as well as interviews. The thesis will create prescriptive research claims and centres around three of the four P’s: people, problems, and programs. An overview of Australia’s and Victoria’s policy landscape is followed by results and analysis and policy potential and recommendations. Research findings suggest the Victorian State Government has significant influence in how to make investment in electricity demand-side flexibility profitable. To unlock policy potential, it is crucial all stakeholders are consulted, particularly consumers who will be the ones investing heavily in DER and BTM.

Abstract of the thesis:

The best and cheapest energy can be seen as the energy which is already there and not being wasted. Energy efficiency is also referred to by the IEA as the “hidden fuel” that should be pursued and developed by each nation as its “first fuel” and “efficiency first”, while “efficiency first” became a guiding principle of Germany’s energy and climate policy. Decarbonisation of the real estate sector requires to reduce energy consumption in buildings and substantially increase the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). However, the challenging key questions are how and by when can it be done? German efficiency standards for buildings are stipulated in the new Building Energy Law, higher voluntary standards have led to the definitions of the efficiency house (“Effizienzhaus”) as well as “Zero-Energy” and “Energy-Plus” houses, furthermore the passive house standard is also a term officially applied in the context of efficiency measures and subsidies. A net-Zero Energy Building (ZEB) is a theoretical concept, it generates at least as much energy from renewables as it consumes. The design of a net-ZEB typically aims to reduce energy requirements before applying RES. Integrating technologies can enhance net-ZEBs to smart buildings and at sufficient scale smart buildings contribute, in combination with RES and Electrical Vehicles (EVs), to the future of smart grids and smart cities. The European Union (EU) provided under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) another term, instead “net-ZEB” the legal definition refers to “nearly-ZEB” allowing more levy way in the final energy performance. Cost optimal solutions should be considered when implementing efficiency measures. Nevertheless, boundaries to calculate the balance of energy and emissions must be established. Evaluating environmental impacts of a building can be done within a lifecycle assessment (LCA).  Germany’s main databank is the ÖKOBAUDAT, where Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for building materials and supplier information can be retrieved. Furthermore, green building certifications are concepts that are also including the analysis of a building’s environmental footprint, but usually go beyond operational and embedded emissions by scrutinising additional topics such as social, health, wellbeing and other aspects. Reporting of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by corporates e.g., according to the standards of the GHG Protocol, are to be distinguished from LCAs and green building certifications, but the results from those systems can be used in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports. Germany will have soon more stringent CSR reporting requirements. Other important political instruments are carbon trading and border taxes to avoid carbon leakage. Ultimately the behaviour of all stakeholders is important to unlock efficiencies in buildings and to decarbonise the real estate sector. Cooperation is needed, but stakeholders have often conflicting perceptions that are leading to efficiency gaps. Effective policies and guidelines as well as access to capital are needed to bridge and overcome these efficiency gaps. The German government has currently increased national climate targets and is updating the country’s energy efficiency strategy with a new roadmap to obtain the objectives until 2045.

Abstract of the thesis:

Thesis contributes to the improvement of the municipal wastewater systems in Jordan. An important goal is increased energy efficiency in wastewater treatment plants and therefore lower expenses due to reduced electricity consumption. The chosen way to achieve this goal is through implementation of Technical Sustainable Management adapted to the Jordanian context. Three wastewater treatment plants in Jordan have been chosen as a case study for the investigation. These choices were supported by the fact that the three treatment plants are suitable for average performance and size. Beyond that, an energy assessment has been recently conducted in those facilities. The project succeeded in proving the following hypothesis: Energy efficiency in wastewater treatment plants can be improved by implementing principles of Technical Sustainable Management adapted to the Jordanian context.With this case study a significant increase in energy efficiency can be achieved by optimization of operational performance, identifying and eliminating of shortcomings and appropriate plant management. Implementing Technical Sustainable Management as a low-cost tool with comparable little workload, provides several additional benefits supplementing increased energy efficiency, including compliance with all legal and technical requirements, process optimization, but also increased work safety and convenient working conditions. The research in the chosen field continues, because there are indications for possible integration of the adapted tool into other regions and sectors. The concept of Technical Sustainable Management adapted to the Jordanian context could be extended to other wastewater treatment plants in all regions of Jordan but also into other sectors including water treatment, water distribution, wastewater network, desalination, or chemical industry.

Abstract of the thesis:

Based on the ACF policy theory, namely the Advocacy Coalition Framework, the thesis dresses the current status as to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) efforts towards more energy conservation. The thesis is supported by interviews carried out with energy experts in KSA, which were made according to the chosen policy theory. As such, the present work unfolds the Kingdom's already made efforts for a more rational use of energy; additionally, it sheds some light as to pressing remaining challenges for KSA to enhance energy conservation on its soil.

Abstract of the thesis:

The aim of this work is to present the potential applications and benefits of Internet of Things (IoT) to increase the use of renewable energies and contribute to energy efficiency. This work provides an overview of the renewable energy and energy efficiency market targets, challenges and policies in the European Union and Germany. Additionally, it provides an overview of IoT architecture, vision, and current applications. The proposed research methodology for this thesis was the “use case study.” The selected use cases were IoT applied to manufacturing, IoT applied to photovoltaic plants, and IoT applied to buildings. Each individual application is composed of case overview, IoT architecture proposal, potential market size, SWOT analysis, market opportunity and competitive advantage. It was conducted with an initial data collection to propose an IoT architecture. The qualitative data came from interviews with research and industry stakeholders. The IoT architecture proposal helped to determine the “things” within each use case and its potential applications. The market size provides an overview of the business potential, while the SWOT analysis, market opportunity and competitive advantage help to identify how IoT contributes to achieve energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. The results section presents a cross-reference analysis that looks for similarities between the different use cases.

Abstract of the thesis:

The decline of the refinery industries, that made the port of Marseille Fos strength and growth through decades, requires to diversify and rethink port economic models in order to remain an engine of sustainable development, generating training effects on the whole value chain of the territory. The common denominator of these new development pipelines is the energy transition and the search for new growth. In this context, the harbor has many assets to become the cradle of the industrial developments supporting the energy transition. The two guiding principles in order to conduct these development actions on the port are the following:

• Energy efficiency and sobriety,
• Diversification of the energy mix and developing renewable energy.

These principles have been applied on the energy production and on the energy consumption sides aiming to achieve two kings of objectives:

• Socio-economic objectives : increasing the revenues for the port and its territory, and developing non outsourced jobs,
• Environmental objectives: decreasing CO2 and particles (Nox, Sox) emission.

The operational leverages to achieve these purposes will be to develop on the port energetic arena two kinds of applications linked to the energy transition:

• some energetic services dealing with renewable energy production (photovoltaic, geothermal, …), and energy management; storage, carrier and recovery facilities (steam network, smart grid, …),
• some new innovative industrial sectors (floating offshore wind turbine, bio sources industries, …) aiming to implement on the port area a complete or partial value chain (industrial and logistic facilities), for local, national and international radiance with a higher job creation ability.

The thesis demonstrates that the potential development (27 market segments identified) can generate for the port and its territory three type of economic added value within the next 10 or 15 years:

• direct economic value that will create direct green growth thanks to the energetic services and the innovative sector deployment,
• indirect economic value created by the competitiveness resulting from the previous development by offering a clean, price stable, and competitive energy and services,
• induced economic value created by marketing radiance and assuring a good level attractiveness and visibility for business development.

The first quantitative approach developed in the thesis demonstrates that these developments can produce for example the following results over the next 10-15 years: more than 20M€/year of new port revenues, a cumulated production power of 1400 MW of clean energy (electrical and thermal), a reduction of about 1MT of CO2 production, the development of around 2 000 new jobs related to energy transition.

Abstract of the thesis:

This research is focused on the issue of nearly Zero Energy Building refurbishments in General Hospital Varaždin. The research is envisaged as a comprehensive analysis of 22 buildings of General Hospital Varaždin intended to determine the primary energy consumption levels which could be achieved with a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. Thesis establishes the baseline in terms of construction and energy characteristics as the first step. This step facilitates further development of the research in terms of defining the energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, as well as meeting the regulatory requirements related to energy efficiency in general and nearly Zero Energy building requirements. Effects of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures are quantified through calculation procedures defined by the regulation, as well as using software tools. After determining the impact of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures on energy consumption of each building, the overall financial impact was assessed. Finding the combination of proposed energy efficiency and renewable energy measures which maximizes the Net Present Value for each building was done with a cost-optimal analysis. The search for cost-optimal refurbishment solutions for each building also included finding the energy costs, CO2 emission costs, maintenance costs and final values throughout the period of 20 years. The results suggest that existing hospital buildings such as buildings in General Hospital Varaždin can be refurbished to meet nearly Zero Energy Building requirements set out in the regulation. Research has confirmed the expectations related to nearly Zero Energy buildings, but also uncovered a big gap in the obtained values and the regulatory requirements.

Abstract of the thesis:

Often times, energy efficiency projects in the public sector are being done ad-hoc, evaluating cost-effectiveness on the project level instead of the program or portfolio level. This leads to disregarded administrative costs and missing the opportunity to achieve greatest economic and energy savings. Chosen measures are usually not straightforward; the ambiguity develops from identifying which economic methods to use, which costs and benefits to regard or disregard and how to quantify them, what energy indicators to rely on, what savings methods to use and when to measure the savings, as well as what reference scenario to compare the savings with. This research tackles these questions and addresses this unsystematic and less effective approach to introducing energy efficiency in public buildings, by proving that it is more beneficial to approach energy efficiency measure implementation on a program rather than project level. Public sector was chosen because implementing programs in the public sector influences all sectors and can serve as an example of best practice for citizens to apply in their homes. Public buildings usually make up a largest portion of public sector energy costs, and carry a potential for great energy savings. Both literature review presented in chapter 1, and cost effectiveness test descried in chapter 2 and performed in chapter 4, prove that it is beneficial to introduce energy management of entire building stock before choosing which buildings to refurbish; administrative costs of introducing a comprehensive energy management of entire building stock significantly outweigh the additional costs. Different existing economic appraisal methods for measuring overall program cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency public programs are discussed, and a Total resource cost test was applied to a test set of simulated data on the City of Zagreb, Croatia. The research results in methodology (chapter 4.1) for taking a systematic approach when choosing optimal public buildings for refurbishment. Findings of this research are important as a strong indicator that energy efficiency measures have a significant positive impact on the development of local government, and the theoretical part gives starting ground for a public body implementing energy efficiency measures. The results of this research could be a starting ground for developing more accurate methods of quantifying both direct and indirect energy efficiency benefits in the public sector.

Abstract of the thesis:

The energy provision issues, security of supply and energy costs, occupy the agenda of most governments and organisations for many years. Energy production, transport and distribution are regarded as fundamental elements of national economy. Provision of energy needs to be managed like any other consuming goods in daily life. Energy management systems provide a tool to formalise energy management and to establish a companywide common process. To address energy and environmental management, the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) provides two management systems, the ISO 14001 for environment and the ISO 50001 for energy.
These two ISO standards have many overlapping requirements. To utilise these commonalities at Geberit Productions AG in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland, this work analyses the existing environmental management system ISO 14001 and conducts a gap analysis on the basis of ISO 14001. The key points of this work are to establish consumption baseline, energy review and as a last step in the sequence, preparation of an action plan.

Abstract of the thesis:

Ammonia could be used to store hydrogen in the future, allowing for CO2-free energy systems. Ammonia has several advantages for hydrogen storage, including a high volumetric hydrogen density, low storage pressure, and long-term stability. Furthermore, because to its high auto ignition temperature, low condensation pressure, and lower gas density than air, ammonia is deemed safe. Many various types of primary energy sources, such as renewables, fossil fuels, and surplus energy, can be used to make ammonia (especially surplus electricity from the grid). The energy from ammonia can be gathered directly as fuel or first degraded to hydrogen for a variety of hydrogen applications at the utilization site. Ammonia is produced from hydrogen and nitrogen via Haber Bosch process. The production of hydrogen and nitrogen requires huge amount of energy and this energy can be taken from renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuel sources. This thesis discusses financial feasibility of hydrogen and nitrogen production from renewable energy sources for ammonia production. Conventional ammonia production capex and opex are compared with the renewable energy driven production of ammonia. 

Abstract of the thesis:

Energy access is a concerning issue for developing societies and has become one of the major and most important Sustainable Development Goals in the 2030 UN agenda. This research proposal intends to explain the importance of decentralized electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa and how its different technical approaches could become more adequate than centralized electrification through national grid extension. Since global warming is another concern, and traditional energy generation systems are shown to be extremely high pollutants, new strategic plans need to take this into account and consider renewable energies as valid energy sources. Extensive literature, case studies and references highlights the failure of rural electrification programs fully subsidized by public funds, the models have proven the financial and operational un-feasibility of this approach; as well, the investment to be done for the “energy for all” commitment is impossible to assume by public donors. Private investment has become mandatory for this goal; this won’t happen if business models and schemes don’t prove to be interesting for investors. Rural electrification as a business it is a complex and multi-variable scheme, this research proposal intends to analyse through extensive literature review different Mini-Grids cases or projects and understand the business model for thereafter, apply the lessons learned to create a business structure for the upcoming World Bank’s rural electrification program in Niger, pretending that the investment capital is partially subsidized by public funds and partially private equity which gains a concession to become a rural ESCO and sell the energy to their customers.

Abstract of the thesis:

Irrigation activities utilize an enormous amount of water supply thereby demanding a deal of energy consumption with its attendant impacts on the cost of food production. This thesis presents Technical, and Financial Appraisal of Solar Powered Irrigation with Remote Monitoring and Management System in Nigeria. Solar powered water supply is a reliable and environmentally sustainable means of providing a power supply for irrigation operations as it is already competitive with a diesel generator and applicable where grid connection is not available especially in rural areas or unreliable in most cases.

Abstract of the thesis:

Egypt has the highest peak sunshine hours of more than 3594 average hours of sunlight per year. There are 82% of daylight sun hours, remaining 18% of daylight hours are likely to be cloudy or with shade, haze, or low sun intensity. Based on the environmental condition solar water pumping system can produce efficient results in the region of Egypt. This thesis presents Technical and Financial Appraisal of Solar Powered Water Supply System with Remote Monitoring and Management System in Egypt. The thesis result show that the LCC of the solar PV pumping system is lower compared to a diesel-powered pumping system with an NPV and an IRR of 32.2%. The discounted payback period is 4.85 years with 1.7 as the cost-benefit ratio. With the necessary funding, policies, grants, and subsidies from the government, the use of solar powered water pumping can help in mitigating climate change while reducing dependence on fossil fuel and ensuring food security. The results of the economic analysis shows the NPC of the solar pumping system and the diesel system is compared. The NPC, without considering an inflation rate is found to be $2,478 and $2,635 for the solar pumping system and the diesel system, respectively. The solar pumping system is proved to be more economic and lower in cost during the lifetime of the project compared with traditional diesel systems. Based on the solar irradiance and water resources chart, SWP system are very feasible for north Africa regions. As intense solar irradiance within north Africa region makes it best suitable for SWP system by consuming the solar energy to drive out water sources from deep wells.

Abstract of the thesis:

Offshore wind is considered as a central energy within the renewables mix promoted by the European Commission. As it is a young industry, the costs are obviously higher compared to the market energy prices. This is why, we observe a general pressure from governments to trigger a momentum towards costs reduction for offshore wind projects. Germany, Denmark and the UK are the European leaders in terms of offshore wind installed capacity. France still faces several challenges to promote this industry due mainly to instable legal schemes and high implementation costs. Among the options that could allow a cost cutting application, the collection and transmission system package and particularly the offshore module transformers developed by Siemens seem to be interesting to analyze in order to assess their cost reduction potential. Within this research work, several analysis involve technical, financial and bankability assessment in order to confirm the suitability and attractiveness of this solution in the French offshore wind market and under which conditions.

Abstract of the thesis:

This paper questions the ability of current public and private early-stage funding of new RE technology in Europe to promote innovation to an extend in accordance with the ambitious COP21 targets. The necessary analysis of the specific environment of wholesale power markets in Europe reveals a need for a change of paradigm in its organisation alongside with the necessity to elaborate a “post-subsidy era” methodology to evaluate RE power plants from fluctuating renewable energy. The study focuses on Ocean Energy, expected to count for 10% of total European power production by 2050. The PEST analysis, combined to a bottom-up approach performed using a promising example of a technology innovation in the Wave Energy Conversion area, reveals a number of potential improvements. While public support is mainly indirect, because driven towards project finance, innovators are suffering from increased uncertainty, and so likelihood of total loss, due to their dependence on future support policies. Compared to any other venture-capital proposal new RE technology is suffering from the pure price (LCOE) value proposition. In the case of Wave Energy Conversion alternative business models in combination with other areas of the blue economy, such as aquaculture, marina infrastructure and erosion management are conceivable.

Abstract of the thesis:

In Colombia there is a special name for renewable energies. Since more than 60% of national installed power capacity is from hydropower, a renewable source, the other renewable sources (PV, wind, geothermic, biomass and ocean) and small hydro plants are called Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources, NCRES. The NCRES in Colombia have been historically lagging behind national energy supply alternatives. Only until May 2014 it was approved Law 1715, which introduces concrete incentives for a broader use of NCRES. One of the Niches of Opportunity for NCRES identified by the national government is photovoltaic (PV) systems. This master’s thesis has analysed key macro-environmental factors of the PV Colombian market by a PESTLE (political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental) analysis. Overall, the macro-factors identified in the analysis enable to see the potential of Colombian photovoltaic market, its strengths and opportunities. However, there are also threats and weaknesses, which were identified in a SWOT analysis developed in this study after the PESTEL analysis. Both analysis (PESTLE and SWOT) were useful to identify recommendations for strengthening the PV market and expanding its volume, and to access potential niche opportunities in this market. The first type of recommendations is addressed to local market participants and the second one, to national and international participants who want to explore or expand business opportunities in the Colombian PV market.
It is concluded from the market analysis and other information gathered in this study, that the Colombian PV market is very close to a turning point where this technology will start to be more attractive to a greater number of scenarios. Currently, this technology is profitable only in non-interconnected areas where photovoltaic energy replaces fossil sources in autonomous systems. Nevertheless, a greater number of small-scale facilities for commercial and industrial users in urban areas that are interested in using PV systems is observed. Consequently, new scenarios will be attractive as soon the National Government completes the formulation of law 1715 regulation.
The general recommendation is that this is a good time for companies in the PV technology supply chain to approach the Colombian market for learning about their context and gaining local experience. The study identified some business opportunities in the current context to approach the Colombian market. Additionally, when the National Government finishes regulating the incentives developed for the NCRES, the economic viability of PV systems in diverse scenarios will be confirmed and it would set the rules that PV projects would need to handle.

Abstract of the thesis:

An important difference is that solar as a service not only offers a financial solution to the client but represents a complete change in the way solar energy is being offered and used. It alters the solar company from being a retailer of technological solutions to a service provider selling electricity and the right to use solar power to its clients. For commercial clients it also represents a form of off-balance financing. What is more it takes all responsibilities and risks from the client facilitating the complete process. Revenues for the solar company are generated by long term monthly payments within a leasing contract of a Power Purchase Agreement instead of onetime down payments.
Microfinancing and Crowdfunding also found to be quite successful in its international implementations but the evaluation within this study indicates that both methods do not represent universal solutions but a specialized financing solution for certain circumstances. So for example microfinancing has been successfully implemented in Bangladesh in order to massify the use of solar systems in the poor and rural population.
Accordingly, it has been demonstrated that business model innovation with third party financing mechanisms are being implemented internationally and count with relevant success in its field. The named forms of business model innovation, so-lar as a service, microfinancing and crowdfunding offer new significant growth potential in the solar sector and especially solar as a service demonstrated the ability to disrupt stagnated electricity markets.

Abstract of the thesis:

The thesis analyses the business case and financial viability of commercial, waste-to-energy biogas installations for industrial energy self-supply and electricity generation by municipal distributors in South Africa. In undertaking this analysis, the following questions are answered: (I) is biogas a financially attractive opportunity for energy supply and alternative waste handling? (II) is the shared savings model a feasible delivery mechanism for biogas projects? (III) what economic and financing parameters have to be met to develop biogas in South Africa? (IV) are business environment and framework conditions conducive for biogas?

In the thesis, the overall market conditions for biogas in South Africa are elaborated, using the PESTLE analysis approach to structure the market factors. To conclude on economic parameters a biogas project has to meet the author conducted a review of existing biogas facilities and project cases, as well as interviews with biogas sector stakeholders. In order to determine the viability and attractiveness of biogas the author analysed two replicable case scenarios – one each for an industrial user and for a municipality – and set the results in relation to the basic economic parameters.

The thesis concludes that, (I) the framework conditions for biogas in South Africa are improving, (II) investments in biogas installation are justified by attractive financial results under certain preconditions, and (III) that shared saving models can be attractive for both, the financing ESCO and the client.

The PESTLE analysis illustrates the improving framework conditions for biogas application, including the recognition of biogas as an appropriate alternative waste treatment (AWT) technology, as well as the increasing electricity tariffs and waste management costs. The financial results of the case studies stand to reason to regard waste management costs as the determining factor for the viability of a biogas installation. Under the condition that substantial amounts of organic waste are diverted from landfill, the thesis’ viability criteria are meet with ease and, in case of the industry scenario, attractive IRR and ROI value are attained. Therefore, the minimisation of waste management costs via anaerobic digestion could be deemed as the more relevant driver for biogas utilisation in South Africa than supply of energy. The financial results indicate that shared savings models constitute a probable project delivery mechanism for biogas in South Africa. The share of income to the ESCO in both scenarios is sufficient to meet the financing obligations and to provide for attractive returns to the ESCO. The financial benefits of the client are also sizeable.

The thesis’ results suggest to further investigate shared savings models as a mean to mobilise private sector investment to support South Africa’s shift towards waste recycling and recovery, as well as to foster the decarbonisation of the country’s electricity supply.

Abstract of the thesis:

Biomass cogeneration heat and power (CHP) plant is a relatively new concept for energy production in Croatia. Only a handful of projects have been developed so far. While this concept provides both thermal and electrical energy on a small scale which would satisfy energy demands of many people in rural areas, yet people still mostly rely on wood or possibly natural gas for heating, while a great amount of electrical energy is imported and wood stays as one of the major players in primary energy supply.

This Thesis discovers several plants that prove a viability of these projects, especially through a power plant BE-TO Osijek which delivers electrical and thermal energy through district heating and industrial steam to its customers. It proves that such power plant is economically viable and could provide stable electric power supply. Risks and challenges are being examined through questionnaires done with different parties. Acquired data is being used to provide a final and critical discussion at the conclusion to present conditions that should be met in order to develop these projects in the future.

The final conclusion is that small thermal power plants using wood chips as a fuel could drive local economy in rural areas only if both thermal and electrical energy are fully utilised which would require further emphasis on building infrastructure for district heating.

Abstract of the thesis:

The two major challenges in global energy systems are to reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and to maintain energy supply security. This thesis presents one solution to both problems. It proposes strategies for the transformation of Microorganisms system into 100% renewable, stable and almost emission-free energy systems without making use of nuclear energy or carbon capture and storage. Biofuels made from microalgae hold the potential to solve many of the sustainability challenges facing other biofuels today. In the first part, bioenergy is analysed in the broader context of climate change, energy systems and land use in order to estimate the sustainable potential of global bioenergy. Then, a techno-economic and ecologic analysis of bioenergy pathways is done in order to identify the strategic role of bioenergy in the next generation renewable energy. The thesis work tries to define Biofuels made from photosynthetic bacteria and microalgae as the  main feedstock holding the potential to solve many of the sustainability challenges facing other biofuels today.

Abstract of the thesis:

This thesis addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions in peri-urban communities of Harare Province, Zimbabwe, within the framework of a Just Energy Transition. The research explores the viability and sustainability of grid-tied mini-grid energy solutions in these communities, considering technical feasibility, economic viability, regulatory aspects, and broader socio-economic impacts. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review, analyzing the energy landscape in Zimbabwe and highlighting the challenges and opportunities for electrification. It then conducts a techno-economic impact assessment to identify potential project sites and assess their suitability for grid-tied mini-grid implementation. Key questions addressed include site feasibility, economic return on investment, regulatory compliance, and community willingness and ability to participate. The research identifies potential challenges and risks associated with grid-tied mini-grid projects, such as currency volatility, investor confidence, and regulatory constraints. Mitigation strategies are proposed to address these challenges and ensure project success. Drawing insights from case studies of private sector participation in electricity distribution in Africa and Latin America, the thesis advocates for leveraging private sector expertise to accelerate electrification efforts in peri-urban communities. It emphasizes the importance of aligning projects with principles of a Just Energy Transition, ensuring fairness, equity, and social justice. In conclusion, the thesis provides practical recommendations for policymakers, regulators, investors, and community stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of grid-tied mini-grid projects in Harare Province. By prioritizing peri-urban electrification within a Just Energy Transition framework, Zimbabwe can achieve universal access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity, driving socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

Abstract of the thesis:

Large-scale Community-Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) has the potential to deliver many socio-economic benefits, both locally and on a macro-social level. This thesis combines an in-depth exploration of the political, economic, social and technical factors affecting CORE in the UK county of Cornwall and beyond with a stakeholder analysis and interviews to provide an overview of the main issues CORE projects face as well as possible solutions. Throughout, the research attempts to explore these issues from a bottom-up rather than a top-down perspective. The insights gathered are coalesced into a practical step-by-step model for CORE project initiation and realisation which could be further developed into a more universal app. The thesis also recommends other positive changes to the political, technical, economic and social framework that would enable CORE to develop into a larger movement with more far-reaching social and environmental impacts.

Abstract of the thesis:

Customers are on the way to investing more in energy than utilities and generators in the future. However, today's energy system infrastructure and electricity markets are not designed for a customer-centric approach. To enable market participants, especially households, to digitally orchestrate low-carbon energy systems, the Thesis develops a concept for an Integrated Blockchain-based Energy-saving Certification Platform for Private Households in the Netherlands. The existing home energy management systems still have not attracted households, although they have been in the market for a long time. The simplified and easy-to-use implementation of energy-saving certificates for households can reduce household energy costs, demand in the residential sector, and contribute to net zero targets. The platform not only generates a certificate but also performs fast and easy trading of the certificate. The energy transition is an extensive topic that needs infrastructure upgrades on a bigger scale. This study's target is to encourage households to take energy efficiency measures alone, without any infrastructure need. Therefore, annual cost-benefit analysis is done from a household perspective instead of looking for key financial indicators. Additionally, it is shown in the sensitivity analysis that the economic condition of households is vulnerable to uncertainties such as high inflation and energy price increases. Energy-saving certificates can mitigate the effects of uncertainties and support the Netherlands’ successful heat transition in the residential sector.

Keywords: energy-saving certificate; energy efficiency; blockchain; smart contracts; internet of things; heat transition; residential sector; insulation; natural gas; Netherlands

Abstract of the thesis:

For household applications already green hydrogen technologies exist to produce electricity and heat. The fuel cells evaluated in this master thesis are Proton Exchange Membrane (PEMFC), Alkaline and Phosphoric Acid (PAFC). The evaluation was divided in technological, social, political and economic aspects. After the evaluation the PEMFC is the most viable fuel cell for implementation in household applications. During the comparison and evaluation of fuel cell technologies, facilitators like technology access and financial support were found along with challenges like information availability for the comparison and a standard certification system. After the evaluation some good practices are recommended like standardization of the information available, financial support for the specific case of household applications, further research and development of the technology, aligned project development and a different energy mix approach as the one defined as “All-Electric”.

Abstract of the thesis:

Climate change mitigation hinges on the decarbonization of economic systems, and a key strategy is to stop burning fossil fuels for electrical energy supply. Colorado’s “Roadmap to 100% Renewable Energy” and supporting legislation, has initiated a transition to a clean energy economy that reaffirms the ability of citizens to meet their own energy needs, by expanding access to community solar. Colorado’s rural electric cooperative utilities have governing principles that require balancing maintaining low energy prices with care and concern with the community. This study investigates if the development of Community Scale Solar (CSS) on cooperative utility distribution grids can provide additional value streams and community economic opportunity outside of the utility system, by using business models that focus on sharing the costs and the benefits of project development, implementation and operation across a wide spectrum of stakeholders. By way of value chain assessment and case study analysis, the research demonstrates that, the main economic benefits realized by the local economy, center around long-term operational revenue streams from property tax assessments and land lease agreements. Local economic benefit from jobs is less impactful, as rural areas may not have a suitably skilled workforce and job generation only occurs on a short-term temporary basis during project implementation. The research reveals that circumstances among rural cooperatives vary widely and many factors influence the ability to realize economic benefit. Many are locked into long term contracts for energy supply that significantly limit the opportunity to implement and benefit from CSS projects.

Abstract of the thesis:

The past decades a market disruption is witnessed in the power sector, driven mainly from technological advances and consumers demand change. Liberalization of the energy markets has been presented as a solution to the challenges that the new energy era has brought. Greece has made significant efforts to advance energy sector reforms in a challenging environment of declining consumption and constrained finances. The process of transforming the energy sector is often criticized and many argue that many obstacles remain till the successful reshape of the energy market that will facilitate the penetration of renewable energy systems, integrate the new technological advancements and increase the national energy security.

This thesis focusses its analysis into the Greek energy electricity market, the progress of the national energy market deregulation and the future market challenges in the era of energy market transformation to be addressed from the policy makers.

Abstract of the thesis:

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that 1.2 billion people, i.e. 16% of the global population, does not have access to electricity. Although more than 95% of those considered energy poor live in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia, the problem is also present in the European Union (EU) where it affects more than 115 million people.While the problem of energy poverty is present on the EU agenda, there is little coordinated action on the regional level. This paper analyzes the phenomenon of energy and fuel poverty from the regional and national perspective. The study proposes a definition of the phenomenon and designs a set of multidimensional, weighted indicators to measure the extent of energy and fuel poverty in the EU and its member states with the aim to support development of policy approaches to advance simultaneously the energy poverty alleviation and climate change mitigation agendas. Through the application of the proposed indicators, the study identifies the EU member state most (Bulgaria) and least (Sweden) affected by energy poverty and performs a comparative assessment to identify good practices and reasons for success and shortcomings of policies and measures in the studied countries. Based on these findings, recommendations are derived for policy making both on the EU and member states level.

Abstract of the thesis:

Industrial Revolution in the 18th century was a stimulus to produce fossil fuels as an economical and reliable source of energy. Consequently, increasing energy consumption, economic development, and population increase, caused growth in greenhouse gas emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels. Climate change and global warming is a circumstance of these unusual changes since the 20th century (IPCC, 2015). The transportation segment is an important producer of greenhouse gases. In response to global warming and air pollution impacts, caused by the transportation sector, electric vehicles could be a solution to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Transport offers the lowest renewable energy share of any sector, making progress in this area is vital for the global alteration to cleaner energy and transportation system (IRENA, 2016).

Electric cars have higher energy efficiency compared to conventional cars. However, electric vehicles have a limited range and charging problem. Limited range leads to the drivers’ range anxiety, which is the fear of fully draining an electric car’s battery throughout a trip, before reaching to a charging point. This anxiety lowers the attractiveness of electric cars and potentially makes alternative means of transportation appealing for consumers. However, faster progression is required for electric vehicles to accomplish their responsibility in the global energy transition, both within decreasing vehicles emissions and uplifting renewable energy use.

Norway and the Netherlands are the current unquestionable pioneers in implementation of electric mobility. Together, in 2018 they shared a total number of over 430,000 passenger electric cars on the road (RVO, 2019) (Elbil, 2018a). The main purpose of this study is to compare strategies of these two countries in the development of electric vehicles and specifically charging infrastructure, and evaluate in what extent it helped or will be helpful to mitigate range anxiety of electric car drivers.

The quantitative and qualitative comparison of both countries performed on their influencing factors in the development of electric mobility. Furthermore, the relationship between these factors and electric vehicle drivers range anxiety is studied. In parallel, the study assumptions are examined by a public survey and through a few interviews with key stakeholders in the field of electric mobility.

The final statement is to conclude the effectiveness of the compared countries electric mobility strategies in managing range anxiety and charging challenges of electric car drivers.

Abstract of the thesis:

Iran power sector is in transition from traditional governmental owned assets to a free electricity market. Meanwhile the share of different generation technologies is important for the country macro-economy, for the dispatchers, for the private sector and the electricity market. Many European countries seek for a greater renewable energies share in their energy basket although they own nuclear and thermal power generation infrastructures to generate electricity cheaper and more stable. Some other African countries take advantage of renewable energies as electricity is not accessible through the national grid and it is the cheapest way to have minimum energy for their basic life requirements. Islamic Republic of Iran as the 2^nd holder of natural gas reserves takes advantage of this source of energy for domestic use such as electricity, heating, cooking, etc. In addition, it is cheap and accessible country wide. For this reason it is the dominant fuel for the majority of the power plants. In contrast, to benefit from renewable energies potentials require more capital investment, importing equipment from foreign countries and more difficult dispatching measures. The question in this thesis is not only about the optimum share of renewable energies in Iran but also gaining reliable plans to construct variable sort of power plants in different economic and political situations to meet different unrelated demands. Also that if renewable energies is a remedy to be prescribe for every nation? For this reason, a comprehensive study is carried out considering total life time costs of different power generation technologies, their fuel consumption, water consumption and greenhouse gasses emissions. Also in two different scenarios, the increased and lack of availability of renewable equipment in case of renewed trade sanctions has been considered. Finally the best alternative through TOPSIS algorithm and SWOT analysis has been identified and suggested. Studies show that the best alternative to develop Iran power sector is to increase the share of renewable energies up to 15% in 10 years, benefiting from domestic manufacturers. Finally for a better implementation of the expansion plan, required policies were advised.

Abstract of the thesis:

Renewable energy targets have taken many forms since their emergence in the 1970s, and have ranged from simple government announcements to legally- binding obligations with detailed plans and specific policy measures to achieve the targets.
Also the Faroe Islands, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, has set high goals for a renewable energy sector by 2030, and this report attempts to set up a deployment plan for renewable technologies in order to accomplish the ambitious goal of a 100% clean and carbon-free electricity production in the Faroe Islands by 2030.   For many years, the Faroe Islands has imported expensive oil for electric power generation, and has suffered greatly from high oil prices in the last decades. While oil consumption in the electricity sector has nearly doubled from 1995 through 2013, due to a natural growth in electricity demand, oil expenses have increased by more than a factor of eight, from €2.4 million in 1995 up to more than €22.4 million in 2013. Additionally, substantial amounts of oil are used for heating and transport in the Faroe Islands. Decreasing the dependency on oil is the most critical challenge in order to ensure the future economy of the Faroe Islands (Faroese Ministry of Interior, 2009). In October 2014, the Faroese Electricity Company SEV announced its so-called Green Vision for a 100% clean and carbon-free electricity production by 2030, which also envisioned that electrical energy demand would increase as a result of a future electrification, and that the heating of homes and buildings and land transport would be based on renewable energy. Due to its favorable site conditions, the Faroe Islands is surrounded by an abundance of renewable energy in many different forms like hydro, wind, tidal and, to a certain extent, solar energy. With these renewable energy resources, together with advanced ancillary services, Smart Grid technologies and energy storage systems, etc., it is realistic to have an electricity production in 2030 based on renewable energy alone. For years in the Faroe Islands, the renewable energy resources of hydro and wind contributed approximately 40% of the total electricity generation, with the remaining 60% provided by fossil fuel. However, after a new wind park was installed in 2014, and additional expansion of the hydropower capacity, 2015 was the first year with 60% renewable electricity generation in the Faroe Islands since 1973. The purpose of this thesis is to assess the different available renewable resources in the Faroe Islands and which technologies will be available supporting the goal of a 100% renewable electricity production in 2030, taking into account a 100% onshore electrification of heating and transport. As the share of variable renewable energy increases, it becomes harder to balance production and demand. Therefore, a storage system is deemed necessary to help maintain grid stability and energy security, storing excess renewable energy at times when renewable production is higher than the load, and releasing energy at times when the renewable energy cannot meet load demand. Therefore, a preliminary assessment of a pumped storage system is conducted.   An investment plan is prepared outlining the considered activities in a renewable energy deployment plan, and the total projected capital costs for the proposed 100% renewable energy scenario in 2030. Finally, to demonstrate the economic attractiveness of the Green Vision, a comparison is made between two extreme scenarios in order to quantify the avoided cost of oil. Scenario 1 assumes no further integration of renewable energy into the national grid. Scenario 2 assumes electricity production is derived from 100% renewable energy in 2030.

Abstract of the thesis:

The decline of the refinery industries, that made the port of Marseille Fos strength and growth through decades, requires to diversify and rethink port economic models in order to remain an engine of sustainable development, generating training effects on the whole value chain of the territory. The common denominator of these new development pipelines is the energy transition and the search for new growth. In this context, the harbor has many assets to become the cradle of the industrial developments supporting the energy transition. The two guiding principles in order to conduct these development actions on the port are the following:

• Energy efficiency and sobriety,
• Diversification of the energy mix and developing renewable energy.

These principles have been applied on the energy production and on the energy consumption sides aiming to achieve two kings of objectives:

• Socio-economic objectives : increasing the revenues for the port and its territory, and developing non outsourced jobs,
• Environmental objectives: decreasing CO2 and particles (Nox, Sox) emission.

The operational leverages to achieve these purposes will be to develop on the port energetic arena two kinds of applications linked to the energy transition:

• some energetic services dealing with renewable energy production (photovoltaic, geothermal, …), and energy management; storage, carrier and recovery facilities (steam network, smart grid, …),
• some new innovative industrial sectors (floating offshore wind turbine, bio sources industries, …) aiming to implement on the port area a complete or partial value chain (industrial and logistic facilities), for local, national and international radiance with a higher job creation ability.

The thesis demonstrates that the potential development (27 market segments identified) can generate for the port and its territory three type of economic added value within the next 10 or 15 years:

• direct economic value that will create direct green growth thanks to the energetic services and the innovative sector deployment,
• indirect economic value created by the competitiveness resulting from the previous development by offering a clean, price stable, and competitive energy and services,
• induced economic value created by marketing radiance and assuring a good level attractiveness and visibility for business development.

The first quantitative approach developed in the thesis demonstrates that these developments can produce for example the following results over the next 10-15 years: more than 20M€/year of new port revenues, a cumulated production power of 1400 MW of clean energy (electrical and thermal), a reduction of about 1MT of CO2 production, the development of around 2 000 new jobs related to energy transition.

Abstract of the thesis:

The study addressed the opportunity to develop a smart, green and integrated mobility model in secondary areas of developed countries. It does so by focussing on the specific case study of lake Iseo in northern Italy, and the strategic links between sustainable tourism planning and mobility management, which are more often than not treated separately.

Abstract of the thesis:

In the wake of the German energy market structure transition, referred to as “Energiewende”,  the municipalisation of electricity grids by local authorities became a strong issue incorporating the population in the new market structures. The Energiewende opens more options and attracts new players including public companies to generate power and control the distribution channels. During this debate citizens built an awareness of energy issues, partly also participate in form of domestic solar energy generation, and opt for a higher involvement of their local authorities in electricity grid management through movements and referenda forcing their deputies to act. By and large many people mistrust private economic players in the context of a global economy crisis and want to see the management of services in general interest (including energy generation and distribution) in the hands of public stakeholders. Partly also political actors see an option to generate income by operating local grids, keep local added value in the region, and try to win momentum in the energy market. Of course, such municipalisation processes bear risks that have the power to endanger the entire enterprise to the extent of a total failure. The thesis describes the context of the grid municipalisation process and identifies, analyses, and evaluates different risks during all phases of the process and developed risk treatment mechanisms.

The overall experience was great considering being a part time student, however, I faced 2 challenges during the years of enrollment;

• The first challenge is that the courses have to be completed within 2 years of continuous work where every 2 months I had to finish a course which doesn’t allow a break time.
• The second challenge was to find the time to work on the thesis. However, with the support of my supervisor, I was able to manage my ideas and objectives.

Abstract of the thesis:

Green hydrogen and battery storage for utility scale applications have become the top priority of development plans for many countries around the world. For major economies to thrive, those plans have been deemed inevitable, in order to enable a competitive electric supply apart from the vital contribution required to mitigate the alarming global climate change. This document will present a master’s thesis which aims to undertake an overarching analysis related to both technologies and present an overview of their evolution over the past decade in the GCC countries. In addition, the research thesis aims to study, analyze, and suggest the possible paradigm of those technologies while integrating them into the relative discussed economies. Their energy transition policies along with their economies formation will be studied and analyzed where an argument about which technology may prevail while acquiring the most attention of the utility scale sector in terms of investments and grid reliability as a permanent intermittency solution of the electric supply. This will be done through a conducted case study which aims to evaluate the power flow and economic indicators of two power plant projects sized to provide a 100MW base load using different technologies. The first project comprises of a PV plant coupled with an electro-chemical energy storage while the other is based on a PV plant connected to an electrolyzer station to produce hydrogen, hydrogen storage facility and hydrogen turbine to feed the mentioned base load.

Abstract of the thesis:

This paper questions the ability of current public and private early-stage funding of new RE technology in Europe to promote innovation to an extend in accordance with the ambitious COP21 targets. The necessary analysis of the specific environment of wholesale power markets in Europe reveals a need for a change of paradigm in its organisation alongside with the necessity to elaborate a “post-subsidy era” methodology to evaluate RE power plants from fluctuating renewable energy. The study focuses on Ocean Energy, expected to count for 10% of total European power production by 2050. The PEST analysis, combined to a bottom-up approach performed using a promising example of a technology innovation in the Wave Energy Conversion area, reveals a number of potential improvements. While public support is mainly indirect, because driven towards project finance, innovators are suffering from increased uncertainty, and so likelihood of total loss, due to their dependence on future support policies. Compared to any other venture-capital proposal new RE technology is suffering from the pure price (LCOE) value proposition. In the case of Wave Energy Conversion alternative business models in combination with other areas of the blue economy, such as aquaculture, marina infrastructure and erosion management are conceivable.

Abstract of the thesis:

The hypothesis is that “the main problem for establishing a viable renewable energy sector in the rural areas of Mozambique and Zimbabwe is because the efforts are normally not directly linked to the main source of rural economy which is agriculture”.
This research was triggered by the desire to eradicate Poverty in Africa which is still extreme where, according to the MDG Report of 2013, the number of people living on less than $1.25 per day is the highest in the world. This is strange though considering that the irrigation development in Africa is estimated at 600million hectares of potential and only less than 6% is utilised.
Despite abundance of renewable energy resources in Africa the development progress in energy development is amazingly slow. According to IEA over 620 million people in Africa have no access to modern energy services, and as low as only two percent of those living in rural areas have no access to any electricity. Although there is potential to generate 1,750TWh/year in Africa, the total installed hydropower capacity to date in the whole continent is only about 20.3GW that is generating only 76TWh/year which is 4.3% of the potential.
The objective of this research was to investigate where the problem is in terms of policies and strategic frame conditions and what concrete added value would electricity bring to the agricultural sector in the rural areas of Mozambique and Zimbabwe.  This research focused on Small Hydropower (SHP) because the technology is much more mature and has more potential for decentralised rural electrification in the two countries and has had a long history as well.
The Research Results of the Energy Policies and Strategic Frameworks established that several global, continental, regional and national policies exist that could pave an efficient way of Promoting Small Hydropower to boost rural electrification including the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) Initiative calling for universal access for all by 2030; the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) to promote industrialization and structural economic transformation through value addition strategies in the agricultural and industrial sectors; and both Mozambique and Zimbabwe have made significant progress in shaping their Renewable Energy policies. The research results on the demand for electricity in rural areas established that the demand is very high however the purchasing power is not obvious for the investors. In terms of investment and financing potential of SHP and associated risk the research results showed that if productive use of energy component would be included in the financial modelling of rural electrification projects they would be viable and the PBP would be reduced to less than a third making it more attractive for the investors.
 In conclusion the productive use of energy should be at the centre of rural electrification with irrigation and agro-processing at the top of the list in order to make rural electrification and renewable energy projects successful and profitable. There is need for harmonisation of national sector policies and strategic plans for energy development, agriculture and agro-processing industry. In order to guarantee sustainability it is important to integrate rural electrification using small hydropower and irrigation schemes that will eventually improve the attitude of rural people as investors and beneficiaries of electricity making them proactive and thereby remove the donor dependency syndrome.

Abstract of the thesis:

Political pressure to develop or act on net zero targets, the advancement of renewable generation technologies, and the cost reduction of developing of renewable energy systems, has sparked a global energy renaissance. We are heading toward a new electricity age, by electrifying countless applications typically served by fossil fuels. This new electricity age will be powered by a vastly increased penetration, and high levels of variable renewable energy sources (VRE), most notably, solar and wind energy. This thesis assesses the unique technical and economic characteristics of VRE sources, how they differ from conventional generation methods, and analyses the specific challenges associated with the large-scale integration of VRE internationally. The challenges are assessed from the perspective of governments, electricity system operators (ESO), electricity generators (EG), the energy industry supply chain and electricity users. This thesis considers the varying degrees of resiliency and modernisation of grid systems internationally, and how wider VRE integration challenges can by eased or exacerbated, relative to the existing state of these grid systems. Based on the identification and assessment of these challenges, this paper highlights what solutions are available to key stakeholders, each who play a role in ensuring the effective integration of VRE at all levels of delivery. Grid upgrading, expansion and flexibility are discussed in detail as potential measures to mitigate risks associated with the integration of VRE, beyond identified thresholds.

Abstract of the thesis:

Climate change mitigation hinges on the decarbonization of economic systems, and a key strategy is to stop burning fossil fuels for electrical energy supply. Colorado’s “Roadmap to 100% Renewable Energy” and supporting legislation, has initiated a transition to a clean energy economy that reaffirms the ability of citizens to meet their own energy needs, by expanding access to community solar. Colorado’s rural electric cooperative utilities have governing principles that require balancing maintaining low energy prices with care and concern with the community. This study investigates if the development of Community Scale Solar (CSS) on cooperative utility distribution grids can provide additional value streams and community economic opportunity outside of the utility system, by using business models that focus on sharing the costs and the benefits of project development, implementation and operation across a wide spectrum of stakeholders. By way of value chain assessment and case study analysis, the research demonstrates that, the main economic benefits realized by the local economy, center around long-term operational revenue streams from property tax assessments and land lease agreements. Local economic benefit from jobs is less impactful, as rural areas may not have a suitably skilled workforce and job generation only occurs on a short-term temporary basis during project implementation. The research reveals that circumstances among rural cooperatives vary widely and many factors influence the ability to realize economic benefit. Many are locked into long term contracts for energy supply that significantly limit the opportunity to implement and benefit from CSS projects.

Abstract of the thesis:

Remote communities dependent upon diesel fuel for electricity generation are often seen as low-hanging fruit for climate change action. There are almost 300 remote communities in Canada, many of them north of the 60th parallel, all with islanded electrical systems unconnected to the North American grid do to vast distances and sparse populations. To have a meaningful impact on climate change high penetrations of renewables will be necessary. Delivering renewable energy projects into these isolated regions has proven both challenging and expensive. Through more than 40 interviews with a cross-section of stakeholders involved in these projects, this thesis defines economic viability from their perspective and seeks to identify options to achieve this. Analysis of recently completed projects confirmed the view of many stakeholders that this cannot be achieved in the current technological, social and political environment without economic support mechanisms. Recommendations are made to improve project economics and identify a path of research and development that could improve outcomes in the future.

Abstract of the thesis:

The South West Interconnected System (SWIS) in Western Australia is an islanded electricity grid with a capacity and energy market. The uptake of 1MW+ embedded renewable generation systems in the SWIS has been historically lower than that of the main Australian electricity grid, the National Electricity Market (NEM), largely due to political, legal, economic and technical factors. This study investigates what has held back development of 1MW+ embedded renewable generation systems to date in the SWIS via survey of renewable energy stakeholders in WA and highlights strategies to unlock development. The SWIS requires political intervention and leadership to amend the regulatory environment to facilitate the development of renewable energy whilst maintaining an efficient, stable and reliable energy market. The intervention required is to reduce connection barriers, introduce constrained network access, facilitate the entry of storage to the capacity market, provide emissions reduction signals and control the effects of small-scale rooftop solar on the electricity system.

Abstract of the thesis:

The purpose of this master thesis is to develop a holistic supplier management process and provide a critical analysis of the instruments and methodologies used within the procurement department of a transmission system operator in Germany. The ultimate goal is to set a framework to continuously develop suppliers for granting on the long-term best quality and best prices for the equipment and services purchased.
This thesis analyses the procurement market, compares the procurement portfolio models and define the best sourcing methods applicable for the product categories studied. It discusses existing supplier selection methodologies and includes a scoring model to measure the supply risk evolution.
The particularity of this master thesis relies on the fact that the process methodologies and instruments used are subjected to a strict and limiting legal and regulatory environment. In fact the need of holistic supplier management process has increased in times of the German energy turnaround “Energiewende” because of the big investments that need to be made to develop the electricity grid.

Abstract of the thesis:

In the wake of the German energy market structure transition, referred to as “Energiewende”,  the municipalisation of electricity grids by local authorities became a strong issue incorporating the population in the new market structures. The Energiewende opens more options and attracts new players including public companies to generate power and control the distribution channels. During this debate citizens built an awareness of energy issues, partly also participate in form of domestic solar energy generation, and opt for a higher involvement of their local authorities in electricity grid management through movements and referenda forcing their deputies to act. By and large many people mistrust private economic players in the context of a global economy crisis and want to see the management of services in general interest (including energy generation and distribution) in the hands of public stakeholders. Partly also political actors see an option to generate income by operating local grids, keep local added value in the region, and try to win momentum in the energy market. Of course, such municipalisation processes bear risks that have the power to endanger the entire enterprise to the extent of a total failure. The thesis describes the context of the grid municipalisation process and identifies, analyses, and evaluates different risks during all phases of the process and developed risk treatment mechanisms.

Abstract of the thesis:

Large-scale Community-Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) has the potential to deliver many socio-economic benefits, both locally and on a macro-social level. This thesis combines an in-depth exploration of the political, economic, social and technical factors affecting CORE in the UK county of Cornwall and beyond with a stakeholder analysis and interviews to provide an overview of the main issues CORE projects face as well as possible solutions. Throughout, the research attempts to explore these issues from a bottom-up rather than a top-down perspective. The insights gathered are coalesced into a practical step-by-step model for CORE project initiation and realisation which could be further developed into a more universal app. The thesis also recommends other positive changes to the political, technical, economic and social framework that would enable CORE to develop into a larger movement with more far-reaching social and environmental impacts.

Abstract of the thesis:

The master thesis focuses on developing a hydrogen business development plan and delivery model for an energy company in Germany. The research focuses on understanding the hydrogen market, policies, competitors and developed a value proposition for the company. New business development risks for the company were identified and five year sales forecast plan was established. Based on the plan a financial business case for the new business was determined. Results were then used to determine the hydrogen business entry for the company.  

Abstract of the thesis:

The purpose of this master thesis is to develop a holistic supplier management process and provide a critical analysis of the instruments and methodologies used within the procurement department of a transmission system operator in Germany. The ultimate goal is to set a framework to continuously develop suppliers for granting on the long-term best quality and best prices for the equipment and services purchased.
This thesis analyses the procurement market, compares the procurement portfolio models and define the best sourcing methods applicable for the product categories studied. It discusses existing supplier selection methodologies and includes a scoring model to measure the supply risk evolution.
The particularity of this master thesis relies on the fact that the process methodologies and instruments used are subjected to a strict and limiting legal and regulatory environment. In fact the need of holistic supplier management process has increased in times of the German energy turnaround “Energiewende” because of the big investments that need to be made to develop the electricity grid.

Abstract of the thesis:

In the wake of the German energy market structure transition, referred to as “Energiewende”,  the municipalisation of electricity grids by local authorities became a strong issue incorporating the population in the new market structures. The Energiewende opens more options and attracts new players including public companies to generate power and control the distribution channels. During this debate citizens built an awareness of energy issues, partly also participate in form of domestic solar energy generation, and opt for a higher involvement of their local authorities in electricity grid management through movements and referenda forcing their deputies to act. By and large many people mistrust private economic players in the context of a global economy crisis and want to see the management of services in general interest (including energy generation and distribution) in the hands of public stakeholders. Partly also political actors see an option to generate income by operating local grids, keep local added value in the region, and try to win momentum in the energy market. Of course, such municipalisation processes bear risks that have the power to endanger the entire enterprise to the extent of a total failure. The thesis describes the context of the grid municipalisation process and identifies, analyses, and evaluates different risks during all phases of the process and developed risk treatment mechanisms.

The MBA Renewables strikes the right balance between learning the core concepts of renewable energy sources and understanding the business aspects linked to the energy space.   

It is also a great opportunity to widen your network and interact with people from different parts of the world and with different professional backgrounds.

Abstract of the thesis:

The concept of Smart City first appears in 1994. However, a key year is 1997, when the Kyoto Protocol gets signed. Given the rapid growth in urbanization and the resulting issues, the need to approach cities and their conception and organization in a more planned way becomes obvious at that time. Since then, many initiatives have been undertaken to formalize the concept of Smart Cities. Those initiatives all share the same goals of making a city more livable, sustainable and resilient, as well as improving the quality of life of its population. Given the fairly new concept of Smart Cities – around 20 years – this, so far, has been an astonishingly active space for urban innovation, public and private collaboration, and forward steps in infrastructure and development. With the uprising of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Smart Cities extend the century-old concept of urbanism.The master thesis is based on L. Anthopoulos’ article “Comparing Cities with Different Modeling Approaches”. In his paper, Anthopoulos systematically reviews the scholar papers and articles from the industry that model as well as benchmark Smart Cities. His literature review spans from 1997 to 2015. The search outputs eight models for Smart Cities, and eight benchmarking frameworks. The first part of the master thesis provides an analysis of each of these Smart Cities models and benchmarking frameworks, along with key take-aways, contrasts and similarities.The second part of the master thesis illustrates Smart City concepts with real case studies of the City of Lausanne, in Switzerland. Lausanne is the author’s hometown. As such, the Smart Cities initiatives undertaken by the City of Lausanne are directly connected to the Smart Cities models and benchmarking frameworks analysed all along the master thesis. It allows to better tackle answering to the two research questions of the thesis: “Is Lausanne a Smart City?”, and “What is Smart about the City of Lausanne?” The domain of energy, taken at large - from energy efficiency to energy demand and supply management, power and heat generation, waste-to-energy - and from the standpoints of resilience and sustainability, is of special focus throughout the thesis.

Abstract of the thesis:

Innovative business models in the renewable energy sector are of growing interest, particularly at the local level where several cities and municipalities are leading the way toward the energy transition with new commitments to 100% renewable energy. Community Choice Energy is a new interesting business model that is catching the attention of numerous cities in the U.S.; however, it is still in its early stage in California. This paper aims at an integrated assessment of the existing business model of two case studies located in California for future projects repetitions. The use of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats framework in combination with the business model canvas has enabled a deeper assessment of the organization’s business model and its building blocks, ensuring an evaluation from multiple viewpoints. This research has revealed that CCE business model works as long as customers will stay in the program, and the price stability and competitiveness is guaranteed. Strong customer relationships and effective channels are key for the success of the business model, as well as the effective procurement of energy sources. Repeater projects must take into consideration their specific electricity market, current legislation, regulation, and the consumer’s choices. Because of the reliability of multiple- case study research, conclusions can be applied to a broader range of cases. Specific recommendations for the case studies and a strategy map with specific key objectives for repeater projects are tangible outcomes of this master thesis. Additional research that involves external environments in other areas, price mechanism, and customer perspective will further enhance the understanding of this business model and its potential replication in the U.S. and beyond.

Abstract of the thesis:

Offshore wind is considered as a central energy within the renewables mix promoted by the European Commission. As it is a young industry, the costs are obviously higher compared to the market energy prices. This is why, we observe a general pressure from governments to trigger a momentum towards costs reduction for offshore wind projects. Germany, Denmark and the UK are the European leaders in terms of offshore wind installed capacity. France still faces several challenges to promote this industry due mainly to instable legal schemes and high implementation costs. Among the options that could allow a cost cutting application, the collection and transmission system package and particularly the offshore module transformers developed by Siemens seem to be interesting to analyze in order to assess their cost reduction potential. Within this research work, several analysis involve technical, financial and bankability assessment in order to confirm the suitability and attractiveness of this solution in the French offshore wind market and under which conditions.

Abstract of the thesis:

Abstract of the thesis: Based on two well-known renewable energy technologies in Mozambique (solar PV pumps and wind-powered pumps) for drinking water, results of an attempt to project their future models to boost small and medium farmers’ irrigation systems approach. Moreover, it will focus on financial aspects related to the technologies covered in this study. The likely contribution of renewable energy options to improve agriculture production and productivity considered in the study to the projected energy demand for irrigation water pumping systems in Mozambique. Lastly, it also will be evaluated based on technology and financing issues the appropriate model to disseminate in the country. Of course, aligned with existing financing window of opportunities and its requirements taking into account the learning effect observed in the study.

Abstract of the thesis:

This Thesis in form of a case study analyses the overall attractiveness of the Croatian market environment for future wind farm developments to support or refute the viability of a market entry and to propose a potential strategy to be pursued by an EU-wide operating renewable energy project development company. The objective will be achieved by initially analysing the general political, economic, social, legal, and environmental framework for conducting business activities and future wind farm project developments in Croatia, before assessing the energy market, presenting the major steps for the development of Croatian wind farm projects, and subsequent routes to sell the generated electricity. Finally, the potential for the development of photovoltaic projects, and for the expansion into the neighbouring countries of former Yugoslavia will be analysed. The analysis confirmed that the Croatian market is and will remain attractive for the development of new wind farm projects given its high wind speeds along the Adriatic coast, its largely untapped wind resources and recently published legislation encouraging the deployment of additional wind farms to create a greener electricity generation system and to alleviate Croatia’s dependency on foreign energy imports by exploiting its native, renewable resources. Additionally, Croatia’s high solar irradiation levels sustain the development of photovoltaic farms, and its strategic location and country stability credited to its EU membership makes it a suitable starting point to explore the largely untapped, hence interesting renewable energy markets of former Yugoslavia. Due to the positive conclusion of the market analysis, several market entry options with varying levels of time and capital commitment (e.g. employee of mother company, native company representative, joint venture, merger and acquisition, and subsidiary establishment and greenfield investment) have been explored as potential market entry strategy. In addition, a method for the identification and feasibility assessment of greenfield project opportunities using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is presented. 

Abstract of the thesis:

All countries set energy goals for the future. Governments are increasing the share of renewable energy generation to achieve these goals in a sustainable way. To meet these ambitious goals, among other measures, large onshore and offshore wind farms need to be built and connected to the grid. These large wind farms are comparable with conventional power generation stations and they are a key solution to produce and deliver large amounts of clean energy in the near future.

At the same time, traditional electric power systems are facing a major transformation into more reliable, efficient and flexible systems: the Smart Grid. The key drivers for this transformation are the need to integrate renewable energies and distributed generation, the need to improve energy efficiency and consumers’ desire to have better control over their energy consumption.

Technical, economic, policy and regulatory challenges appear when connecting large amounts of wind power to the grid. Wind farm developers and grid operators face major challenges to integrate and optimize the operation of these new generation sites, often resulting in the need to install extra electrical equipment, control systems and predictive generation and scheduling software to meet grid integration requirements.

Keywords: Renewable energy, power generation, power transmission and distribution, Power Quality, grid integration, renewable integration, HVDC, FACTS, BESS, SVC, STATCOM, Synchronous Condenser, Series Capacitors, wind farm, grid stability, Smart Grid, energy storage, Industrial Internet of Things, cloud computing, grid code requirements, energy efficiency, energy cloud.

Abstract of the thesis:

This thesis addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions in peri-urban communities of Harare Province, Zimbabwe, within the framework of a Just Energy Transition. The research explores the viability and sustainability of grid-tied mini-grid energy solutions in these communities, considering technical feasibility, economic viability, regulatory aspects, and broader socio-economic impacts. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review, analyzing the energy landscape in Zimbabwe and highlighting the challenges and opportunities for electrification. It then conducts a techno-economic impact assessment to identify potential project sites and assess their suitability for grid-tied mini-grid implementation. Key questions addressed include site feasibility, economic return on investment, regulatory compliance, and community willingness and ability to participate. The research identifies potential challenges and risks associated with grid-tied mini-grid projects, such as currency volatility, investor confidence, and regulatory constraints. Mitigation strategies are proposed to address these challenges and ensure project success. Drawing insights from case studies of private sector participation in electricity distribution in Africa and Latin America, the thesis advocates for leveraging private sector expertise to accelerate electrification efforts in peri-urban communities. It emphasizes the importance of aligning projects with principles of a Just Energy Transition, ensuring fairness, equity, and social justice. In conclusion, the thesis provides practical recommendations for policymakers, regulators, investors, and community stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of grid-tied mini-grid projects in Harare Province. By prioritizing peri-urban electrification within a Just Energy Transition framework, Zimbabwe can achieve universal access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity, driving socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

Abstract of the thesis:

The master thesis focuses on developing a hydrogen business development plan and delivery model for an energy company in Germany. The research focuses on understanding the hydrogen market, policies, competitors and developed a value proposition for the company. New business development risks for the company were identified and five year sales forecast plan was established. Based on the plan a financial business case for the new business was determined. Results were then used to determine the hydrogen business entry for the company.  

Abstract of the thesis:

The purpose of this research is to develop an integrated business model plan proposition to assemble photovoltaic modules in Tanzania.  All photovoltaic modules (PV) being utilized in the country and neighbouring countries of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi are imported mostly from China. The need for PV modules is increasing day by day due to awareness of the availability and free energy exploited from the sun and means to convert this energy into electric power has increasing become known tremendously. There has been a lot of initiatives by the government to introduce macro structural adjustments for economic development in the region to attract investments in various areas, yet not a single PV assembly plant venture has been established. Having such plant locally brings a lot of benefits including making PV-modules readily available, avoidance of counterfeit, creating employment, which helps to alleviate poverty and promoting quality of life in the rural settlements away from utility grid. In addition, having such venture will greatly support mitigation initiative on environmental degradation, ultimately the country becoming less dependent on imported PV-modules.This study applied various methods and techniques such as financial, market, and economic analysis, and determination of key performance indicator (KPIs) using financial parameters and ratios, while integrating the assessment of the environmental impact in rural Tanzania and neighbouring countries, which to a large extent has influenced the decision for the business model being proposed.To address the research problem, qualitative and quantitative data were collected and collated to establish the viability of the business proposition. The investment model developed by the prospecting investor –Tanzanite Solar Company Ltd. (TSCL), is mainly based on the local macro economy, the local and neighbouring countries’ markets depending on the market potential and competition, the choice of technology, the country’s tax structure and the financing arrangement. Alike, studies done else-where with or without success have been reviewed in this research, in anticipation to uncover possible impact negating or promoting use of solar energy, creating local employment, reduce dependence on imported PV-modules and reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) due to deforestation.Keywords: reduction of greenhouse gases, availability of free energy, mitigate environmental degradation, deforestation, rural communities, counterfeit, integrated business plan model, photovoltaic modules assembly plant, Tanzanite Solar Company Ltd.

Abstract of the thesis:

Available researches on strategic partnerships between Northern and Southern NGOs mainly have the aim of identifying the factors that affect the success of North-South partnerships in project development management, when the Northern partner acts as a donor and the Southern partner acts as an implementer. This research is aimed at identifying those factors that can determine the success or the failure of a North–South partnership in a situation where the Northern partner can act at the same time as a donor and as a project implementer. In such a situation the Northern NGO can opt to act as unique implementer or as a co-implementer in partnerships with Southern NGOs. When the Northern NGO is both funding and co-implementing a project it has more possibilities to better understand strengths and weaknesses of the co-implementing partners and can also design a model tailored for specific partnerships that better responds to the practical needs of both the Northern NGO and its Southern partners.This research was conducted considering a case study of strategic partnerships between a Northern NGO, fictionally named Tupopamoja, based in Italy, and seven of its Southern NGO partners located in different countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Benin, Cambodia, India. The initial findings were identified from the literature and substantiated with focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews involving key managers of both Tupopamoja and its seven Southern partners. A qualitative content analysis method was used to analyze the data gathered for this study. Thirty seven influential factors were identified from the literature and initially grouped in nine categories; in a second stage, they were re-clustered according to two themes, from which a model for the management of strategic partnerships was then developed. Basically, the model can support Tupopamoja when it has to decide whether and how to work in partnership according to its strategy, Mission and Vision. Furthermore, the model can help the Northern organization to better understand which are the consequences of its choices in terms of governance and partnership management. The study reveals the fact that the ability of an organization to work in partnership depends mostly on its capacity in designing feasible partnership projects where the decisional power is as much as possible equally distributed and where goals, mutual benefits and expectation are shared and agreed. Partnerships designed as if they were projects can be managed through well-known tools widely used in international development cooperation like Project Cycle Management and Logical Framework.

Abstract of the thesis:

Large-scale Community-Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) has the potential to deliver many socio-economic benefits, both locally and on a macro-social level. This thesis combines an in-depth exploration of the political, economic, social and technical factors affecting CORE in the UK county of Cornwall and beyond with a stakeholder analysis and interviews to provide an overview of the main issues CORE projects face as well as possible solutions. Throughout, the research attempts to explore these issues from a bottom-up rather than a top-down perspective. The insights gathered are coalesced into a practical step-by-step model for CORE project initiation and realisation which could be further developed into a more universal app. The thesis also recommends other positive changes to the political, technical, economic and social framework that would enable CORE to develop into a larger movement with more far-reaching social and environmental impacts.

Abstract of the thesis:

Customers are on the way to investing more in energy than utilities and generators in the future. However, today's energy system infrastructure and electricity markets are not designed for a customer-centric approach. To enable market participants, especially households, to digitally orchestrate low-carbon energy systems, the Thesis develops a concept for an Integrated Blockchain-based Energy-saving Certification Platform for Private Households in the Netherlands. The existing home energy management systems still have not attracted households, although they have been in the market for a long time. The simplified and easy-to-use implementation of energy-saving certificates for households can reduce household energy costs, demand in the residential sector, and contribute to net zero targets. The platform not only generates a certificate but also performs fast and easy trading of the certificate. The energy transition is an extensive topic that needs infrastructure upgrades on a bigger scale. This study's target is to encourage households to take energy efficiency measures alone, without any infrastructure need. Therefore, annual cost-benefit analysis is done from a household perspective instead of looking for key financial indicators. Additionally, it is shown in the sensitivity analysis that the economic condition of households is vulnerable to uncertainties such as high inflation and energy price increases. Energy-saving certificates can mitigate the effects of uncertainties and support the Netherlands’ successful heat transition in the residential sector.

Keywords: energy-saving certificate; energy efficiency; blockchain; smart contracts; internet of things; heat transition; residential sector; insulation; natural gas; Netherlands

Abstract of the thesis:

The aim of this work is to present the potential applications and benefits of Internet of Things (IoT) to increase the use of renewable energies and contribute to energy efficiency. This work provides an overview of the renewable energy and energy efficiency market targets, challenges and policies in the European Union and Germany. Additionally, it provides an overview of IoT architecture, vision, and current applications. The proposed research methodology for this thesis was the “use case study.” The selected use cases were IoT applied to manufacturing, IoT applied to photovoltaic plants, and IoT applied to buildings. Each individual application is composed of case overview, IoT architecture proposal, potential market size, SWOT analysis, market opportunity and competitive advantage. It was conducted with an initial data collection to propose an IoT architecture. The qualitative data came from interviews with research and industry stakeholders. The IoT architecture proposal helped to determine the “things” within each use case and its potential applications. The market size provides an overview of the business potential, while the SWOT analysis, market opportunity and competitive advantage help to identify how IoT contributes to achieve energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. The results section presents a cross-reference analysis that looks for similarities between the different use cases.

Abstract of the thesis:

All countries set energy goals for the future. Governments are increasing the share of renewable energy generation to achieve these goals in a sustainable way. To meet these ambitious goals, among other measures, large onshore and offshore wind farms need to be built and connected to the grid. These large wind farms are comparable with conventional power generation stations and they are a key solution to produce and deliver large amounts of clean energy in the near future.

At the same time, traditional electric power systems are facing a major transformation into more reliable, efficient and flexible systems: the Smart Grid. The key drivers for this transformation are the need to integrate renewable energies and distributed generation, the need to improve energy efficiency and consumers’ desire to have better control over their energy consumption.

Technical, economic, policy and regulatory challenges appear when connecting large amounts of wind power to the grid. Wind farm developers and grid operators face major challenges to integrate and optimize the operation of these new generation sites, often resulting in the need to install extra electrical equipment, control systems and predictive generation and scheduling software to meet grid integration requirements.

Keywords: Renewable energy, power generation, power transmission and distribution, Power Quality, grid integration, renewable integration, HVDC, FACTS, BESS, SVC, STATCOM, Synchronous Condenser, Series Capacitors, wind farm, grid stability, Smart Grid, energy storage, Industrial Internet of Things, cloud computing, grid code requirements, energy efficiency, energy cloud.

Abstract of the thesis:

According to Maltese and EU renewable energy targets, Malta is obliged to meet 10% of its final energy consumption “FEC” from renewable energy sources “RES” by 2020 (Malta, NREAP, 2017), and 11.5% RES by the year 2030 (Malta, NECP, 2019, p. 37). This paper analyses how the Maltese government plan on meeting the 11.5% and then go onto propose potential ways to possibly increase it to something more ambitious, while still being realistic and economically viable. One must bear in mind that certain fossil fuel assets (Duddu, 2015) in Malta still have plenty of economic life left in them and one must therefore manage their usage in such a way as to mitigate the risks of them becoming stranded assets and not realising their return in investment. This paper takes this into account and proposes that Malta’s current fossil fuel infrastructure shall continue to operate for the rest of their economic life, but it shall be capped and shall not be allowed to expand any further. All domestically produced energy in Malta would have to come from RES. Increasing the usage and generation of RES in Malta will not be easy since Malta does not have any rivers, lakes, hydro, pumped storage (A Busuttil, 2008). While Malta’s wind resource is considered considerable (R Farrugia, 2005), historically it has not been invested in largely due to the extremely strict environmental planning process in Malta and the fact that the resource is on the lower end of the wind speed limit that would typically attract an investor. The government’s current plan is to build a natural gas pipeline from Sicily to Malta that is “Hydrogen ready” (Gas Pipeline Interconnection, 2018), but it does not come without its own controversy (Vella, 2021), and the fact that significant or sufficient hydrogen “H2” supply is not likely to be in place in Sicily for another decade. Even in the first four months of 2022, the wholesale gas price has been highly volatile (S&P, 2022). This is against the backdrop of the EU pushing towards phasing out Russian oil and gas in the coming years (Hall M., 2022). So this paper carries out an economic investigation into the feasibility of the gas pipeline and goes onto look at ways that Malta could potentially increase their 2030 RES target. As part of these two fronts, this paper also examines the “opportunity cost” where all or part of the earmarked pipeline funding of approximately €480M could be redirected towards further developing RES in Malta. The ultimate results from this research are that the pipeline, using 100% Natural Gas “NG”, is not economically viable at today’s wholesale prices, of approximately €0.97/m3, and would return a negative NPV. The NG price would have to drop below €0.90/m3 before the NPV turns positive.Likewise, if the pipeline uses 100% H2 at today’s prices of €0.6/m3 then it also returns a negative NPV, and the H2 price would have to drop below €0.5/m3 before returning a positive NPV. This research investigates the possibilities of using the opportunity cost of the estimated €480M CapEx to support and increase RES in Malta instead of building the pipeline. The result is that an additional approximately 25% of FEC could be met by RES and added to the existing figure of 10% RES which was achieved as part of the 2020 target, thus bringing the 2030 RES target up to about 35% of FEC.

The aforementioned 25% is made up of approximately 380MWp of new RES capacity, which would be installed in addition to the RES that is already existing in 2022.

i. The various scenario modelling shows that the new RES would ideally be made up of:

a. 105MWp of new domestic rooftop PV.

b. 196MWp of new utility scale onshore PV.

c. 69MWp of new nearshore and offshore floating PV.

ii. The overall CapEx cost of this combination would be the same to that of the pipeline (i.e. €480M), but the;

a. RES NPV would be about €11M compared to marginally positive €6M pipeline NPV (using 100% NG). All the FIT’s were reduced to a minimum in the financial modelling in order to find the sweet spot where the FIT is as low as possible but still returns a positive NPV. Increasing the FIT’s would of course vastly improve the NPV’s.

b. The required FIT for the RES technologies average at about €0.1192/kWh compared to the €0.1583/kWh required for the pipeline to break even on the NPV (using 100% NG).

c. The average LCOE of the RES technologies would be about €0.0374/kWh compared to €0.1160/kWh for the pipeline (using 100% NG).

iii. Interesting to see that every single financial metric and ratio used in the analysis is better for the combination of RES when compared to the pipeline. The results are further described within this research and can be viewed in Figure DA1 below.

iv. However, it should be noted that if the proposed pipeline was to transport 100% H2 instead of 100% NG, then the pipeline FIT sale price would have to increase to approximately €0.1768 in order to break even on the NPV.

v. The LCOE for 100% H2 would decrease to about €0.1135/kWh.

vi. The resulting RES from using 100% H2 in the pipeline would drastically increase to around 100% of FEC, albeit operating at a comparatively high cost of €0.1768/kWh and a break even NPV after 30 years of operation. One would also need a Required Revenue “RR” of about €8.7B over its lifetime compared to about €98M for the RES solutions.

Abstract of the thesis:

The master thesis focuses on developing a hydrogen business development plan and delivery model for an energy company in Germany. The research focuses on understanding the hydrogen market, policies, competitors and developed a value proposition for the company. New business development risks for the company were identified and five year sales forecast plan was established. Based on the plan a financial business case for the new business was determined. Results were then used to determine the hydrogen business entry for the company.

Abstract of the thesis:

This thesis describes the Feasibility Analysis of Reconfiguring Conventional Underground Water to Solar Powered Pumping Systems in Nigeria. It also examines selected problems associated with water and power supply in Nigeria, performance of various underground water projects across the country, Solar energy resources in Nigeria as well as the possibilities of replacing the conventional water pumping systems with solar powered from both technical and economic points of view. The economic analysis was done using the Life Cycle Cost Approach which is the total cost of all system components over its lifetime typically between 10 to 15 years. The most significant parameters of the life cycle costs put into consideration are initial costs, energy costs, and maintenance costs. Economic Analysis was equally done to determine the Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Cost Benefit ratio while running the system with diesel, grid and solar PV separately as power source. The results revealed that running the system with solar PV gives a quicker return on investment with a Net Present Value (NPV) of 6,468.02 Euro and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 22% as well as a Cost Benefit Ratio of one at the seventh year. It was also justified that running same on either diesel or national grid is neither profitable nor sustainable as the status of the power supply from the national grid is epileptic and unreliable with an average power production of 2,500MW against the projected power requirement of 12GW for a population around 182 million.

Abstract of the thesis:

Political pressure to develop or act on net zero targets, the advancement of renewable generation technologies, and the cost reduction of developing of renewable energy systems, has sparked a global energy renaissance. We are heading toward a new electricity age, by electrifying countless applications typically served by fossil fuels. This new electricity age will be powered by a vastly increased penetration, and high levels of variable renewable energy sources (VRE), most notably, solar and wind energy. This thesis assesses the unique technical and economic characteristics of VRE sources, how they differ from conventional generation methods, and analyses the specific challenges associated with the large-scale integration of VRE internationally. The challenges are assessed from the perspective of governments, electricity system operators (ESO), electricity generators (EG), the energy industry supply chain and electricity users. This thesis considers the varying degrees of resiliency and modernisation of grid systems internationally, and how wider VRE integration challenges can by eased or exacerbated, relative to the existing state of these grid systems. Based on the identification and assessment of these challenges, this paper highlights what solutions are available to key stakeholders, each who play a role in ensuring the effective integration of VRE at all levels of delivery. Grid upgrading, expansion and flexibility are discussed in detail as potential measures to mitigate risks associated with the integration of VRE, beyond identified thresholds.

Abstract of the thesis:

Large-scale Community-Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) has the potential to deliver many socio-economic benefits, both locally and on a macro-social level. This thesis combines an in-depth exploration of the political, economic, social and technical factors affecting CORE in the UK county of Cornwall and beyond with a stakeholder analysis and interviews to provide an overview of the main issues CORE projects face as well as possible solutions. Throughout, the research attempts to explore these issues from a bottom-up rather than a top-down perspective. The insights gathered are coalesced into a practical step-by-step model for CORE project initiation and realisation which could be further developed into a more universal app. The thesis also recommends other positive changes to the political, technical, economic and social framework that would enable CORE to develop into a larger movement with more far-reaching social and environmental impacts.

Abstract of the thesis:

There is a growing consensus that the zero-emission truck industry is on track to deliver compelling business cases for the decarbonization of these existing fleets, through the use of BEVs[1] and hydrogen FCEVs[2] complementary to each other, which ultimately has to be powered by renewable energy. The magnitude and scale-up speed of implementing new technology requires action from all parties amongst the value chain. Especially for FCEVs, which high energy property will be required for heavy-duty and long-haul transportation according to end-users, the entire value chain is immature. The two identified main issues for adoption of fuel cell heavy-duty vehicles are the lack of refueling hydrogen infrastructure and the absence of financial incentives that support the high capital expenditure on FCEVs and infrastructure. These contribute to the so-called ‘chicken-egg story’, where parties await investments from other companies in the value chain, that needs to be broken at some point. Eventually, as policy makers oblige companies to decrease their CO2 emissions, the hypothesis is that the solution to this problem will be solved through policy and not by the market itself. With a focused topic list to evaluate barriers and solution pathways, numerous deep-structured interviews with stakeholders along the entire value chain were conducted to analyze particular archetypes of hydrogen truck adoption and specifically the according coalitions that influence the policy creating that stimulates this. To structure the analysis, the Advocacy Coalition Framework from Paul Sabatier has been used, as it includes all important factors that can contribute to a comprehensive decision-making process and policy creation. Highlighted are pathways in three solution domains that would need further action in accordance to give hydrogen a chance in heavy-duty mobility by 2030:

• Centralized coordination between Member States, as the transport segment suitable for hydrogen is predominantly cross-border and hence an international network is key.

• Allowing fossil-based hydrogen in the ramp-up phase to have a more natural adaptation of new technology into the market, given that fuel can be replaced more easily when the hydrogen vehicle market is matured.

• Stringent quotas for manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles for a minimum hydrogen truck production combined with a quota on Member State level of renewable hydrogen consumption.

It is expected that by implementing a combined set of efforts the adoption of hydrogen vehicles can be successful and make it part of the future mobility mix for the transportation segment.

Abstract of the thesis:

Despite COVID-19, the building sector was the only sector to miss its annual climate target in 2020 and 2021. This failure is compounded by the new, ambitious 2030 climate target of 65% greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Furthermore, projections show that the German building sector will miss its target by 23.9 Mt CO2e in 2030. Therefore, effective climate protection in the building sector requires an interplay of different instruments beyond the current level of ambition. The climate targets for the building sector can only be achieved if a rapid and significant increase in ambition is achieved. The analyzed climate protection instruments have proven relevant to emissions reductions in the building sector. Further renovation incentives must be created to achieve energy renovation targets (refurbishment rate/depth and heat transition) and annual climate protection targets in the building sector. The climate protection instrument’s target orientation must be a climate-neutral building stock by 2045. Furthermore, a life cycle perspective should be in the foreground to allow more precise allocation of the emissions caused by the building sector and, thus, more targeted design options for climate protection instruments. Additionally, the focus must be directed to the vital CO2 figure decisively anchored in the Climate Protection Act.

Abstract of the thesis:

Iraq is facing multiple challenges for harnessing the indigenous energy resources and devising rational energy policy. The flactuation of oil prices, Iraq’s economic and political shambles, besides the new challenge which came to the surface, the corona virus (COVID-19) epidemic and the huge deficit in federal budgets are made the task of tackling the electricity shortage more challenging than ever. Unless the government plans to keep the costs down, reform the electricity tariff, and restructure the electricity sector, it is unlikely the power shortage will be solved anytime in the future without considering propoer solutions and energy policy. The thesis will analyse the barriers to overcome the electricity shortage by utilizing the renewable energy, starting from the country’s solar energy policy and addresses the barriers for developing the renewable energy system in light of the country’s recent turmoil. Green energy, like solar can make a significant contribution to overcome the shortage, reducing the share of imported energy, buffering oil exports, and reducing the subsidy burden on the government all can be reached with proper policy.

Abstract of the thesis:

Electricity demand-side flexibility is an underexplored opportunity to assist in the transition to an electricity market powered by renewable energy. This thesis explores policy development and implementation opportunities within Victoria, Australia of how to make investment in electricity demand-side flexibility profitable. By understanding the governance structure and regulatory framework, programs and investment already made and perceived and actual challenges and barriers that exist, policy implementation potential and recommendations will come from the research and analysis. The thesis begins by presenting a literature review about electricity demand-side flexibility including definitions and policy mechanisms, levers, and approaches. The research approach and methodology are inductive based on literature and document analysis as well as interviews. The thesis will create prescriptive research claims and centres around three of the four P’s: people, problems, and programs. An overview of Australia’s and Victoria’s policy landscape is followed by results and analysis and policy potential and recommendations. Research findings suggest the Victorian State Government has significant influence in how to make investment in electricity demand-side flexibility profitable. To unlock policy potential, it is crucial all stakeholders are consulted, particularly consumers who will be the ones investing heavily in DER and BTM.

Abstract of the thesis:

The research work consisted on assessing the APAC markets potential for renewable hydrogen production based on the current and planned renewable energy capacity, as a result of current renewable energy and hydrogen policies implementation. Based on this assessment, it was possible to determine if industry sectors using fossil fuel-based hydrogen (ammonia, methanol, oil refining and steel manufacturing) could effectively be decarbonized.

Abstract of the thesis:

This thesis describes the Feasibility Analysis of Reconfiguring Conventional Underground Water to Solar Powered Pumping Systems in Nigeria. It also examines selected problems associated with water and power supply in Nigeria, performance of various underground water projects across the country, Solar energy resources in Nigeria as well as the possibilities of replacing the conventional water pumping systems with solar powered from both technical and economic points of view. The economic analysis was done using the Life Cycle Cost Approach which is the total cost of all system components over its lifetime typically between 10 to 15 years. The most significant parameters of the life cycle costs put into consideration are initial costs, energy costs, and maintenance costs. Economic Analysis was equally done to determine the Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Cost Benefit ratio while running the system with diesel, grid and solar PV separately as power source. The results revealed that running the system with solar PV gives a quicker return on investment with a Net Present Value (NPV) of 6,468.02 Euro and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 22% as well as a Cost Benefit Ratio of one at the seventh year. It was also justified that running same on either diesel or national grid is neither profitable nor sustainable as the status of the power supply from the national grid is epileptic and unreliable with an average power production of 2,500MW against the projected power requirement of 12GW for a population around 182 million.

Abstract of the thesis:

Alberta relies heavily on cheap coal-based generation for electricity supply. However, there is growing concern in the province over the negative impact of coal-fired electricity generation on the health of Albertans and the environment. Electricity from renewable energy sources surfaced as an alternative but there are several barriers that impede the transition to renewable energy. Therefore, the government enacted a renewable energy policy to stimulate the deployment of renewable electricity. This thesis conducts an analysis of Alberta’s renewable energy policy to evaluate the adequacy of the policy in achieving the government’s objective of 30 per cent of Alberta’s electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030. Moreover, the thesis aims at providing recommendation to address any shortcomings of the proposed policy. This research adopts a qualitative analysis method relying on secondary data gathered from academic publications, policy papers and government documents. The research studies the policy process starting from problem identification and ending with evaluation.The research findings show that Alberta’s renewable energy policy is effective in increasing the share of renewable electricity in the electric grid. Moreover, the first round of competition achieved a record low price of renewable electricity in Canadian history which is a noticeable indication of cost efficiency. The thesis further shows that the low price of the first competition is attributed to factors favouring wind energy compared to other renewable energy technologies.The policy-makers in Alberta need to introduce technology specific incentive to diversify the renewable energy sources in the electricity mix to alleviate some of the concerns arising from large-scale integration of wind-based electricity generation.

The overall experience was great considering being a part time student, however, I faced 2 challenges during the years of enrollment;

• The first challenge is that the courses have to be completed within 2 years of continuous work where every 2 months I had to finish a course which doesn’t allow a break time.
• The second challenge was to find the time to work on the thesis. However, with the support of my supervisor, I was able to manage my ideas and objectives.

Abstract of the thesis:

Green hydrogen and battery storage for utility scale applications have become the top priority of development plans for many countries around the world. For major economies to thrive, those plans have been deemed inevitable, in order to enable a competitive electric supply apart from the vital contribution required to mitigate the alarming global climate change. This document will present a master’s thesis which aims to undertake an overarching analysis related to both technologies and present an overview of their evolution over the past decade in the GCC countries. In addition, the research thesis aims to study, analyze, and suggest the possible paradigm of those technologies while integrating them into the relative discussed economies. Their energy transition policies along with their economies formation will be studied and analyzed where an argument about which technology may prevail while acquiring the most attention of the utility scale sector in terms of investments and grid reliability as a permanent intermittency solution of the electric supply. This will be done through a conducted case study which aims to evaluate the power flow and economic indicators of two power plant projects sized to provide a 100MW base load using different technologies. The first project comprises of a PV plant coupled with an electro-chemical energy storage while the other is based on a PV plant connected to an electrolyzer station to produce hydrogen, hydrogen storage facility and hydrogen turbine to feed the mentioned base load.

Abstract of the thesis:

Ammonia could be used to store hydrogen in the future, allowing for CO2-free energy systems. Ammonia has several advantages for hydrogen storage, including a high volumetric hydrogen density, low storage pressure, and long-term stability. Furthermore, because to its high auto ignition temperature, low condensation pressure, and lower gas density than air, ammonia is deemed safe. Many various types of primary energy sources, such as renewables, fossil fuels, and surplus energy, can be used to make ammonia (especially surplus electricity from the grid). The energy from ammonia can be gathered directly as fuel or first degraded to hydrogen for a variety of hydrogen applications at the utilization site. Ammonia is produced from hydrogen and nitrogen via Haber Bosch process. The production of hydrogen and nitrogen requires huge amount of energy and this energy can be taken from renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuel sources. This thesis discusses financial feasibility of hydrogen and nitrogen production from renewable energy sources for ammonia production. Conventional ammonia production capex and opex are compared with the renewable energy driven production of ammonia. 

Abstract of the thesis:

Energy access is a concerning issue for developing societies and has become one of the major and most important Sustainable Development Goals in the 2030 UN agenda. This research proposal intends to explain the importance of decentralized electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa and how its different technical approaches could become more adequate than centralized electrification through national grid extension. Since global warming is another concern, and traditional energy generation systems are shown to be extremely high pollutants, new strategic plans need to take this into account and consider renewable energies as valid energy sources. Extensive literature, case studies and references highlights the failure of rural electrification programs fully subsidized by public funds, the models have proven the financial and operational un-feasibility of this approach; as well, the investment to be done for the “energy for all” commitment is impossible to assume by public donors. Private investment has become mandatory for this goal; this won’t happen if business models and schemes don’t prove to be interesting for investors. Rural electrification as a business it is a complex and multi-variable scheme, this research proposal intends to analyse through extensive literature review different Mini-Grids cases or projects and understand the business model for thereafter, apply the lessons learned to create a business structure for the upcoming World Bank’s rural electrification program in Niger, pretending that the investment capital is partially subsidized by public funds and partially private equity which gains a concession to become a rural ESCO and sell the energy to their customers.

Abstract of the thesis:

Energy storage has gained an increasing popularity during the last decade. Considering the future share of renewable energy in the energy mix, energy storage will have a central role in the European power system towards a cost-efficient low carbon power network. Among the variety of technologies compressed air energy storage systems can offer similar benefits as pumped hydro for long-term energy storage. This Master’s thesis investigates the European market potential for an underwater compressed air energy storage system with a potentially high efficiency developed by the case company chosen for the purposes of this thesis. In order to gain useful insight regarding this product’s perspectives, the research focuses on the potentials of the technology and its underwater storage medium opportunities among other technologies.The study provides competitor analysis and examines the European market opportunities. The conclusive part intends to propose a Go-to-Market strategy to the case company in order to fit the product to the market request. This study reveals a high theoretical potential of the technology and its strategic position regarding bulk energy storage, as well as a market demand for flexible systems able to provide multiple services to match with future business models of energy storage. The European market led by Germany and the United Kingdom appears to be promising in the near future; however, more barriers shall be removed before to provide a competitive framework for energy storage The proposed study has led to the conclusion that an underwater compressed air storage system shall be well addressed in the future to large-scale offshore wind farms, however, limited to the specific locations considering the seabed depths; while the most promising market to date appears to be found on grid-connected islands that fit medium-scale products.

Abstract of the thesis:

The topic of this Master Thesis, which will be dealt with, is energy storage with a focus on Power-to-Gas (PtG), as energy storage solutions should be more and more important in countries with a high share of renewable energies on the overall energy mix. Nevertheless potential investors like Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM`s) have nowadays a reserved position to invest into energy storage solutions, due the uncertainty if energy markets really require energy storage and if an investment is accompanied by economic success. Therefore relevant markets will be analyzed according their macro-economic boundary conditions and an economic evaluation will be conducted by the simulation of suitable business models. Finally corporate measurements for successful market entry will be identified for companies with strategically interest to invest into energy storage solutions. The outcome has identified that the current situation on a national and international market level only allow commercialization of PtG by limitation or is accompanied of high economical risk when being applied. Nevertheless PtG can be of high relevance on the medium or long term, when very high fractions of renewable energies exist. Therefore companies of this sector should identify which role they would like to play in the future energy storage market and what measurements are therefore required.

Abstract of the thesis:

The master thesis outlines current framework conditions for new pumped hydro storage plants and identifies needs for improvement in order to increase profitability prospects for an infrastructure needed within a future energy system based on renewable energy. To come up with specific suggestions, the author analysed a wide range of incentives and political reform options.