Energy systems in transition. An analysis of technology, economy, and policy aspects

摘要

The main alternatives to fossil fuels for providing energy services are higher efficiency in the end-use of energy, renewable sources of fuels and electricity, and nuclear power. Aspects of each of these alternatives are analyzed in this thesis. The diversion of nuclear materials and technology is the major risk associated with nuclear power, in addition to accidents and waste handling. The first article reviews the prospects for extending the international control and internationalizing significant parts of the nuclear enterprise, as originally proposed in 1946. In the second article, trends in energy intensities for 31 countries are evaluated, over the period from 1950 to 1988, using a purchasing power parity-based GDP measure and United Nations energy statistics. Economic growth outpaces the growth in energy and electricity demand in many countries, resulting in decreasing national energy and electricity intensities. In article three, electricity use and efficiency in pumping and air-handling systems are assessed. A number of case studies show that electricity use can be reduced by 50 to 75 per cent through system-wide cost-effective modifications. In article four, the lack of performance specifications when procuring air-handling systems, and the incentive structure in the building sector are identified as the main barriers to the implementation of cost-effective efficiency improvements in air-handling systems. Wind power producers cannot trade their output based on marginal operating cost, or place bids on a spot market, since operating costs are essentially zero and the output is intermittent. Wind power is therefore likely to be priced below its value in future electricity markets, unless proper pricing mechanisms are developed. 69 refs