Technical aspects

The chapter Technical Aspects of ESC gives an overview of the Renewable Energy Sources technologies (RES technologies) capable of meeting energy demand in a large variety of end-use activities and in power generation. It provides specific information on Photovoltaics, Geothermal, Biomass, Solar Thermal, Small Hydropower and Wind, and in particular on their respective development potential, the costs involved in their utilisation and the environmental impacts. Definitions of the technologies can be found here, too, in case these were not integrated in earlier chapters already. It also reflects upon the main technical aspects to be considered in establishing a path to 100% RES supply, which can be classified into two broad categories: site-specific characteristics and resources- and technology-specific characteristics (e.g. intermittency, energy storage and energy management, hybrid systems, etc.).
Site-specific characteristics, such as the kind of energy infrastructure, the energy consumption, the grid interconnection and grid sufficiency - of which definitions are given in the guide - power and heat consumption patters need to be analysed in particular, because they determine the specific approach that has to be taken in the specific community, rural area, etc. Resources- and technology-specific characteristics such as intermittency, energy storage and energy management, hybrid systems, and load management, are important elements when developing a RES & RUE strategy. The analysis of these elements paves the way for development to become an ESC.