Approaches to determine minimum Energy Return on Investment (EROI). A summarization and evaluation

Seminar Paper , 2021 , 19 Pages , Grade: 1,3

Energy Sciences

This paper derives four major approaches from contemporary literature; furthermore, the difference in boundaries, and data requirement might indicate problems that should be subject to future researches. One of the biggest concerns of the contemporary generation is the so-called energy transition, i.e., the transitioning of the energy sector away from fossil fuels (FF) to more sustainable renewable energy (RE). In this regard, current discussions are surrounding the two main topics: firstly, whether and how such a transition can be economically profitable (or even feasible); and secondly, whether it would cause energy scarcity. Many scholars who concern themselves with the latter topic utilize the concept "Energy Return on Investment" (EROI) as a means to quantify the effect of the transition on the abundance of energy. Nevertheless, an EROI value on its own is hardly meaningful (except when it is smaller than 1:1, or higher than 50:1); scholars would be more interested in whether the EROI of RE has met or will meet a threshold value which would indicate its sufficiency to sustain the current economic growth and societal well-being, termed minimum EROI.

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Abbreviations

1 Introduction

2 Theoretical background
2.1 Energy Return on Investment - EROI
2.2 Minimum EROI and its meaning

3 Minimum EROI estimation approaches
3.1 Methodology
3.2 The oil-based approach
3.3 The net energy approach
3.4 The energy expenditure approach
3.5 The “quality of life” approach

4 Evaluation of the approaches
4.1 The importance of boundaries
4.2 The difference of data

5 Conclusion

Appendix A

Appendix B

List of References

• College: University of Cologne
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Minh Hien Phan (Author)
• Publication Year: 2021
• Pages: 19
• Catalog Number: V1142377
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346530400
• ISBN (Book): 9783346530417
• Language: English
• Tags: EROI