Towards a sustainable european energy policy: the role of alternative energy sources

Bachelor Thesis , 2007 , 47 Pages , Grade: 2,0

Economy - Environment economics

1.0 Introduction

„Nach langem Streit beschloss die EU außerdem, den Anteil der erneuerbaren Energien am Verbrauch im selben Zeitraum von derzeit gut 6 auf 20 Prozent zu steigern. Allerdings dürfte es in diesem Punkt in der Zukunft noch zu harten Verhandlungen kommen.“ [24].
Since it has been discussed controversial over years, this paper will examine the role and potential of renewable energies (REs) for a future energy mix or even a substitution of the conventional primary energy source (PES) in the EU with respect to four primary aspects. These are imbedded in the question, which PESs respectively which energy mix is the best solution for a long-term energy policy, regarding the highest possible supply guarantee and energetic independence the EU with a minimum of economic costs and negative environmental impacts. Apparently, these four aspects are often merging. For instance, the damage caused by negative environmental impacts partially leads to economical costs for removing them. Further, the dependence on imports of PESs may lead to an interrupted service, if an exporting country stops the consignment as a pressurising medium in negotiations.
The paper is based on the following three assumptions. First of all, the energy industry contains the large area of the generation of current and heat, as well as the fuel sector. The possible present and future drive concepts of vehicles contain current, hydrogen, biomass, crude oil or natural gas as operating power. Since these energy sources have been included within the consideration concerning current and heat generation, the fuel sector will not be observed further.
Second of all, the results regarding the current discussion about the greenhouse gas emissions and global warming in the media and science are controversial. Because of that, the greenhouse gas emissions of the PESs will not be weighted higher within the category of negative environmental impacts in the following analysis.
Third of all, concerning the consideration of the EU, the paper will not relate to several countries of it but will reference Germany. Since it is the country in the EU with the highest energy consumption, Germany seems to be a good benchmark [51].

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The status and outlook of conventional energy generation
  • A general overview
  • Natural Gas as primary energy source
  • Brown and Hard Coal as primary energy source
  • Crude Oil as primary energy source
  • Uranium and Nuclear Power as primary energy source
• Renewable energies and its potentials
  • A general overview
  • Water power as primary energy source
  • Wind power as primary energy source
  • Solar irradiation as primary energy source harnessed by photovoltaic power plants
  • Solar irradiation as primary energy source harnessed by solar thermal power plants
  • Biomass as primary energy source
  • Geothermal power as primary energy source
• Two alternative energy supply conceptions
  • The conception of the organic hydrogen economy
    • A general overview
    • The layout of the organic hydrogen economy
    • The realisation of a sufficient biomass production
    • The costs for the organic hydrogen economy
  • The DESERTEC conception
    • Solar energy out of the desert
    • The future European energy supply scenario
• The role of supply guarantee
  • A general overview
  • The supply guarantee of renewable energies
  • The supply guarantee of conventional primary energy sources
  • The supply guarantee with regard to the two conceptions
• The role of international relations and dependencies
  • A general overview
  • The example of the European Union's natural gas relation to Russia
• Summary and conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the role and potential of renewable energies (RES) for a future energy mix or even a substitution of conventional primary energy sources (PES) in the EU. It investigates the optimal energy mix for a long-term energy policy, considering factors such as supply guarantee, energetic independence, economic costs, and environmental impacts.

• The role of renewable energy sources in a future energy mix for the European Union.
• The potential of renewable energy sources as a replacement for conventional primary energy sources.
• The importance of supply guarantee and energetic independence in a long-term energy policy.
• The economic and environmental impacts of different energy mixes.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

This paper begins by providing an overview of the current status and outlook of conventional energy generation, discussing sources like natural gas, brown and hard coal, crude oil, and nuclear power. It then explores the potential of renewable energy sources, examining water power, wind power, solar energy (both photovoltaic and thermal), biomass, and geothermal energy.

The paper delves into two alternative energy supply conceptions: the organic hydrogen economy and the DESERTEC project. It analyzes the layout, realization, and costs of the organic hydrogen economy, as well as the potential of solar energy from the desert for the European energy supply.

Finally, the paper discusses the role of supply guarantee in energy policy, examining the supply guarantee of renewable energies and conventional energy sources, and comparing the two alternative conceptions. The paper concludes with a discussion on the role of international relations and dependencies, using the example of the European Union's natural gas relationship with Russia.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Renewable energy, energy mix, primary energy source, supply guarantee, energetic independence, economic costs, environmental impacts, organic hydrogen economy, DESERTEC, European Union, energy policy.

• College: Martin Luther University (Wirtschaftswissenschaften)
• Grade: 2,0
• Author: Andre Schröter (Author)
• Publication Year: 2007
• Pages: 47
• Catalog Number: V86351
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638003636
• ISBN (Book): 9783640133895
• Language: English
• Tags: Europa, Energiepolitik, Energiewirtschaft, Erneuerbare Energien, Desertec, Wasserstoffwirtschaft, Nachhaltigkeit