Assessment of renewable energy resource potential and application for decentralized rural electrification using geographic information system (GIS) | |
| Author | Opiso, Earl Macamay |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ET-10-14 |
| Subject(s) | Renewable energy sources--Evaluation Rural electrification--Geographic information systems |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Energy |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | One consequence of massive economic development across the globe since the industrial revolution is the depletion of fossil fuel and global climate change. Countries increase its energy demand to sustain their economic growth. This study evaluates wind, solar, hydro and biomass energy sources in Bukidnon southern part of Philippines by means of analyzing theoretical and technical potential as well as financial viability. The method used in the evaluation of local potentials of renewable energy sources with the help of a geographic information system using actual conditions allowed the assessment to consider the location's actual geographic conditions such as climate, land uses and ecological environments. This helps in a more accurate assessment. A scenario analysis was also carried out which shows the effect of different financial parameters to the renewable systems viability (e.g. providing incentive for RE project, reducing O&M cost, or increase of electricity export rate). RETScreen was used in assessment of renewable resource financial viability. This scenario analysis showed the sensitivity of the energy sources evaluated to movement of various factors such as increase or decrease in initial costs, O&M costs and electricity export rate. With this, decision-makers can make a more informed choice. Moreover, the study has also included results on greenhouse gas reduction with the implementation of each energy resource project which is value-added information to policy makers and other stakeholders. It is expected that the output of this GIS based support study would help the project designers to select suitable sites for renewable resource system. This study was also done with the hope of encouraging the government help interested investors develop a suitable renewable energy system in the province to help increase energy supply, lessen energy cost and at the same time reducing GHG emission. In addition, policy makers and planners could use this method as a decision support system and a basis for estimating the technical and financial viability of renewable energy technology project wherever in the world through easy visualization and computation. |
| Year | 2010 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kumar, Sivanappan; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Salam, Abdul P.;Tripathi, Nitin Kumar; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | ASEAN Foundation;Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2010 |