Autarkic – localised energy systems

Definitions:

“We define a region to be energy autarkic when it relies on its own energy resources for generating the useful energy required to sustain the society within that region” Muller et al., Energy Policy 39 (2011) 5800-5810

“… a situation in which a region does not import substantial amounts of energy resources” Schmidt et al., Energy Policy 47 (2012) 211-221

“… a framework for local action towards the development of a region’s viability, based on the transformation of the energy subsystem” Muller et al., Energy Policy 39 (2011) 5800-5810

Autarkic – localised energy systems

Definitions:

“We define a region to be energy autarkic when it relies on its own energy resources for generating the useful energy required to sustain the society within that region” Muller et al., Energy Policy 39 (2011) 5800-5810

“… a situation in which a region does not import substantial amounts of energy resources” Schmidt et al., Energy Policy 47 (2012) 211-221

“… a framework for local action towards the development of a region’s viability, based on the transformation of the energy subsystem” Muller et al., Energy Policy 39 (2011) 5800-5810

Motivations

• Loss of faith in conventional approaches to dealing with geo-political shocks

• Desire for more local/regional solutions• Creation of entrants into the energy space (local utility companies

formed, Consumer Co-ops, HA’s, LA’s)• The main dynamism therefore is cultural

• Centralised approach is a function of its age (1950-80)• Efficiency gains at large scale are exhausted• Developments in generation and communications technology

creating economic opportunities at a different scale

Lovins A, Rocky Mountain institute, 2007; Awerbuch S., Tyndall Centre, 2004, Verbong & Geels, Tech Fore & Soc Chng, 77 (2010) 1214-1221

Transition vs. Behaviour

Technology optimism has to be fused with social factors

Current social policy champions individualism

It suggests that societal factors are associated with personal attitudes, behaviours and choices (Shove, Environment and Planning, 2010, 42, 1273-1285)

Treating change as a series of purchasing and consumption behaviours over simplifies the scale of the challenge

Transition is required and move towards Autarkic entities provides that stimulus to change

energy subsystem

economic subsystem

social subsystem

ecological subsystem

region

energy subsystem

economic subsystem

social subsystem

ecological subsystem

region

Flow of information

Flow of material/goods

Flow of energy

Flow of people

Region or entity as open systems

2014 fuel to load map

elec

tric

ityfossil fuel resources

Fuel

electricity

Heat

regional resources

2030 fuel to load map

elec

tric

ityfossil fuel resources

Fuel

electricity

Heat

regional resources

Regional production

of goods and

services

Bartering with other regions & entities

Inward investment

Appeal of region

Sustainable economic

model

Job security

Local Benefits

Change ??

Societal change: Transition rather than behaviour

Values: Philosophical approaches that provide space for sufficiency, conservation and localism become more relevant

New electricity model: Demand response, active distribution networks, dynamic tariffs

Different economic model: Community participation, revolving funds, localism, new market entrants, consumer co-ops

Enabling technologies: CHP, ASHP, Wind, District heating schemes, Biomass, EV’s and other local storage solutions

Energy permaculturee.g. Waste/Forestry Residue Biogas Electricity

Issues & Challenges

• What are the boundaries – e.g. is embodied energy to be measured

• Will costs rise as a consequence of reduced trade • Local winners and losers may create local disruption• Security of energy supply (resilience)• Universality of application – some regions or entities well

suited, others less so• Access to capital/investment – how does the ball start

rolling everywhere

Case Study: Güssing, Austria

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Energy efficiency drive – reduce building energy demand by 50%

Wood burning plant Space heating for 27 homes

Opening of the European Centre for Renewable Energy

Heat plant expanded to whole townLocal electricity generation plant installed

Biomass gasification plant installed

50 companies 1000 jobs

22MWh Power pa

CO2 emissions

reduced by 93%

Population of 4000

€4.5M revenue

€0.5M profit for a revolving

fund

Case Study: Güssing, Austria

“The fundamental business model of Güssing Renewable Energy is the provision of communities with energy, thereby aiming at the creation of energy self-sufficiency and safety as well of jobs through new business establishments.”

Case Studies – Findhorn, Scotland

Findhorn CommunityPV electricity 25kWDistrict heating 250kWWind park 750kWHeat pumps 25kWSolar hot water 100m2

Biomass boilers 350kWCurrent energy use 39kWh/m2 pa

33 companies

largest employer

in the area

Own and maintain

local distribution

network

circa70% of energy

demand met by RE

Involved in the ORIGIN

demand response project

Starting to deploy electric vehicle

fleet

Case Studies – Jühnde, Germany

JühndeHouses 145Biogas CHP 700kWe;

750kWthBiogas from liquid manure and silageElectricity sold directly to the gridWood chip boiler 550kWCo-operative ownership; 70% of inhabitantsActive community participation and a well functioning social network requiredSupport of the mayor important

Each region in Scotland will practice energy autarky with goal for a minimum (say) 70% self-sufficiency by 2030

Dealing with heating and electricity vectors – to include electrical transport

Autarkic – localised energy systems

Stated 2030 Vision