New Challenges and Solutions for Renewable Energy: Japan, East Asia and Northern Europe

The book identifies challenges and opportunities for expanding renewable energy into a mainstay of electricity generation, comparing Japan with East Asia and Northern Europe. It highlights the need for expanding grids, building flexible smart grids, and promoting storage assets to replace fossil and nuclear-fueled electricity generation. Electricity market restructuring and liberalization allow consumers to choose power companies based on generation method.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the challenges and opportunities associated with expanding renewable energy as a primary source of electricity generation, capable of replacing fossil fuels and nuclear power. By comparing Japan with several countries in East Asia and Northern Europe, the author highlights the significant advancements made in the renewable energy sector. Notably, environmentally sustainable renewable energy technologies have surpassed fossil fuel and nuclear technologies in terms of global investment, with costs rapidly declining. However, the adoption of renewable energy varies significantly across countries.

The transition to a fully renewable energy system faces significant obstacles, particularly in terms of the capacity and storage of electricity grids. The lack of sufficient grid infrastructure and storage assets poses a major barrier to replacing fossil and nuclear-fueled electricity generation. To address this challenge, there are several opportunities and solutions. One approach is to expand grids regionally and internationally, enabling the transmission of renewable energy across borders and promoting its widespread adoption.

Another solution is to develop flexible smart grids that can better manage demand and integrate renewable energy sources. These grids can incorporate advanced technologies such as energy storage systems, allowing for the storage and utilization of excess energy during periods of high production and low demand. Additionally, policies that promote the expansion of storage assets, particularly grid batteries and hydrogen, can contribute to the sustainability and reliability of renewable energy systems.

Furthermore, two key factors play a pivotal role in enabling consumers to choose power companies based on factors other than price. Firstly, electricity market restructuring through unbundling transmission from electricity generating companies allows consumers to select their preferred power provider. This enables consumers to choose renewable energy sources over fossil or nuclear generation, depending on their preferences and values.

Secondly, electricity market liberalization, particularly for retail customers, enables consumers to choose power companies based on the method of generation. This allows consumers to support renewable energy initiatives and contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.

In conclusion, the expansion of renewable energy into a mainstream electricity generation source presents both challenges and opportunities. By addressing the lack of grid capacity and storage assets, developing flexible smart grids, and promoting policies that support the expansion of storage assets, we can overcome these obstacles and pave the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future. Additionally, electricity market restructuring and liberalization enable consumers to make informed choices about their energy consumption and support the transition towards renewable energy.

Weight: 577g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030545161
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021