Documentations
Nombre de pages:15
Date de publication:18-12-2017
Energy efficiency is considered to be the best strategy when it comes to enhancing the industry’s competitiveness: it reduces energy costs, boosts economic growth and creates jobs and the investments that come with it. In countries where firewood is used at a substantial scale, it can help lower the energy consumption and the consecutive bills, lessening at the same time poverty.
Improving energy efficiency can lead to more people having access to electricity – which is one of the biggest challenges in many developing countries. It can also reduce the impact the high volatility of oil has on the trade balance and the national budget when fossil fuel subsidies are involved.
Enhancing energy efficiency is a challenging but essential task in developing countries.
Nombre de pages:24
Date de publication:18-12-2017
The energy efficiency policy has one chief goal: saving energy with an increased and strong market share regarding energy-saving products and systems. To achieve this goal, various actions have been set in motion. As they do not require a lot of work or effort to be implemented, these actions are defined as prescriptive and can help reap the benefits provided by these energy savings.
This report lists the different actions that can be adopted in order to reach this policy’s goal.
Nombre de pages:8
Date de publication:18-12-2017
Nowadays, the demand for energy in commercial buildings represents 30% of the total energy consumption in Western Africa. That is why improving the buildings’ energy efficiency could result in significant energy saving. By merely modelling new ways of controlling and using energy, tertiary sector’s buildings could save up to 10 to 15%.
This sheet exposes the different steps that lead to an energy diagnosis, which is the first step towards energy efficiency.
Nombre de pages:32
Date de publication:18-12-2017
The IEPF (Energy Institute of Countries with French as a common language) was founded in 1987 to ensure technical assistance between member states and contribute to an increasing and strengthening of the Francophone culture. In this regard, the institute trains, informs, researches and develops a network that helps and supports the Francophone international influence in terms of energy.
This document offers a simple and complete methodology that acts as a guide to the technical advisors who need to make a diagnosis. However, the energy diagnosis is a ‘one-off’ action: an energy management programme is, on the other hand, a continuous process that blends into the regular maintenance and building running.
Nombre de pages:98
Date de publication:18-12-2017
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) report focuses on renewable energy and energy efficiency. It supports the SADC’s efforts to increase the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Southern Africa by providing a complete regional assessment of any development in terms of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
In the energy industry, the SADC focuses on two areas: it works towards an improvement of the access to modern energy utilities for the population living off-grid and it seeks to increase the safety and stability of energy supply.
This is a great challenge for a sub-Saharan population of several million people!
Nombre de pages:22
Date de publication:18-12-2017
Many countries are considering or currently developing their renewable energy potential. Renewable energy is likely to improve energy security as it reduces the dependence to imported fuel and encourages the diversification of the energy mix.
Most of the time, it remains difficult for governments to create policy measures that follow the progression of renewable energy and its impact on the actual power system. It is also easy to see that the upcoming generation is not included in the current market processes, leading to an overconsumption of natural resources.
Many tools have been implemented so as to support a sustainable development but there is still much to be done.
Nombre de pages:24
Date de publication:18-12-2017
In Africa, economic growth can only happen with an increase in the use of renewable energy. This article from the Alliance for Rural Electrification explains that it is necessary for companies to have a reliable access to energy so as to allow a productive use of clean energy. This report uses the example of nine African countries to show the promising resources a commitment to green economy can offer.
Rural electrification is the key to socio-economic development in African countries: the correlation between access to energy and economic growth is strong.
This is why the programme for a ‘productive use of renewable energy’ is a combination of agricultural, commercial and industrial activities that seek to increase rural productivity and rural employment.
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Date de publication:18-12-2017
In 2008, the Government of British Columbia conducted a study on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of each municipality for the year 2007. Consequently, the District of Saanich decided to set a Climate Action Plan in motion in order to establish specific goals and actions: the aim for 2020 is to reduce GHG emissions by 33% for the general public and by 50% for the municipality.
The District of Saanich believes that by 2020, without any action plan, GHG emissions will reach up to 577 000 tons per year. In 2007, they recorded an amount of 521 000 tons of GHG emissions.
To achieve this goal, the District of Saanich has identified four different areas of intervention: transportation, buildings, solid waste and renewable energy. Some operations have already been implemented: the promotion of sustainable low-carbon transport, the improvement of the current waste disposal systems by finding another purpose for the waste buried in landfills and the promotion of renewable energy via studies focused on the installation of solar water heaters in buildings.
The Saanich Climate Action Plan emphasises the importance of reducing GHG emissions. Developing the Climate Change Adaptation Plan is the next step to help adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Adaptation Plan should be completed by the end of 2020.
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Date de publication:10-05-2017
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy . The agency works for sustainable development, energy access, energy security as well as economic growth.
In this study, IRENA aims at a better understanding and tries to evaluate the needs and deficiencies in terms of renewable energy technologies standardisation and insists on the importance of international standardisation.
The standardisation of renewable energy technologies can be achieved through information sharing on the latest renewable energy technologies and the installation of a standardisation policy regarding innovative products. It can also be achieved by a more targeted and coordinated effort as for R&D.
Many economic sectors have benefitted from this initiative and encountered new dynamics such as the reduction of manufacturing and transaction costs thanks to simplified contractual agreements and the use of standardised components, etc. These factors have increased consumer confidence regarding renewable energy.
However, if the standardisation is poorly designed, it can inhibit the emergence of innovative solutions, induce administrative constraints and globally increase the costs.
The IRENA report shows the decision makers how the standardisation process can be an effective way to develop their business sector. It also gives important advice on areas such as the implementation of mechanisms likely to facilitate a strategic framework for the renewable energy standardisation or the commitment of developing countries in programmes that are likely to support their involvement in the international standardisation process in the field of renewable energy technologies.
This report underlines the paramountcy of ensuring a strategic course in the standardisation of renewable energy technologies whilst acknowledging the demands and priorities of all parties involved.
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Date de publication:18-12-2017
The consequences of climate change definitely have an impact on our life and on our planet – this is why it is important to stop being passive and start acting. This guide will help you understand how we can keep on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and live with a constantly evolving climate.
If we are to bear these changes, it is essential to anticipate and constrain them. In this sense, an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report states with 95% confidence that humans are responsible for global warming.
In France, the transportation industry is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (28%), followed by the agricultural sector (20%) and the commercial and residential sector (20%). Our attention should thus be focused on these sectors.
It is essential to be able to adapt to an ever-changing climate and to change our lifestyle to have an appropriate routine. Anticipating and withstanding the consequences of global warming can also be made via small but efficient measures. For example, learning how to protect ourselves during summer heat without automatically resorting to air conditioning is a first step. This can be done by opting for a better insulation or installing exterior blinds or awnings and planting trees.
The goals of the French Environmental and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) are to inform and teach as it is necessary to understand a situation in order to be able to adjust oneself to it.
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Date de publication:18-12-2017
"Better for the environment, cheaper for you and efficient wherever you are": these are the three advantages you should be seeking when choosing your lighting. This guide will show you how you can improve your daily energy consumption by simply changing your habits.
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Date de publication:18-12-2017
It only takes a few simple daily steps to start saving our environment and to reduce our energy consumption at home. For example, turning off the light each time you leave a room, transitioning to a solar water heater or preferring energy saving light bulbs are simple reflexes that already have an impact on the conservation of the environment and of your environment as well. These small steps are also a way of raising awareness in your close circle on an issue that concerns us all.
Nombre de pages:15
Date de publication:18-12-2017
Thanks to strong and reliable appliances, photovoltaic units help you produce electricity which you can then use for your own need or sell to an energy supplier.
Solar energy production reconciles both global and ecological concerns with practical and individual considerations. It is part of the objective of the Grenelle Environment: 23% of our energy consumption should come from renewable resources by 2020.
This guide you will provide you with technical information currently at your disposal, appropriate solutions to any issue you may have, help available and steps to undertake to complete a photovoltaic project.
Nombre de pages:13
Date de publication:18-12-2017
The Agency for the Environment and Energy Control (ADEME) introduces a dossier regrouping all the important environmental questions. It is sometimes necessary to go back to some basic definitions in order to understand the big challenges of the 21st century. What is global warming? What will it cause? How are we going to adapt to these changes? Some simple questions that are however still unanswered. The ADEME gives you the answers!
Nombre de pages:100
Date de publication:10-05-2017
The IRENA report is a practical guide which lists the existing energy storage solutions and their applications in island nations. This report is part of the International Initiative for renewable energy and contributes to the United Nations’ initiative of sustainable development for all.
In remote regions and in island nations, this renewable energy storage system is the answer to various types of demand for electricity. To understand the role and the use of the storage system is therefore essential, especially since there is not only one system. Electricity storage technologies vary greatly in terms of conception, technological maturity and cost. This report will help electricity networks decision-makers, owners and managers to better understand the role that storage has – or must have – in their electricity system.
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Date de publication:18-12-2017
In West Africa, the global rate of access to modern energy services is very low. This represents an obstacle to the prospects of economic activities, basic social services and fight against poverty developments. While having important renewable energy resources, West Africa still faces major challenges.
16 African States are currently part of the regional Project for the promotion of the coordination, coherence, integration and knowledge management promotion. The goal of this project is to reinforce the coordination and coherence between nation energy projects. Another objective is to create a political and institutional environment for the promotion of renewable energy and technologies and energy-saving markets in the West African region.
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Date de publication:18-12-2017
Renewable energy technologies are fast expanding, and their potential is still increasing. They represent an important part of the electricity supply in Africa. It is therefore a major challenge for governments who often had a hard time to take the appropriate measures to keep up with the expansion of renewable energy and its impact on the electric network system as a whole.
Public intervention in favour of renewable energy is seen as an attempt to make right the market’s failures in order to take external factors into account. This is why numerous aids – whether based on price or volume – are put in place to help the development of renewable energy technologies.
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Date de publication:18-12-2017
The electricity consumption of small household appliances has doubled in 20 years, despite the improvement of the energy efficiency of our devices. It is good to care about the energy efficiency of our household appliances. But to work out the appliances we really need and to use them well is also important. As such, using energy efficient appliances, buying a washing machine which is adapted to your usual wash load, using induction instead of ceramic glass cooktops not charging your phone more than necessary, etc.
You will here find out about the high energy-consuming appliances and you will find tips to save energy.
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Date de publication:18-12-2017
How to keep your place cool while being environmentally friendly and being energy efficient? Sustainable and efficient solutions exist, but need to be planned in advance. eacting to an unexpected situation often results in a high cost and inadequate answers.
From the start of building a home, steps need to be taken for proper insulation: taking into account the geographic location, the topography and considering the inhabitants’ needs. But it is also possible to act on existing housings. You can choose light-coloured shutters to reflect the light and the heat, use economical appliances to limit the heat output, close the shutters down during the day, water the veranda and bathe plants at night-time to cool the place, etc.
These are handy and easy tips for everyone’s well-being. To go a step further, you can visit the Topten website. Quick and easy to use, it helps consumers in finding information on the best products and services for the home and office.
Nombre de pages:17
Date de publication:14-12-2017
Wind power is more common today than ever. As a non-polluting renewable energy, it is a real advantage that helps build energy independence by using only national resources. However, downsides need to be considered, such as land use planning and technical management of the production on power grids.
But with the predominance of nuclear and fossil energy, renewable energy creates a more diversified energy package. It is safer not to depend on a single source of energy for electricity production. It helps optimise electricity production by taking into account the characteristics of each energy source.
Wind power therefore needs to be considered as an energy source for the future, along with water power – currently unavailable in France. Both sources represent real opportunities for the future. More than that, the implementation of wind power in France is unavoidable if the country wants to achieve the targets on the use of renewable energy set by the Grenelle Environnement.
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Date de publication:14-12-2017
In this guide, you will find all existing solutions for an economical and pleasant place to live in. Households represent half of the consumption of energy produced in France. By modifying our behaviour and our domestic choices, each of us can easily reduce our energy consumption: drying your clothes outside, following a proper boiler maintenance schedule, having a good ventilation system to remove humidity and pollutants, not smoking in your home, etc. These few simple reflexes can easily be adopted by anyone and at no expense.
Learning smart practices and becoming an ‘eco-citizen’ is essential to live in a healthy and pleasant home.
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Date de publication:14-12-2017
In this practical guide, the French Environmental and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) puts forward ‘40 tips’ to help you save water and energy. The average French household allocates 6.2% of its annual resources to heating, travelling and lighting, which represents a total expenditure of 3,207 euros per household each year. Based on that observation, it is paramount to start acquiring new reflexes in order to control our consumption.
For example, using a timer to avoid staying more than 5 minutes in the shower or cutting your electricity bill by 10% by getting a multi socket with a switch are easy money-saving tricks that have a huge impact on your water and energy consumption.
This guide will show you that simple daily gestures can help diminish your water and energy consumption. You can reduce your energy consumption by 7% by simply setting your room thermostat to 19° instead of 20°. In the same vein, covering the saucepans when cooking helps cutting the electricity or gas consumption by four.
Nombre de pages:308
Date de publication:13-12-2017
The Economy and Climate World Commission and its flagship project, The New Climate Economy, were implemented to help governments, companies and society in general in taking informed decisions regarding economic prosperity and development.
This Commission was created when it was noted that in this day and age more and more people wish to live a healthy and comfortable life, and many governments wish to provide in their respective country a framework conducive to improving everyday living conditions. These governments need to face the huge challenge represented by climate change.
This report explains that, by shaping the process of structural and technological change currently taking place in the world, we can create sustainable economic growth whilst tackling the sizable risks related to climate change.
Most countries today are facing difficult economic problems.
Climate change represents an unprecedented challenge for the whole world. The global 10-points action plan suggested by this report can help initiate actions that will result in better growth as well as a better climate. Practical measures are detailed, and these can be adopted by national governments, as well as regional authorities, companies, communities and international organisations.
Nombre de pages:24
Date de publication:13-12-2017
Educational guide created by the non-profit organisation ‘Environment and Discoveries’, with the support of the Energy Division of the Ministry of the Walloon Region (‘Ministère de la Région Wallone’).
The objective of the exhibition ‘Energy lies in our hands’, for children from age 8, is to raise general awareness to environmental issues and the impacts on our health. The exhibition also aims to create discussion and the will to research additional information leading to behavioural changes to help save money and avoid health and environmental risks.
This guide also encourages them to carry out experiments at home for a better grasp on the different sources of energy.
The exhibition ‘Energy lies in our hands’ is aimed at children from the age of 8 and upwards and its objective is to familiarise them with the climate issue and give parents the opportunity to review the basics.
Nombre de pages:242
Date de publication:13-12-2017
The sub-Saharan region is rich in natural resources, but very poor in energy supply. Indeed, the region represents 13% of the world population but only 4% of global energy demand.
Governments are increasing their efforts to overcome the numerous regulatory and political barriers which are an impediment to the investment for national energy supply. Unfortunately, an inadequate energy infrastructure can impede the improvements of living standards, which are still a priority.
This report highlights the critical shortage of modern energy services in many countries. Of the 915 million inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa, only 290 million have access to electricity and this number is decreasing (though conditions vary from one region to another).
Nombre de pages:156
Date de publication:13-12-2017
There are many ways of creating new markets for renewable energy and the choice taken by a country will depend on its national context, its objectives and its resources.
The UNDP report shows that decision-makers need to acknowledge the risks related to an investment in the renewable energy market. Sustainable change for a renewable energy market cannot be attained if the effort is made on a short-term period and driven only by a subset of existing risks and with a fraction of the available tools. This report helps to understand the various risks and to assess the direct financial incentives needed to cover the trivial costs of renewable energy. It is also a guide on how to determine a payment system based on performance and resulting from these previous elements.
As for the difficulties related to the trivial costs modelling, it is essential to remain realistic: historical empirical data is nearly non-existent and unpredictable future elements such as technological development can create sizeable variations.
Nombre de pages:15
Date de publication:13-12-2017
According to more and more studies, the negative effects of fuel-based lighting are proven and call for cleaner solutions. The United Nations Environment Programme’s report provides some policy advice to the government decision-makers and regulators in order to increase access to effective lighting while reducing the environmental impact caused by fuel-based lighting.
In Africa, many households don’t even have access to electricity. With regard to bringing electricity to households, expansion of the electricity grid is unable to keep up with population growth in many countries. Evidence shows that access to electricity, to lighting and other electric sources have many advantages when it comes to working hours, education, security and access to information.
However, few countries have instituted an integrated political framework to reduce dependency on fuel-based lighting and introduce effective off-grid lighting which would lead to huge health and security benefits, carbon emission reduction and the creation of green jobs.
Nombre de pages:12
Date de publication:13-12-2017
The global small wind turbine market should have more than doubled between 2010 and 2015 to reach 634 million dollars. It is an ever-expanding market offering real opportunities for the future. Small and medium wind turbines (SMWTs) are environmentally friendly and offer a cost-effective solution for off-grid applications in rural areas. It is also possible to create a ‘hybrid’ electric system that combines wind and solar power or oil. The cost of conventional energy sources, especially fossil fuels, is ever-increasing whereas the cost of small wind turbines gradually decreases, making this technology attractive.
Using wind power is not only cost-effective, it is also the perfect solution as it generates enough power to supply small enterprises and help them develop. In addition, it can improve synergies in high growth industries such as telecommunications.
Nombre de pages:50
Date de publication:13-12-2017
Our current climate system – which is dominated by fossil fuels – heralds a bleak outlook for future generations. Converting the world to 100% renewable energy would lead to important cost reductions in renewable energy technologies and an ever-growing realisation of the finiteness of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, oil as well as mineral resources such as uranium.
The choice is ours: do we wish to make the transition from the use of fossil fuels to that of renewable energy, ensuring a better world for the future generations? Or do we want to endure the economic and social stress that the price rises and a volatile financial market will inevitably create?
Nowadays, we see that some jurisdictions are attempting to completely restructure their energy system. It shows that a new energy paradigm is possible and that the transition towards a sustainable society can be beneficial from an economic, social and environmental point of view.
It becomes more and more important to provide our leaders with real-life examples on the different technologies as well as the different social, cultural and economic types and the financial changes necessary for such a deep transition. These examples can be used as a source of inspiration and knowledge for them.
This report demonstrates how and why a 100% renewable energy system is possible. This potential is being more and more acknowledged: ‘Scientific American’ published in 2009 an important article suggesting that the sun, the wind and the rain could power our world’s energy needs.