Susana Bayo

Abstract
The deployment of energy communities (EC) will foster new business models contributing to the decentralization and democratization of energy access and a reduction in the energy bill of final consumers. This decentralization is only possible if investments are made in production and storage technologies, that must be installed near the locals of consumption, according to common rules of the regulatory frameworks of EC. In this paper we propose a methodology for the optimal sizing of production and shared storage assets, and we assess the cost reduction of considering shared storage assets. We then formulate seven business models (BM) that dictate how to share this benefit among the EC members, and we propose two indicators to assess them. Results show the difficulty in choosing a BM as well as the limitations of the BM and of the indicators.

Abstract

Abstract
The Atacama desert is a region with exceptional conditions for solar power production. However, despite its relevance, the impact of climate change on this resource in this region has barely been studied. Here, we use regional climate models to explore how climate change will affect the photovoltaic solar power resource per square meter (PVres) in Atacama. Models project average reductions in PVres of 1.5% and 1.7% under an RCP8.5 scenario, respectively, for 2021-2040 and 2041-2060. Under RCP2.6 and the same periods, reductions range between 1.2% and 0.5%. Also, we study the contribution to future changes in PVres of the downwelling shortwave radiation, air temperature and wind velocity. We find that the contribution from changes in wind velocity is negligible. Future changes of downwelling shortwave radiation, under the RCP8.5 scenario, cause up to 87% of the decrease of PVres for 2021-2040 and 84% for 2041-2060. Rising temperatures due to climate change are responsible for drops in PVres ranging between 13%–19% under RCP2.6 and 14%–16% under RCP8.5. We conclude that climate change has the potential to impact the PVres in the Atacama region while retaining exceptional conditions for solar power production.

Abstract
Lubricant oil is an essential element in wind and hydropower generation. We present a lifecycle assessment (LCA) of the lubricant oils (mineral, synthetic and biodegradable) used in hydropower and wind power generation. The results are given in terms of energy used, associated emissions and costs. We find that, for the oil turbines and regulation systems considered here, biodegradable oil is a better option in terms of energy and CO2 equivalent emissions than mineral or synthetic oils, from production and recycling through to handling. However, synthetic and mineral oils are better options due to the potential risks associated with the use of biodegradable oil, generally when it comes into contact with water. There are also significant savings to be made in the operation of wind turbines when using an improved type of synthetic oil.