This technical guide is the first in a series of four technical guides on variable renewable energy (VRE) grid integration produced by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the World Bank and the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP). It provides a general overview of the intrinsic characteristics of VRE generation, mainly solar PV and wind, what the main challenges are along with some recommendations for VRE technical specifications, applicable standards, and essential testing. The main focus of the document presents a detailed outline of the essential requirements for VRE integration into the power grid. The requirements differ for...
Geothermal power production may result in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHG emissions from geothermal power production, mostly in the form of CO2, are generally low in comparison to traditional base load thermal energy power generation. However, as the geothermal sector has expanded, a wider range of geothermal resources have been brought into exploitation, including geothermal systems with relatively high GHG concentrations in the reservoir fluid. Recent data from Italy (Mt. Amiata) and a number of sites in Turkey show that GHG emissions from geothermal power plants can be higher than 500 g/kWh and in some cases higher than 1000...
Keywords: Hydrogen, Renewable energy, energy storage, fuel cell, battery, CARICOM, GHG, greenhouse gas, hydrogen production from primary energy, hydrogen production from secondary energy, gasification
Solar radiation is essentially a free resource available anywhere on Earth, to a greater or lesser extent. Solar PV power plants convert solar radiation into electricity. In the current era of global climate change, PV technology becomes an opportunity for countries and communities to transform or develop their energy infrastructure and step up their low-carbon energy transition. Until now, a global and harmonized assessment of country-level PV potential has not existed. This report aims to provide an aggregated and harmonized view on solar resource and PV power potential from the perspective of countries and regions, assuming a utility-scale installation of...
Although geothermal energy is globally recognized as a clean and reliable source of heat and electric power its development can inadvertently lead to adverse outcomes that disproportionately disadvantage women. Based on good practices and lessons learned, this report introduces ways that geothermal projects can mitigate risks and pursue opportunities to address gender gaps within the project cycle. It outlines the risks and opportunities associated with (i) changes in land and natural resource use, (ii) changes to employment and economic patterns, and (iii) changes to environment and health. Beyond mapping risks and opportunities, the report makes the case for focusing on...
This report elucidates the role of financial innovation in the off-grid solar sector and provides a roadmap for practitioners, financiers, and entrepreneurs navigating capital raises for companies active in the sector. It examines a full range of established and frontier financing options. It illustrates that some technology-enabled financial innovations, such as peer-to-peer business lending, are already playing an important role in the sector. It was prepared by the World Bank Group and the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, with support from ESMAP.
Floating solar photovoltaic installations open new opportunities for scaling up solar generating capacity, especially in countries with high population density and competing uses for available land. Advantages of floating solar over land-based systems include higher energy yield, reduced evaporation, and improved water quality, among others. Combining floating solar with hydropower plants is of particular interest. Flexible hydropower output can be used to smooth the variability of the solar generation, while making better use of existing transmission assets, particularly beneficial in countries with weak grids. With a global estimated potential of 400 gigawatts, under conservative assumptions, floating solar could double the...