How can wind and solar power be more economically viable?

As the cost of wind and solar electricity continues to fall, it becomes economically viable to increase the penetration of variable renewable power capacity, to curtail power output additional to demand and to reduce the amount of energy storage, without loss of reliability.

Do end-use efficiencies affect energy returns?

A key issue in net energy analysis is the omission of the effects of end-use efficiencies on the energy returns of technologies. Now, an analysis shows that these effects strongly favour the energy returns of wind power and solar photovoltaics, which are found to be higher than those of fossil fuels.

How does storage affect EROI?

EROIs of wind and solar technologies are generally high and increasing. Impact of storage on system EROI depends on quantity, types and use of storage. Power systems with high solar and wind penetrations need small storage capacities. Energy conversion efficiency greatly increases EROI of macro-economic system.

How much tax equity has been raised for solar and wind projects?

Norton Rose Fulbright (2020a) reported that approximately $12 billion in tax equity was raised in both 2018 and 2019 for solar and wind projects, representing approximately 40% and 55% of total project costs, respectively.

How do I evaluate potential revenue streams from energy storage assets?

Evaluating potential revenue streams from flexible assets, such as energy storage systems, is not simple. Investors need to consider the various value pools available to a storage asset, including wholesale, grid services, and capacity markets, as well as the inherent volatility of the prices of each (see sidebar, “Glossary”).

What is a good re penetration rate for a gas turbine?

Each step of 10% RE penetration is an economic optimal mix. At 100% RE, VRE has penetration of 78% and dispatchable RE 22%. Gas turbines are mass-produced and generally have low capital costs in dollars per kilowatt and hence low values of energy invested.