Learn how environmental engineering can help communities optimize their renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, and overcome common challenges.

How can communities maximize renewable energy sources?

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, can provide clean and sustainable power for communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, maximizing their potential requires careful planning, integration, and management. In this article, you will learn how environmental engineering can help communities optimize their renewable energy sources and overcome some of the common challenges.

Key takeaways from this article

Assess local resources:

Start by collecting and analyzing data on solar radiation, wind speed, water flow, and biomass potential. Using tools like GIS and remote sensing helps identify optimal locations for renewable energy projects.### *Implement intelligent demand management:Utilize smart systems to balance energy use from the grid and local renewable sources. This ensures energy is consumed when it's most cost-effective or abundantly produced.

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1 Assess the resources

The first step to maximize renewable energy sources is to assess the availability and suitability of the resources in the community. This involves collecting and analyzing data on the solar radiation, wind speed, water flow, and biomass potential in the area. Environmental engineers can use geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and modeling tools to map and evaluate the resources and identify the best locations for renewable energy projects.

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Alexander Takele

// Environmental Engineering//BGU//Remote sensing// Satellite data for Environment , Climate &Agri//Geo-information science// Geomatics Engineering//Optical// Microwave//Image// pixel level Digital image analysis//
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collecting and analyzing data on the solar radiation, wind speed, water flow, and biomass potential in the area. Environmental engineers can use geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and modeling tools to map and evaluate the resources and identify the best locations for renewable energy projects.

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2 Design the systems

The next step is to design the renewable energy systems that match the community's needs and goals. This involves selecting the appropriate technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, or biomass boilers, and sizing them according to the demand and supply patterns. Environmental engineers can also design the systems to be resilient, efficient, and adaptable to changing conditions and requirements.

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Joni Saviniemi

Engineer of Energy and Enviromental Technology, M.Sc. Student of Process Engineering
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Design a hybrid energy system. Take a note that providing efficient and optimal system needs to be planned to provide energy for it's own needs at first. Using i.e. solar and wind electricity to run liquid pumps, measurements, monitors, etc., before transferring energy outside of the power plant itself, may provide advantage in price of energy production's price. Adjusting wind and solar batteries to work as an backup batteries for i.e. geothermal, biomass incineration, or biogas production plants not only works as an backup for production errors, but also as additional capacity for peak power production needs.

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3 Integrate the grid

The third step is to integrate the renewable energy systems with the existing grid and ensure a reliable and stable supply of electricity. This involves managing the variability and intermittency of some renewable sources, such as solar and wind, and balancing them with other sources, such as hydro and biomass, or with energy storage systems, such as batteries or pumped hydro. Environmental engineers can also implement smart grid technologies, such as sensors, meters, and controllers, to monitor and optimize the grid performance and operation.

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4 Engage the stakeholders

The fourth step is to engage the stakeholders, such as the community members, the utility companies, the regulators, and the investors, in the renewable energy projects and ensure their participation and support. This involves communicating the benefits, costs, and risks of the projects, addressing the potential environmental and social impacts, and facilitating the collaboration and coordination among the stakeholders. Environmental engineers can also use participatory methods, such as surveys, workshops, and forums, to involve the stakeholders in the planning and decision-making processes.

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5 Monitor the outcomes

The fifth step is to monitor the outcomes of the renewable energy projects and evaluate their performance and impacts. This involves collecting and analyzing data on the energy production, consumption, and savings, as well as on the environmental and social indicators, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, health, and well-being. Environmental engineers can use various tools, such as meters, sensors, dashboards, and reports, to measure and report the outcomes and identify the areas for improvement.

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6 Innovate the solutions

The sixth step is to innovate the solutions and explore new opportunities and challenges for maximizing renewable energy sources. This involves researching and developing new technologies, methods, and practices that can enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the renewable energy systems and the grid. Environmental engineers can also foster a culture of innovation and learning among the stakeholders and share the best practices and lessons learned from the projects.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Tim Wietzoreck

Project & Energy Manager | Side-CEO of tirecks | Helping Businesses grow through Consulting and Technology
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Smart or intelligent demand management could help systems of different kinds and sizes. A well programmed demand management system can help use energy from the grid and renewable sources from the neighborhood in times when it’s cheap, produced (wind, solar) or useful.

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Silvia Polverini

EngD Energy and Resources Management Expert Consultant presso Schneider Electric Sustainable Business
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An important point is to underline that the best renewable energy is the one not used. Therefore, the first step, prior defining the type of source, is to define the size of power to be generated: - analyse the energy consumption trend in the next 10y of the selected community - analyse its minimisation

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BELETE BANTERO, PMP®, MA, MSc

Independent Contractor, Residential Solar Solutions and Commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems, Business Development Consultant, MA in Project Management, MSC., PMP®, CIPM®, Ph.D. Candidate, +26500 LinkedIn Followers
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Identifying and mapping all potential renewable energy sources, systems, and applications in the local context Identifying all possible renewable energy sources in the local context, such as solar (photovoltaic system, thermal energy, concentrated power, water heating), wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, biogas, biofuel, bioenergy, nuclear energy, marine energy, tidal power, wave power, ocean currents, and so on. The second step is to map both temporally and spatially. Developing long-term strategies for successful implementation while avoiding politicisation and influencing community energy access. Implementing it by mobilising capital and involving the business sector through the creation of an enabling environment.

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How can communities maximize renewable energy sources?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess the resources

2 Design the systems

3 Integrate the grid

4 Engage the stakeholders

5 Monitor the outcomes

6 Innovate the solutions

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

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How can communities maximize renewable energy sources?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess the resources

2 Design the systems

3 Integrate the grid

4 Engage the stakeholders

5 Monitor the outcomes

6 Innovate the solutions

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

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