Energy density and spatial footprints of various electrical power systems

Vincent K M Cheng; Geoffrey P. Hammond

doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.1174

Energy density and spatial footprints of various electrical power systems

Vincent K M Cheng, Geoffrey P. Hammond

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

1 Citation (SciVal)

Abstract

Conventional and renewable power generators have been evaluated in order to determine their energy densities and spatial footprints on a life-cycle (or 'cradle-T o-gate') basis. The nuclear fuel cycle (both with diffusion and centrifuge enrichment) was found to have the highest energy density, with bioenergy plants having the lowest. Onshore wind power exhibited a relatively promising energy density; being greater than that for its offshore counterpart. The energy density of the latter fell below that of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Thus, renewables produce 'dilute electricity' overall with a spatial footprint that is orders-ofmagnitude higher than for conventional sources, although there are many other sustainability criteria that will determine their usefulness in the transition towards a low carbon future.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	578-581
Number of pages	4
Journal	Energy Procedia
Volume	61
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.1174
Publication status	Published - 2014

Keywords

Electrical power systems
Energy densities
Fossil-fuelled power plants
Nuclear power stations
Renewable energy technologies
Spatial footprints

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.1174

Cite this

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title = "Energy density and spatial footprints of various electrical power systems",

abstract = "Conventional and renewable power generators have been evaluated in order to determine their energy densities and spatial footprints on a life-cycle (or 'cradle-T o-gate') basis. The nuclear fuel cycle (both with diffusion and centrifuge enrichment) was found to have the highest energy density, with bioenergy plants having the lowest. Onshore wind power exhibited a relatively promising energy density; being greater than that for its offshore counterpart. The energy density of the latter fell below that of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Thus, renewables produce 'dilute electricity' overall with a spatial footprint that is orders-ofmagnitude higher than for conventional sources, although there are many other sustainability criteria that will determine their usefulness in the transition towards a low carbon future.",

keywords = "Electrical power systems, Energy densities, Fossil-fuelled power plants, Nuclear power stations, Renewable energy technologies, Spatial footprints",

author = "Cheng, {Vincent K M} and Hammond, {Geoffrey P.}",

year = "2014",

doi = "10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.1174",

language = "English",

volume = "61",

pages = "578--581",

journal = "Energy Procedia",

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AU - Cheng, Vincent K M

AU - Hammond, Geoffrey P.

PY - 2014

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N2 - Conventional and renewable power generators have been evaluated in order to determine their energy densities and spatial footprints on a life-cycle (or 'cradle-T o-gate') basis. The nuclear fuel cycle (both with diffusion and centrifuge enrichment) was found to have the highest energy density, with bioenergy plants having the lowest. Onshore wind power exhibited a relatively promising energy density; being greater than that for its offshore counterpart. The energy density of the latter fell below that of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Thus, renewables produce 'dilute electricity' overall with a spatial footprint that is orders-ofmagnitude higher than for conventional sources, although there are many other sustainability criteria that will determine their usefulness in the transition towards a low carbon future.

AB - Conventional and renewable power generators have been evaluated in order to determine their energy densities and spatial footprints on a life-cycle (or 'cradle-T o-gate') basis. The nuclear fuel cycle (both with diffusion and centrifuge enrichment) was found to have the highest energy density, with bioenergy plants having the lowest. Onshore wind power exhibited a relatively promising energy density; being greater than that for its offshore counterpart. The energy density of the latter fell below that of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Thus, renewables produce 'dilute electricity' overall with a spatial footprint that is orders-ofmagnitude higher than for conventional sources, although there are many other sustainability criteria that will determine their usefulness in the transition towards a low carbon future.

KW - Electrical power systems

KW - Energy densities

KW - Fossil-fuelled power plants

KW - Nuclear power stations

KW - Renewable energy technologies

KW - Spatial footprints

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JO - Energy Procedia

JF - Energy Procedia

ER -

Energy density and spatial footprints of various electrical power systems

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

Access to Document

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Fingerprint

Realising Transition Pathways

TRANSITION PATHWAYS TO A LOW CARBON ECONOMY

Cite this

Energy density and spatial footprints of various electrical power systems

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Projects

Realising Transition Pathways

TRANSITION PATHWAYS TO A LOW CARBON ECONOMY

Cite this