Objective
Objectives
The INSPIRE project aims to develop the methodology for linking two tools; one for economic analysis (RECAP) and one for resource mapping (GIS-Geographic Information Systems). This will provide, at ETSU, the basis for an integrated approach and methodology for resource assessment across the EU; this will initially be for biomass, but there are plans for the other renewables using other economic modelling tools.
RECAP is a versatile computer model of biomass-to-energy systems; in one integrated model, all the costs from biomass production to final energy conversion can be studied. It will be of value to both farmers and potential developers within the renewable energy industry.
The objectives :
1. Develop a tool for biomass-to-energy, which links economic analysis (provided by RECAP) with resource mapping (geographical area). 2. Extend the RECAP model to include environmental costs, thereby enabling a partial life-cycle analysis capability.
3. Review the application of the methodology developed to other key renewable energy sources (wind, biowaste and micro-hydro) and pilot a model for one of these (wind).
4. Ensure complementarity with other related projects, particularly those sponsored by the JOULE Programme.
Technical Approach
The project will be in 3 overlapping Phases. The following tasks will be carried out :
PHASE I: Establish the methodologies for GIS activities and economic for biomass resource assessment, using developments in the UK Biomass Programme as a pilot. (Biomass being the most complex of the renewables to assess), and develop a suitable tool for the analysis by forging a link between GIS and RECAP. The methodologies would first be tested for a selected UK region. The opportunities for using remotely sensed data as input to the GIS will also be investigated.
PHASE II: Implement these standard methodologies for biomass for agreed EC Regions in Italy, Spain and Sweden.
PHASE III: Adapt the concepts for developing compatible models for other key renewables and develop a pilot GIS-compatible model for wind.
Expected Achievements and Exploitation
- Standard Methodologies for the resource mapping and economic analysis of biomass.
- An approach for linking biomass resource maps with a biomass economic analysis.
- Resource maps for biomass for several test areas across the within the UK, Sweden, Italy and Spain.
- Review of the application of the methodology developed to other key energy sources (wind, biowaste and micro-hydro).
- Pilot model for wind.
A site will be established on one of the Partners' Internet Web Server. The server is devoted to renewables and will provide a key site for dissemination activities. Logging the details of all respondents, also allows a contact database to be formed as an aid to exploitation plans.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energy
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternet
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geographycartographygeographic information systems
- agricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomass
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsenergy conversion
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
OX11 0RA Didcot
United Kingdom