R.E.G.I.S. Renewable Energies Geographic Information System

Transcription

1 R.E.G.I.S. Renewable Energies Geographic Information System The geographic information system (GIS) is an information system combining computer materials and programmes that contain and manage data concerning particular areas or individuals associated with specific geographical locations. We might say that the GIS takes the place of maps, but they are not just map-making programmes; they are systems which can carry out sophisticated analyses to produce new data which can be projected on a map. These systems are able to provide information and control, assist with access to and preparation of information for decision-making, and present the forecast results in the most suitable way. The geographically oriented information stored in GIS-databases forms a good starting point for analyses on renewable energy. Data on land use, infrastructures, etc. can be used to establish the potential for renewable energy in the region. Based on this potential, the environmental benefits of RES and its contribution to the regional economy and employment can be quantified. The objective is to develop a regional planning tool in the sector of renewable energy sources adapted to the conditions of the region of Catalonia. This tool will be an instrument for decision-support to regional and local decisionmakers interested in the development of renewable energies. The aim is to stimulate the integration of renewable energies into the local energy market of Catalonia, providing to decision-makers an instrument able to develop scenarios concerning the technical, environmental and social

2 potentialities and impacts related to the development of renewable energy sources at regional level. REGIS (Renewable Energies Geographic Information System) will consist in a real information system combining all the above-mentioned possibilities and enabling very large applications. REGIS will aim to provide two types of maps : thematic maps for existing structure and infrastructure data (administrative units, soil occupation, roads, energy networks,...), prospective maps resulting from the combination of different existing data (i.e. topography data with solar irradiation) and providing simulations on the basis of strategical options at taken at regional level. 4 renewable energy sources are investigated: solar energy, wind energy mini-hydro and biomass For solar energy, the analysis focuses on an assessment of the potential use of solar energy in urban areas, considering that the roofs of buildings can be used to install the panels. The aim is to define a methodology for the calculation of the potential for solar thermal and/or photovoltaic collector installation in each municipality, determining the useful roof surface, excluding shadows. The calculations are made from the Atlas de Radiació Solar de Catalonia (produced by ICAEN), bearing in mind direct and diffuse radiation and the expected demand for energy in each building where panels can be installed. On this basis, it will be A part of city of Barcelona

3 possible to simulate scenarios in specific zones, and to provide results concerning the energy, environmental and social impact. An analysis of energy potential will be made in the case of use for the production of hot water (for sanitary purposes and heating, basically) and for photovoltaic use. The system will provide results concerning the impact such as the raw energy produced, the conventional primary energy saved, the amount of avoided CO 2 and SO 2 emissions, the amount of jobs created for the installation and maintenance of these solar panels. The optimal position of the solar panels is displayed in green colour. The intensity of colour correspond to the % of effective solar radiation compared to the maximum possible (due to the shadows from other buildings) For wind energy, the program enables the design of a suitable profile for the installation of a wind farm and calculates the number of generators, the total power of the farm and estimated annual production from the data in the Atlas Eòlic de Catalonia (developed by ICAEN), which represents annual average wind speed at a height of 10 metres. To carry out the analysis, land use around the farm and all the parameters describing current commercial wind generators must be taken into account. There is also an analysis of the proximity of the farm to urban areas, roads, airports, etc, and to spaces of natural interest which are protected because of their ecological value, and an assessment of its visual impact. On this basis, it will be possible to simulate scenarios in specific zones, and to provide results concerning the energy, environmental primary energy saved, the amount of avoided CO 2 and SO 2 emissions, the amount of jobs created for the installation and maintenance of these wind turbines Borders of municipalities and average wind speed at 10m above the ground level

4 and social impact. The system will provide results concerning the impact such as the raw energy produced, the conventional For mini-hydro, the study for this section concentrates on the main rivers (the ones that flow into the sea) and their major tributaries. From a study which models the Classified Flow Curve for each stretch of river, the net fall, the design flow, the energy that can be produced annually, the design power, etc, are calculated for possible new hydroelectric power stations which can be represented in the cartography of Catalonia, basically with the point where water is extracted and the point where it is returned to the main river. There is also an assessment of the hydroelectric potential, which remains to be exploited in Catalonia, including in the study the power stations, which are currently in operation. The GIS will aim to take into account all these factors in order to provide results concerning the potential installed capacity, the potential conventional primary energy saved, the amount of avoided CO 2 and SO 2 emissions, and the amount of jobs created. Borders of Catalonia and the main rivers Analysis of the selected part of the river/ of the different possible turbines / of the energy and environmental contribution For biomass, the analysis focuses on forest biomass. The aim is to provide scenarios concerning the recovery of biomass wood wastes. To be useful, there is a critical distance from a main,

5 secondary or forestry road (where a lorry can drive) and the slope of the ground must not exceed an adjustable maximum for the user, beyond which there is considered to be no access. On this basis it will be possible to simulate scenarios in specific zones, and to provide results concerning the energy, environmental and social impact. Stocks of the remaining biomass and their energy potential using different models of exploitation of the woodland are calculated. The system will provide also results concerning the impact such as the raw energy produced, the conventional primary energy saved, the amount of avoided CO 2 and SO 2 emissions, the amount of jobs created for the harvesting, collection and transport of this biomass. By combining those four sources, it will be possible to calculate the energy that can be produced. It will serve as, as well, a starting point for the final common module, which will analyse the possible impact of such production with renewable energies in terms of substituting the most widely used fossil fuels and reducing emissions of CO 2 and SO 2. Borders of all municipalities and of all comarques The following results will be provided: the potential of four renewable energy sources: biomass energy, wind energy, mini-hydro power and solar energy, the energy saved, the effects on the environment: avoided CO2 and SO2 emissions,

6 Social impacts. For further information : Institut Català d'energia, Avda Diagonal 453 bis Atic, E 8036 Barcelona, estudis@icaen.es Fedarene, 11 rue du Beau-Site, B-1000 Bruxelles, fedarene@euronet.be Anetec, 4 avenue de la jonction, B 1060 Bruxelles, anetec@linkline.be