Introducing a framework to estimate and classify Renewable Energy Resources Prof. Dr. Gioia Falcone Sustainable Mining and the United Nations Framework Classification Challenges and Opportunities in India New Delhi, India, 29-30 October 2013
Presentation objectives Introduce an ongoing initiative to develop a framework for estimating and classifying Renewable Energy resources Explain how the definitions and principles of the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC-2009) can also be applied to Renewables Solicit feedback and comments from Renewable Energy stakeholders 1
Background The UN Economic Commission for Europe called upon the Expert Group on Resource Classification (EGRC) to develop ideas on how the UNFC could apply to and integrate renewable energy by December 2013 Separately, an industry-led working group took the initiative to develop a transparent and consistent estimation and classification methodology for renewable energy resources The working group reported their findings at the fourth session of the EGRC held in Geneva, April 2013 The EGRC established a Task Force on the Application of UNFC-2009 to Renewable Energy Resources 2
What is the UNFC? United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources (UNFC) Global, generic, principles-based umbrella system Solid minerals and fluids Numerical coding system Facilitates global communications Compatible, integral, and collaborative (CRIRSCO Template for minerals & PRMS for oil & gas) Other systems and primary fuels could align with UNFC in the future 3
Resources are estimated and classified based on a project The project generally represents represent the level at which a decision is made whether or not to proceed (i.e., spend more money) 6
Renewable energy projects are very similar to fossil energy or mineral projects Some differences: The energy source does not deplete Geological risks do not apply to most Renewable energy projects, but similar uncertainties exist (e.g. meteorological variations, seasonal variations etc) 7
Oil field vs. wind farm example Common project characteristics: A defined level of investment, with an expected production profile Prerequisites such as gaining access to the resource and market, receiving authorisation, and validation of the economic case As the project develops, risk declines and certainty of returns improves 8
Task Force The EGRC established a small Task Force in 2013, with representatives from: Public sector (Australia) Private sector (Bioenergy) Private sector (Bioenergy; International Oil & Gas) Academia (Geothermal) Private sector (Bioenergy; Wind; International Oil & Gas) Private sector (Bioenergy; Solar; International Oil & Gas) Private sector (Finance & Reporting) 9
Task Force mandate To develop a set of specifications for the application of the UNFC-2009 to Renewables. It is envisaged that this will consist of an overarching Renewable Specification document, together with commodity-specific specifications and a conversion document that will outline the conversion principles across energy metrics to support a consistent comparison and reporting of various energy resources. Near-term deliverables: Draft specifications for the application of the UNFC-2009 to Renewable Energy Workshop in March 2014 to consult with a broad group of global stakeholders Submission of the draft specifications to the EGRC for approval in April 2014 Public consultation, following EGRC approval 10
The UNFC as umbrella framework for all Energy & Mineral Resources A consistent methodology across all Energy & Mineral resources creates transparency and comparability The UNFC-2009 is and remains a voluntary system, intended as framework, or a set of common rules, that can be adopted and used by different stakeholders 11
Geothermal Classification Schemes Geothermal Reporting Code & Geothermal Lexicon for Resources & Reserves Definitions & Reporting produced by the Australian Geothermal Reporting Code Committee (AGRCC) (1 st edition 2008, 2 nd edition 2010). The Canadian Geothermal Code for Public Reporting, by the Canadian Geothermal Code Committee (2010). A Protocol for Estimating and Mapping Global EGS Potential, by Beardsmore et al. (2010). The New Geothermal Terms and Definitions, by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA, 2010). The Resource Assessment Protocol for GEOELEC, by van Wees et al. (2011). The geothermal community is not new to the problem! 9
Geothermal Classification Schemes Geothermal Reporting Code & Geothermal Lexicon for Resources & Reserves Definitions & Reporting produced by the Australian Geothermal Reporting Code Committee (AGRCC) (1 st edition 2008, 2 nd edition 2010). The Canadian Geothermal Code for Public Reporting, by the Canadian Geothermal Code Committee (2010). A Protocol for Estimating and Mapping Global EGS Potential, by Beardsmore et al. (2010). The New Geothermal Terms and Definitions, by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA, 2010). The Resource Assessment Protocol for GEOELEC, by van Wees et al. (2011). The geothermal community is not new to the problem! 9
Geothermal Classification Schemes Geothermal Reporting Code & Geothermal Lexicon for Resources & Reserves Definitions & Reporting produced by the Australian Geothermal Reporting Code Committee (AGRCC) (1 st edition 2008, 2 nd edition 2010). The Canadian Geothermal Code for Public Reporting, by the Canadian Geothermal Code Committee (2010). A Protocol for Estimating and Mapping Global EGS Potential, by Beardsmore et al. (2010). The New Geothermal Terms and Definitions, by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA, 2010). The Resource Assessment Protocol for GEOELEC, by van Wees et al. (2011). The geothermal community is not new to the problem! 9
Key stakeholder groups Stakeholder Governments Global Organisations Driver / Interests Better understand total resource base Energy Security Facilitate achievement of integrated energy strategy and policies Assess and contrast global energy systems and different energy sources Renewable Energy Sector Participants Enhanced overview of asset values Provide a measure of comparability with traditional energy systems Offer a basis to estimate the scale of each renewable resource Provide reliable estimates based on best practices and common standards Investment community Better assess and contrast investment opportunities Enhance portfolio valuation 12
Suggestions are welcome! 13
Introducing a framework to estimate and classify Renewable Energy Resources Prof. Dr. Gioia Falcone Sustainable Mining and the United Nations Framework Classification Challenges and Opportunities in India New Delhi, India, 29-30 October 2013
UNFC How it works E axis categories 4
UNFC How it works Category E1 Definition Extraction and sale has been confirmed to be economically viable. Category F1 Definition Feasibility of extraction by a defined development project or mining operation has been confirmed. UNFC Class: 111 Category G1 Definition Quantities associated with a known deposit that can be estimated with a high level of confidence. 5