This guide will take you through seven different types of renewable energy and show you how each type of energy differs from the others and why it’s important to choose the right one for your project.

There are many different types of renewable energy development such as solar power, wind power, geothermal power, tidal turbines and biomass conversion. There are also small-scale versions of renewable energy sources like small wind turbines for individual households or hydroelectric dams in rivers. While each source varies in cost effectiveness, they all have one thing in common: they’re clean sources of renewable energy!

Solar Power

One type of renewable energy development is solar power. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). Solar power can be used to power homes, businesses, and even entire cities. Solar power is a clean and renewable resource that can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Wind Power

As a renewable energy consultant, I often get asked about the different types of renewable energy and which ones are the best for development. Here is a list of the 7 most common types of renewable energy, along with a brief description of each. The 7 types of renewable energy are: solar power, hydroelectric power, wind power, biomass/biofuel (the conversion of organic matter into fuel), geothermal (heat from Earth’s core), ocean energy (energy generated by tides and currents) and hydroelectricity.

Hydroelectric Power

Water is one of the most abundant resources on Earth and it can be used to generate electricity through hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric dams use the force of falling or fast-moving water to spin turbines, which in turn generate electricity. This type of renewable energy is considered very efficient and has a low environmental impact. In addition, there are no fuel costs associated with this source of power because the natural resource itself is free. However, this type of development can negatively affect animal habitats and ecosystems by flooding them when creating reservoirs for the project. A renewable energy consultant can help make sure that potential projects avoid any protected areas.

Geothermal Power

As the world looks for ways to become more energy efficient and to reliance less on fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important. One renewable energy source that is often overlooked is geothermal power. Geothermal power comes from heat deep within the earth and has the potential to provide a large amount of clean, sustainable energy. It could be used in homes or commercial buildings as well as in power plants. However, it is not an easy resource to harness because it can only be tapped in certain locations where magma or hot water is close enough to the surface.

Marine Resources

There are many types of renewable energy, but marine resources are often overlooked. Marine resources include tide, wave, ocean current, and geothermal energy from the ocean’s hot water. These sources have the potential to provide a large amount of energy with little environmental impact. However, they are not yet widely used due to the high cost of development and lack of infrastructure.

Biomass Energy

Biomass energy is a type of renewable energy that comes from organic matter, such as plants and animals. When used to generate electricity, biomass energy can help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Biomass energy can be used to power homes, businesses, and even vehicles.

There are several types of biomass energy, including wood pellets, biogas, and biofuels. In the United States, more than 12% of the country’s electricity generation comes from biomass energy

The first three phases are focused on value identification and are frequently referred to collectively as “Front End Loading” (FEL).

Phase 1 (FEL1) – Feasibility: The feasibility phase should answer very basic questions such as: a) is the project feasible?, b) what are the key elements that drive value in the project?, c) what are the givens and boundary conditions for the project?, d) which are the key stakeholders for the project?, and e) what are the full-life cycle risk factors? During this phase, the project team and management also should determine if the project is aligned with the Country’s strategic vision and policy for the energy sector.
Phase 2 (FEL2) – Selection: The goal of the Selection Phase or Phase 2 is to select the best development plan out of a wide range of development and commercialization concepts. The determination of “best” requires the evaluation and trade-off of multiple value drivers based on technical, economic, commercial and policy factors. This phase requires a balanced mixture of creativity and discipline that allows the project team to identify and evaluate alternatives that will lead to the maximum creation of value to the country. At the end of this phase, a preferred development plan is identified that will be the basis of the next phase activities.
Phase 3 (FEL3) – Definition: During Phase 3 or Definition Phase, the selected development alternative is further studied and defined in sufficient detail to support a Final Investment Decision (FID). Typically, this requires a Front-End Engineering Design package to be developed, based on the work completed during the earlier phases.

The critical importance of appropriate decision making during the Front-End Loading phases, especially the Feasibility and Selection Phases, is shown below. This diagram schematically portrays the value creation journey of a typical project. Most of a project’s value is created during the first two phases, through a disciplined and creative definition of the project and the assessment of project alternatives. The difference in value from the two curves shown below (splitting at the end of the Feasibility Phase) corresponds to the value creation generated through appropriate alternative selection versus the destruction of value seen in the selection of an incorrect or inefficient project plan. Once a development option is selected and defined during Phases 2 and 3, the incremental value created (or destroyed) through execution and operation (the two sub-branches during Phases 4 and 5) is relatively small.

Project Framing

The use of a Stage-Gate PMP begins with Project Framing which involves establishing the scope for the opportunity assessment. Project framing is the front-end of a robust decision-making process. It is the most critical step to ensuring quality and clarity of decisions. Sometimes a project team drives for results so quickly that they miss developing the clarity of purpose, alignment of the project team/stakeholders, the identification of value enhancers and the early identification of critical issues.

The appropriate framing of a project or opportunity is very important. A frame that is too broad could easily result in a project team being overwhelmed and paralyzed with no effective decisions being generated. If the frame is too narrow, a project team could miss important aspects or risks of a project, due to these not being considered and evaluated.

By developing a correct frame, the project team and stakeholders build alignment on the principal goals and drivers of the project. First you have to define the project’s current state (where are you now?), then define the desired state (where do you want to be?), and finally

prepare a plan to reach the desired state (how do you get there?)
(see Figure 3 below).

The development of a project frame should include the following steps:

• Develop an Opportunity Statement
• Define the Boundary Conditions
• Identify the Stakeholders
• Generate a Definition of Success
• Develop a Project Roadmap

Opportunity Statement: The first step in developing an opportunity statement for a project is to assess the project’s alignment with the vision and strategic goals of the Company.
Boundary Conditions: The next step in developing a project frame is to define boundary conditions for the project. Boundary conditions apply to the current phase of the project and should be revisited at the beginning of each subsequent phase. Boundary conditions limit or define the scope of the work the project team will do during this particular development phase.

• In the Frame: These are the “givens” and items which are within the project’s scope
• On the Frame: These are items which may need further clarification in a later phase
• Off the Frame: These are items which are currently excluded from the project’s scope

Identify Stakeholders: One of the most important steps in the successful development of a project is to identify the stakeholders and their role/impact in project decisions.
Generate a Definition of Success: The next ingredient to a successful project framing exercise is to generate a definition of success. The definition of success should include a vision of what success should look like, including success factors and metrics to help identify when success is achieved. This simple exercise brings alignment between the project team and stakeholders and assists the project team to focus only on the work which contributes to the agreed-upon definition of success.
Develop a Project Roadmap: The previous steps in project framing described above are prerequisites to the development of a project roadmap. A project roadmap provides a guide for the management and project team to navigate through all of the details and priorities of a very complex project.

A project roadmap should include the following sections:

• Questions to Answer: These are key questions that need to be answered during each development phase of a project.
• Key Deliverables: These are the significant activities and deliverables needed to be completed during each phase in order to answer the key questions outlined above. The key deliverables are collected into a comprehensive Decision Support Package (“DSP”) at the end of each phase.
• Costs: What are the estimated costs for completing the work items identified in the Key Deliverables section for each phase?
• Schedule: What is the estimated time required to complete the work items for each phase?
• Resources Required: This section identifies the core project team and third party resources required for carrying out the work items identified above.
• Actions: This identifies the key decisions that are needed from the Decision Review Board at the end of each phase.

A benefit of developing a project roadmap is the ability to communicate more effectively with decision makers. The decision makers can see where the project team is taking the project, what their interactions will be and when they will need to make decisions. The roadmap provides an opportunity for those involved to see the entire plan from start to finish and resolve questions in a timely and effective manner.

One solution is to introduce torrefied black pellets (also known as ‘bio-coal’) into the fuel-mix in these plants. Torrefaction, a mild form of pyrolysis, converts woody biomass into a carbon-neutral form of energy that can be economically produced, transported and combusted in various energy-intensive industries, including power generation.

Torrefied black pellets have many of the same physical characteristics as coal: energy density, grindability, hydrophobicity and flame qualities.  These characteristics set it apart from the typical ‘white wood pellets’ currently used in many bio-power plants.  Torrefied black pellets can be run up to 100% in coal-fired boilers without requiring additional capital expenditures for upgrading storage, feeding, grinding or burner systems in the power plant.

A successful test run of up to 100% of torrefied black pellets at PGE’s Boardman coal-fired plant in Oregon during  2017 demonstrated the potential for use in a coal-fired plant without expensive modifications required Successful Torrefied Biomass Test Burn at a Coal Power Plant (powermag.com)

An example of a successful torrefaction technology is the Dutch company, Yilkins (www.Yilkins.com). A video of their torrefaction process can be seen at Yilkins Torrefaction Process.

Demand from the developing world

According to the International Energy Agency, demand for natural gas is expected to grow by more than 50% by 2030. Much of this demand will come from the developing world, where populations are growing and incomes are rising. This will create a huge market for LNG, which can be transported by ship and used to generate electricity. The global market for LNG will increase substantially in the coming years, with an estimated 170 new projects under development at present. The most notable LNG export project under construction is Cove Point in Maryland, USA.

A new plant there could produce up to 1 billion cubic feet per day (cfd) of liquefied natural gas when completed in 2016. But current levels of U.S. imports will require LNG Project Management expertise, as exports cannot reach that level until 2020 at the earliest.

The Middle East, Russia and China

The world’s three largest energy consumers – the United States, China and India – are all turning to liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet their growing energy needs. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to -260°F, making it a liquid. This process makes it easier and cheaper to transport natural gas over long distances by ship.

U.S. shale gas production is on the rise

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, production of shale gas in the United States has increased rapidly over the past decade, from 2.7 trillion cubic feet in 2010 to 10.3 trillion cubic feet in 2018. This increase is largely due to the development of new hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies that have made it possible to extract gas from shale formations that were previously uneconomical to develop.

Supply in North America

The North American shale gas boom has led to a surge in LNG exports in recent years, with the United States becoming a net exporter of LNG in 2017. This is expected to continue in the coming years as more
export terminals come online. The increased supply of LNG is already having an impact on global energy markets, with prices falling and demand rising.

It’s an exciting time for global energy markets

Thanks to the shale revolution, the United States is now the world’s largest producer of natural gas. And as demand for natural gas continues to grow around the world, so too does the need for liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to the International Energy Agency, LNG will account for a quarter of global energy needs by 2040. A big reason why: LNG has a far smaller carbon footprint than other fossil fuels, and its use in power generation reduces emissions by up to 80%. In fact, just last year—thanks largely to an increased focus on environmental protection—the U.S.

What Is LNG?

Liquefied natural gas, or LNG, is a super-cooled form of natural gas that can be transported over long distances without needing to be stored in high-pressure pipelines. LNG is created by cooling natural gas to -260°F, at which point it becomes a liquid. This process shrinks the volume of the gas by more than 600 times, making it much easier and cheaper to transport.

How Does It Compare to Other Fuels?

Liquefied natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. It emits less carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants than coal and oil. When burned in a power plant, liquefied natural gas produces about half as much carbon dioxide as coal. It also has none of the sulfur oxides or nitrogen oxides found in coal. In addition, when combusted it produces only water vapor and small amounts of nitrous oxide. However, it still emits higher levels of particulate matter than renewables such as wind or solar power.

Why Are Consumers Flocking to LNG Cars?
Consumers are flocking to LNG cars for a variety of reasons. First, LNG is a much cleaner burning fuel than gasoline or diesel, so it produces far fewer emissions. Second, LNG is significantly cheaper than gasoline or diesel, so it saves consumers money at the pump. Third, LNG cars tend to have better mileage than gasoline or diesel cars, so they save even more money on fuel costs over time.
Is There a Threat from Other Alternative Fuels?
While natural gas is not a renewable resource, it is much cleaner than other fossil fuels currently in use. Additionally, there is a large supply of natural gas that can be used to generate electricity, heat homes, and power vehicles. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a form of natural gas that has been cooled to -260°F, making it a liquid. LNG takes up 1/600th the volume of natural gas in its gaseous state, making it easier and cheaper to transport.
Where Will LNG Be Used Outside Transportation?

In addition to being used as a transportation fuel, liquefied natural gas (LNG) can be used in a number of other ways. For example, LNG can be used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power industrial facilities. One potential use for LNG that has been receiving a lot of attention lately is powering aircraft engines. However, it will take time before planes are able to use this type of fuel because it takes time for the technology needed to convert jets from using kerosene or jet-fuel to LNG to become available on the market. It will also take more time for airport infrastructure modifications so that these types of aircraft can refuel at airports around the world.

How Much Infrastructure Is Needed?

A big part of the reason that LNG hasn’t been adopted more widely yet is because the infrastructure required to support it is expensive and complex. But as demand for LNG grows, so will the infrastructure. There are already a number of companies investing in LNG terminals and pipelines, and we can expect to see more in the future. One example is Enterprise Products Partners LP which recently announced plans to build an export terminal at Corpus Christi, Texas for $1 billion. Other investment opportunities include:

LNG project management; regulatory compliance consultation; new LNG technology development; and liquefaction plant construction.
What Risks Are Associated with LNG Technologies?

The risks associated with LNG technologies are largely related to the potential for leaks and spills. LNG is stored at extremely cold temperatures, which can make it difficult to contain in the event of a leak. In addition, LNG plants are typically located in remote areas, making it difficult to respond to a spill quickly. There have been a few high-profile accidents involving LNG, but fortunately no one has been seriously injured or killed as a result. These incidents do highlight the need for heightened attention to safety standards and LNG Project Management best practices, which is why it is so important to hire a company like Megginson and Associates.

How Can We Mitigate Those Risks?

The world is shifting to cleaner forms of energy, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is leading the charge. LNG emits up to 60% less carbon dioxide than coal when burned, making it a cleaner burning fuel. Additionally, LNG is abundant and relatively inexpensive, making it a viable option for countries looking to switch to cleaner forms of energy.

Which Industries Are the Most Likely to Benefit from an Increase in Adoption of LNG Technologies?

The benefits of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are vast, making it a key player in the future of energy. LNG is a clean-burning, efficient fuel that can be used in a variety of industries, from transportation to power

generation. Here are a few industries that are most likely to benefit from an increase in adoption of LNG technologies
1.Trucking and logistics – While other fuels like diesel have been traditionally popular for trucking, LNG is gaining traction due to its lower emissions levels and greater efficiency over time.
2. Power Generation – As coal plants close due to environmental regulations and low cost renewables such as wind and solar become more common, LNG may play a key role in providing reliable baseload power when needed during periods of high demand or when renewable sources produce less electricity than expected.
3. Shipbuilding – Since ships consume massive amounts of fuel, many countries have invested heavily in LNG-powered vessels. However, there are limits on how much of the ship can use this type of fuel so some use both liquid and gaseous fuels.
4. Chemical production – If a company manufactures products that require raw materials with hydrogen (such as ammonia), they will need to invest in either a new plant or convert their current plant to handle LNG instead of natural gas.