LV EN RU DE FR

Economy of Renewable Energy

Course developers

Prior knowledge

Ekon2100, Bioeconomics I

Course abstract

The course aims to include the review and analysis of production and utilisation possibilities and resources of renewable energy. It focuses on the global, European and Latvian production trends of renewable energy, technologies and solutions for complete and effective use of produced energy. During the course, students learn about the sense, conditions and economic basis of using renewable energy.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge
Students will be able to:
demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the role and classification of and usage conditions for renewable energy (Test, practical assignments, discussions). Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of technical and social preconditions for the use of various kinds of renewable energy (Test, practical assignments, independent work). Demonstrate the knowledge of the demand for energy and how to calculate energy production (Practical assignments, independent work)
Skills
Analytically describe usage conditions for renewable energy, Work in a team and take initiative (Practical assignments, discussions). Develop proposals for the use of renewable energy on farms, Independently structure their own learning (Independent work (case study)).
Competence

Independently find information and apply it for an analysis of renewable energy use on a farm (Independent work (case study)). Assess the effects of renewable energy on sustainability dimensions (Practical assignments).

Course Content(Calendar)

Lectures (16 hours)
1. Types of energy, energy resources (1 hour).
2. Energy market, world, EU and Latvian energy sources demand and supply (2 hours).
3. Renewable energy sources and uses, energy consumption energy efficiency structure (1 hour).
4. Solar energy, energy production, technologies, usage statistics and economic efficiency conditions for its use (1 hour).
5. Wind energy, energy production, technologies, usage statistics and economic efficiency conditions for its use (1 hour).
6. Hydropower, energy production, technologies, usage statistics and economic efficiency conditions for its use (1 hour).
7. Biogas energy, energy production, technologies, usage statistics and economic efficiency conditions for its use (1 hour).
8. Biomass energy, energy production, technologies, use statistics and economic efficiency conditions for its use (2 hours).
9. Eco efficiency and innovative technologies in renewable energy production (1 hour).
10. Global and EU renewable energy production activities (2 hours).
11. Renewable energy support instruments in Latvia to influence energy production (2 hours).
12. Ecovillages, integrated use of renewable energy and energy efficiency (1 hour).

Practical work (16 hours)
1. Analysis of global and EU energy markets. (2 hours)
2. Analysis of Latvian energy markets. (1 hour)
3. Analysis of solar energy production technologies and economic efficiency. (1 hour)
4. Analysis of wind energy production technologies and economic efficiency. (1 hour)
5. Analysis of hydropower production technologies and economic efficiency. (1 hour)
6. Test 1. (1 hour)
7. Analysis of biomass energy production technologies and economic efficiency. (1 hour)
8. Analysis of biogas energy production technologies and economic efficiency. (1 hour)
9. Innovative renewable energy production technologies. (2 hours)
10. Analysis of the aid renewable energy policy support measures. (1 hour)
11. Test 2. (1 hour)
12. Ecovillages and sustainable use of renewable energy, analysis of integrated energy use systems and use planning. (1 hour)

13. Defense of permanent work. (2 hours)

Requirements for awarding credit points

It is necessary to successfully write two tests on the topics acquired in the study course. Independent work must be developed and presented. The student must prepare and actively participate in seminar classes.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Possibilities of using renewable energy on the farm. Independently, according to the given methodology, the need for household energy should be studied and proposals for its provision using renewable energy resources should be prepared, presented to other course students, as well as the results should be commented on and justified.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Formal test with a mark - accumulative assessment of study results (100%), it consists of:
Test 1 (Classification of renewable energy, conditions of use, market development. Use of solar, wind and hydro energy) - 30%,
Test 2 (Support instruments for the development of the renewable energy market. Conditions and possibilities for the use of biomass and biogas) - 30%,
Independent work (Possibilities of using renewable energy on the farm) - 30%,
Preparation and activity in seminar classes (Analysis of regularities of renewable energy types, market analysis, calculation of energy potential, calculation of energy demand) - 10%.

100% corresponds to a 10-point assessment scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Kaltschmitt M., Streicher W., Wiese A. Renewable Energy: Technology, Economics, and Environment. Berlin: Springer. 2007, 564 p.
2. Pelše, M., Naglis-Liepa, K., Strīķis, V., Leikučš, J. Atjaunojamās enerģijas izmantošanas ekonomiskais izvērtējums ilgtspējīgas attīstības kontekstā. Jelgava: LLU. 2012, 85 lpp.
3. Blumberga, D., Veidenbergs, I. Kliedētas energosistēmas. Mazās koģenerācijas stacijas. Rīga. RTU. 2008,
4. Blumberga D., Dzene I., Al Sedi T., Rucs D., Prasls H., Ketners M., Finstervalders T., Folka S., Jansens R. Biogāze: Rokasgrāmata. 2009, [tiešsaiste] Pieejams: http://www.big-east.eu/downloads/IR-reports/ANNEX%202-42_WP4_D4.2_Handbook-Latvia.pdf
5. Atstāja, Dz., Dimante, Dž., u.c. Vide un ekonomika. Monogrāfija. Rīga: LU akadēmiskais apgāds. 2011, 256 lpp.
6. Adamovičš, A., Ancāns, D. u.c. Atjaunojamā enerģija un tās efektīva izmantošana Latvijā. Monogrāfija. Jelgava: LLU. 2012, 391 lpp.

7. Tietenberg, T., Lewis, L. Environmental & Natural Resource Economics. Pearson. 2012, 666 lpp.

Further reading

1. Naglis-Liepa, K. Alternatīvās enerģijas (biogāzes) ražošanas iespējas Latvijā. disertācijas kopsavilkums. Jelgava: LLU. 2013, 108 lpp.

2. Zēverte-Rivža, S. Risku izvērtējums atjaunojamās enerģijas ražošanā lauku saimniecībās Latvijā. Disertācijas kopsavilkums. Jelgava: LLU. 2014, 114 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Latvijas politikas un normatīvie dokumenti par atjaunojamās enerģijas izmantošanu: https://www.em.gov.lv/lv/nozares_politika/atjaunojama_energija_un_kogeneracija/

2. Latvijas politikas un normatīvie dokumenti par atjaunojamās enerģijas izmantošanu: https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/renewable-energy

Notes

Restricted elective course for ESAF academic bachelor programme Economics specialization Agrar and Environmental Economy