Renewable energy pathways for transportation in Iceland

• Main Author: Aðalsteinn Ólafsson 1970-
• Other Authors: Háskóli Íslands
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Umhverfis- og auðlindafræði; Samgöngur; Orkuskipti; Draga; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/34955

Use of renewable energy resources to replace fossil fuels, can reduce greenhouse gas emission from transportation. In this thesis the primary energy resources in Iceland are identified and evaluated and the technical feasibility of processes for transformation to energy carriers are compared. Cost estimates or environmental impacts are not a part of the study. A survey of the literature was used to select a range of technically feasible energy carriers, based on gravimetric energy density and vehicle compatibility. Data from the literature was used to evaluate feedstock requirements, conversion efficiency and technological maturity of the associated processes. The potential size of feedstocks was assessed using data from the literature and estimation of land areas. The combination of potential energy in feedstocks and the process efficiencies provided an estimate of the amount of energy in renewable energy carriers. Current fossil fuel consumption was used as a benchmark to evaluate the production capability. Electro-chemical batteries, hydrogen and range of renewable hydrocarbon fuels were found to be feasible energy carriers. Batteries and hydrogen provide high energy efficiency but require changes in vehicles and distribution. The hydrocarbon fuel pathways are better suited to current technology but have lower efficiency. A likely combination of resources and energy carriers was selected for an energy transition scenario. It was found that any of these pathways can meet current demand for energy in transportation in Iceland. Energy transition analysis indicates that 100% renewable energy in transport is possible in a period of 20 years. Draga má úr útblæstri gróðurhúsalofttegunda frá samgöngum með notkun endurnýjanlegra orkugjafa í stað jarðefnaeldsneytis. Í þessari ritgerð eru orkuauðlindir Íslands metnar og tæknilegir möguleikar þess að framleiða endurnýjanlega orkubera eru metnir og bornir saman. Kostnaðargreining og mat á umhverfisáhrifum eru ekki hluti af þessari greiningu. Útgefin gögn voru notuð til ...