Sustainability of small-scale renewable energy solutions in northern rural communities

• Main Author: Niemelä, A. (Antton)
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Oulu 2016
• Subjects: Ympäristötekniikan koulutusohjelma; Arctic
• Online Access: http://jultika.oulu.fi/Record/nbnfioulu-201701121048

Abstract. This thesis aims to make a proposal for an economically and socially justified and environmentally sustainable of a small-scale hybrid energy generation system for a community of ten houses. The work was performed in frames of the Renewable Community Empowerment in Northern Territories (RECENT) project, financed by the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme. The aim of the project was to improve the energy efficiency and self-sufficiency of northern communities by utilizing local energy sources. The chosen pilot site of this work was the conceptual eco-district of Päivänpaisteenmaa, to be built in Muhos. In the theoretical part of this thesis, the concept of sustainability is explored as a goal set for human systems from global to local levels. Constituents of human well-being and intergenerational equity are also explored. Importance of ecosystem services is explained as the fundamental condition to continue supporting life on Earth. Further, the modern energy situation is discussed as an anthropogenic activity in urgent need for change, due to the limited nature of fossil fuel resources and the consequences of CO₂ emissions on our climate. The role of distributed energy generation for sustainability and energy security is explained. Additionally, policy and actions made on different levels to build capacity for sustainable development are reviewed. As part of the RECENT project, guidelines and templates on assessing the sustainability of community renewable energy projects have been made. For this, nine indicators were selected, an evaluation scale suggested, and the use of templates was tested for the concept plan of Päivänpaisteenmaa eco-district. The practical part of the work explores the feasibility of energy generation and efficient technologies in the pilot site. Comparison of different options was done, their shortcomings and possible synergy advantages, as well as environmental, economic and social impacts were also assessed. The system was sized in order to meet peak energy needs and ...