A conceptual framework for energy technology sustainability assessment

Musango, Josephine Kaviti; Brent, Alan C.

doi:10.1016/j.esd.2010.10.005

Cited by 88 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…In order to be able to address this concern, this study suggests that most technology development practices be understood first of all as multi-aspect systems-involving different peoples, institutions, companies, and infrastructural entities (Barkane and Ginters 2011;Geels 2002Geels , 2004Geels , 2005aGeels and Kemp 2007;Musango and Brent 2011). Such typically 'socio-technical systems' have essential features, among which the following can be highlighted as relating to this research:…”

Section: Technology Development As a Systemic Multi-aspect Practicementioning

confidence: 98%

Technology Development as a Normative Practice: A Meaning-Based Approach to Learning About Values in Engineering—Damming as a Case Study

2017

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Engineering, as a complex and multidimensional practice of technology development, has long been a source of ethical concerns. These concerns have been approached from various perspectives. There are ongoing debates in the literature of the philosophy of engineering/technology about how to organize an optimized view of the values entailed in technology development processes. However, these debates deliver little in the way of a concrete rationale or framework that could comprehensively describe different types of engineering values and their multi-aspect interrelations in real engineering practices. Approaching engineering values from a meaning-based perspective, as in this paper, can be a reliable method of tackling such a controversial problem. This paper therefore proposes that technology development be considered a systemic normative practice and attempts to provide a comprehensive view of various built-in values, their different origins and features, and a way of prioritizing them in real engineering processes. Studying two cases of the Zayandeh Rood Dam and the Abbasi Dam will lead to practical insights into how to understand norms in technology development and incorporate them into engineering practice.

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Section: Technology Development As a Systemic Multi-aspect Practicementioning

confidence: 98%

Technology Development as a Normative Practice: A Meaning-Based Approach to Learning About Values in Engineering—Damming as a Case Study

2017

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“…In addition, the National Climate Change Response White Paper (NCCRP 2011) affirms that, as part of the Energy Efficiency and Energy Demand Management Flagship Programme, the DoE should continue to develop and facilitate an aggressive energy efficiency programme in industry (Musango & Brent 2011).…”

Section: Energy Efficiency Policies and The Legislative Framework In mentioning

confidence: 99%

Linking energy efficiency legislation and the agricultural sector in South Africa

Lekunze

2017

TDSA

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Energy drives agricultural activities. Apart from direct solar energy used by plants in photosynthesis, gasoline, diesel, electricity and biofuel are used to power equipment used in the processing of produce, storage and transportation of such produce to the market. Efficient use of energy is thus imperative for sustainable production. However, there is no universally accepted definition of energy efficiency. The term 'energy efficiency' generally entails doing more work with less energy while maintaining or increasing the ratio of energy output to energy input. The World Energy Council (2013) defined energy efficiency as a sustainable reduction in energy used for a given service or level of activity. The agriculture sector in South Africa comprises the following: crop and animal husbandry, fisheries and forestry. However, this sector consumes a lower amount of energy compared with the mining and manufacturing sectors. According to Winkler (2005), coal, electricity, liquid petroleum and natural gas are used for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes. Among these forms of energy, electricity is the most used. The manner in which energy resources are harnessed, generated and utilised by different users in the country raises a lot of concerns. The main challenge is that most sectors of the South African economy are inefficient in terms of using energy. This situation leads to increased global, regional and local environmental problems. The relationship between increasing energy demands and the diversification of energy sources in South Africa is a delicate one. If a balance is not reached, South Africa may experience energy insecurity. According to a report by the DoE (2012b), the bulk of energy generated is consumed by the following sectors: industrial and mining (~41%), transport (~27%), households (~20%), commerce (~8%) and agriculture (~3%). Research methodThis article is a review of literature on energy efficiency legislation in South Africa, commonly known as ISO 50001. An analysis of the extent to which legislation has brought about efficiency in the utilisation of energy in the agricultural sector is done in this study. Information was sourced There are different ways of measuring energy efficiency. Although there is no generally agreed definition of the concept, it should, however, always be approached according to particular circumstances and contexts. As such, technological, operational, performance and equipment efficiencies should be taken into consideration. Generally, energy utilisation in most sectors of the South African economy is inefficient. This requires more energy needs to be generated in order to cater for losses. An increase in generation causes environmental problems at global, regional and local levels. A review of literature on energy efficiency was undertaken and a gap identified between legislation and efficiency in the agricultural sector. This article seeks to suggest ways of implementing an energy legislation in this sector in South Africa. Such implementation will address con...

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“…With respect to renewable and clean energy technology development, some studies acknowledge the need to analyse the development as a complex system [8][9][10]. Thus, the approach to use in assessing the renewable and alternative energy technology development for sustainability will need to be in a position to account for the assumptions regarding sustainable development [4][5][6]. This includes the economic, social, environmental and other changes that might influence its development towards the desired sustainable path.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This includes the economic, social, environmental and other changes that might influence its development towards the desired sustainable path. The system dynamics approach provides the potential for such a technology sustainability assessment [5,9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Systems dynamics modelling to assess the sustainability of renewable energy technologies in developing countries

Brent¹,

Mokheseng²,

Amigun³

et al. 2011

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

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The 'water-energy nexus' is now receiving more attention as policy-and decision-makers grapple with measures to enable the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. South Africa, in particular, finds itself in a polycrisis in terms of dealing with economic development, to alleviate poverty, within water and energy constraints. In the Western Cape Province of the country, desalination is suggested as one solution to the water shortage crisis, but the critical issue is that of energy supply, and the related cost implications, for water supply; concentrated solar thermal technology options are currently considered. In this paper a systems dynamics approach is used to assess the sustainability of these types of renewable energy technologies. The objectives of the paper are thus twofold. Firstly, the paper demonstrates the potential suitability of system dynamics modelling to inform policy-and decision-making in the developing country context. Secondly, the paper highlights the sustainability issues that must be addressed appropriately if concentrated solar thermal, and other renewable energy systems, are to be used in developing countries at the scale of desalination. Recommendations are made accordingly to improve the analysis, and its usefulness, to utilise this technique effectively in the future.

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A conceptual framework for energy technology sustainability assessment

Cited by 88 publications

References 35 publications

Technology Development as a Normative Practice: A Meaning-Based Approach to Learning About Values in Engineering—Damming as a Case Study

Technology Development as a Normative Practice: A Meaning-Based Approach to Learning About Values in Engineering—Damming as a Case Study

Linking energy efficiency legislation and the agricultural sector in South Africa

Systems dynamics modelling to assess the sustainability of renewable energy technologies in developing countries

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