Circularity Business Models in Energy Access: Focus on reverse logistics of Li-ion batteries using ReSOLVE model

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The global demand for batteries is increasing rapidly and more than 80% of rechargeable batteries are used in electric mobility. This growing demand for lithium-ion batteries requires increased extraction of raw materials such as cobalt, graphite, lithium and nickel. In order to counter the rising demand for batteries, the need arises to shift the current linear model (take-make-use-waste). The circular battery value chain contributes to the achievement of the Paris Agreement and unlocking it would represent a 30% carbon reduction in the transport and energy sector. As part of the research, several case studies (business models) are analyzed using the ReSOLVE methodology. The profitability of the companies and the existing barriers to implement circularity are also assessed. The second-use/recycling market of EV batteries is studied and analysis is made on whether battery recycling can keep up with the growing demand for batteries.

Mohanraj Ramadoss

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Investigating the Use of a Multi-Tier Framework Approach for Measuring Access to Water: A Case Study of the Productive Use of Water in Agriculture

Energy transformation towards sustainable options is at focus to promote climate change mitigation and it is pursued as one of the pathways to development. At the same time, climate change is a phenomenon fuelled by an unbalanced cycle, moved by the combination of inefficient processes in sourcing and consumption, not only in energy but also in water and land. The proposed case study will explore the productive use of water in agriculture, which is a graspable example of the land-water-energy use nexus, supporting the study analysis with an applicable situation for the framework and the possible benefits that such tool can promote, also respond to the predefined research questions: Is it possible to develop a framework to measure water access?;

what attributes could be used?; can it be helpful to measure the productive use of water in agriculture?; and can it facilitate the achievement of SDGs 2, 6 and 12?

Victor Silva dos Santos

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Benchmarking Framework for addressing Energy-Water-Nexus based Approaches for Integrated Policy Interventions

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The fast economic growth along with rapid population explosion and climate change induced ecological changes presents a complex challenge in terms of policy making and planning, especially in the African continent. Energy access related development and water resources changes need to be closely monitored and integrated into a Nexus framework to align the progress with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). A non-integrated policy making approach, along with independent planning has been observed to result in competition for use between energy and water resources. Hence there is a need to investigate and understand the current Energy -Water Nexus situation of the geographical location. A monitoring Framework was developed to explore this approach and tested using a case study focused on Nigeria. The energy use patterns were compared to water use patterns using historical data, as well as regional and global peer country comparisons. The recommendations presented are developed for policy makers focused on the clean cooking, hydropower and other renewable energy sectors for this study. The study offers a fundamental method for demonstrating how the case study country is performing in terms of selected indicators in countries with comparable performance and adoptable best practices.

Vipin Devaraj

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An optimal charging strategy for PV-based Battery Swapping Stations

Photovoltaic-based battery swapping stations (BSSs) utilize a typical integration of renewable resources to power electric vehicles (EVs). Considering the changing power from solar photovoltaics (PV), the charging strategy of such systems directly influences the availability of the swapping service. This research proposes an optimal charging strategy to improve service availability while considering the forecast uncertainties. First, we would introduce the typical design and operation model of PV-based BSSs. Second, an algorithm would be developed to prioritize the allocation of chaotic power from the PV system to a set of batteries in the swapping station. Then, several cases would be formulated that would differ in the amount of power allocated to each battery based on their state-of-charge (SOC).

Nikhil Arora

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Sustainability in Development Cooperation: Assessment of EcoMicro – GDB and SoLAT Afghanistan using the Capacity WORKS Model

This master thesis studied how management of international development cooperation projects promoting renewable energy (RE) and climate change mitigation and adaptation (CCMA) solutions could lead to a long-lasting sustainable development within the local context of the regions where they are implemented. This was achieved through a case study analysis by implementing the Capacity WORKS project management model for sustainable development, developed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Selected tools of this model were used to analyse and evaluate the outcomes of two different projects: a pilot project for the promotion of solar loans and a project that aims to build climate resilience in a small island developing state.

 

Diego García