Energy Policy and Regulation
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Energy Planning and Policy course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Agricultural Biomass refers to organic materials produced from agricultural acti… #
Related terms include biomass energy and renewable energy. Agricultural biomass can be converted into various forms of energy, including heat, electricity, and biofuels, through processes such as combustion, anaerobic digestion, and gasification. For example, corn stover can be collected and burned to produce electricity, while manure can be used to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion.
Air Quality Standards are regulations that set limits on the amount of pollutant… #
Related terms include air pollution and emission standards. Air quality standards are established to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of air pollution. For example, the Clean Air Act sets standards for pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. Energy policymakers must consider air quality standards when developing energy policies, as certain energy sources, such as fossil fuels, can emit pollutants that contribute to air pollution.
Baseload Capacity refers to the minimum amount of electricity that is required t… #
Related terms include peak demand and load management. Baseload capacity is typically met by power plants that can operate continuously, such as nuclear and coal-fired plants. For example, a utility company may use a nuclear power plant to meet baseload demand, while using natural gas-fired plants to meet peak demand.
Bioenergy refers to energy that is derived from organic matter, such as plants a… #
Bioenergy can be produced through various methods, including combustion, anaerobic digestion, and gasification. For example, biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel can be produced from biomass sources such as corn and soybeans.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide em… #
Related terms include carbon sequestration and emission reduction. CCS is considered a crucial technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based power plants. For example, a coal-fired power plant can be equipped with CCS technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions, which are then stored in a geological formation.
Climate Change refers to the long #
term warming of the planet due to an increase in average global temperatures. Related terms include global warming and greenhouse effect. Climate change is primarily caused by the increasing levels of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere. Energy policymakers must consider climate change when developing energy policies, as certain energy sources, such as fossil fuels, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Demand Response refers to the ability of energy consumers to adjust their energy… #
Related terms include load management and energy efficiency. Demand response can be achieved through various means, such as price signals, smart grids, and energy storage. For example, a utility company may offer time-of-use pricing to encourage consumers to shift their energy usage to off-peak hours.
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) refer to small #
scale energy generation and storage systems that are located near the point of energy consumption. Related terms include renewable energy and energy efficiency. DERs can include solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, and can provide several benefits, including improved energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. For example, a homeowner may install solar panels on their roof to generate electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid.
Emission Standards are regulations that set limits on the amount of pollutants t… #
Related terms include air quality standards and water quality standards. Emission standards are established to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of pollution.
Energy Access refers to the ability of individuals and communities to access rel… #
Related terms include energy poverty and energy equity. Energy access is a critical component of economic development, as it enables individuals and communities to power their homes, businesses, and industries. For example, a rural community may lack access to electricity, making it difficult for residents to power their homes and businesses.
Energy Efficiency refers to the use of technology and practices that reduce the… #
Related terms include energy conservation and sustainable energy. Energy efficiency can be achieved through various means, such as improving building insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and optimizing industrial processes. For example, a building owner may install LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.
Energy Policy refers to the set of laws, regulations, and incentives that govern… #
Related terms include energy regulation and energy governance. Energy policy is critical for ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply, as it influences the types of energy sources that are used, the efficiency of energy use, and the environmental impacts of energy production and consumption. For example, a government may establish a renewable portfolio standard to promote the use of renewable energy sources.
Energy Poverty refers to the lack of access to reliable and affordable energy se… #
Related terms include energy access and energy equity. Energy poverty can have significant impacts on economic development, health, and well-being, as it limits the ability of individuals and communities to power their homes, businesses, and industries. For example, a low-income household may struggle to pay their energy bills, making it difficult for them to afford other essential needs.
Energy Regulation refers to the set of laws, regulations, and incentives that go… #
Related terms include energy policy and energy governance. Energy regulation is critical for ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply, as it influences the types of energy sources that are used, the efficiency of energy use, and the environmental impacts of energy production and consumption. For example, a government may establish a price ceiling to protect consumers from high energy prices.
Energy Security refers to the ability of a country or region to maintain a relia… #
Related terms include energy independence and energy self-sufficiency. Energy security is critical for economic development, as it enables countries and regions to power their industries, transportation systems, and homes. For example, a country may diversify its energy mix to reduce its reliance on imported fuels and improve its energy security.
Energy Storage refers to the ability to store energy for later use #
Related terms include battery storage and pumped hydro storage. Energy storage is critical for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the energy grid. For example, a utility company may use battery storage to store excess energy generated by solar panels during the day for use during the evening peak hours.
Feed #
in Tariffs (FITs) are a policy mechanism that allows renewable energy generators to sell their electricity to the grid at a fixed price. Related terms include renewable energy certificates and tax incentives. FITs are designed to promote the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, by providing a stable and predictable revenue stream for generators. For example, a government may establish a FIT program to encourage the development of solar energy projects.
Fossil Fuels refer to energy sources that are derived from ancient plants and an… #
Related terms include non-renewable energy and carbon-based energy. Fossil fuels are a major source of energy worldwide, but their use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. For example, a power plant may burn coal to generate electricity, releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Geothermal Energy refers to energy that is derived from the heat of the Earth #
Related terms include renewable energy and sustainable energy. Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity, provide heating and cooling, and produce industrial process heat. For example, a geothermal power plant may use hot water from underground reservoirs to generate electricity.
Grid Modernization refers to the process of upgrading and modernizing the energy… #
Related terms include smart grid and energy infrastructure. Grid modernization is critical for ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply, as it enables the efficient and effective management of energy distribution and consumption. For example, a utility company may invest in smart grid technologies, such as advanced metering infrastructure and grid management systems, to improve the efficiency and reliability of the grid.
Hydropower refers to energy that is derived from the movement of water, such as… #
Hydropower can be used to generate electricity, provide irrigation, and support industrial processes. For example, a hydroelectric dam may use water from a river to generate electricity.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) refer to the use of advanced technologi… #
Related terms include smart transportation and energy-efficient transportation. ITS can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, while also improving traffic flow and safety. For example, a city may use real-time traffic data to optimize traffic signal timing and reduce congestion.
Load Management refers to the process of managing energy demand to match availab… #
Related terms include demand response and energy efficiency. Load management can be achieved through various means, such as price signals, smart grids, and energy storage. For example, a utility company may use time-of-use pricing to encourage consumers to shift their energy usage to off-peak hours.
Microgrids refer to small #
scale energy systems that can operate independently of the main grid. Related terms include distributed energy resources and energy resilience. Microgrids can provide several benefits, including improved energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced energy security. For example, a community may develop a microgrid that combines solar power, energy storage, and energy efficiency measures to provide reliable and sustainable energy services.
Net Metering refers to the practice of allowing energy consumers to generate the… #
Related terms include renewable energy and energy self-sufficiency. Net metering can promote the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, by providing a stable and predictable revenue stream for generators. For example, a homeowner may install solar panels and use net metering to sell excess energy back to the grid.
Nuclear Energy refers to energy that is derived from the splitting of atomic nuc… #
Related terms include non-renewable energy and baseload power. Nuclear energy can be used to generate electricity, provide industrial process heat, and support medical and scientific applications. For example, a nuclear power plant may use uranium fuel to generate electricity.
Peak Demand refers to the maximum amount of energy that is required to meet the… #
Related terms include baseload capacity and load management. Peak demand is typically met by power plants that can operate at high capacities, such as natural gas-fired plants and hydroelectric dams. For example, a utility company may use peaking power plants to meet peak demand during hot summer afternoons.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are a policy mechanism that allows renewabl… #
Related terms include renewable energy and carbon credits. RECs are designed to promote the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, by providing a stable and predictable revenue stream for generators. For example, a government may establish a REC program to encourage the development of wind energy projects.
Renewable Energy refers to energy that is derived from natural resources that ca… #
Related terms include sustainable energy and clean energy. Renewable energy can be used to generate electricity, provide heating and cooling, and support industrial processes. For example, a solar panel may use sunlight to generate electricity.
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are a policy mechanism that requires utiliti… #
RPS are designed to promote the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, by providing a stable and predictable revenue stream for generators. For example, a government may establish an RPS program to encourage the development of renewable energy projects.
Smart Grid refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as sensors and data… #
Related terms include grid modernization and energy infrastructure. Smart grid can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also improving the efficiency and reliability of the energy grid. For example, a utility company may use smart grid technologies, such as advanced metering infrastructure and grid management systems, to optimize energy distribution and consumption.
Solar Energy refers to energy that is derived from the sun's rays #
Solar energy can be used to generate electricity, provide heating and cooling, and support industrial processes.
Sustainable Energy refers to energy that is derived from natural resources that… #
Related terms include renewable energy and clean energy. Sustainable energy can be used to generate electricity, provide heating and cooling, and support industrial processes. For example, a wind turbine may use wind energy to generate electricity.
Tax Incentives refer to financial incentives, such as tax credits and deductions… #
Tax incentives can help reduce the cost of renewable energy technologies, making them more competitive with fossil fuels. For example, a government may offer a tax credit to encourage the development of solar energy projects.
Transmission and Distribution (T&D) refers to the infrastructure that is used to… #
Related terms include energy infrastructure and grid management. T&D is critical for ensuring a reliable and efficient energy supply, as it enables the transportation of energy over long distances and the delivery of energy to consumers. For example, a utility company may invest in transmission lines to transport energy from a power plant to a distant load center.
Urban Planning refers to the process of designing and managing urban environment… #
Related terms include smart cities and energy-efficient cities. Urban planning can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also improving the quality of life for urban residents. For example, a city may use urban planning to design energy-efficient buildings and transportation systems.
Vehicle #
to-Grid (V2G) refers to the use of electric vehicles as a source of energy storage and generation. Related terms include electric vehicles and energy storage. V2G can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing a new source of revenue for vehicle owners. For example, an electric vehicle owner may use their vehicle to store energy during off-peak hours and sell it back to the grid during peak hours.
Water Energy refers to energy that is derived from the movement of water, such a… #
Water energy can be used to generate electricity, provide heating and cooling, and support industrial processes.
Wind Energy refers to energy that is derived from the wind #
Wind energy can be used to generate electricity, provide heating and cooling, and support industrial processes.
Zero Net Energy (ZNE) refers to a building or community that produces as much en… #
Related terms include energy efficiency and renewable energy. ZNE can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing a new source of revenue for building owners. For example, a building owner may use solar panels and energy-efficient design to achieve zero net energy status.