Sustainable Energy
Research Group
Energy Systems Analysis is a much used term that has a wide variety of meanings. This can cover for example
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tracking the fate of resources as they are processed through the energy economy;
determining the economic feasibility of various energy use scenarios;
determining the environmental impact of various energy supply options;
predicting the economic outcomes of energy policies;
Studies so far carried out within SERG have been focused on the first two goals. That is, they have looked at the impact of technologies from an energy and materials standpoint, assessing losses as one form of energy is converted into another, and the impact that such conversion has on the environment.
Energy Systems Analysis goes hand-in-hand with the development of technologies. Energy technology development programs are costly and the justification for funding has to be based not only on good engineering practice but also robust analysis of energy options. This is is why studies such as fuel-cycle, life-cycle assessment and environmental impact assessment are vital. SERG has developed models for such analyses, building on the work of Andrew Simpson (fuel-cycle assessment) and Ben McLellan (Location-Specific Sustainability Metrics for Hydrogen Energy Systems).