The environmental impacts of renewable energy Prof. Luigi Toro Sapienza University of Rome Dept. Of Chemistry

Zero–impact illusion  Every type of energy utilization for electricity generation has environmental consequences, including renewable energies  manufacture processes  aesthetic impact  use of large areas of land  impact on the eco-system

Issues to be addressed in the EU-MENA energy project  Manufacture processes - 1  Due to the large size of the systems involved, manufacture, installation, maintenance and ultimately disposition of all the system components are to be optimised and subjected to an LCA analysis.  Each of these processes require some energy input, which might significantly reduce the overall energy balance.  ACTIONS REQUIRED:  a) Development of rigorous process and activities  integration  b) Rigorous and quantitative LCA analysis

 Manufacture processes - 2 Should photovoltaic cells be considered, the hazardous materials contained in them (arsenic and cadmium) can pose a serious problem in areas subject to dust abrasion, such as deserts. Even silicon dust might pose a health problem.  ACTIONS REQUIRED:  a) Study of the rates of removal of hazardous materials from atmospheric agents  b) Development of reliable regional models for the atmospheric dispersion and dry and wet settling of particulates generated from solar modules Issues to be addressed in the EU-MENA energy project

 Aesthetic impact - 1  The construction of wind turbines towers may reduce property values and natural amenities, damaging or preventing the development of tourist resort in both South European and North African coastlines  The construction of wind turbines towers may reduce property values and natural amenities, damaging or preventing the development of tourist resort in both South European and North African coastlines.  ACTION REQUIRED:  a) Contingent analysis to identify the locations suitable for the construction of wind turbine towers  Issues to be addressed in the EU-MENA energy project

 Aesthetic impact - 2  The construction of overhead transmission lines and other facilities of a HVDC grid (pylons and transmission towers) in scenic areas (i.e. across the Alps) can run into the strong opposition of local communities.  This may require the underground siting of additional energy infrastructure elements. (This is already part of the plan for the upgrading of the electricity grid in Piedmont)  ACTIONS REQUIRED:  a) Consider tunneling and micro tunneling, using the technology borrowed from oil field exploration  b) Consider the simultaneous underground of additional facilities (pipelines, captured CO2 ducts, etc.) to reduce costs. Issues to be addressed in the EU-MENA energy project

 Use of land  While wind power does not pose any significant problem, solar energy does, unless on worthless soil (deserts).  The use of energy crops sent prices soaring and created the 3F-conflict (Food - Feed - Fuel).  ACTIONS REQUIRED:  a) Use wastes, refuses and lignocellulosic products or energy crops harvested in off-years  b) Optimise the production of electricity, fuels and chemicals in integrated biorefineries Issues to be addressed in the EU-MENA energy project

 Impact on ecosystems  The major impact reported for wind towers is bird deaths from electrocution or collisions with spinning rotors.  Large extensions of concentrating solar systems might disturb migratory birds.  ACTION REQUIRED:  a) Identify areas which are not included in migratory paths Issues to be addressed in the EU-MENA energy project

Conclusions  A quantitative analysis of the overall environmental impact of the EU-MENA energy project has not been carried out in detail yet.  A number of actions have been identified for inclusion in a comprehensive environmental feasibility study