Good Essay About Commercialization Of Sustainable Energy Technologies

Abstract

With the current high rate of globalization, leading to a need of more energy sources, it has been argued that the world has to move to more sustainable technologies for energy production. The concept of sustainable energy technologies is to ensure that available energy technologies are utilized in a manner that they also benefit future generation. Sustainable energy technologies that are currently majorly used include: Renewable energy sources i.e. solar, wind, hydro-electric power among others. This research will explore commercialization of sustainable energy technologies and steps involved in commercialization of energy sources by concerned stakeholders. It will also highlight and explicate the roles of different stakeholders in commercialization and provision of sustainable energy technologies.
Key words: Sustainable energy technologies, commercialization of sustainable energy sources and renewable energy sources

Introduction

Global population is increasingly becoming aware of the urgent need to provide solutions to the challenges associated with energy consumption and accessibility of energy resources as well as challenges of climate change (Reddy, 12). Limited availability of certain sources of energy such as fossil fuels and the urge to reduce climatic challenges that emerge due to emission of greenhouse gases has lead to increased research and innovation to develop sustainable modes of energy production (Reddy, 12). The provision of sustainable energy sources is currently considered fundamental; renewable and sustainable sources of energy such as hydrogen, bio-energy, wind and solar energy play a significant role in handling issues of global warming and climate change (Laughton, 22). However, the production or provision of sustainable sources energy has been considered relatively expensive and cannot be produced at an individual level. This is due to the fact that the production of these energy sources requires expertise and high amounts of financial capital. This has led to commercialization of sustainable energy sources leading to a scenario where corporate and large organizations focus on production and selling of energy.

Commercialization of Sustainable Energy Sources

In the view of the United States Department of Energy, commercialization of sustainable energy technologies entails the process whereby sustainable energy technologies are produced and channeled to the targeted market (energy.gov). This process usually involve provision of licensing patents to the stakeholders concerned in production of sustainable energy i.e. private sectors to invest in production and selling of sustainable energy (energy.gov). Commercialization of Sustainable energy sources is performed through seven fundamental steps (Barook, 21). The first step usually begins by research; this involves provision of appropriate resources to researchers and scientists leading to the discovery of sustainable energy sources with important commercial values. The second step involves disclosure and IP Protection; in this step, scientists involved in the discovery of sustainable energy technologies inform concerned stakeholders i.e. private organizations, governments and research centers concerning their discovery. Licensing is the third step in commercialization of sustainable energy sources. This basically involves patenting by local policies makers and the government on discovered sustainable energy technologies. The fourth step in commercialization of sustainable energy sources involves collaboration and integration. In this step, the concerned companies, organizations and government organs engage in a partnerships geared towards harmonious implementation of the identified technologies. In relation to the fifth step, the identified sustainable energy technologies are tested and validated, indicating their capacity to meet the needs of the general public. Consequently, the tested and validated sustainable energy technologies are developed in a manner that meets commercial purposes and needs. The seventh step in commercialization of sustainable energy technologies involves manufacture and deployment to the target market/ population (Barook, 29).

Global Commercialization of Sustainable Energy Technologies

Commercialization of sustainable energy sources has become a popular approach to the provision of sustainable energy sources (Barook, 19). Currently, sustainable energy technology is employed in developed nations for instance: The United States of America is considered one of the developed nations that has embraced the use of commercialized sustainable energy technologies such as wind power. Currently, the country has initiated approximately 80 wind power farms, which produces energy ranging from 160 megawatts to 2000 megawatts (Johnson, 7). This approach has enabled the country to curb energy shortage associated with non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy. This energy is sold to the entire population of the United and has been supplemented with solar energy technologies. The other developed nation that has employed the use of commercialized sustainable energy sources is China. In 2010, China was ranked the highest producer of wind power in the entire world (Johnson, 8). This is due to its strategic coastlines that have the capacity to produce over 2800 gigawatts energy/power (Johnson, 8). The massive production of commercialized wind power in China has played a significant role in meeting the energy demands of its increasing human population, which is currently approximately 1 billion (www.frankhaugwitz.info).
Commercialization of sustainable energy technologies is also gaining popularity in developing nations in Africa and other parts of Asia (Hester, 10). However, this has been majorly facilitated by the needs to conform to current environmental standards that require the Global population to focus on sustainability as a means to curb the challenges posed by global warming (Hester, 10). In, Kenya, located in East Africa, certain private companies i.e. KenGen are currently focusing on production of solar energy as a means to tap the renewable solar energy within the region and to ensure that the country’s population are provided with sustainable energy sources (Hester, 11).

Roles of Stakeholders in Commercialization of Sustainable Energy Technologies

The sale of sustainable energy technologies and equipment has increased significantly in the last two decades (Reinders, 11). According to the US Department of Energy, more than one millions private homes in the United States have purchased solar panels for purposes of domestic use (energy.gov). This has been created by the concern of climate change and acid rain that occur due to high rate of burning fossil fuels. In this regard, there are major stakeholders that play a major role in ensuring that the process of commercializing sustainable energy meets the demand of consumers and the need to protect the environment (energy.gov). Governments and government departments play a crucial role in the process through, which commercialization of sustainable energy is implemented. Specifically, governments and government departments i.e. US Department of Energy formulates and implements policies that guide commercialization of sustainable energy technologies (energy.gov). Additionally, government acts as sponsors of projects meant to facilitate the production and commercialization of sustainable energy sources. The other important role played by the government in commercialization of sustainable energy technologies is provision of patents and licensing to institutions that engage in production of sustainable energy sources (Killians, 5).
Research institutions and private organizations also play crucial roles in commercialization of sustainable energy technologies (Piemonte & Marcello, 17). Research institutions majorly focus in performing innovative researchers geared towards the identification of sustainable energy technologies and how the existing sustainable energy technologies can be improved to improve human well-being (Piemonte & Marcello, 18). Private organizations also engage in commercialization of sustainable energy technologies through sales process where they provide the sustainable energy technologies to the final consumers (Reddy, 16).

Work Cited

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Hester, R. E. Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Renewable Energy Sources. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2014. Print.
Johnson, Regan. FY 2009 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Annual Report a Year of Energy Transformation. Washington, D.C.: United States. Dept. of Energy ;, 2010. Print.
Kilians, Martins. Sustainable Energy Technologies Options and Prospects. Dordrecht: Springer, 2008. Print.
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