Category

Glossary

Glossary
June 23, 2022

Micro-Generation / Mini-Grid / Micro-Grid

For distributed renewable energy systems for energy access, a mini-grid/micro-grid typically refers to an independent grid network operating on a scale of less than 10 MW (with most at very small scale) which distributes electricity to a limited number of customers. Mini-/micro-grids also can refer to much larger networks (e.g.,…
Steve Mills
Glossary
June 22, 2022

Nameplate Capacity

Nameplate capacity, also known as the rated capacity, nominal capacity, installed capacity, or maximum effect, is the intended full-load sustained output of a facility such as a power plant, electric generator, a chemical plant, fuel plant, metal refinery, mine, and many others. Nameplate capacity is the number registered with authorities…
Steve Mills
Glossary
June 21, 2022

Market Concession Model

A model in which a private company or non-governmental organisation is selected through a competitive process and given the exclusive obligation to provide energy services to customers in its service territory, upon customer request. The concession approach allows concessionaires to select the most appropriate and cost-effective technology for a given…
Steve Mills
Glossary
June 20, 2022

Load & Load Factor

The amount of electric power delivered or required at any specific point or points on an electrical system. The requirement originates at the energy-consuming equipment of the customer. Load Factor measures the relationship between unit consumption and maximum demand and is the percentage capacity utilisation figure of a site's power consumption.…
Steve Mills
Glossary
June 17, 2022

Levelised cost of energy/electricity (LCOE)

The cost per unit of energy from an energy generating asset which is based on the present value of its total construction and lifetime operating costs, divided by total energy output expected from that asset over its lifetime. Levelised cost of energy is a commonly used measure of the cost…
Steve Mills
Glossary
June 15, 2022

Infrastructure Costs

These relate mostly to the costs of providing the infrastructure required to deliver power. They include the cost of energy lost as heat as it travels from the power station down the transmission and distribution wires to the consumption point.
Steve Mills
Glossary
June 13, 2022

Heat Pump

A device which transfers heat from a heat source to a heat sink using a refrigeration cycle which is driven by external electric or thermal energy. It can use the ground (geothermal/ ground-source), the surrounding air (aerothermal/air-source) or a body of water (hydrothermal/water-source) as a heat source in heating mode,…
Steve Mills
Glossary
June 9, 2022

Gasification

Breakdown of hydrocarbons into a syngas by reacting the feedstocks at high temperature while carefully controlling the amount of oxygen present.
Steve Mills