Abstract
Augmenting recent coverage of the topic of regional energy planning, this chapter introduces an Integrated Regional Energy Policy and Planning Framework (IREPP), which is conceptually comprehensive and also enhances feasibility of implementation. This framework contains important concepts of sustainable energy planning, including integrated resource planning, soft energy path, distributed generation using decentralized energy technologies, and energy-environment-economy-equity balance (E4). The IREPP also includes implementation feasibility analysis and highlights the importance of monitoring and evaluation. In the second part of this chapter, the IREPP is applied to the case of Jeju. Jeju's “Mid- and Long-Term Roadmap of Renewable Energy Planning” intends to promote renewable energy applications in order to build a carbon free energy system. This chapter evaluates Jeju's overall Roadmap via the lens of IREPP, assesses the rationale and feasibility of achieving its individual renewable target set for 2050, and, additionally, reviews progress made in some individual targets as of 2014.
TopRegional Energy Planning Approaches
The importance of regional energy planning for regional development has been recognized, especially in the triangular relationship of regional development, energy planning and environmental management (Nijkamp & Volwahsen, 1990). Many times regional energy planning can capture specific development goals that are not achievable through national-level policies. That is because policy makers at the local level have concerns which are typically very specific, and which include the precise set of measures (techno-economic as well as political) that would achieve some desired target at minimum cost (Domac et al., 2011; Cai et al., 2009; Kanudia & Loulou, 1999).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Jeju Roadmap: Jeju Roadmap is a mid- and long-term renewable energy policy and planning which is developed to establish a regional sustainable energy supply system and to promote new and renewable energy industries throughout Jeju.
Implementation Feasibility: Implementation feasibility is the framework of facilitating and accelerating the successful implementation of a regional energy plan by evaluating whether the plan at hand is fiscally, technologically, legally, politically, administratively, culturally, and ethically feasible.
Distributed Generation: Distributed generation uses decentralized small, modular power technologies to generate energy (electricity and heat) at or close to the point of demand.
Soft Energy Path: Soft energy path is the transition from a centralized mega-power oriented hard energy path towards a decentralized soft technology path of renewable energy system and improved energy efficiency.
Integrated Resource Planning: Integrated resource planning pursues an optimal combination of demand- and supply-side options to meet energy service need at the least economic, social and environmental cost.
Carbon Free Island: Carbon Free Island is a goal of the island towards a carbon-free future by realizing a sustainable energy system.
Renewable Energy: Renewable energy means environmentally benign and generally carbon-free or carbon neutral energy which is utilized from natural sources such as sun, wind, geothermal heat, ocean, etc.
E4: E 4 means energy, environment, economy, and equity. They are the four buttresses of sustainable development. For achieving sustainability, regional energy planning should consider the balance of E 4 .