Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal Sustainability
This study analyzes the feasibility of energy mixes composed of different shares of various types of power generation units, including photovoltaic (PV) and wind farms, hydropower, fossil fuel-based plants, and nuclear power. The analysis uses the concept of Energy Return on Investment (EROI), which...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3765 |
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| author | Ziemowit Malecha |
| author_facet | Ziemowit Malecha |
| author_sort | Ziemowit Malecha |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study analyzes the feasibility of energy mixes composed of different shares of various types of power generation units, including photovoltaic (PV) and wind farms, hydropower, fossil fuel-based plants, and nuclear power. The analysis uses the concept of Energy Return on Investment (EROI), which is considered the most reliable indicator for comparing different technologies as it measures the energy required rather than monetary costs needed to build and operate each technology. Literature-based EROI values for individual generation technologies were used, along with the minimum EROI thresholds for the entire energy mix that are necessary to sustain developed societies and a high quality of life. The results show that, depending on the assumed minimum EROI value, which ranges from 10 to 30, the maximum share of intermittent renewable energy sources (IRESs), such as PV and wind farms, in the system cannot exceed 90% or 60%, respectively. It is important to emphasize that this EROI-based analysis does not account for power grid stability, which currently can only be maintained by the inertia of large synchronous generators. Therefore, the scenario with a 90% IRES share should be regarded as purely theoretical. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-308d5bb782594e9f99237e29bc025f88 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-308d5bb782594e9f99237e29bc025f882025-08-20T03:07:58ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-07-011814376510.3390/en18143765Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal SustainabilityZiemowit Malecha0Department of Cryogenics and Aerospace Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, PolandThis study analyzes the feasibility of energy mixes composed of different shares of various types of power generation units, including photovoltaic (PV) and wind farms, hydropower, fossil fuel-based plants, and nuclear power. The analysis uses the concept of Energy Return on Investment (EROI), which is considered the most reliable indicator for comparing different technologies as it measures the energy required rather than monetary costs needed to build and operate each technology. Literature-based EROI values for individual generation technologies were used, along with the minimum EROI thresholds for the entire energy mix that are necessary to sustain developed societies and a high quality of life. The results show that, depending on the assumed minimum EROI value, which ranges from 10 to 30, the maximum share of intermittent renewable energy sources (IRESs), such as PV and wind farms, in the system cannot exceed 90% or 60%, respectively. It is important to emphasize that this EROI-based analysis does not account for power grid stability, which currently can only be maintained by the inertia of large synchronous generators. Therefore, the scenario with a 90% IRES share should be regarded as purely theoretical.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3765Energy Return on Investment (EROI)energy mixintermittent renewable energy sources (IRESs)power system sustainability |
| spellingShingle | Ziemowit Malecha Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal Sustainability Energies Energy Return on Investment (EROI) energy mix intermittent renewable energy sources (IRESs) power system sustainability |
| title | Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal Sustainability |
| title_full | Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal Sustainability |
| title_fullStr | Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal Sustainability |
| title_full_unstemmed | Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal Sustainability |
| title_short | Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal Sustainability |
| title_sort | energy mix constraints imposed by minimum eroi for societal sustainability |
| topic | Energy Return on Investment (EROI) energy mix intermittent renewable energy sources (IRESs) power system sustainability |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3765 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ziemowitmalecha energymixconstraintsimposedbyminimumeroiforsocietalsustainability |