Assignment title: Network
Proposal on Biomass energy
Q
The New South Wales city of Elbawener has become very rich from the money earned
from mining the lucrative fuel Temporarium from the nearby Finite Resource Mountains.
The city council has called for proposals for converting to substantially renewable energy
by the year 2030. Your assignment is to prepare a proposal for the city council for one of
the renewable energy technologies listed below.
Elbawener is extremely fortunate to have high levels of sunshine, reliable and high speed
wind, a large river nearby, lots of fertile soil and there are even hot springs and geysers in
the local area. The city council has asked for submissions for each of five renewable
energy technologies for large scale implementation, the proposals must be no longer than
8 pages to outline the renewable energy technology proposed.
• The five selected technologies are:
• Solar Thermal
• Hydroelectricity
• Wind
• Biomass
• Geothermal
(Photovoltaics has already secured a large contract to supply electricity)
Your assignment is as follows:
The renewable technology you will propose is Biomass.
Being an expert in renewable energy technology, you have been asked by your consulting
company, Dier & Schäbi, to prepare a proposal on behalf of the renewable energy
supplier Outanimbin (they provide the technology you are to propose).
You are to argue for the inclusion of your renewable technology in Elbawener's portfolio
of renewable technologies. The size of Elbawener is up to you, i.e. is it a big city or a
smaller one? This will influence how you think the technology should be implemented
and also allow you to choose the scale that best suits your technology.
Your proposal must contain the following sections (the weightings are indicated):
Introduction and Executive Summary – 10 marks
Why is renewable energy such a good idea? Give a quick summary of what it is you
propose should be done and why it is the best solution for Elbawener.Physical Basis of the Technology – 20 marks
Give a detailed but concise description of the operating principle/s of the renewable
technology proposed. Make it so that a non-technical person can understand.
Proof that the Technology works and is cost effective – 20 marks
Are there existing installations/schemes? Where are they located and what generating
capacity do they have. What energy needs will the technology serve? Estimate the
potential cost benefits to Elbawener.
How should it be implemented in Elbawener? – 10 marks
What is the best way to implement the new technology? You should take into account the
population of Elbawener. How disruptive to people's day to day lives will it be? Will it
complement other renewable technologies?
Comparison to other Renewable Technologies – 20 marks
What are the advantages of the renewable technology you are proposing? What makes it
a better choice than the other renewable energy technologies Elbawener is considering?
Are there any possible drawbacks?
Conclusion – 5 marks
Summarise the main points you have made in the main body trying to make a compelling
case for your technology.
References – 10 marks
You must site all your sources of information (reference any figures you quote in the
body of the assignment). A lack of references will also lose marks in the relevant
sections.
Organisation and Neatness – 5 marks
Is it easy to follow? Is it neat and tidy? Keep in mind that if your proposal is hard to
follow, then it may be difficult to assess other sections in the proposal.