Q42 - Alternative Energy SourcesReturn

This paper uses as its point of departure a hypothesis that support to renewable sources by means of various subsidies, regulatory measures and tax changes is implemented not only in costlier energy, but also (given various new forms of economic pressure) in those areas of human activity that are meant to be helped and strengthened by these measures. The relationship between strengthening the pressure for advancing renewable energy sources and data such as CO2 emissions or fossil fuel consumption in households is also mathematically tested. Besides this, certain data in the area of agricultural production are also examined, considering the fact that attempts at regulation often have the exact opposite effect - for instance, stagnation of emissions or introducing new plants that are unsuitable for the Czech environment, the cultivation of which is connected with significant problems, including local ecological catastrophes. On the basis of proof, the paper arrives at the conclusion that not only do attempts to benefit the environment through support to renewable energy sources fail to lead to demonstrable success, but that it is highly probable that the real results are negative, which means that the environment comes off in a generally poorer state as a result of these endeavours.

Energy, or renewable energy sources, is currently a frequently discussed topic. This paper focuses mainly on the economics of photovoltaic energy, specifically valuation of this technology. First, photovoltaic power systems are described, followed by a description of the method of analysis of photovoltaic project efficiency used in the case study. The main part is devoted to a specific case study of a power plant photovoltaic project valuation (using the Net Present Value). The authors have tried to answer the questions of guaranteed redemption prices as well as the "green bonus". A sensitivity analysis of the NPV to changes in some input parameters is calculated in the discussion. The principal final findings and legislative changes concerning photovoltaics in the Czech Republic (valid from 2011) are mentioned in the conclusion. These changes should restrict the increase in the prices of electric energy for the final consumer and, of course, ensure revenues for the state budget.