In cooperation with Climate Focus we have proposed alternatives to overcome barriers to the access to carbon finance for international power interconnections projects. Traditional CDM modalities, voluntary markets and post 2012 instruments such as NAMAs were evaluated and recommendations on future strategy was given to Energy Ministries in the Latin American Region in order to access international carbon finance to develop this kind of projects.

 

In a consortium led by NERA consulting we supported the Dutch government in their design of the renewable energy support system in the Netherlands. The consortium developed a detailed energy model for the Netherlands and analysed various scenarios on the design of the future Dutch support system against criteria as formulated in the Dutch energy report 2011. The work concentrated on the various options for continuation of the SDE+ support mechanisms and the options for introducing a supply obligation and renewable energy certificate system for the Netherlands.
 

We supported the client in developing an in-depth understanding of current and upcoming energy and climate change policy in Europe, and in formulating a strategy for a selection of their service portfolio.
 

Review of bioenergy policies papers from Argentina, Brazil, Kenya, Senegal and Thailand.

The first part of this study looks at the sustainability impacts of different private certification schemes in countries with different levels of risk.  The second part of this study aims to get a better understanding in the experiences in the implementation of the European Renewable Energy Directive, and its procedures for the recognition of voluntary schemes, in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

Feasibility assessment for the production of heat and power from the waste water treatment plants in Lebanon. Work included the preparation of the technical specifications for the preparation of the bidding documents for the most promising selected sites.

Overview of the Peruvian energy sector  and attractiveness for Korean investments. Work included analysis of the Peruvian legal framework, analysis of the mining sector and the opportunities that it creates for the energy sector, state of the art of the renewable energies in Peru, analysis of private power purchase agreeements (PPPs), and electricity price forecast under different scenarios.

This project was divided in two phases. The first phase comprehended a full benchmark of national sustainability systems in the EU, considering aspects of CoC, auditability, level of assurance, verification mechanisms, special rules for proving compliance with the sustainability criteria on land and GHG emissions savings. The second phase consisted in the design of the Spanish national sustainability system; special focus was given to the mass balance rules, and the requirements for auditability of the system.

Development of a continental energy and climate change strategy for the African Development Bank . Main elements of this strategy includes energy access to conventional and sustainable energy services in all countries, regional integration and international trade of energy . This work also involved an analysis of the Bank’s procedures to approve loans and monitor projects, and an evaluation of the new financial instruments.

Techno-economic feasibility study for the construction of sustainable farms and medium sized jatropha biodiesel plants in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The study included a market study, sustainability analysis under US and EU sustainability obligations, technology selection, and CDM possibilities analysis.

Position paper regarding the role for gas to play in energy transition. We studied both the demand for gas in the current and future energy system as well as the policy changes needed to secure the production of Dutch gas towards 2030. This was done in collaboration with eRisk Group.

On request of the Belgian company Zero Emissions Solutions we reviewed and complemented their analysis on support mechanisms for renewable energy in the Netherlands, and led the discussions on this topic in an interactive stakeholder debate organised in the framework of the Interreg ECO2PROFIT-project.

Calculation of the RED (Directive 2009/28/EC) compliant Greenhouse Gas balance for a yet-to-be-built bioethanol facility in Poland.

SQ Consult supported the Kazakhstan government in drafting energy efficiency and renewable energy policy and legislation. The advice was based on an assessment of Dutch and international best practices. Topics included energy auditing and reporting, and voluntary agreements. Draft legislation was reviewed by SQ Consult.

Portfolio analysis, analysis of financial instruments and their efficiency in achieving strategic pillars of the energy strategy of a multilateral Bank: Fostering cleaner energies and increasing access to modern energy services.

Study of the most suitable production methods for the local supply of jatropha oil to a 50kton/year biodiesel plant. The study includes a benchmark of contracting frameworks and financial incentives to local suppliers.

International benchmarking of financial regulatory elements. Identification of the regulatory measures suitable to Colombia via stakeholders consultations.

Presentation and advice to the international experts and strategy group of a large European utility contributing to their elaboration of ideas for a roadmap towards a successful certification label and in the analysis including how this will could affect the group's integral bioenergy business strategy

Evaluation of the technical and economic  feasibility of renewable energy, energy efficiency and governance development concept notes projects presented to the second EU Energy Facility for the ACP region (African and Caribbean Countries, and Pacific Islands States). Projects aimed at improving affordable energy access and fighting poverty in rural and peri-urban areas. A total of eighty concept notes projects were evaluated in three continents.

Developing a National Bioenergy Strategy for Lebanon, which includes a sustainable bioenergy chains potential assessment (2030 horizon) and an impact assessment on regional level based on 2 sustainability levels under different bioenergy business scenarios. Work included barriers analysis and financial analysis of the implementation of several technical conversion options.

Supervision of the analysis performed by different international experts assigned to the project. Setting up a database of national energy resources and costs of potential projects. Organisation of programmatic activities between the Peruvian regulatory body and their peers in Spain and Germany.

Capacity assessment of the four regional African Power Pools (WAPP, EAPP, CAPP, SAPP) and the continental African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR). Formulation of the EU technical assistance for the promotion of sustainable energy production and the strengthening of regional trade markets and power integration.

SQ Consult supported a Dutch player in the energy sector to enhance its understanding on the current debate on proposed changes in the Dutch regulatory framework for renewable energy support. Ad-hoc support was provided to analyse impact of various proposals, organise internal brainstorm sessions and determining position in the debate.

SQ Consult was asked to make an inventory on current plans and activities for municipality-led initiatives to set up sustainable energy companies in the Netherlands. The work supported the client’s strategic positioning in this area. The work includes an internal brainstorm session at their headquarters, in-house and external interviews and a SWOT analysis for the client on risks and opportunities in this area.

Guideline on legal requirements best fitting the client’s business model for its ambitions in France.

Short position paper using the inspiration of the US renewables market and the level of integration of regional power pools to draw tentative solutions for the use of cooperation mechanisms of the RES Directive between EU Member States.

Analyzing the growth of the biomass market in the Netherlands with associated impact on the merit order  in order to understand how the Dutch renewable ambitions could form a basis for the business case of large scale electricity storage.

The objective of this project was recognizing the opportunities to use biogas technology in dairy farms in Gipuzkoa as energy and environmental solution. If favorable, promote and facilitate its implementation, now or in the coming future.

International best case examples of how to overcome the barriers in the implementation of Renewable Energies in the Basque Region. 9 international cases were studied.

With support of the current local administration, SQ Consult designed a full new energy supply for the small rural town: Beizama. Solid biomass (pellet for heating) were considered along with biogas from farms, geothermal, wind and solar energy. The result does not only yield techno- economical results, but also dives into  social acceptance, the management and local authority position, investment attractiveness, etc.

Knowledge development on renewable energies in the Basque Country for building an opinion about future Regional Energy Plan. The project includes among others: identification of potentials 2020 - 2050, technology and cost outlook, barrier analysis and analysis of learning curves. Several scenarios and solutions developed for decision makers.

SQ Consult advises the Regional Government of Gipuzkoa on the development of a Sustainable Energy Plan for the province, including the diagnosis and development of the first actions for 2015 – 2020. In this  stage SQ develops 1) the Energy diagnosis of the province 2) the Renewable energy and energy efficiency potentials (including SWOT analysis and socio-economical impacts of them) and 3) sets the first actions included in the future Sustainable Energy Plan of Gipuzkoa.