Impact of renewable energies – environmental and economic aspects : “Case of an Algerian company”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an immediate image about the reality of the renewable energies as experienced by an Algerian company.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted approach focused on assessment of renewable energies’ impact (especially the thermal solar power) on the environment and on the economic aspect of an Algerian company.

Findings

The perception of environmental dimension is highlighted by means of an evaluation study supported by the calculation of quantities of CO₂ emitted by two power stations (the new hybrid power station of Hassi R’mel (SPPI) and a conventional one (Sonelgaz)).

Research limitations/implications

This research has limitations that the authors plan to study in perspective: assessing the impact of wind systems on the environmental and economic aspects.

Practical implications

The analysis of obtained results shows and puts emphasis on the importance of renewable energies, especially thermal solar power, by identifying and evaluating the environmental and economic aspects of the new hybrid power station of Hassi R’mel (SPPI) and a conventional one (Sonelgaz) and by comparing the importance of their atmospheric emissions.

Originality/value

The paper shows that this new technology represents in theory a solution for environmental problems and could also be economically competitive with conventional energies if wisely exploited.

Citation

Abdelhamid, L., Bahmed, L. and Benoudjit, A. (2012), "Impact of renewable energies – environmental and economic aspects : “Case of an Algerian company”", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 6-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831211191566