6. Miscellaneous Flashcards
What is catagenesis in the context of fossil fuel formation?
Catagenesis, or catagen, is a geological process of transforming organic material into fossil fuels. It’s part of kerogen formation, leading to the creation of hydrocarbons and the development of natural gas and oil reserves.
What does “uprate” mean in the context of power lines?
“Uprate” or “uprating” refers to increasing the capacity of existing transmission or distribution lines to carry more electricity, enhancing the efficiency and meeting increased demand without installing new lines.
What does SCADA data mean?
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) data refers to the information collected by SCADA systems from sensors and devices, used for monitoring and controlling equipment and processes in real time. This allows for performance analysis and the detection of any anomalies or faults within the system.
What is Ornithological Monitoring?
Ornithological monitoring is the systematic study of birds to gather data on their presence, abundance, behaviour, and migration patterns. It is crucial for assessing the environmental impacts of development projects like wind farms on bird populations. The process involves assessing risks of collision (with wind turbines), changes in habitat use (due to the presence of the project), disturbance effects (on breeding, feeding, or migration patterns), and bird mortality rates, with the goal of informing mitigation strategies to minimise negative impacts.
Techniques include visual observations, audio recordings, radar tracking, and GPS tagging. This monitoring balances renewable energy development with the protection of bird populations and biodiversity.
What does a ‘Commercial Understanding’ mean?
“Commercial understanding” refers to a comprehension of the business and economic factors that influence how organisations operate within their respective markets. It encompasses knowledge of how businesses generate revenue, manage costs, identify market opportunities, navigate competition, and adapt to economic conditions. A strong commercial understanding implies an awareness of the broader industry trends, customer needs, and regulatory environment that can impact a company’s performance and strategic decisions.
What are Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) in the context of renewable energy?
Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) are certificates that certify electricity was generated from renewable energy sources, with each GoO representing one megawatt-hour (MWh) of green electricity. They provide transparency, allowing consumers to verify the renewable source of their electricity, and act as a market mechanism to support renewable energy production.
GoOs are used both for regulatory compliance and by companies aiming to meet sustainability goals. They facilitate traceability of renewable electricity, incentivize producers, and assist in carbon accounting by showcasing the reduction in carbon footprint through renewable energy use.
What is a bilateral transaction in the context of M&A?
In M&A, a bilateral transaction involves direct negotiations between only two parties: one buyer and one seller. This approach is characterized by its confidentiality, allowing for customized agreements that are closely aligned with both parties’ strategic goals and financial considerations.
Bilateral transactions are marked by direct negotiation, which can lead to quicker, more flexible deal processes without the competitive pressure of auction scenarios. They are favored when a buyer targets a specific company for strategic acquisitions, enabling a more private and tailored negotiation process.
What does “M&S” stand for in the context of renewable energy?
Maintenance and Servicing includes all activities necessary to keep renewable energy installations, such as wind turbines and solar panels, operating at optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
This encompasses routine inspections, repairs, component replacements, and performance monitoring to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of renewable energy assets. Maintenance and servicing are crucial for maximising energy production and minimising downtime.
What is “piling” in the context of construction?
Piling is a construction technique used to establish a deep foundation for structures, especially when surface soil conditions are not stable enough to support the load. It involves driving steel, concrete, or wood piles deep into the ground to reach stable subsoil layers. This method provides a robust foundation by transferring the load of the structure to the deeper, more stable soil or rock layers.
What are “concrete shoes” or “concrete footings” in construction?
Concrete shoes or footings are a construction technique used as an alternative to deep piling for the foundation of structures, including renewable energy projects. This method involves pouring concrete into excavated holes or molds at the ground surface or shallow depth to create a wide base that distributes the load of the structure across a larger area.
It offers a quicker, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for stable ground conditions where deep foundations are not necessary.
This approach is especially beneficial in renewable energy installations, such as solar panels and wind turbines, where it provides stable support without extensive soil disturbance.
