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Strategy formulation for electricity generation firms in Eastern Australia in the environment of restructuring is the focus of this thesis. The ideological basis of electricity industry restructuring around the world has been based on neo-classical economics and the specific notion that firms in competitive markets are more efficient than vertically integrated government-owned monopolies. From a strategic management perspective it is assumed that firms will attempt to create a competitive advantage and accrue above normal profits, which contrasts with the requirement of the electricity regulatory regime view that no firm will make above normal profits or exercise market power. A review of literature on the economics of electricity markets is covered in Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 discusses the key aspects of strategic management including the concepts of competitive advantage and added value; among other matters the discussion in both chapters focuses on the various generation technologies available. For a commodity such as electricity there are limited options for firms to differentiate themselves and use of appropriate technology is seen as one of the best methods to achieve this. A Governance-Strategic Choice framework is proposed in Chapter 4 from the literatures in Chapters 2 and 3 and the propositions derived in these two chapters. A background case on the restructuring and privatisation of the UKESI is included as Appendix A and provides useful material for the development of the nine propositions and this in turn has assisted in the formulation of the GSC Framework in Chapter 4. The qualitative research design of the thesis is discussed in Chapter 5. The design is based on case studies of three electricity supply industries (specifically focused on the generation sectors); Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales in the Australian National Electricity Market. The first case study, in Chapter 6, encompasses the restructuring and privatisation of the Victorian ESI generation sector. The second case study, in Chapter 7, encompasses the restructuring and corporatisation of the Queensland ESI generation sector and the final case study, also in Chapter 7, encompasses the corporatisation of the New South Wales ESI generation sector. It is important to note that the Queensland and New South Wales governments have not yet privatised their respective electricity supply industries. A consequence of this is that some worthwhile comparisons to the privatised Victorian Lucas Skoufa - A Strategic management framework for reformed electricity generation firms in Eastern Australiaindustry have been provided with regards to the strategic behaviours and choices made by electricity generation firms in these industries. Chapter 8 provides analysis of the Governance-Strategic Choice framework (derived in Chapter 4) and the nine propositions (derived in Chapters 2 and 3) by drawing on the three case studies presented in Chapters 6 and 7. Chapter 8 concludes by presenting a section on two strategic scenarios (use of appropriate generation technologies, including environmental considerations, and bundling of products) that are based on the GSC Framework, which provides guidance for strategy formulation for use by generation firms. Chapter 9 sets out the major conclusions of the thesis. In general, generation firms have maintained a majority of coal-fired technologies since privatisation/corporatisation; this situation has changed slightly but not enough considering that in the future greenhouse gas emission limits will most likely be imposed which will disadvantage the coal-fired technologies. Furthermore, risk management has been an important managerial tool for generation firms due to the price volatility experienced in the pool based trading system; in addition, the amount of regulation and regulatory change has been excessive in some cases. The main theoretical contribution of this thesis has been to provide a framework for generation firms to make strategic choices, and highlights two scenarios emanating from this framework for creating and maintaining a competitive advantage in the restructured electricity supply industry environment. For practitioners/senior management the contribution of this thesis is that they will have a better understanding not only of their strategic choices but also the strategic choices of competitors and have the knowledge that, apart from competing on price, there are several other strategic ways through which to create and sustain a competitive advantage.

Strategy formulation for electricity generation firms in Eastern Australia in the environment of restructuring is the focus of this thesis. The ideological basis of electricity industry restructuring around the world has been based on neo-classical economics and the specific notion that firms in competitive markets are more efficient than vertically integrated government-owned monopolies. From a strategic management perspective it is assumed that firms will attempt to create a competitive advantage and accrue above normal profits, which contrasts with the requirement of the electricity regulatory regime view that no firm will make above normal profits or exercise market power. A review of literature on the economics of electricity markets is covered in Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 discusses the key aspects of strategic management including the concepts of competitive advantage and added value; among other matters the discussion in both chapters focuses on the various generation technologies available. For a commodity such as electricity there are limited options for firms to differentiate themselves and use of appropriate technology is seen as one of the best methods to achieve this. A Governance-Strategic Choice framework is proposed in Chapter 4 from the literatures in Chapters 2 and 3 and the propositions derived in these two chapters. A background case on the restructuring and privatisation of the UKESI is included as Appendix A and provides useful material for the development of the nine propositions and this in turn has assisted in the formulation of the GSC Framework in Chapter 4. The qualitative research design of the thesis is discussed in Chapter 5. The design is based on case studies of three electricity supply industries (specifically focused on the generation sectors); Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales in the Australian National Electricity Market. The first case study, in Chapter 6, encompasses the restructuring and privatisation of the Victorian ESI generation sector. The second case study, in Chapter 7, encompasses the restructuring and corporatisation of the Queensland ESI generation sector and the final case study, also in Chapter 7, encompasses the corporatisation of the New South Wales ESI generation sector. It is important to note that the Queensland and New South Wales governments have not yet privatised their respective electricity supply industries. A consequence of this is that some worthwhile comparisons to the privatised Victorian Lucas Skoufa - A Strategic management framework for reformed electricity generation firms in Eastern Australiaindustry have been provided with regards to the strategic behaviours and choices made by electricity generation firms in these industries. Chapter 8 provides analysis of the Governance-Strategic Choice framework (derived in Chapter 4) and the nine propositions (derived in Chapters 2 and 3) by drawing on the three case studies presented in Chapters 6 and 7. Chapter 8 concludes by presenting a section on two strategic scenarios (use of appropriate generation technologies, including environmental considerations, and bundling of products) that are based on the GSC Framework, which provides guidance for strategy formulation for use by generation firms. Chapter 9 sets out the major conclusions of the thesis. In general, generation firms have maintained a majority of coal-fired technologies since privatisation/corporatisation; this situation has changed slightly but not enough considering that in the future greenhouse gas emission limits will most likely be imposed which will disadvantage the coal-fired technologies. Furthermore, risk management has been an important managerial tool for generation firms due to the price volatility experienced in the pool based trading system; in addition, the amount of regulation and regulatory change has been excessive in some cases. The main theoretical contribution of this thesis has been to provide a framework for generation firms to make strategic choices, and highlights two scenarios emanating from this framework for creating and maintaining a competitive advantage in the restructured electricity supply industry environment. For practitioners/senior management the contribution of this thesis is that they will have a better understanding not only of their strategic choices but also the strategic choices of competitors and have the knowledge that, apart from competing on price, there are several other strategic ways through which to create and sustain a competitive advantage.

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After the nuclear fallout in Japan, Germany decided to back out from nuclear energy while at the same time changing the energy supply from fossil to renewable sources. This elaborate plan, known as Energiewende, will require significant economic and structural efforts that will have profound impacts on the environment and society itself. It is therefore crucial to identify possible technological pathways that can lead to a renewable energy supply, while reducing negative impacts on a holistic scope. In order to analyse alternative energy technology scenarios in Germany, this thesis focuses on the development of an indicator-based numerical Sustainable Energy Systems (SEnSys) model approach. Other than previous approaches, the SEnSys model considers full aggregated impacts of technological pathways leading to future configurations. With the help of an exemplary case study on two alternative energy technology scenarios (Trieb1 and Trieb2), the feasibility of the SEnSys model in evaluating sustainability is subsequently assessed. The results can affirm the findings of previous studies concerning lower economic and environ- mental impacts for scenario Trieb2, with small shares of renewable energy imports, compared to scenario Trieb1 based on only local but fluctuating renewables. Additionally, the results are in accordance with other relevant studies, while offering new valuable insights to the topic. Given a comprehensive revision of the identified uncertainties and limitations, it can be stated that the SEnSys model bares the potential for further analysing and improving sustainability of energy technology scenarios in Germany and other countries.

De récentes études montrent que les films minces présentent des performances thermoélectriques nettement plus importantes (jusqu'à un facteur 3) que celles obtenues dans les matériaux massifs. Nous avons choisi de développer des couches minces thermoélectriques Bi0,5Sb1,5Te3 de type p et Bi2Te2,7Se0,3 de type n présentant les performances thermoélectriques les plus intéressantes à des températures proches de l'ambiante. La technique de dépôt utilisé est la PVD magnétron. L'optimisation des conditions de dépôt (pression Ar, puissance plasma, distance cible-substrat et temps de dépôt) ainsi que du traitement thermique de recuit a permis obtenir des figures de mérite ZT les plus élevées possibles. De plus, les phénomènes physiques mis en jeu dans les films minces étant différents de ceux des massifs, il a été nécessaire des les étudier pour améliorer les performances thermoélectriques des couches minces. De petits dispositifs thermoélectriques en couche minces ont pu être réalisé et caractérisé. En parallèle nous avons exploré la possibilité de faire croître des filaments thermoélectriques de compositions semblables aux couches et de dimensions manométriques au sein d'une matrice d'alumine nanoporeuse. En effet la réduction des dimensions géométriques permet d'augmenter les performances thermoélectriques des matériaux. Nous avons pu réaliser les premiers fils n et p ainsi que les premières caractérisations thermoélectriques. / Recent studies showed that thermoeletrical performances are larger for thin films (factor 3) than for bulk materials. We chose to develop p-type Bi0,5Sb1,5Te3 and n-type Bi2Te2,7Se0,3 thermoelectrical thin films in order to work at room temperature. Thin films have been realized using magnetron sputtering process. The optimisation of the deposition conditions (Ar pressure, power plasma, target-substrate distance, deposition time) as well as the annealing treatments has helped to obtain figure of merits as high as possible. On the other hand, the physical mechanisms in thin films are different than those of bulk materials so it was necessary to study such mechanisms for a better understanding. In parallel, we explore the possibility to grow thermoelectrical wires with nanometric dimensions inside of a nanoporous alumina matrix. It has been recently shown theoretically and experimentally that thermoelectrical properties are strongly improved when the nanometric dimensions are obtained.

The threat of global warming calls for a major transformation of the energy system in the coming century. A positive and effective outcome of the development and implementation of municipal energy concepts relies heavily on public participation. Based on user research through qualitative interviews and an online questionnaire in Germany, this paper presents design implications regarding digital participatory technology for municipal energy concepts. The findings include reduction of barriers to enable participation, encouragement of discussion and debate, monitoring the progress and providing feedback. The proposed implications aim to increase public participation for municipal energy concepts and motivate citizens towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Further work is needed to validate if the design implications entirely fulfill their purpose. / <p>Självständigt Examensarbete (Forskningsartikel)</p><p>Independent Master's Thesis (Research article)</p>

Le domaine des énergies est au cœur des préoccupations technologiques, politiques et économiques de notre société moderne. Ce domaine nécessite une compréhension minimale du concept scientifique de l’énergie. Elle est selon nous essentielle à toute formation citoyenne. Nous avons dans un premier temps, à partir de considérations théoriques et pratiques, examiné pourquoi ce domaine si important dans notre société technologique est si peu abordé dans le cursus scolaire québécois? Pourquoi se contente-t-on d’un enseignement théorique et discursif de ce concept? Pourquoi, au contraire de tout enseignement scientifique, n’a-t-on pas envisagé de situations d’apprentissages en laboratoire pour l’étude des énergies? Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons proposé une idée de solution concrète et réaliste pour répondre à l’ensemble de ces questions. Une solution qui invite les élèves à s’investir de manière constructive dans des activités de laboratoire afin de s’approprier ces concepts. Pour ce faire, nous avons conçu des variables globales énergies qui ont permis aux élèves de les mesurer et d’expérimenter facilement des transformations énergétiques. Cette recherche de développement technologique en éducation consiste donc à profiter des nouveaux développements technologiques de l’informatique et de la micro-électronique pour concevoir, réaliser et mettre à l’essai un environnement informatisé d’apprentissage en laboratoire pour les sciences et la technologie. Par ce que l’énergie est au confluent de trois domaines, cet environnement a été conçu pour supporter dans une même activité l’apprentissage des mathématiques, des sciences et de la technologie. Cette intégration recommandée par les nouveaux programmes est, selon nous, essentielle à la compréhension des concepts liés à l’énergie et à ses transformations. Par cette activité d’apprentissage multidisciplinaire, nous voulons, via une approche empirique et concrète, aborder ces problèmes de transformations énergétiques afin de donner aux élèves la capacité de perfectionner les prototypes qu’ils construisent en technologie de manière à améliorer leurs performances. Nous avons montré que cette démarche technoscientifique, assimilable à la conception d’un schème expérimental en sciences, favorise la compréhension des concepts liés aux énergies et à leurs transformations. Ce développement, ouvert à l’investigation scientifique, apporte un bénéfice didactique, non seulement, pour des enseignants en exercices et des étudiants-maîtres, mais aussi pour des élèves de 5ème année du niveau secondaire, ce que nous avons démontré dans une mise à l’essai empirique. / The energy sector is at the heart of the concerns technological, political and economic modern society. This area requires a basic understanding of the scientific concept of energy. It is our opinion essential to any citizen training. We initially, from theoretical and practical considerations, examined why this area is so important in our technological society is so little discussed in the Quebec curriculum? Why do we merely a theoretical and discursive concept? Why, contrary to all scientific education, have we not considered learning situations in the laboratory for the study of energy? In a second step, we proposed an idea of practical and realistic solution to address all these questions. A solution that invites students to engage constructively in laboratory activities to appropriate these concepts. To do this, we have developed global variables energies that allowed students to experiment and measure energy transformations easily. This quest for technological development in education is therefore to take advantage of new technological developments in computing and microelectronics to design, build and test a computerized environment learning laboratory for science and technology. With this energy is at the confluence of three domains, this environment has been designed to support the same activity in the learning of mathematics, science and technology. This integration recommended by the new programs we believe is essential to the understanding of concepts related to energy and its transformations. For this learning activity multidisciplinary, we want, via an empirical and practical address these issues of energy transformations in order to give students the ability to develop the prototypes they build technology to improve their performance. We have shown that this approach techno, similar to the design of an experimental design in science, promotes understanding of concepts related to energy and their transformations. This educational development, open to scientific investigation, provides educational benefit, not only for practicing teachers and student teachers, but also for students from the fifth year of high school, we have shown in a setting tested empirically.

Le domaine des énergies est au cœur des préoccupations technologiques, politiques et économiques de notre société moderne. Ce domaine nécessite une compréhension minimale du concept scientifique de l’énergie. Elle est selon nous essentielle à toute formation citoyenne. Nous avons dans un premier temps, à partir de considérations théoriques et pratiques, examiné pourquoi ce domaine si important dans notre société technologique est si peu abordé dans le cursus scolaire québécois? Pourquoi se contente-t-on d’un enseignement théorique et discursif de ce concept? Pourquoi, au contraire de tout enseignement scientifique, n’a-t-on pas envisagé de situations d’apprentissages en laboratoire pour l’étude des énergies? Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons proposé une idée de solution concrète et réaliste pour répondre à l’ensemble de ces questions. Une solution qui invite les élèves à s’investir de manière constructive dans des activités de laboratoire afin de s’approprier ces concepts. Pour ce faire, nous avons conçu des variables globales énergies qui ont permis aux élèves de les mesurer et d’expérimenter facilement des transformations énergétiques. Cette recherche de développement technologique en éducation consiste donc à profiter des nouveaux développements technologiques de l’informatique et de la micro-électronique pour concevoir, réaliser et mettre à l’essai un environnement informatisé d’apprentissage en laboratoire pour les sciences et la technologie. Par ce que l’énergie est au confluent de trois domaines, cet environnement a été conçu pour supporter dans une même activité l’apprentissage des mathématiques, des sciences et de la technologie. Cette intégration recommandée par les nouveaux programmes est, selon nous, essentielle à la compréhension des concepts liés à l’énergie et à ses transformations. Par cette activité d’apprentissage multidisciplinaire, nous voulons, via une approche empirique et concrète, aborder ces problèmes de transformations énergétiques afin de donner aux élèves la capacité de perfectionner les prototypes qu’ils construisent en technologie de manière à améliorer leurs performances. Nous avons montré que cette démarche technoscientifique, assimilable à la conception d’un schème expérimental en sciences, favorise la compréhension des concepts liés aux énergies et à leurs transformations. Ce développement, ouvert à l’investigation scientifique, apporte un bénéfice didactique, non seulement, pour des enseignants en exercices et des étudiants-maîtres, mais aussi pour des élèves de 5ème année du niveau secondaire, ce que nous avons démontré dans une mise à l’essai empirique. / The energy sector is at the heart of the concerns technological, political and economic modern society. This area requires a basic understanding of the scientific concept of energy. It is our opinion essential to any citizen training. We initially, from theoretical and practical considerations, examined why this area is so important in our technological society is so little discussed in the Quebec curriculum? Why do we merely a theoretical and discursive concept? Why, contrary to all scientific education, have we not considered learning situations in the laboratory for the study of energy? In a second step, we proposed an idea of practical and realistic solution to address all these questions. A solution that invites students to engage constructively in laboratory activities to appropriate these concepts. To do this, we have developed global variables energies that allowed students to experiment and measure energy transformations easily. This quest for technological development in education is therefore to take advantage of new technological developments in computing and microelectronics to design, build and test a computerized environment learning laboratory for science and technology. With this energy is at the confluence of three domains, this environment has been designed to support the same activity in the learning of mathematics, science and technology. This integration recommended by the new programs we believe is essential to the understanding of concepts related to energy and its transformations. For this learning activity multidisciplinary, we want, via an empirical and practical address these issues of energy transformations in order to give students the ability to develop the prototypes they build technology to improve their performance. We have shown that this approach techno, similar to the design of an experimental design in science, promotes understanding of concepts related to energy and their transformations. This educational development, open to scientific investigation, provides educational benefit, not only for practicing teachers and student teachers, but also for students from the fifth year of high school, we have shown in a setting tested empirically.

The ever-growing Internet of Things is promoting more data acquisition, data exchange and fewer human interactions, engendering a higher demand for sensors and therefore power. While in most cases it is possible to directly connect these sensors to the power grid, it will not always be feasible with emerging technologies, especially in remote areas where human access is limited. Moisture-Electric Energy Transformation (MEET) devices are components that use moisture as a “fuel” to generate electrical power. Upon contact with moisture, a potential difference results from a diffusion mechanism, allowing charge to be stored locally in capacitors or rechargeable batteries to be utilized for useful work. The focus of the present work was to investigate the potential of Cold Gas Dynamic Spray (CGDS) as an additive manufacturing (AM) process for the fabrication of MEET devices. Following a layer-by-layer approach, MEET devices were successfully built by CGDS, by combining aluminum (electrode material) and an in-situ composite of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and alumina (diffusion medium). The main challenges of this work were the determination of the spray parameters of PEEK and the investigation of the MEET capability of the manufactured devices. On the other hand, the main contributions of this work were the demonstration of the viability of CGDS in the deposition of PEEK/Al2O3 on aluminum 6061-T6 substrates, as well as the potential of PEEK as a MEET-capable material. The diffusion mechanisms that govern power generation were also hypothesized, explained and summarized. Initial tests of a MEET device of 66 mm x 34 mm indicate an uninterrupted power generation cycle of over 30 hours, and a maximum output voltage of 268 mV with a 6.8 MΩ load. The output power and power per unit area of the device were computed to be 10.63 nW and 4.736 µW/m2 respectively. The output current and current density were evaluated to 39.53 nA and 17.62 µA/m2.