Evaluating energy systems using Resource Exergy Analysis (REA) is key to ensure that climate targets are reached in time.
The reason for this effect is wastefulness. Wastefulness in otherwise GHG-free energy systems increases the amount of GHG-free energy supply required to cover a considered demand. That means that less GHG-free energy converters are available for the rest of the energy system and overall fossil fuel use is increased.
REA allows to assess wastefulness comprehensively and thus obtain a key indicator in addition to GHG emissions, that is grounded in science, namely Resource Consumption.
This publication provides a basic guideline to the application of Resource Exergy Analysis (REA) with a focus on energy systems evaluation.
REA is a well-tested application of exergy analysis to the field of technology comparison that can replace the less comprehensive Primary Energy Analysis and reduce the risk of suboptimal decisions.