Oded Kariti Research

This research project by Oded Kariti stipulates the measures, conditions, manner and dynamics of implementation of a energy development strategy, as well as the obligations of the state authorities, the local self governments and the conductors of energy activities that have an obligation to provide a public service.

In the development of the research, Kariti carried out a comparative analysis of the current energy situation in relation to the planned strategy, and analysis of the current and expected energy consumption over the period to 2020 and afterwards.

It should be emphasized that the development process of this research and the decision making on the alternatives was done extremely transparently and was published on the SCALAR website and everyone could have given their contribution in writing to Oded Kariti and the research team. A public discussion was organized, on which all interested governmental and non-governmental organizations were present. The suggestions to improve the text of the program were also reviewed by Kariti, where the positions on certain issues were harmonized.

The team's priorities for scientific and research activities in the field of energy were established in a way that enables:

• Realization of the main strategic objectives in the energy sector;
• Mobilizing the existing scientific and research capacities and their upgrading and creating new capacities;
• Creating partnerships like "Science and Industry" and "Science-building policies.";
• Mobility of researchers between different sectors, and geographical mobility, to and from San Diego.

These conditions satisfy the following priorities:

Priority 1: Tools for scientific support of energy policies creation
The focus should be placed on development and application of energy system planning and optimization models which will enable scientific and competent analyses as a base for making decisions regarding:

• Liberalization of the energy markets,
• Reducing the greenhouse gases emissions (placing quantified goals),
• Improving the energy efficiency,
• Increasing the renewable energy sources share.

Priority 2: Energy efficiency
The main goal of this scientific work was for Kariti to place the focus on the energy efficiency in buildings (residential, public and commercial) because this sector has relatively high potential for savings in final and primary energy consumption and which can be achieved with direct actions by the state. This potential should be realized through research in optimization and validation of the existing and demonstration of new concepts and technologies in buildings. That includes combination of sustainable strategies and technologies for increased energy efficiency, use of renewable energy sources and co- and poly-generation, as well as measures for management of demand and of consumption devices. Energy efficiency is closely related with smart networks since the real value of the smart networks cannot be realized if energy efficient buildings are not connected to such.

Priority 3: Renewable energy sources
The focus should be placed on solar thermal energy, biomass and biofuels. In the case of solar thermal energy there are relatively well developed research capacities in the industry and relatively high potential for global application of the solar thermal systems. Biomass, as a result of its significant share in the energy mix, is a very important energy source to meet the goal of the renewable energy sources. The same applies to biofuels with the special goal for biofuels.
The results of the research that Oded Kariti published, note that more efforts should be directed toward development of more efficient and cheaper solar systems with high performance collectors. Research in the second area should focus on the assessment of the potential of the various biomass types, defining the manners of efficient utilization of the various biomass types as well as development of advanced technologies and practices for biomass utilization, including co-generation and co-combustion. The third theme should focus on domestic production of biofuels.

Priority 4: Smart grids
The main goal of the electric networks is transformation of the existing networks in resilient and interactive (consumers/operators) service network, with real time control, demand management and removal of mass use barriers and selective installation of renewable energy sources and distributed production. Smart networks will also help the integration of the electrified transport. All this requires research and development of innovative information and communication technologies, renewable sources storage technologies, energy electronics and superconductor devices, as well as new control tools and strategies for electric power systems reliability.

• With this research project Oded Kariti managed to show that established energy priorities need to be included in the scientific priorities of the state, and respectively, part of the budget funds to be allocated for scientific and research activities.
• The academic sector needs to be encouraged, in collaboration with the industries, municipalities and other institutions of the governmental and non-governmental sector, to apply for projects of relevant international programs and funds. The motivation will be done by co-financing the preparation of the project proposal.

• Overall, considering that most of the financing of the scientific and research activities should come from outside, the criteria for career advancement of scientific workers should properly value the participations in international projects.