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NOTES
4. Bio-power Data
Given existing complexities and constraints (see Figure 6 in GSR
2015, and Sidebar 2 in GSR 2012), the GSR strives to provide
the best and latest available data regarding biomass energy
developments. The reporting of biomass-fired combined heat
and power (CHP) systems varies among countries, which adds
to the challenges experienced when assessing total heat and
electricity capacities and total bioenergy outputs. Wherever
possible, the bio-power data presented include capacity and
generation from both electricity-only and CHP systems using
solid biomass, landfill gas, biogas and liquid biofuels.
5. Hydropower Data Revision and Treatment
of Pumped Storage
7. Other
Editorial content of this report closed by 17 May 2016 for
technology data, and by 1 May 2016 or earlier for other content.
The Policy Landscape chapter covers policy developments
through the end of 2015.
Growth rates in the GSR are calculated as compound annual
growth rates (CAGR) rather than as an average of annual growth
rates.
All exchange rates in this report are as of 31 December 2015 and
are calculated using the OANDA currency converter (http://
www.oanda.com/currency/converter/).
Corporate domicile, where noted, is determined by the location
of headquarters.
Starting with the 2012 edition, the GSR has made an effort to
report hydropower generating capacity without including pure
pumped storage capacity (the capacity used solely for shifting
water between reservoirs for storage purposes). The distinction
is made because pumped storage is not an energy source but
rather a means of energy storage. It involves conversion losses
and potentially is fed by all forms of electricity, renewable and nonrenewable.
However, some conventional hydropower facilities do
have pumping capability that is not separate from, or additional
to, their normal generating capability. It is the aim of the GSR to
distinguish and separate only the pure (or incremental) pumped
storage component.
6. Solar Thermal Heat Data
Starting with GSR 2014, the GSR includes all solar thermal
collectors that use water as the heat-transfer medium (or heat
carrier) in global capacity data and ranking of top countries.
Previous GSRs focused primarily on glazed water collectors
(both flat plate and evacuated tube); the GSR now also includes
unglazed water collectors, which are used predominantly for
swimming pool heating. Data for solar air collectors (solar thermal
collectors that use air as the heat carrier) are far more uncertain,
and these collector types play a minor role in the market overall.
Solar thermal air collectors are included where specified.
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