REII has developed the 5E Assessment Tool to systematically evaluate the life cycle impacts of renewable energy technologies and their associated products. REII’s 5E Assessment Tool utilizes a rigorous assessment methodology for current, improved and emerging renewable energy technologies capable of producing renewable electricity, fuels and chemical products. The components of this 5E assessment methodology are: (E1) technology evaluations at the research, development and demonstration stages; (E2) determination of energy and mass conversion efficiencies; (E3) environmental impact assessments; (E4) economic analyses and; (E5) appraisals of socio-political effectiveness. Socio-political effectiveness evaluates factors such as government regulations, organizational objectives, societal benefits, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder needs and concerns.

REII’s 5E Assessment Tool has been used by the US DOE, California Energy Commission, USFS and numerous private clients to evaluate, identify and improve viable renewable energy technologies. In addition, our 5E models are also used to evaluate carbon and materials lifecycles.