Decarbonization Policies Research Articles

Industrial process heat decarbonization: A user-centric perspective

Eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from industrial process heat (IPH) is considered a key element of decarbonizing the overall industrial sector. However, industrial users and the processes by which they may adopt and implement technologies for decarbonization have largely been overlooked in the United States by an emphasis on developing and commercializing new technologies. While recent deployment and demonstration programs are an indication that decarbonization policy is beginning to acknowledge industrial users, little research has been conducted to understand how users mediate technical and nontechnical requirements to decarbonize IPH. Our exploratory analysis uses interviews with industry representatives and document analysis to begin developing a user-centric perspective. We find that successful adoption and implementation of decarbonized IPH technologies may require adaptation to diverse and potentially unique combinations of user requirements and local contexts. Instead of pursuing “crosscutting” IPH technologies, a more effective and expeditious approach may be to develop crosscutting decision-making that spans multiple technologies. This approach may offer unexplored opportunities to improve demonstration and deployment programs, but more user-centric research is needed.

Multi-objective optimization of straw-based bio-natural gas supply chains considering cost, CO2 emission, and safety

Bio-natural gas (BNG) has received recent interest as a renewable alternative to natural gas (NG). BNG supply chains (BSC), including production, transportation, and utilization, are compatible and can overlap with existing NG infrastructure. The goal is to develop a set of models that achieve the various trade-offs between economic, environmental and safety risks by combining life cycle assessment (LCA), mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) and fuzzy optimization, expanding the utilization of BSC while quantifying the risk of the whole process, so as to improve the safety awareness of the project operation. BNG technologies were considered: anaerobic digestion (AD), gasification, and syngas methanation. This model can analyze the changes in the different objectives of each module and the distribution of biomass mass flow by comparing different straw-based harvesting rates. Results indicate that AD technology possesses the lowest economic cost, and BNG as transportation fuel will generate the most benefits. The unit cost of BNG for different technologies ranges from 0.36 to 0.67 $/m³，the emission reduction is from 5.18 kg/m³ to 10.28 kg/m³，and the maximum safety risk value is 1.96. The proposed model was applied to a case study in China to illustrate the optimization of a regional straw-based BSC. The results illustrate how BNG supply chains can be systematically planned as part of an integrated decarbonization policy while mitigating safety risks that may occur from handling this fuel.

Shaping public support for nudge-based decarbonization policies through policy narrative: The role of victim type, victim number and narrativity

Nudge-based decarbonization policies possess significant potential to foster low-carbon lifestyles and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. However, securing public support for such policies is a complex endeavor. The pivotal role of policy narratives in molding public perceptions and garnering support underscores the necessity for a strategic approach in the crafting and deployment of these narratives to strengthen public endorsement of nudge-based decarbonization strategies. This study examines the influence of victim framing on the potency of policy narratives to bolster public support for nudge-based decarbonization policies. The study elucidates that narratives portraying climate change victims as humans rather than wildlife more effectively bolster support for policies. Furthermore, policy narratives featuring a lesser number of victims prove more efficacious in augmenting support for these policies. Moreover, the relationship between the number of victims and the narrative's impact on policy support transitions from negative to positive in the context of high narrativity. These disparities in narrative effectiveness can be attributed to their varying abilities to evoke compassion. These insights offer valuable guidance for enhancing public support for nudge-based decarbonization policies, highlighting the strategic use of policy narrative as a key tool in policy promotion.

Towards customized mitigation strategy in the transportation sector: An integrated analysis framework combining LMDI and hierarchical clustering method

As the world's largest CO2 emitter, China's decarbonization in the transportation sector is vital for achieving global sustainable goals. This study develops an in-depth framework to elucidate and tailor decarbonization strategies across regions effectively. Through the application of the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) approach, this analysis spans transportation, energy, economic, and demographic factors influencing CO2 emissions in China's 30 provinces over the decade 2010–2019. The Entropy Weight Method (EWM), applied innovatively, pinpoints regional disparities in emission drivers. A dual-dimensional hierarchical clustering analysis evaluates the emission characteristics at provincial-level, laying the groundwork for customized mitigation strategies. The study delineates three principal discoveries: (1) robust economic development has spurred transportation demand over the past decade, escalating emissions. While initiatives like the "Beautiful China" campaign and decarbonization policies have fostered weak decoupling between economic growth and emissions, economic activity remains a dominant driver of emissions at the provincial level. (2) The energy intensity, freight intensity, and industrial structure are the primary sources of regional disparities in the driving mechanism of CO2 emissions in the transportation sector. In economically developed areas, freight intensity is a considerable emissions accelerator, marking a departure from its national-level emissions reduction role. Given the starkly distinct regional disparity, a “one-size-fits-all” approach for China would be imprudent. (3) The novel application of hierarchical clustering reveals three synergistic relationships between regional development and transportation decarbonization, highlighting the misalignment between emissions reduction potential and driving forces in 27 provinces. This misalignment underscores the inefficiency of current management practices, necessitating the development of precise tailored strategies. By pioneering in the methodological analysis of emissions dynamics and stressing the imperative of customized mitigation strategies, this research significantly enriches the discourse on sustainable transportation and regional policy innovation.

Complementary taxation of carbon emissions and local air pollution

Current decarbonization policies neglect damages from local air pollutants. We analyze the trade-off between complementary taxation of carbon emissions and local air pollution. We quantify results for the European power market until 2050. Taxing only air pollution results in system cost of 6,475 billion € and fosters nuclear deployment. Additional external cost accumulate to 5,890 billion €. Taxing only carbon yields system (external) cost of 8,263 (717) billion € and promotes carbon-capture-and-storage deployment. Taxing both yields (external) cost of 7,697 (1,118) billion €. Moderate carbon taxation can be complementary to a primary policy of air pollution abatement. On the contrary, a primary policy of decarbonization stands in trade-off with air pollution abatement in the long-term.

The Impact of Deep Decarbonization Policy on the Level of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the European Union

The Green Deal, a cornerstone of the European Union’s climate goals, sets out to achieve a substantial 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The EU’s decarbonization strategies revolve around three pivotal avenues. First, there is a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and decreasing the energy intensity of economies. Second, concerted efforts are made to diminish the reliance on fossil fuels, particularly within industrial sectors. Lastly, there is a deliberate push to augment the share of renewable energy sources in the final energy consumption mix. These measures collectively aim to propel the decarbonization of EU economies, establishing EU member countries as global leaders in implementing these transformative processes. This manuscript seeks to evaluate the efficacy of three primary decarbonization strategies adopted by EU economies, namely the enhancement in energy efficiency, the promotion of renewable energy consumption and the reduction in fossil fuel consumption. The objective is to discern which strategies wield a decisive influence in achieving decarbonization goals across EU countries. The analysis encompasses all 27 member states of the European Union, spanning from 1990 to 2022, with data sourced from reputable outlets, including Eurostat, Our World in Data and the Energy Institute. Research findings underscore that, in the realm of decarbonization policies, statistically significant impacts on carbon dioxide emission reduction are attributable to the strategies of improving energy efficiency and augmenting the share of renewables in energy consumption across almost all EU countries. Conversely, the strategy with the least impact, embraced by a minority of EU member states, revolves around diminishing the share of fossil fuels in primary energy consumption. This approach, while statistically less impactful, is intricately linked with transitioning the economies toward renewable energy sources, thus playing a contributory role in the broader decarbonization landscape. The uniqueness of this research lies not only in its discernment of overarching trends but also in its fervent advocacy for a comprehensive and adaptive approach to EU decarbonization policy. It underscores the enduring significance of prioritizing energy efficiency, endorsing the integration of renewable energy and acknowledging the distinctive dynamics inherent in diverse regions. The study accentuates the necessity for nuanced, region-specific strategies, challenging the conventional wisdom of a uniform approach to decarbonization. In doing so, it accentuates the critical importance of tailoring policies to the varied energy landscapes and transition strategies evident in different EU member states.

Can resolving geopolitical tensions help South Asian countries elude the carbon curse of natural resources?

South Asia is regarded as highly vulnerable to climate change-related concerns. Thus, it is of utmost importance for South Asian countries to conceptualize environmental development policies that can be implemented to tackle carbon emission-related environmental hazards. Moreover, due to high reliance on natural resources, almost all South Asian nations find it extremely difficult to reduce their carbon discharges. Therefore, taking note of these concerning issues, this study aims to explore the environmental impacts associated with natural resource dependency, geopolitical tensions, financial development, and urbanization in the context of major South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. Notably, this study emphasizes whether reducing geopolitical tensions, by resolving external conflicts, can help these nations limit the carbon emission-related problems that are specifically associated with natural resource consumption. In this regard, a composite carbon curse index is calculated using data regarding three carbon emission-based indicators of environmental quality (per capita carbon dioxide emissions, rate of carbon intensity of energy use, and per capita consumption-based carbon footprints). For analytical purposes, several advanced panel data estimation methods that are robust against cross-sectionally dependent data with heterogeneous slope coefficients and endogeneity-related issues, are employed. Overall, the results endorse that more dependence on natural resources for stimulating economic growth worsens the carbon curse faced by the South Asia nations. By contrast, reducing geopolitical tensions through the resolution of external conflicts is observed to help the selected South Asian countries limit the carbon curse associated with natural resource consumption, both directly and indirectly. Therefore, in line with these findings, relevant decarbonization policies are recommended, which the concerned South Asian governments can take note of when designing green growth policies in the future.

Decarbonization policy and high-carbon enterprise default risk: Evidence from China

Studying the impact of decarbonization policy on high-carbon enterprise default risk is of great importance to improve climate risk governance. However, the relationship between decarbonization policy and default risk has not been examined to date. Adopting data from Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2000 to 2020, this paper examines the issue by using a difference-in-differences model. The results indicate that decarbonization policy significantly increases high-carbon enterprise default risk, which is more pronounced among small-sized enterprises and those in the growth period. The results of mechanism analysis show that the decarbonization policy increases the default risk of high-carbon enterprises by increasing debt cost and decreasing profitability. Furthermore, these effects are negatively moderated by low-carbon technology innovation and digital transformation. These findings can help governments, high-carbon enterprises, and investors to address default risk triggered by decarbonization policy.

Public perception and acceptance of CCUS: preliminary findings of a qualitative case study in Greece

The development and implementation of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies plays an increasingly important part in European Union (EU) and global decarbonisation policies and strategies that seek to address climate change to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. Several studies have shown the important role social acceptance plays in determining the outcomes of CCUS projects and how social acceptance is shaped by the national and local contexts. Yet most studies on CCUS and social acceptance have focused on countries in northern Europe and North America despite the increasing numbers of CCUS projects in other regions of the world. This study seeks to help address this gap by conducting a case study on how local dynamics shaped people's acceptance and awareness of CCUS in a Greek community. Based on semi-structured interviews with six community members near a CCUS pilot plant, this single case study explores the factors and dynamics that shaped the interviewees' perceptions of CCUS technologies. Our findings indicate that, despite the low level of awareness of CCUS technologies, participants could draw on their situated knowledge to identify potential drawbacks with their application. We identified scepticism regarding the adoption of new technologies and the organisations involved based on past experiences, and a notable lack provision of technology and location-specific information as well public engagement by the project consortium. Our recommendations for future projects and community engagement include the early involvement of the public in project development, location-based transparent information, appropriate channels to facilitate knowledge exchange, and educational initiatives to build communities' capability to influence projects.

Decarbonization, Opportunities and Dilemma for Developing Countries

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dilemma of third world countries in the decarbonization policy drive by drawing a comparison of power generated by third world countries and quantity of CO2 emissions against that of first world nations to ascertain third world nations' CO2 emissions.
 Materials and Methods: This is achieved by conducting an extensive literature review, conducting questionnaires, and conversing with industry experts aimed at identifying and comparing sources of power generation and consumption by third-world countries and developed countries. Analysis of collected data is conducted by statistical methods to arrive at conclusive deductions regarding the implications and opportunities available for decarbonization. 
 Findings: The study revealed that fossil fuel still constitutes about 64% of energy generation and over 80% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by human activity (around 35 billion tonnes a year) comes from burning fossil fuel. This paper proposes unique practical solutions that would ensure a smooth transition during decarbonization like unbundling the national grid and power infrastructure to create smaller and more efficient microgrids (energy efficiency), improving the energy efficiency of existing power infrastructure, proper short, midterm and long-term Government policies on energy, investments in renewable technologies like solar, wind and Nuclear, acquisition of energy storage systems, transparency to curb corruption), and more investment in homegrown technological drive.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Conclusively, policymakers are encouraged to take necessary steps to ensure that decarbonization can be achieved without significant challenges on infrastructural growth and development.

Strategic Autonomy, REPowerEU And The Internal Energy Market: Untying The Gordian Knot

The “open” strategic autonomy discourse now serves altogether as a new narrative and overarching principle of EU energy policy. This article conceptualizes EU strategic energy autonomy (SEA) as the Union’s ability to choose autonomously its own path towards a decarbonized “energy mix”. Realizing EU SEA demands a more holistic energy policy to tackle external dependence on foreign suppliers of energy commodities, technologies, and raw materials critical to the green transition. In this context, joint external action is important; but coordinated internal action is even more so, as the nature and magnitude of external constraints also depend on internal choices among the Member States concerning transition pathways. The article focuses on the internal dimension of EU energy policy. The REPowerEU plan and related emergency measures adopted under Article 122 TFEU to guarantee solidarity in tackling the impending energy crisis only brought a partial answer and once again raised the question of the EU competence to act on energy security issues. It is argued that the shared competence and related limitations foreseen in the TFEU should not prevent the EU from implementing a long-term holistic policy to pursue a resilient decarbonization policy throughout the energy value chains. The EU may well become more relevant than in the past when it comes to the energy security of Member States. New regulatory tools may be needed to support the integrity of the cornerstone of EU energy policy to date – the internal energy market – in the pursuit of an “open” SEA. The potential contribution to safeguarding “open” SEA from EU foreign direct investment screening, the forthcoming carbon border adjustment mechanism, and the new EUforeign subsidy regulation are discussed in this context.

Emerging Sustainability in Carbon Capture and Use Strategies for V4 Countries via Biochemical Pathways: A Review

The world is moving towards decarbonization policies in the energy and industrial sectors to bring down carbon dioxide release and reach net zero emissions. Technologies to capture CO2 and use it as a feedstock to produce CO2-based chemicals and biofuels via chemical or biochemical conversion pathways can potentially reduce the amount of CO2 released. The paper serves the innovative scientific knowledge for CO2 transformation via a biochemical pathway to microalgal biomass with its subsequent treatment to biofuels and bioproducts assuming milder climatic conditions (Central or Eastern Europe, Visegrad countries or climatically related world regions). The recent trends were critically reviewed for microalgal biorefinery to reach the sustainability of microalgal-based chemicals with added value, digestion, hydrothermal liquefaction, pyrolysis, and gasification of microalgal residues. Knowledge-based chemical process engineering analysis, systematic data synthesis, and critical technical evaluation of available life cycle assessment studies evaluated the sustainability of microalgal biorefinery pathways. The research showed that biological CO2 fixation using water, seawater or wastewater to produce third-generation biomass is a promising alternative for bioethanol production via pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, digestion, and distillation, and can be realized on a large scale in an economically viable and environmentally sound manner. Its best economically promising and sustainable pathway is perceived in producing microalgal-based nutraceuticals, bioactive medical products, and food products such as proteins, pigments, and vitamins. Machine learning methods for data mining, process control, process optimization, and geometrical configuration of reactors and bioreactors are the crucial research needs and challenges to implementing microalgal biorefinery in an operational environment.

Techno-economic comparative analysis of PV third–party ownership between customer and developer sides in Japan

The adoption of renewable energy sources (RES) offers a significant opportunity for nations across the world to achieve regional decarbonization. Nevertheless, the substantial penetration levels of RES can cause grid overcapacity and operational challenges. In Japan, photovoltaic (PV) third-party ownership (TPO) has emerged as the primary implementation approach aimed at bolstering collective energy self-consumption. However, economic uncertainties raise concerns about the financial feasibility of TPO for both developers and customers. This work presents a techno-economic analysis of rooftop PV-Only and PV-Battery system implementation, assessing the economic feasibility of TPO based on compensation mechanisms for project developers and five customer types at the regional scale. The results indicate that the TPO model is economically feasible, as the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of developers is from 8.98 to 9.90 ¢/kWh. Additionally, the power purchase agreement (PPA) strategy provides up to 19.12 % higher benefits than the lease strategy (commercial building scenario). On the other hand, the economic performance of the energy storage strategy is inferior to that of the net energy metering strategy, as it relies on fluctuations in market electricity tariffs. This study provides valuable insights for regional decarbonization policies and helps different stakeholders make informed investment decisions.

A generation and transmission expansion planning model for the electricity market with decarbonization policies

Globally, the power sector must undergo a profound transition to achieve the decarbonization development targets. Various roadmaps are implemented, but only from a macro perspective, lacking the consideration of the electricity market rules. In this paper, we develop and present a market-driven generation and transmission expansion planning (MGTEP) model considering the effectiveness of the electricity market. Specifically, generation and transmission companies incorporate hourly market trading and annual capacity investment into strategic decisions to maximize their profits, with the supply function equilibrium model to analyze bidding behaviors. An equivalent quadratic programming formulation is deployed to solve the trilevel MGTEP model. Meanwhile, the MGTEP model is coupled with decarbonization policies to support the state and federal government in assessing energy transition strategies. We implement the MGTEP model with carbon emission allowance and carbon tax policies for the southern China electricity market to achieve carbon peaking by 2030. Carbon emission allowance adopts an intensity-based cap based on generation companies' historical output. The case study results show that 50 % carbon emission allowance or 400 CNY/t carbon tax is required but with several drawbacks, including unsatisfactory decarbonization effect, excessive economic sacrifice, etc. Finally, the case study is extended to dual-track policies with different combinations of policies. An optimal combination is 70 % carbon emission allowance and 160 CNY/t carbon tax. In this case, the power sector's carbon dioxide emissions and electricity prices in the southern China electricity market would increase to 554.6 Mt and 864.34 CNY/MWh in 2030, respectively, along with a carbon price of 850 CNY/t.

Against Self-Defeating Climate Policy

This paper contends that the narrow Overton window on climate policy is self-defeating to the goals of many climate activists and policymakers. It gives three examples of policies that do little to address carbon emissions and are likely to fail: (1) how decarbonization policies are destroying electric grid reliability; (2) how the attempt to eliminate the internal combustion engine is leading to the “Cuba-fication” of the automotive fleet; and (3) how the focus on reducing domestic carbon emissions leads to regulatory arbitrage. The paper provides three corresponding recommendations, contending (1) that states should eliminate RTOs and ISOs in favor of vertically integrated utilities and that we should eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers to the development of new nuclear reactors, (2) that we should promote tech-neutral ways of reducing vehicle emissions, e.g., by authorizing the use of higher-octane fuels, and (3) that domestic industry should be promoted through permitting reform, deregulation, and industrial policy. The paper concludes by positing that self-defeating climate policy predominates because public discourse on climate policy is based on what Eric Voegelin called “gnostism,” which confuses temporal and spiritual concerns, leading to destructive policies that refuse to acknowledge the structure of reality.

Ground-mounted or residential rooftop photovoltaic plant − European production or Chinese production: which is the most environmentally sustainable system? A case study in Italy

In recent years, decarbonization policies have pushed for a significant increase in renewable energies for power generation applications. European strategy aims to bring online over 320 GW of solar photovoltaics by 2025 and almost 600 GW by 2030. In this context, it is not only important to figure out the main hotspots of PV system but also to understand which are the best configurations from an environmental point of view. The analysis proposed in this paper aims to compare the environmental benefits of producing 1 kWh through two different system configurations: a ground-mounted PV plant (84 MW) and a residential rooftop PV plant (3 kW). In particular, the PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology is investigated. In addition, in order to assess the influence of the energy mix used in the production of the PV components (mono-Si ingot, wafer, cell and module) on the LCA results, two different production sites are explored, i.e., in China and in Europe.

Emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industries: technological innovation and climate policy solutions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050

We developed a Technology Roadmap for emissions intensive and trade exposed (EITE) sectors to help policymakers and firms formulate a climate change mitigation strategy employing innovative technologies for large industrial emitters.

Assessment of implementation of decarbonization policy in the current economic situation at Russian enterprises

The object of the study is the activities for the development and implementation of carbon-free management at Russian enterprises. The purpose is to study the specifics of implementing the decarbonization and ¨net zero¨ policies at industrial enterprises in the current economic conditions. The goal was chosen in relation with the problems of the second and third tier countries in implementing the production decarbonization strategy associated with financial difficulties. It examined the work on the implementation of the decarbonization policy of PJSC Rosneft Oil Company. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that the carbon credits created by the company for the period of 2021-2022 in the amount of 43,249,561.66 euros cover up to 4% of the potential cross- border carbon tax for the same period. In the current situation, the problem of objectivity of monetary assessment of the contribution of companies of different countries to the fight against greenhouse gases is revealed. To combat environmental contamination, international norms, laws, and directives are formulated and enforced to manage human activities and their interactions with the environment, encompassing the methodology for extracting and utilizing natural resources.

Особенности политики энергетического перехода Индонезии: роль иностранного бизнеса в достижении целей декарбонизации

The article delves into Indonesia’s energy transition policy, specifically examining the involvement of foreign companies through collaborative projects. Indonesia grapples with the dual challenges of ensuring energy security and attaining carbon neutrality, aligning with its climate commitments from COP 26 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The article demonstrates how Indonesia, despite its aspirations for carbon neutrality and associated political ambitions, encounters a significant hurdle due to limited domestic resources for realizing its goals. The formation of partnerships with foreign entities, with each of them pursuing their own political and economic objectives, is a possible way to circumvent it. Indonesia’s insufficient readiness for a comprehensive industrial transformation, necessary for implementing a cohesive decarbonization policy with available renewable resources, creates distinct opportunities for foreign entities to enhance their influence and contribute to Indonesia’s long-term green economy planning. In this context, the involvement of foreign entities could be pivotal in determining the success of the energy transition, the realization of decarbonization targets and the assurance of energy security for Indonesia. Drawing on practical examples from France and Germany, the author views this collaboration between Indonesia and foreign entities as a natural and essential part in technological and economic development. Within the ongoing phase of the nation’s long-term strategy, the engagement of diverse foreign entities aligns with Indonesia’s objectives and establishes the necessary groundwork for the energy transition and the attainment of previously outlined decarbonization goals. The article employs a comprehensive approach, utilizing various official documents and roadmaps related to Indonesia’s energy policy, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and several documents from international development institutions to explore the issue thoroughly.

The impact of economic development of primary and secondary industries on national CO2 emissions: The case of Russian regions

In today's world, where economic development and environmental sustainability are becoming increasingly important aspects of national strategy, attention to the impact of different economic sectors on climate change is becoming an integral part of scientific research. This article focuses on analyzing the impact of primary and secondary economic sectors development on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at the sub-national level in Russia from 2005 to 2019. The aim of the study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the relationships between the dynamics of these sectors and CO2 emission levels in different regions of the country. Weighted regression and panel data methods were applied to better identify the patterns of the impact. The results show that the size of population and electricity consumption have the highest impact on CO2 emissions. So that, the expansion of nuclear and gas generation capacity, as well as significant improvement of energy efficiency, are of crucial importance to reduce the emissions. Other sectors have a heterogeneous impact and requires more differential approaches, considering the specifics of regions. Taking into account the significant differences between the Russian constituent entities, this paper emphasizes the low informativeness of assessments at the national level and their inadequacy in terms of improving the efficiency of domestic management, including decarbonization policies.