Energy Dependence Research Articles

Analysis of the spectrum of 27-day GCR variations in 2015–2016

This work presents the results of the analysis of 27-day variations in the flux of galactic protons registered by STEREO, SOHO, and AMS-02 in 2015–2016. We calculate variations’ amplitude using several different approaches and propose a description of its energy dependence in the range of magnetic rigidity from approximately 0.3 to 100 GV. We also analyse variations of the solar modulation potential, which is the only parameter of force-field model, and consider the possibility of describing the 27-day variations of galactic cosmic rays within the framework of this model. It is shown that rigidity dependence of the 27-day variations amplitude cannot be properly described using this simple approximation.

Fabrication of ZnO/ Bi2O3/PVA coated glass for X-ray detection and measurement

Electrospun ZnO/Bi2O3/PVA-coated glass samples were fabricated using electrospinning method, with varying ZnO molarities (0 M, 5 M, and 7 M) and Bi2O3 weight percentages (wt%) to assess their potential for x-ray detection and measurement. Sample morphology and elemental composition analysis revealed well-distributed nanofiber strands on the glass substrate, with even dispersion of elements within the nanofiber across all samples. The effective atomic number (Zeff) of the sample is consistently enhanced with the addition of Bi2O3 and higher ZnO molarity, where sample with 7 wt% Bi2O3 own a greater Zeff value (41.56–44.12) than sample with 5 wt% Bi2O3 (37.22–40.54). All samples except Sample A0 and B0 exhibited strong absorbance between wavelength range of 360 nm–400 nm. Sample A0 and B0 yielded energy band gaps (Eg) of 2.39 eV and 2.37 eV, respectively, whereby samples with ZnO exhibit energy gaps of Eg = 3.29 eV (Sample A1), Eg = 3.27 eV (Sample A2), Eg = 3.25 eV (Samples B1 and B2). All samples underwent x-ray exposure at various tube voltages (40–60 kVp) to assess their attenuation ability for x-ray detection and measurement. Sample B2 (5 wt% Bi2O3 and 7 M ZnO) exhibited the most favorable linear response, while Sample B1 (5 wt% Bi2O3 and 5 M ZnO) displayed favorable energy dependency. Thus, the electrospun ZnO/Bi2O3/PVA-coated glass with these compositions are proposed as potential dosimetry material due to their favorable linear response and energy dependency characteristics.

First measurement in a magnetic confinement fusion experiment of the H3+H3→He5+n intermediate two-body resonant reaction

We report on the first experimental measurements made at a magnetic confinement fusion device of the tritium(T)-tritium(T) reaction T+T→He4+2n indicating the presence of the intermediate two-body resonant reaction T+T→He5+n. During the second deuterium-tritium campaign (DTE2) at the Joint European Torus, measurements of fusion plasmas with high tritium concentrations, nT/(nT+nD)≈0.99, heated with tritium neutral beam injection, were performed using the neutron time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer TOFOR. We detect a peak in the neutron emission TOF spectrum consistent with the two-body resonant reaction. The TT neutron emission energy spectrum is modeled using an R-matrix framework where the distributions of the most likely model parameters given our experimental TOF data are determined utilizing a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach. We compare our best estimate of the T+T neutron emission energy spectrum with results obtained at inertial confinement fusion experiments at the OMEGA facility and find a spectral shape that is consistent with the energy dependency in the neutron spectrum observed at OMEGA. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION'S (EU) SPECIAL STRATEGY FOR CENTRAL ASIA (2007–2013)

The article examines the European Union's approach to Central Asia from 2007 to 2013, highlighting key objectives and initiatives designed to strengthen cooperation between the EU and nations in the region. This strategy encompasses a diverse range of issues, including economic growth, governance, energy security, educational development, and regional collaboration. The overarching goals of the strategy include: Economic Development: The strategy emphasizes the importance of economic partnerships, trade, and investment in promoting growth and integration of the region into the global economy. Governance and Anti-Corruption: The European Union supports governance and anti-corruption reforms that are essential for sustainable development. Energy Security: Given the significant energy resources in Central Asia, measures have been taken to diversify energy sources and increase the EU's energy independence. Education: Educational programs and initiatives aim to improve skills of the population and develop human capital in the region. Regional Cooperation: The EU actively promotes regional cooperation among Central Asian countries to contribute to peace and stability in the region. The article emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of the EU's approach to the challenges and changing circumstances in the region. This demonstrates the European Union's commitment to playing a proactive role in promoting positive development in Central Asia and creating the conditions for long-term collaboration and shared prosperity.

#1492 Metabolic switch in CD8+ T cells may influence immune response in chronic antibody-mediated rejection (CAMR)

Abstract Background and Aims CAMR is the main cause of chronic graft injury and subsequent graft loss, but its pathogenesis is still largely unclear. Our group demonstrated an increase in CD8+ T cells infiltrating biopsies from CAMR patients (PMID: 20595199), but their role remains to be defined. Recently, immunometabolism has emerged as a field connecting cell energy metabolism with the immune cell differentiation and functions. Particularly, the permanent aerobic glycolysis of CD8+ lymphocytes induces their transition from naïve to activated state and effector T cells (PMID: 37315709). Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of CAMR by the analysis of gene expression profiles of CD8+ T lymphocytes in conjunction with their metabolic state. Method We enrolled 14 patients with biopsy-proven CAMR and 12 stable transplant recipients with normal graft histology and function (control group). CD8+ T cells were purified by CD8 MicroBeads (Miltenyi Biotec) then counted (TC20™ Automated Cell Counter). Gene expression profiles of CD8+ T lymphocytes isolated from both groups were assessed using Agilent microarrays. Data obtained were statistically and functionally evaluated (IPA software) and validated by qPCR. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in CD8+ and CD8- cells was measured by a Resipher oxygen sensing lid (Lucid Scientific Inc., USA). The contribution of mitochondrial respiration to OCR was investigated in isolated CD8+ T cells from CAMR and controls treated with rotenone/antimycin A (Rot/AA), oligomycin (Olygo) or carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) to evaluate spare respiratory capacity (SRC), ATP-linked respiration, proton leak and maximal respiration. Results Gene expression profiles of CD8+ T cells showed a characteristic alteration of lipid metabolism in CAMR patients with the triglyceride biosynthesis pathway (p = 2.69E-3) as the most altered pathway and several genes de-regulated all potentially involved in the altered metabolic state of CD8+ T cells. Among others, we validated the increased expression of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) (FC = +2.39), the rate-limiting enzyme of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) salvage pathway involved in the glycolysis progression, mostly activated in effector T cells. We then decided to evaluate the OCR and the metabolic state of CD8+T cells. Basal OCR was higher in CD8+ rather than CD8- cells, but with different trends among cells isolated from control and CAMR patients. Indeed, CD8+ cells from CAMR patients showed higher OCR compared to control, while OCR was lower in CD8- from CAMR rather than control patients. CD8+ OCR from both CAMR and control patients was mostly dependent on mitochondrial respiration, since it was deeply reduced by Rot/AA treatment. Interestingly, inhibitory response to Oligo treatment by CD8+ cells from CAMR patients was modest, while OCR was noticeably stimulated by FCCP in these cells, suggesting that mitochondrial oxygen uptake was not ATP linked but rather associated with increased uncoupling. These data suggest that CD8+ T cells from CAMR patients are activated effector T cells primarily utilizing aerobic glycolysis. To confirm this hypothesis, we evaluated the gene expression levels of: i) HIF1a, which involves permanent dependence on glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen (Warburg effect); ii) fatty acid transporter CD36, whose levels mimic an energy dependence on the beta oxidation of fatty acids, a process activated in memory T cells. We confirmed an increased expression of HIF1a and a reduced expression of CD36 in CD8+T cells from CAMR patients compared to controls (p<0.05), that confirm the T effector phenotype. Conclusion Our data suggest that CD8+ T cell from CAMR patients showed permanent dependency on glycolysis leading to altered immune phenotype and response, thus indicating novel opportunities to modulate the immune system for therapeutic purposes in kidney transplanted patients and reduce graft rejection.

The Activation Energy Temperature Dependence for Viscous Flow of Chalcogenides

For some chalcogenide glasses, the temperature dependence of the activation energy E(T) of viscous flow in the glass transition region was calculated using the Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) equation. A method for determining the activation energy of viscous flow as a function of temperature is proposed using the Taylor expansion of the function E(T) using the example of chalcogenide glasses As-Se, Ge-Se, Sb-Ge-Se, P-Se, and AsSe-TlSe. The calculation results showed that the temperature dependence of the activation energy for the Ge-Se, As-Se, P-Se, AsSe-TlSe, and AsSe systems is satisfactorily described by a polynomial of the second degree, and for Sb-Ge-Se glass by a polynomial of the third degree. The purpose of this work is to compare the values of the coefficients obtained from the Taylor series expansion of E(T) with the characteristics of the E(T) versus (T − Tg) curves obtained directly from the experimental temperature dependence of viscosity. The nature of the dependence E(T) is briefly discussed.

Prediction of giant anomalous Nernst effect in Sm(Co,Ni)5

Sm-Co bulk alloys are well-known permanent magnets having large remanent magnetizations and coercive forces and are widely used in many industrial products. Recently, a large transverse thermoelectric conversion was observed for SmCo5 over a wide temperature range in the absence of magnetic fields. The large thermoelectric conductivity tensors (αxy) was also confirmed by the first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In this study, we predicted further enhancement of the αxy by including Ni in Co site of SmCo5. We showed that the αxy of Sm(Co1−xNix)5 increases with increasing the Ni ratio and takes the maximum value αxy = 11.3 A K−1 m−1 around x = 0.08 at 300 K, which is about 77% enhancement of αxy = 6.4 A K−1 m−1 in SmCo5. We clarified that the band proximity points near the nodal line of Sm(Co0.92Ni0.08)5 are the main contributing factor to the large Berry curvature, providing the steep slope of the energy dependence in the anomalous Hall conductivity around the Fermi energy.

Comparative study on physical properties of bio-based PA56 fibers and wearability of their fabrics

Abstract Bio-based polyamide 56 (PA56) has significant advantages in reducing oil dependence and reducing carbon emissions. This study compared the physical properties of bio-based PA56 and conventional polyamide 66 (PA66) fibers and their fabrics. The results showed that due to the odd arrangement structure of carbon atoms in PA56 fiber molecules, its crystallinity and orientation were lower than those of PA66. At the same time, PA56 had a higher degradation rate and coloring rate due to its smaller crystallinity and higher moisture content and gave PA56 fabrics better instantaneous cooling and moisture absorption and drying properties. In addition, the molecular structure characteristics of PA56 also lead to a lower stiffness and soft feel of the fabric, which is beneficial for improving the curling phenomenon of the fabric. Overall, bio-based PA56 fibers can meet the applications in the textile and clothing field and can largely replace PA66, which is worthy of further research and utilization.

Electron beam response corrections for an ultra-high-dose-rate capable diode dosimeter.

Ultra-high-dose-rate (UHDR) electron beams have been commonly utilized in FLASH studies and the translation of FLASH Radiotherapy (RT) to the clinic. The EDGE diode detector has potential use for UHDR dosimetry albeit with a beam energy dependency observed. The purpose is to present the electron beam response for an EDGE detector in dependence on beam energy, to characterize the EDGE detector's response under UHDR conditions, and to validate correction factors derived from the first detailed Monte Carlo model of the EDGE diode against measurements, particularly under UHDR conditions. Percentage depth doses (PDDs) for the UHDR Mobetron were measured with both EDGE detectors and films. A detailed Monte Carlo (MC) model of the EDGE detector has been configured according to the blueprint provided by the manufacturer under an NDA agreement. Water/silicon dose ratios of EDGE detector for a series of mono-energetic electron beams have been calculated. The dependence of the water/silicon dose ratio on depth for a FLASH relevant electron beam was also studied. An analytical approach for the correction of PDD measured with EDGE detectors was established. Water/silicon dose ratio decreased with decreasing electron beam energy. For the Mobetron 9 MeV UHDR electron beam, the ratio decreased from 1.09 to 1.03 in the build-up region, maintained in range of 0.98-1.02 at the fall-off region and raised to a plateau in value of 1.08 at the tail. By applying the corrections, good agreement between the PDDs measured by the EDGE detector and those measured with film was achieved. Electron beam response of an UHDR capable EDGE detector was derived from first principles utilizing a sophisticated MC model. An analytical approach was validated for the PDDs of UHDR electron beams. The results demonstrated the capability of EDGE detector in measuring PDDs of UHDR electron beams.

Energy Dependency of South Asian Economies: A Comparative Analysis

The main purpose of this research study is to assess and compare energy dependency (ED) performance scores by focusing on South Asian economies within the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework. Data is utilized for the period 2003 to 2021. The results indicate that the energy sectors of Pakistan and India exhibited inefficient performance within the South Asian region. Both countries faced challenges in effectively using and producing energy from their primary energy resources, leading to a remarkable growth rate in ED. Considering these findings, it is crucial for Pakistan and India to critically review their existing energy policies based on scientific principles. The primary objective should be to develop and implement an appropriate energy policy that effectively reduces their dependency on energy imports and addresses the inefficiencies within their energy systems.

What determines local attitudes towards Jordan’s renewable energy transition? Evidence from household surveys

ABSTRACT The potential for renewable energy to encourage sustainable development raises high hopes for the future among countries in the Global South. However, there has been less research on how energy transitions are perceived outside of the Global North and democratic contexts. This paper explores attitudes towards the energy transition in Jordan, where expert interviews reveal that a strong renewable energy industry has emerged from top-down government efforts to reduce energy dependency and costs. We perform an in-person household survey with 320 respondents in areas with different transition risks and benefits, and then test a series of hypotheses using regression analysis. In the four communities surveyed, income stress and climate concern influence attitudes, as well as perceptions of community benefits. National-level concerns also matter, including energy dependency and energy costs for all Jordanians. Our results highlight the importance of context: findings from the North are not universal and understanding transitions in the Global South requires studying them in their own right. Policy insights Jordanian policymakers should reverse their policy of blocking renewables to avoid public backlash. Jordanian policymakers and funders should promote projects in communities with high economic dependence on the fossil fuel industry to ensure local support in areas facing transition risks. Policymakers should highlight collective, not just individual benefits of transitions, as perceptions of community and country benefits increase support. Policymakers in highly energy-dependent countries like Jordan should frame renewables as an answer to local and national challenges such as high energy prices. Actors wishing to promote clean energy support in different contexts should investigate local dynamics to build communication strategies that frame transitions appropriately.

Absorption Correction for 3D Elemental Distributions of Dental Composite Materials Using Laboratory Confocal Micro-X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy.

Confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) spectroscopy facilitates three-dimensional (3D) elemental imaging of heterogeneous samples in the micrometer range. Laboratory setups using X-ray tube excitation render the method accessible for diverse research fields but interpretation of results and quantification remain challenging. The attenuation of X-rays in composites depends on the photon energy as well as on the composition and density of the material. For confocal micro-XRF, attenuation severely impacts elemental distribution information, as the signal from deeper layers is distorted by superficial layers. Absorption correction and quantification of fluorescence measurements in heterogeneous composite samples have so far not been reported. Here, an absorption correction approach for confocal micro-XRF combining density information from microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) data with laboratory X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and synchrotron transmission measurements is presented. The energy dependency of the probing volume is considered during the correction. The methodology is demonstrated on a model composite sample consisting of a bovine tooth with a clinically used restoration material.

ВПЛИВ СУЧАСНИХ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ СОНЯЧНОЇ ЕНЕРГЕТИКИ НА ЕСТЕТИЧНІ ЯКОСТІ МІСТА

Energy independence remains a priority task for most European countries. Along with traditional energy sources, more and more attention is being paid to renewable energy usage. The best solution for city residents is the use of solar energy for the local needs of individual households. However, chaotic installation of solar panels on the roofs has a negative impact on the aesthetic qualities of urban environment. Many problems as well arise during installation of panels itself on the roof structure. After all, solar panels have significant weight, which usually was not taken into account when calculating the roof structure. The wind load, which is higher for planar elements, also was not taken into account, which can provoke negative consequences like destruction of an entire structure during exploitation. Key problem is that in most cases panels are being installed on the already existing roof and were not laid in the project. Conducted research has revealed the negative impact of voluntarily installed solar panels on aesthetic qualities of the city. Argued the importance of coordinating the installation of solar energy accumulating elements with the architecture of the building and the environment by selecting an appropriate shape, texture and color. Proved the need to foresee during the design process the use of solar panels in the construction of the roof and walls to partially supply buildings with energy at the local level. Envisaging solar panels at the design stage will avoid duplicating the roof profile, which will reduce the weight of the roof structure and extend its service life. The analysis of main methods for organizing the "solar roof" showed that the most appropriate, from an aesthetic point of view, is the use of solar roof tiles. Based on analysis of available materials for accumulating solar energy, it was found that today there is no manufacturer that provides a complete solar roof with all its elements (gutters, snow retainers, deaerators, ladders, etc.). However, it is possible to choose elements with the corresponding texture and color and combine roof elements from different manufacturers.

Potential sanctions on the Northeast Asia supergrid: A network theory perspective

This study examines the impact of the potential imposition of cross-border sanctions in the proposed Northeast Asia supergrid under various scenarios. To predict the outcomes of plausible sanctions, we apply a network theory of sanctions to a simulation model of the Northeast Asia supergrid. We calculate the loss to each country connected to the supergrid by each scenario in which one country sanctions another country. Multilateral sanctions cause more loss than unilateral sanctions do, but multilateral sanctions are infeasible in some cases owing to energy dependencies among countries. Our simulation applies different rules on how to share the benefits generated by the supergrid. While the benefit-sharing rule affects the size of loss from sanctions, it does not change the availability of sanctions. China and Russia, as significant power exporters, hold a crucial role in implementing sanctions. China can enforce effective sanctions against Russia, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. In contrast, Japan, not directly connected to China, is vulnerable to sanctions from other countries.

Expanding Electric Vehicle Adoption in Disadvantaged Communities

To achieve ambitious electric vehicle (EV) and equity goals, sales must reach beyond general populations and into priority groups. Better understanding of EV adoption by priority populations can inform strategies to expand it. We examine light-duty EV adoption in state-designated disadvantaged communities (DACs) in New York State (NYS). We analyze 5,097 survey responses from 21,843 consumers rebated for 2017–2019 EV purchases/leases. We use descriptive statistics, logistic regressions, and dominance analysis to identify and rank order factors associated with DAC adopters. Descriptively, demographic and related findings were largely consistent with expectations based on previous studies. In this study, DAC adopters were also compared with NYS market baseline statistics. They were found to resemble mainstream new vehicle buyers more closely than non-DAC adopters and, indeed, they already represent progress “beyond” the mainstream in several respects. For the logistic regressions, in addition to several expected findings (e.g., more frequent renting and apartment dwelling), factors that distinguished DAC adopters included the following: rebated EVs were household additions (as opposed to replacements), non-Tesla battery EVs, and/or purchased (as opposed to leased); the importance of charging and/or environmental impacts; and/or the unimportance of energy independence. Factors surprisingly not associated with DAC residence included the following: race/ethnicity; importance of various incentives; and/or awareness of rebates from consumers and dealers. Indeed, in contrast to a previous analysis for California, no enabling or awareness factors were found to help distinguish DAC adopters from non-DAC adopters, including financial considerations, when controlling for other factors such as income. Findings are discussed and compared with previous research, and observations are provided to inform program design and outreach.

METHODS AND TOOLS FOR IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS AND MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

A factor of the state's national security is reducing energy dependence and taking measures to increase energy efficiency, especially in the budgetary sphere, because about 90% of such buildings do not meet modern energy efficiency requirements. Creating a reliable energy consumption management system, choosing measures to reduce consumption and diversifying energy sources is a difficult task that requires consideration of building energy consumption processes as a complex problem with the use of modern tools of the energy management system, modeling, and the use of modern approaches to automation and measurements. The object of research is energy consumption processes in educational institutions. The subject of the research is energy characteristics and methods of energy consumption management in educational institutions. Research methods. analytical methods, system analysis, synthesis, modeling, systematization, method of comparative and structural analysis. One of the tasks of this study is to review the capabilities of software products that can be used by energy managers of educational institutions to monitor, analyze and forecast energy consumption, as well as to create reports. Also in the work, an analysis of the state of affairs regarding energy consumption management was carried out on the example of KPI named after Igor Sikorskyi; proposals for the development of the automated energy monitoring system were provided, in particular, the architecture of the web application was developed taking into account the support of existing databases to improve the energy monitoring process.

Operative Benefits of Residential Battery Storage for Decarbonizing Energy Systems: A German Case Study

The reduction in PV prices and interest in energy independence accelerate the adoption of residential battery storage. This storage can support various functions of an energy system undergoing decarbonization. In this work, operative benefits of storage from the system perspective, namely, generation cost reduction and congestion mitigation, are investigated. Germany is chosen as a case study due to its strong reliance on variable renewable energy. For the analysis, an economic dispatch model with a high spatial resolution is coupled with a pan-European transmission grid model. It is shown that the system’s generation costs are highest when the assets are used only to maximize PV self-consumption, and the costs are lowest when the storage also reacts to the market dynamics. This amounts to a 6% cost reduction. Both operation strategies result in an equal level of grid congestion and infrastructure loading. This is improved with a strategy that accounts for regional peak reduction as a secondary objective. The high congestion level emphasizes that grid expansion needs to keep pace with the generation and electrification expansion necessary to decarbonize other sectors. Lastly, policymakers should enable multipurpose utilization, e.g., via the introduction of market-oriented retail electricity prices with intervention options for grid operators.

Quantum dynamics of the P(2D) + H2 (X1[formula omitted]) → PH (X3Σ-) + H(2S) reaction

The title reaction is thought to be important for the astronomical PO formation, which may contribute to the generation of bioavailable H3PO3. Using quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) method, the state-specified (v = 0, j = 0) rate constant of this reaction was calculated. The comparison with previous temperature-averaged QCT rate constant shows that the effect of ro-vibrational excitation is relatively small below 2000 K. Then, the time-dependent wave packet (TDWP) method was applied to investigate the quantum reaction mechanisms, obtaining the state-specified (v = 0, j = 0) reaction probability, integral cross sections and rate constants. The number of partial waves and the integral interval of collision energy considered were rigorously tested to ensure the convergence of the TDWP rate constant below 2000 K. The TDWP rate constant agrees better to the latest experimental results at 291 to 685 K than those from the two QCT calculations. Also, the TDWP calculations can produce relatively reliable rate constants at 700 to 2000 K, where the Arrhenius formula fitted by experimental results ignores the temperature dependence of the activation energy. The calculated rate constants are helpful for modelling the phosphorus chemistry and determining the abundances of the P-bearing species in interstellar media (ISM).

Caught in the liberal pragmatic trap? How political parties viewed energy dependence on Russia in three European countries 2012–2022

Caught in the liberal pragmatic trap? How political parties viewed energy dependence on Russia in three European countries 2012–2022

Sustainability implications of the EU's bioeconomy transition along global supply chains

The EU has set ambiguous targets for the development of a bioeconomy (BE) that not only ensures sufficient production of high-quality foods but also contributes to decarbonization, green jobs and reducing import dependency through biofuels and bio-based chemical products. However, the various and complex interrelations between the BE, the natural environment as well as wider economy and society risk that the EU's targets might indirectly compromise achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally. Here, we assess the impacts of the EU's BE on the achievement of a broad range of SDG indicators using the hybrid econometric input-output model that covers 64 countries plus a region rest of world with 36 industries and 28 agricultural production sectors each. We compare the impacts of the EU's BE across three different scenarios based on SSP2 combined with corresponding IEA and FAO scenarios describing different futures of population and GDP growth, climate policy and structural changes in the energy and agriculture sector. Our results show that, especially without further measures focusing on the circular use of biomass, the EU's BE is likely not contributing to a general improvement in SDG indicators. Instead, there are major trade-offs between various SDGs. Firstly, between the goals of climate change mitigation, on the one hand, and preservation of ecosystems through the protection of natural land, especially forests, and water bodies on the other. The second major trade-off is between the EU's goals of fostering the economic competitiveness and lowering the import dependency of fossil energy and food security especially in low income countries outside Europe.