Diversification Of Energy Supply Research Articles

A system dynamics modelling assessment of water-energy-food resource demand futures at the city scale: Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

Understanding future demands of water, energy, and food (WEF) resources is essential to achieve sustainable management of these resources. Based on a survey of 90 households, this study provides an analysis of household water, energy, and food security for the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, where there is a lack of any such assessment. Water supply is largely unimproved. Electricity supply is fairly reliable in some parts of the city, but not others. Most residents rely on charcoal burning for food preparation. Dietary Diversity Scores are low indicating stable, but low food security. Data collected were used to develop an integrated WEF system dynamics model that was applied to simulate household-level resource demand. To assess future resources demand, four scenarios developed by the Global Scenario Group were simulated. Findings reveal that the 'Great Transition' scenario exerts lower impact on resources demand, representing the most likely trajectory to achieve sustainable socio-economic development and management. However, achieving the conditions required for a ‘Great Transition’ could be challenging in Goma, which is characterised by low incomes, poor access to resources, and the threat of armed conflict. To achieve greater efficiency in resources utilisation and to prepare for the future, a number of recommendations are made, including energy supply diversification, altered agricultural practices to diversify diets, and expansion and improvement of water supply infrastructure. This work provides a basis for similar assessments in DRC and central Africa, highlighting the need for integrated resources management and assessment for regional opportunities toward sustainable development.

EU Energy Transition Against the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict: Based on the Concerns of Chinese Academia

The outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022 has profoundly affected and reshaped the energy transition process established by the EU. For a long time, the EU has adopted a parallel policy of importing natural gas and developing renewable energy. However, the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has forced the EU to re-examine the energy transition, significantly raise awareness of energy security, lower the priority of addressing climate change goals, and seek diversified energy supply paths. In this context, the concerns of Chinese academia about the EU’s energy transition have shifted from economic issues to energy security and geopolitics, which guides references and cooperation for China’s energy transition.

Selection of renewable energy development path for sustainable development using a fuzzy MCDM based on cumulative prospect theory: the case of Malaysia

Malaysia's excessive energy consumption has led to the depletion of traditional energy reserves such as oil and natural gas. Although Malaysia has implemented multiple policies to achieve sustainable national energy development, the current results are unsatisfactory. As of 2022, only 2% of the country's electricity supply comes from renewable energy, which accounts for less than 30% of the energy structure. Malaysia must ensure energy security and diversified energy supply while ensuring sustainable energy development. This article uses the fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM) method based on cumulative prospect theory to help decision-makers choose the most suitable renewable energy for sustainable development in Malaysia from four dimensions of technology, economy, society, and environment. The results show that solar power is the most suitable renewable energy for sustainable development, followed by biomass, wind, and hydropower, but the optimal alternative is sensitive to the prospect parameters. Finally, it was analyzed that efficiency, payback period, employment creation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are the most critical factors affecting the development of renewable energy in Malaysia under the four dimensions. Reasonable suggestions are proposed from policy review, green finance, public awareness, engineering education, and future energy. This research provides insightful information that can help Malaysian decision-makers scientifically formulate Sustainable development paths for renewable energy, analyze the problems encountered in the current stage of renewable energy development, and provide recommendations for Malaysia's future renewable energy transition and sustainable development.

چه‌مك و ڕە‌هه‌نده‌كانی ئاسایشی وزە لە ناوچە دەوڵەمەندەکان بە سەرچاوە سروشتیه‌كان (هه‌رێمی كوردستاندا به‌ نمونه)

The study aims to examine the concept of energy security and the analysis of its dimensions. It became clear that the concept of energy security is context- dependent. It depends fundamentally on the perspective of the importing and exporting countries. For the importing countries, the concept of energy security focuses on the availability and diversification of energy supplies at reasonable prices and without any interruption. But for the exporting countries, it focuses on ensuring the demand for energy at competitive prices to ensure stable income at the normal level and to protect the state from any shocks in the energy market. The Kurdistan Region began its understanding of energy security within the perspective of exporting countries. So its priority is to place itself on the global energy map and increase its oil exports. It attempts to achieve energy security through four dimensions - availability, affordability, accessibility and acceptability. While it has succeeded in achieving availability and accessibility (gaining access to foreign markets), it has not succeeded in achieving acceptability and affordability i.e. strengthening energy infrastructure. The conclusion of this study is that energy security in the Kurdistan region is vulnerable because of weak strategic infrastructure planning in the face of threats from regional and international actors.

ASSESSING THE CHALLENGES IN USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN STATE UNIVERSITIES IN CAMEROON

This study on assessing the challenges in using digital technologies in teaching and learning in state universities in Cameroon had as objective to find out the challenges faculty and students face in the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning in state universities in Cameroon. Four specific research questions guided the study – What challenges do faculty and students face in the use of LMS in state universities in Cameroon? What challenges do faculty and students face in the use of Video Conference Platforms in state universities in Cameroon? What challenges do faculty members face in the use of Microsoft PowerPoint in teaching in state universities in Cameroon? What challenges do faculty and students face in the use of smart devices in state universities in Cameroon? The study based on Rogers’ (1962) diffusion of innovation theory, supposing that the adoption of a new idea, behaviour or product does not happen simultaneous in a social system; rather it is a process whereby some people are more apt to adopt the innovation than others and Davis’ (1986) technology acceptance model, which posits that the more a technology is perceived as useful and easy to use; its actual usage increases. The researcher adopted a survey design in a qualitative study method. The accessible population consisted of 3666 teachers and final year undergraduate students of eight long existing state universities in Cameroon. Using Kothari and Garg (2014), 406 participants from professional faculties in five of the eight universities were selected to make up the sample size comprising 386 final year undergraduate students and 20 teachers. Stratified purposive sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used in the study. An online Google form alongside an interview guide were adopted as the study instruments. The qualitative data collected were analyzed thematically. The findings of the study showed that Poor internet connection, distractions, and frequent power cuts, were the dominant challenges reported by teachers and students in the use of digital technologies in teaching in state universities in Cameroon. Based on these findings, it was recommended that Government could cause telecommunications companies to improve on their quality of services rendered, as well as reduce the cost of internet. The Government can also diversify energy supply sources to include solar energy in universities Campuses to mitigate the effects of frequent power outages.

Research on the Industrial Transformation Pathways in China Under the Background of Dual Carbon Background

The industrial transformation is an important path for China to continuously advance towards the goals of carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions. It is also an essential route for China's industries to move towards higher stages of development. The industrial transformation in China carries multiple significances, yet it is also confronted with various challenges. These include significant energy demands, insufficient levels of manufacturing capabilities, and economic disparities among different regions, all of which hinder the development of a low-carbon economy in China. To promote the transformation of Chinese industrial enterprises under the guidance of the new development philosophy, several key measures should be taken. Firstly, it is essential to establish a diversified energy supply system and vigorously develop the green energy industry. Secondly, efforts should be made to develop a green and low-carbon new industrial system while gradually phasing out industries with excess capacity. Thirdly, policies conducive to low-carbon transformation should be implemented, alongside the improvement and development of carbon financial markets and the strengthening of the role of technological innovation in driving industrial transformation and upgrading.

Trends in the development of EU energy policy at the present stage

The issue of energy security and energy independence of the EU is one of the key factors in ensuring the stable development of the association. The subject of the study is the energy concepts of the European Union. The object of the study is the modern energy policy of the EU countries. The countries of the European Union are among the world's largest importers and exporters of energy resources, and therefore one of the criteria for EU energy security is the creation of secure logistics chains for uninterrupted energy supplies, since this factor has always been one of the most important problems in energy security. However, despite all the data that the European Union has, this area is a source of numerous problems for ensuring energy security that the EU faces at the current stage of its development. The methodological basis of the study is a systematic analysis and a geo-economic approach. The systematic approach was used in the work to identify the reasons for the transformation of EU energy concepts in the context of the energy crisis. The geo-economic approach allows us to qualitatively consider this issue from the point of view of economics and geopolitics of the countries of Eastern and Western Europe in the context of energy transition. The novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive analysis of the concept of energy security in the complex in the context of energy transfer. The authors pay special attention to the analysis of the energy policy of the European Union, numerous new initiatives and documents related to this area, as well as the development of the concept of green energy. The authors highlight the challenges that the EU will face on the way to building a stable and safe energy sector. The paper also examines the impact of the EU's energy policy on the concept of European unity. Attention is being paid to the EU's attempts to diversify energy supplies, which plays an important role in the context of the Ukrainian crisis and complications from the loss of Russian supplies. The authors conclude that the lack of internal unity within the EU does not allow for an effective and sustainable energy policy, since the European Union does not have a common energy legislation, and infrastructure development between the countries of Western and Eastern Europe is overly diversified, which does not allow us to talk about the transformation of energy policy in the EU countries at the present stage.

Liquid hydrogen superconducting transmission based super energy pipeline for Pacific Rim in the context of global energy sustainable development

The global energy issue is undergoing transformation owing to various factors, such as climate change and geopolitics. In the long term, the primary pathways to achieve sustainable energy development remain the clean energy and global cooperation. As the largest energy consumption centers, the Asia Pacific and North America possess complementary energy profiles and developmental needs for cooperation. This paper analyses various electricity or hydrogen transmission technologies suitable for the Pacific Rim energy system. The liquid hydrogen superconducting energy pipelines possess the potential to fulfill the demands of long-distance and large-scale energy transmission. Building upon this technology, a super energy pipeline project connecting East Asia and North America across 12 time zones was proposed. It is composed of pipelines and relay energy stations, which can realize large-scale storage and transportation of renewable energy as well as the diversified energy supply at terminals. The techno-economic evaluation of the project has been comprehensively conducted, and the investment can be recovered within 10 years. The project is expected to boost the progress of renewable energy, ensure regional energy security and promote the sustainable development of global energy.

PREREQUISITES AND KEY MEASURES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY INNOVATIONS IN CHINA

The article is devoted to the study of prerequisites, directions and measures to ensure China's energy transition. The purpose of the article is to study China's experience in ensuring the energy transition and identify key directions and policy initiatives for the implementation and development of sustainable energy innovations. It has been established that China is the world's largest energy consumer and in recent years has been characterized by continuous economic growth and acceleration of industrialization, development of the energy industry. The energy structure was analyzed and the dominance of coal production and consumption was determined – the first place in the world. The activity of green energy development has been revealed, but the share of clean energy sources in total energy consumption is still low. It was determined that the implementation of the principle of sustainable development and energy innovation is a priority for the further development of the Chinese economy. The key directions for ensuring the energy transition have been identified: diversified energy supply; green and low-carbon development; technological transformation and development. The dynamics of China's energy imports from 2013 to 2022 are analyzed. It was established that China ranked 17th in the Energy Transition Index in 2023, and for the first time entered the TOP-20 countries according to this ranking, which indicates the growing potential of China's energy transition. It analyzed the reasons for reducing energy consumption by 10,000 yuan of GDP from 2013 to 2022. In particular, it is notable that individual companies have reduced energy consumption and environmental pollution, promoting energy conservation, emission reduction and circular economy. It found that, along with the problem of high industrial emissions, China has become a leader in the adoption of clean energy technologies with investments in clean energy technologies exceeding US$650 billion per year. Key political initiatives contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and the introduction of energy innovations are analyzed.

Thermodynamic and exergoeconomic evaluation of coal and biomass co-gasification as solid oxide fuel cell feed coupled with supercritical carbon dioxide and organic Rankine cycle

Coal-biomass cogeneration technology can not only diversify energy supply, but improve the combustion characteristics of coal and enhance system performance. This work developed a power generation system for co-gasification of coal and biomass to supply solid oxide fuel cell, and coupled with a dual system of supercritical carbon dioxide cycle and organic Rankine cycle to achieve energy cascade utilization. A comprehensive thermodynamic analysis was conducted to evaluate and optimize this system more intuitively. Constrained optimization algorithms elucidated the optimal parameters, identifying an oxygen-to-fuel mass ratio of 0.48 and a steam-to-fuel ratio of 0.18. These conditions led to a higher gasification temperature and optimal syngas yield. And sensitivity analysis on three biomass types confirms that dry and carbon-rich biomass is ideal for system doping. With a 20% doping amount, the system achieves 59.18% maximum thermal efficiency and 2.43 kg/MWh net carbon emission, outperforming the single fuel cell system by 11.14% and 4.79% respectively. The discount rate has the greatest impact on system costs in economic analysis, with a 30% fluctuation causing system costs to vary by about 14.31%. In addition, the exergy and exergoeconomic analyses identify cost formation, propose efficiency measures, and enhance cost-effectiveness.

Research on optimal operation strategy of regional multi-heterogeneous energy charging station considering Bi-direction satisfaction and traffic network coupling

Low battery capacity and long charging time constrain the development of electric vehicles (EV), while hydrogen fuel vehicles (HV) have complementary advantages of electric-hydrogen coupling and fast charging, and the synergistic development of the two has become a feasible development route. In this paper, the concept of energy charging station (ECS) has been proposed to meet the demand of diversified energy supply. Then, to solve the separation between the satisfaction of customer and operator, a bi-directional satisfaction model has been proposed to solve the dilemma of economic optimal caused by the conflict of satisfaction, and have been applied to the optimization of the lower layer of single ECS. Moreover, the influence of on the cooperative optimization of bi-directional satisfaction and ECS on the urban transportation networks (UTN) characteristics has been considered, an improved UE-TAP algorithm has been proposed and applied to the upper optimization architecture of multi-heterogeneous ECS, which can help the UTN and multiple ECS reach a user equilibrium (UE). Finally, the case studies on 5-node and 20-node system have been conducted to verify the correctness and feasibility of the proposed framework and strategy. The results shows that our method can enhances coordinated UTN and ECS, reducing the traffic congestion and improving the satisfaction of both users and operators.

Addressing Challenges and Outcomes in the Biogas Sector: An Analysis of Efficiency, Economic Savings, and Environmental Impacts Using an Advanced SWOT Model

This study, through the use of company data, offers an in-depth analysis of the current situation and future prospects of biogas plants and how they can promote economic advantages and environmental benefits. The geographical context of the Piana del Sele (Salerno, Italy) was chosen on the basis of objective criteria, including its relevance in the agro-industrial sector and the availability of accurate and reliable company data that was collected through IT systems, including software business performance monitoring and digital data analysis. This choice was fundamental to guaranteeing the validity and representativeness of our analyses and results. From a methodological point of view, mathematical formulas and algorithms were used, which allowed the calculation of the biogas producibility indices by type of biomass as well as the quantification of the effluents produced to then estimate the quantification of the biogas and the interconnected economic savings. Furthermore, this study uses the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) approach in an innovative way by integrating renewable energy communities into it. The aim is to demonstrate the potential of biogas plants and how energy communities can transform weaknesses and threats into opportunities. The results show that the integration of biogas plants into the farm environment offers considerable potential, and although it is a challenge for small and medium-sized farms, it could bring energy self-sufficiency and economic surplus. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy communities would be able to promote the diversification of energy supply and transform weaknesses and threats into opportunities.

Analysis of "Source-Network-Load-Storage" Integrated Operation Mode for Park Microgrids

This article discusses the concept and characteristics of a park microgrid, as well as the principles and analysis of the integrated operation mode of "generation-network-load-storage". A park microgrid refers to the supply and management of energy within a park through distributed power generation sources, microgrid network architecture, load management, and energy storage technologies. By analyzing distributed power generation sources, optimizing microgrid network architecture, load forecasting and management, as well as the selection and application of energy storage technologies, the energy supply diversification and efficient optimization of the park microgrid can be achieved. This article summarizes the above content and emphasizes the importance of the integrated operation mode for the park microgrid.

The EU’s Future Under Scrutiny: Foreign Policy Implications of the EU Energy Diplomacy in the Eastern Mediterranean

This article aims to elucidate the foreign policy implications of the EU’s energy diplomacy endeavors in the Eastern Mediterranean. Building on the conception of “energy diplomacy”, it examines its internal energy policy (in)competences and the external dimension of the EU energy policy. It is argued that because of Russia’s asymmetrical advantage over energy supplies and its geopolitical aggressiveness, the EU is forced to re-regulate its policy takes on energy security and promote diversification of energy supply which cause a gravitation towards new strategic environments such as the Eastern Mediterranean. Herein, this article assesses the effectiveness of the EU’s energy diplomacy; and by applying energy diplomacy model, it evaluates the results of the EU’s endeavors in diversifying external energy supplies and providing energy security.

Risk Analysis of Integrated Energy System Based on Security Boundary

In the face of an increasingly diversified energy supply, integrated energy systems (IES) are playing an increasingly important role. The operational risks of complex and diversified IES have also significantly increased. This article proposes an IES risk analysis based on security boundaries. Firstly, using the multi-energy flow equilibrium equation, construct equality constraints for the safety boundary. Then, N-1 safety analysis is conducted on each critical pipeline and equipment using the predicted accident set to obtain safety boundary inequality constraints. By combining the equality and inequality constraints of the safety boundary, the system safety boundary is solved, and the IES risk indicators are determined using the relationship between the operating state points and the safety boundary. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the method were verified by calculating an example of electric heating combined supply.

Energy Crisis in Europe: The European Union’s Objectives and Countries’ Policy Trends—New Transition Paths?

Amidst the ongoing European energy crisis, the EU has proposed a legislative package to enhance gas independence from Russia, diversify energy supplies, and increase renewable energy targets. However, the urgency for energy security has led some countries to prioritise gas independence over decarbonisation, potentially sacrificing or delaying EU targets. Considering this framework, this article contributes to the body of knowledge by examining the electricity mix of the six most significant EU countries in terms of generation capacity, considers their alignment with 2025 energy transition goals, and analyses the latest legislative trends to evaluate their compatibility with EU objectives. The findings from these analyses indicate that EU members are currently prioritising gas independence, which has led to re-starting or extending the lifespan of coal-fired power plants and an increasing interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative. These findings have significant implications as they reveal how countries are being steered away from their pre-crisis energy transition paths, resulting in the formation of new perspectives for both the short and long term.

‘THE NUCLEAR SITING CONTROVERSY’ IN 1970S ITALY: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON GEOLOGY, NUCLEAR POWER AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE

ABSTRACT For more than half a century, nuclear energy has been among the main issues of public concern, and thus of political, social as well as environmental debate. Nuclear energy has generated a long-standing controversy that began with the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which comprise one of the most crucial turning points of contemporary history, from WWII up to the present. This paper aims to deal with a shorter period within this long and still controversial history. It focuses on the 1970s, when in Italy—as well as in the United States and Western Europe—the 1973 oil crisis made clear the need to diversify energy supply sources. As a result, national and international interest in nuclear power increased. The transition to a fully-fledged nuclear industry was to be achieved by the end of the century, with the launch of the first fast breeder reactors (FBRs). In Italy, the National Committee for Nuclear Energy (Comitato Nazionale per l’Energia Nucleare - CNEN), in agreement with the National Electricity Board (Ente Nazionale per l’Energia Elettrica - ENEL) and the newly established regional political bodies (Regional Councils), were entrusted with the task of drawing up the national map of sites suitable for nuclear facilities, and especially for nuclear power plants. The paper aims to provide an overview of the main geological issues that fueled the Italian ‘nuclear siting controversy’ during the 1970s. It focuses also on some still unpublished topics, such as those about the ENEL–CNEN Joint Study Commission for the Seismic Problems Associated with the Installation of Nuclear Plants and the drafting of a first national map of areas suitable for radioactive waste repositories. The matters under discussion here are significant because of the link with some key issues still open in contemporary debates on nuclear energy, such as planning and siting of nuclear facilities. It is also worth noting that some current global emergencies (e.g., the war in Ukraine and climate change) have brought the European, and more generally international, debate back to the urgency of energy diversification, including nuclear power in the energy generation mix. Historical analysis, although focused on particular case studies from the past, can help to better understand such a complex issue.

Economics of investment projects in the field of biomass power plants

Economics of investment projects in the field of biomass power plants

Assessing the Effectiveness of Energy Policy Measures to Achieve Energy Dependence and Energy Security

The publication examines what measures the European Union is currently taking in the energy sector to promote energy security and independence from fossil energy resources. Taking into account the geopolitical situation, the European Commission has launched REPower – a new action plan for Europe on how to save energy, diversify energy supply and use renewable energy resources while rapidly reducing dependence on Russian gas and oil imports. The publication examines which actions are prioritised in planning documents to promote energy security in the European Union and how they align with the priorities set out in Latvia’s NECP to 2030. The indicator approach is used to identify which measures should be ranked higher and which measures need to be revised or improved. At the end, the conclusion is drawn whether the proposed measures will be sufficient to achieve energy security as the geopolitical situation changes.

The Use of the Hierarchical Method to Group the Countries of the European Union According to their Energy and Climate Policies Adopted on the Basis of Directives of the European Parliament

Abstract Subject and purpose of work The European Union’s energy policy focuses mainly on three areas: reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector by increasing the use of RES, reducing emissions of harmful pollutants, and increasing the efficiency of the electricity used. Sustainable energy use, on the other hand, is clearly associated with an increased use of renewable energy sources, which ensures energy security, as well as diversification of energy supplies that sustain and improve the quality of the environment. The purpose of the paper is to present the diversity of the countries of the European Union in terms of the actions they take in the field of energy and climate policy resulting from the European Union directives. Materials and methods Based on the goals of energy policy presented in the EU directives a number of indicators were selected in order to describe the actions taken by EU member states. After a substantive and statistical verification, 6 variables were left. The use of the Ward’s method made it possible to create groups of countries that are similar in terms of their energy and climate policies. Conclusions The most favorable situation in terms of the effects of the climate and energy policy can be observed in the current leaders, that is in Sweden and Finland as well as in Estonia. Central European countries, mainly Poland, have high-emission economies, accompanied by low investment in modern environmentally friendly technologies. This is manifested, among others, in high concentrations of particulate matter, which contributes to poor air quality, categories in which Poland has some of the worst results in the entire EU.