Domestic Energy Resources Research Articles

ASSESSING THE LINKAGES BETWEEN THE ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AND ECONOMIC FACTORS IN A LANDLOCKED ECONOMY: CASE STUDY OF LAO PDR

This research paper aims to investigate linkages of electricity consumption representing energy security with estimated factors — GDP, population and foreign direct investment (FDI) during 1998–2018 for Laos People Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) by using ARDLbased Bayesian inference. This study provided empirical evidence on a long-run linear relationship analysis under ARDL-based Bayesian inference, which concludes that they have performed real relationships between electricity consumption, GDP, population and FDI. In addition, in the short-run, it was found that explanatory factors have both negative and positive impacts on Laos’ electricity consumption. The results confirm the hypothesis that although Lao PDR has access to domestic energy resources, only relying on one energy resource will make the energy system insecure. Thus, Lao PDR must develop substantial infrastructures and alternative renewable energies to support the campaign of Lao PDRs electricity security in the long-run.

Turkey’s energy transition from fossil-based to renewable up to 2030: milestones, challenges and opportunities

The energy demand of Turkey has been increasing along with increasing life standards and population and growing economy particularly since the 1980s. Most of the oil and natural gas have been imported by Turkey due to insufficient domestic reserves. Nowadays, the population of Turkey is about 83 million. The Turkish economy grew by 3% in the last 30 years and became the 18th largest economy in the world and the 6th one in Europe. Turkey aims to use energy resources efficiently, effectively and eco-friendly. Concerning climate change, Turkey signed the Paris Agreement and pledged a 21% reduction in greenhouse gas emission by the year 2030. While the energy world is in an inevitable transition to green energy, Turkey, which has a huge potential to achieve 100% energy transition in renewable energy, is still the 17th largest country in the utilization of renewable energy. Although Turkey has already reached the 2023 targets concerning the utilization of renewable energy, there is a long path to reach the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 2030 targets of Turkey are to increase the installed solar capacity up to 38,000 MW, wind capacity up to 25,000 MW and geothermal capacity up to 4000 MW. Turkey officially announced that the utilization of renewable energy will be 32%. However, taking into account the potential and success in 2023 targets, it was seen that 2030 targets should be revised and increased from 32% to at least 50%. This study presents the milestones, challenges and opportunities of Turkey on the way of the energy transition toward renewable up to 2030. The energy goals of Turkey which are to use domestic energy resources efficiently and effectively were discussed and presented in detail. The aim of Turkey is to reduce the energy import dependency (76%). The installed energy capacities, energy consumption and projections, energy security and energy policies of Turkey were also presented.

A cross-sectoral integrated assessment of alternatives for climate mitigation in Madagascar

ABSTRACT Using the integrated assessment model TIAM-ECN, we analyze how Madagascar's nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement can be implemented in both the energy and non-energy sectors. We explore how the country's national climate goal for 2030 can be reached under two different cost levels for climate change mitigation through land-use change. We find that land use is the main sector in which large greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions must be achieved, but there are opportunities to also exploit the country's abundant domestic low-carbon energy resources. We explore the options for such a transformation of Madagascar's energy system, which today largely relies on the use of biomass. If GHG emissions reduction in land use is hard or too costly to implement, e.g. as a result of land property rights or forest logging practices, total final energy use needs to be almost entirely renewable by 2050. The power sector needs to rely on 100% renewables already by 2030. In our scenario runs, biomass, hydropower, solar and wind energy account for the vast majority of electricity generation in Madagascar from 2030 onwards. Electrification is introduced in the residential sector – notably for cooking. Cumulative additional undiscounted investment requirements may be as high as US$ 8 billion up to 2050. Key policy insights Madagascar could reach its 14% GHG emission reduction target relative to 2030 business-as-usual levels through the land use sector only. However, given the potential higher mitigation costs in land use and its links with the energy system, overlooking mitigation options in the energy sector could be a missed opportunity to exploit abundant domestic low-carbon energy resources. Biomass may well remain the most important energy resource in Madagascar until 2050, mainly driven by residential cooking demand. Solid biomass stoves with efficient combustion should be promoted hand-in-hand with alternative fuels, e.g. electricity and bioethanol. Promoting GHG mitigation in both AFOLU and energy sectors maximizes co-benefits, which enables achieving a higher number of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Providing electricity for household services is an important part of climate change mitigation. Investments in power distribution infrastructure and decentralized electricity generation are needed to achieve electrification of rural households.

The Arctic policy of India

The article is devoted to the Indian Arctic policy. The author examines the history of Delhi’s presence in the region from the time of colonial dependence until the moment the country received the status of the permanent observer of the Arctic Council in 2013. Much attention is paid to the analysis of two opposed opinions on the role of India in the region. One group of scientists, referring to the lack of domestic energy resources, need to diversify energy flows and prevent China’s undivided dominance on the Arctic shelf, insists on India’s comprehensive (scientific, economic, and strategic) participation in the Arctic agenda. Another group, based on alarmist environmental rhetoric, advocates limiting interference into the region’s affairs. Analysis of external and internal conditions leads to the conclusion that none of the lines can be implemented completely. An uncertainty of India’s Arctic strategy, however, makes it possible to identify some trends and make a forecast on the future actions of the Asian giant in the region.

Hydrogen technologies for energy storage: A perspective

Abstract

A study on sustainability of internal power generation compared with imported power in Afghanistan

Currently, Afghanistan imports a high percentage of electric energy from the neighboring coun-tries, while less attention has been paid on the utilization of internal domestic energy resources. Recently progress has been made with solar and wind energy, but other sources such as hydro energy remain underappreciated. Originally intended as a short-term solution to fulfill demand, the policy for importing power from neighboring countries is still in effect as energy demand has increased dramatically and exposed vulnerabilities in the existing power system. These issues can be categorized based on different aspects like technical, economic, political, security-related issues, natural disasters and many others that negatively affect the reliability of the energy sector. In this paper, the sustainability of the power system of Afghanistan is analyzed from different aspects. These multi-disciplinary problems are analyzed separately and linked with the weaknesses of the existing power system. The main objective of this study is to propose long-term solutions to the power sector by encouraging investment in the internal power generation to enhance sustainability and reliability. The proposed long-term solution also takes additional measures towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDG) such as economic growth, agricultural development, ground-water recharge, industrial development, flood and water control, job creation, and a green and clean environment.

A study on sustainability of internal power generation compared with imported power in Afghanistan

Currently, Afghanistan imports a high percentage of electric energy from the neighboring coun-tries, while less attention has been paid on the utilization of internal domestic energy resources. Recently progress has been made with solar and wind energy, but other sources such as hydro energy remain underappreciated. Originally intended as a short-term solution to fulfill demand, the policy for importing power from neighboring countries is still in effect as energy demand has increased dramatically and exposed vulnerabilities in the existing power system. These issues can be categorized based on different aspects like technical, economic, political, security-related issues, natural disasters and many others that negatively affect the reliability of the energy sector. In this paper, the sustainability of the power system of Afghanistan is analyzed from different aspects. These multi-disciplinary problems are analyzed separately and linked with the weaknesses of the existing power system. The main objective of this study is to propose long-term solutions to the power sector by encouraging investment in the internal power generation to enhance sustainability and reliability. The proposed long-term solution also takes additional measures towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDG) such as economic growth, agricultural development, ground-water recharge, industrial development, flood and water control, job creation, and a green and clean environment.

A study on sustainability of internal power generation compared with imported power in Afghanistan

Currently, Afghanistan imports a high percentage of electric energy from the neighboring countries, while less attention has been paid on the utilization of internal domestic energy resources. Recently progress has been made with solar and wind energy, but other sources such as hydro energy remain underappreciated. Originally intended as a short-term solution to fulfill demand, the policy for importing power from neighboring countries is still in effect as energy demand has increased dramatically and exposed vulnerabilities in the existing power system. These issues can be categorized based on different aspects like technical, economic, political, security-related issues, natural disasters and many others that negatively affect the reliability of the energy sector. In this paper, the sustainability of the power system of Afghanistan is analyzed from different aspects. These multi-disciplinary problems are analyzed separately and linked with the weaknesses of the existing power system. The main objective of this study is to propose long-term solutions to the power sector by encouraging investment in the internal power generation to enhance sustainability and reliability. The proposed long-term solution also takes additional measures towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDG) such as economic growth, agricultural development, groundwater recharge, industrial development, flood and water control, job creation, and a green and clean environment.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S APPROACH TO ENERGY SECURITY IN POLAND AND THE BALTIC STATES

The subject of this paper encompasses US policy towards Poland and the Baltic States regarding energy security during Donald Trump’s presidency. It is discernible that vast domestic energy resources have created an opportunity for the US to project more power to these countries, and the surrounding region. We argue that Trump and his administration’s perceptions have served as an intervening variable in that opportunity assessment, in accordance with the neoclassical realist theory. The main research question addressed in this paper is whether US has used that opportunity to contribute to energy security in countries it has traditionally deemed as allies. Two aspects of US approach to energy security of the designated countries are taken into consideration: liquified natural gas exports and support for the Three Seas Initiative. The way Trump presented his policy and its results in his public statements has also been considered in this paper. The article will proceed as follows. The first subsection of the paper represents a summary of energy security challenges in Poland and the Baltic States. The second subsection is dedicated to the opportunity for the US to project energy power and to Trump’s perceptions relevant for the opportunity assessment. The third subsection deals with American LNG exports to these countries as a possible way for contributing to energy security in Poland and the Baltic States. The last part of the paper addresses the Three Seas Initiative and US approach to this platform.

Energy intensity in the EU chemical industry halved over a 26-year period

•This study provides a novel analysis of energy and technology use in Vietnam’s aluminum industry. Vietnam has the world’s fourth largest bauxite reserves, and is developing a full aluminum supply chain, from bauxite mining to aluminum smelting. Aluminum production is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes, yet Vietnam has relatively few domestic energy resources, and no data on energy use in its aluminum industry. This paper quantifies energy intensity in each phase of aluminum production in Vietnam in comparison to global estimates. The paper finds that Vietnam’s aluminum production is more energy intensive than the global average, driven by high energy intensity in the alumina production phase. The paper identifies broad barriers to industrial energy efficiency in Vietnam and similar countries, and how these challenges can be incorporated in future research. Potential retrofit technologies are identified for Vietnam’s alumina plants, including cost and energy saving potential for each technology. Analysis of net present value, including policy scenario analysis, indicates that some of these retrofit technologies are promising investments in the near term, with simple payback periods of less than ten years for four out of the five technologies identified. The energy footprint of Vietnam’s aluminum industry is an important consideration for policymakers in Vietnam, given Vietnam’s need for energy resources, and promoting efficient operation of Vietnam’s aluminum industry will require additional technology and policy changes. This research demonstrates a mixed-methods approach that can be applied to address the challenges data-constrained planners face in developing energy-intensive industries worldwide.

A V2G Integrated Battery Charger Based on an Open End Winding Multilevel Configuration

A new approach to obtain an integrated battery charger is described in this paper, based on the Asymmetrical Hybrid Multilevel Converter topology. Such a particular open-end winding motor configuration, which has proved to be more efficient than conventional inverter topologies in EV motor drive applications, can be turned in an on-board battery charger only by acting on the control system. Thus, no circuit reconfiguration through electro-mechanical switches is required. Moreover, by introducing a single extra power switch, a bilateral power flow can be managed enabling vehicle to grid operations. The obtained integrated battery charger can be supplied either by a standard ac single-phase grid, either by a dc power source for direct connection to domestic energy resources. The proposed approach enables a new remarkable function to the asymmetrical hybrid multilevel converter at a marginal extra cost, thus mitigating the larger complexity and cost of such an inverter if compared with conventional topologies.

Renewable Energy and Energy Security in Malaysia

Robust economic growth, increasing population and personal consumption are the main drivers for the rapid increase of energy demand in Malaysia. Increasing demand has compounded the issue of national energy security due over-dependence on fossil fuel, depleting indigenous domestic conventional energy resources which in turns has increased the country’s energy import dependence. In order to improve its energy security, Malaysia has seriously embarked on a renewable energy journey. Many initiatives on renewable energy have been introduced in the past decade. These strategies have resulted in the exploding growth of renewable energy deployment in Malaysia. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of renewable energy deployment on energy security. Secondary data was used to calculate the energy security indicators. The study also compared the results of applying different energy security indicators namely Availability, Applicability, Affordability and Acceptability dimension of energy resources. The evaluation shows that Malaysia will experience improvement in Energy Security, particularly on Availability, Affordability and Acceptability dimensions of energy security. This study suggests that energy security level could be further enhance by efficient utilization of energy, reducing carbon content of energy and facilitating low-carbon industries.

Establishment of Clean Energy Demand Forecasting Model in China Based on Genetic Algorithms

In the future, energy development will face a series of severe challenges, such as insufficient domestic conventional energy resources, huge oil supply gap, large amount of clean energy needed by cities, and huge international pressure on global climate change. This paper uses historical data and genetic algorithm to improve it, and uses function expansion model to reveal the internal proportional connection between energy consumption and economic development. By comparing the forecasting methods of clean energy demand, it is found that the energy consumption elasticity coefficient method is used to measure and predict the growth ratio of energy consumption, and the figure in the next few years is measured. The software has self-built optimization model, reflects energy supply and demand fluctuations, and generates reports. It can make decision support for regional clean energy system planning, miscalculation and clean energy demand forecasting.

SOLAR POWER – A CLEAN ENERGY SOURCE THAT CONTRIBUTES TO ENERGY BALANCE IN VIETNAM: A MINI-REVIEW

In the context of increasing energy demand in Vietnam, the ability to supply domestic energy resources is limited, while the potential of renewable energy sources in Vietnam is enormous. Besides, the demand for electricity for production is very high. Therefore, considering the exploitation of renewable energy sources available for electricity production is very feasible both in technology and economic and environmental efficiency. In recent years, renewable energy technologies, in which solar technology has a high and continuous growth rate, has led to a reduction in the cost of installing solar energy systems. The advent of solar technologies has changed the world of renewable energy. Solar power generated in two popular ways around the world today is to use solar cells and use concentrating solar thermal power to operate conventional electricity plants. In this paper, the authors focus on introducing and evaluating the latest technologies that have been applied in the world to provide clean and low-cost energy sources to consumers. Also, the review summarizes the current state of development and breakthrough technologies in solar cells, assessing the development of solar cell battery factories in Vietnam.

Energy Scenario Analysis for the Nordic Transport Sector: A Critical Review

Experiencing the highest growth in emissions since 1990 and relying mainly on oil, transport is considered the most complicated sector to decarbonize. Lately, the Nordic countries have shown remarkable success in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially in the power and heat sector. However, when it comes to transportation, the greatest source of Nordic GHG emissions, stronger measures are needed. Relying on a rich and diversified portfolio of renewable sources and expertise, the Nordic countries could benefit from a common mitigation strategy by encompassing a larger variety of solutions and potential synergies. This article reviews studies addressing integrated energy and transport scenario analysis for the Nordic region as a whole. The studies targeted are those applying energy system models, given their extensive adoption in supporting scenario analysis. Most notable of these studies is the “Nordic Energy Technology Perspectives 2016” to which a special focus is dedicated. The article reviews the methodological choices and the research content of the selected literature. Challenges/limitations are identified in light of recent transport research, and categorized as: “transport behavior”, “breakthrough technologies”, “domestic energy resources” and “geographical aggregation and system boundaries”. Lastly, a list of suggestions to tackle the identified gaps is provided based on the existing literature.

Improved Agricultural Products Drying Through a Novel Double Collector Solar Device

Backyard agricultural systems are frequently used for food production in rural tropical regions all over the world. The implementation of these systems has been used as a strategy to increase food security, to preserve the phyto and zoo diversity and to provide an alternative income for poorer rural families. Nevertheless, the absence of appropriate preservation mechanisms and nonrenewable energies can lead to significant production losses that could be prevented by the implementation of solar drying devices. The objective of this project was to design, build and validate a double collector solar device for improved drying performance. To evaluate the double collector solar device, four backyard products frequently used in the Mexico Southwest regional diet were used: carrots, chayote squash, tomatoes, and oyster mushrooms. The results showed that the solar device achieved drying efficiencies between 22.8 and 37.9% by reaching moisture values below the 12.30% threshold, which according to the international standards is considered as “Low Moisture Food”. The evaluation of the double collector solar drier is demonstrated to be an easy-to-apply and environmentally friendly method for food preservation in tropical rural regions by taking advantage of domestic renewable energy resources.

Evolution of sustainable energy policies in India since 1947: A review.

India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions in 2015 toward the Two‐Degree Celsius climate change goal has endorsed 15% of renewable integration in the primary energy mix by 2020. The energy space is strategy to meet the target without affecting its immediate sustainable development goals. This study documents this strategic effort by tracking the historical trajectory of energy policy planning since its independence in 1947. An objective ontological approach was adopted in reviewing the evolution of energy policy into five distinct phases. Phase I (1947–1970), focused on supply adequacy with the overall thrust on infrastructure development as the pillar of Indian economy. In Phase II (the 1970s) the focus shifted in addressing the energy access crisis. Phase III (the 1980s) was based on increment, diversification, and streamlining on supplies for energy security purposes. Phase IV (the 1990s) is the period of modernization of the overall Indian electricity system. Phase V (the 2000s) is the present phase of market transformation and climate change mitigation energy policies. A co‐assessment of India's policy to the international climate negotiations showed that India remained responsive to international climate goals. It became reactive in the planning for sustainable energy policy after its ratification of Kyoto Protocol in 2001. Since then, India has been instrumental in administering strict emission reduction norms and efficiency measures. This review concludes that the country needs to upgrade its inefficient transmission and distribution networks, which was broadly neglected. The subsidy allocations in domestic energy resources should be well‐adjusted without compromising on its social costs.

Energy, Water and Food Requirements of China’sRegional Development

Owing to uneven development and unbalanced resource endowments within China, ensuring reliable energy, water and food supply is the core challenge to regional sustainable development. This study uses the latest multi-regional input-output model to quantify energy, water and food resource requirements of Mainland China’s 31 provincial regions in 2012. Results show that the resource occupancy levels of the eastern developed area were much higher than the northeast, central and western areas, which contributed 45.1%, 42.1% and 39.6% of total domestic energy, water and agri-food resource requirements, respectively. The total interprovincial trade transfers of embodied energy, water and agri-food resources were equivalent to 73.4%, 33.9% and 37.4% of the total domestic direct inputs, respectively. Substantial transfers of embodied energy, water and agri-food resources were identified from the central and western regions to the eastern regions. Investment was the leading final demand category for energy resources while consumption was the largest final demand category for water and agri-food. Consumption-based accounting of energy, water and agri-food requirements provides important implications for understanding the imbalance of regional development faced by the Chinese society to achieving sustainable development.

Regional Cooperation for Nuclear Spent Fuel Management in East Asia: Costs, Benefits and Challenges – Part II

ABSTRACT East Asia is home to some of the most dynamic economies on earth, but also a locus of current and historical national and international conflicts. Some of the largest economies lack domestic energy resources, and nuclear power has been adopted as a perceived key to energy security. Lacking, however, is a concerted strategy for managing nuclear spent fuel at the regional or even, for the most part, national levels. Regional coopera tion on spent fuel management offers many benefits, as well as challenges. This two-part paper explores four different “scenarios” of regional spent-fuel management, ranging from a national “go-it-alone” option to regional cooperation on uranium supply, enrichment and “back-end” spent fuel management. Results for physical flows of nuclear materials and other inputs and outputs, and for the relative costs of each scenario, are presented. Results suggest that the costs of scenarios that include reprocessing are higher than those without reprocessing, and costs for increased dry-cask storage (reducing the amount of fuel stored in high-density spent fuel pools) are likely to be a tiny part of overall nuclear fuel cycle costs. As a result, radiological risk and attendant political, social and legal concerns should drive decisions regarding spent fuel management, not costs.

Energy Scenario and Diversity in Pakistan: An Energy Security Perspective

Energy being the lifeline for socio economic development has become the leading issue of 21st century. There is global increase in demand of energy and it will continue to increase due to immoderate energy consumption. Today there is global fear of energy crisis as world primary demand of energy is expected to rise about 1.7 percent annually in next twenty years. South Asia is expected to give largest share for increase in global energy demand. Pakistan being a developing state is facing acute energy crisis that has hampered the socio-economic development. The energy crisis of Pakistan and its spillover effects on efficiency of other sectors especially economic sector has created serious issues in Pakistan for the last two decades. The overreliance on imported energy resources to satisfy the demand and less emphasis on the development of domestic energy resources is deteriorating the socio-economic conditions of country. There are two major sources of energy being used in Pakistan, renewable and non-renewable sources. In Pakistan, there has been more focus on non-renewable sources of energy which are largely acquired through imports of oil to satisfy the increasing demand. The state Energy policy has somehow has not able to match with the increasing energy demand and therefore citizens angered by frequent power outages demonstrate to protests and riots. Thus, this article, accentuate on the need of the utilization of the indigenous resources of energy to fulfill the energy need and to eradicate the acute crisis of energy. this research will also assess the issues in Power policy and Power sector institutions of Pakistan.