Domestic Energy Systems Research Articles

A research agenda to support economic resilience in US oil and gas producing communities

Abstract Major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will require a transition away from fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. However, little research has examined the implications of such a transition for the workers and communities who depend on these industries to support local and regional economic wellbeing. In this perspective, we lay out a research agenda that can help inform policymakers as they seek to craft effective policies to support affected communities. We focus on the United States, the world’s largest oil and gas producer, and identify three key policy areas where new scholarship is needed to inform policymaking: economic and workforce development, public finances, and environmental remediation. Although it is not a comprehensive research agenda, we identify dozens of distinct research questions that will require a mix of methods and disciplinary lenses, including basic data gathering, community engagement, program evaluation, policy analysis, political analysis, and more. The goal of this article is to encourage scholars to take up these topics and expand them in the years ahead to ensure that oil and gas communities become more economically resilient in the face of deep uncertainty over the future of the domestic and global energy system.

Experimental investigation on wireless integrated smart system for energy and water resource management in Indian smart cities

In the realm of India's smart cities, precise meter readings are essential for effectively managing domestic energy and water systems. Nevertheless, meter reading employing conventional techniques prove to be both costly and time-consuming, especially considering the vast user base and deficit of everyday consumption analysis. To cope with this challenge, the proposed solution introduces a novel unified wireless smart metering system for measuring energy and water usage. This prototype harnesses the smart, advanced metering technology to manage energy and water resources. The presence of data and remote control capabilities in smart distribution transformers offers distribution operators the chance to optimize system operation and control. The innovative system proposed utilizes smart metering technology and incorporates a distribution system self-healing mechanism against power outages, revolutionizing the way utilities manage water and energy consumption. The system not only offers real-time consumption statistics to the utility provider but also provides the flexibility to remotely control the system's turn-on and turn-off functions. The system effectively captures real-time data, transmits it via LoRa to Telegram application. The system automatically re-establishes remote connections in the event of disconnections caused by emergency conditions or non-payment of the bill, once the relevant issue has been resolved. Additionally, the system promptly notifies authorities on overload, over-temperature, and instances of electricity theft. The system proficiently generates bills based on the consumed data and seamlessly transmits the consumed units to the authorities. The innovative system proposed has proven its ability to communicate effectively, yielding results that align with the given circumstances.

Prolongation of Safe Operation of the K-1000-60/3000 Turbine Power Unit after Damage to the HPC Rotor

Currently, when large-scale military actions are taking place on the territory of Ukraine, the inclusion of the domestic energy system in the European one is a reliable component of providing electricity to the country's energy market. However, according to experts, uninterrupted and safe operation of nuclear power plants is still considered a prerequisite for the stable operation of the energy sector of Ukraine. The purpose of the paper is to assess the damageability and individual resource of the rotor of high-pressure cylinder (HPC) of the K-1000-60/3000 turbine power unit of the LMZ after damage to the blades in order to prolong the operation of the power unit in the conditions of a stressed state of the power system. One of the most effective ways to partially solve the problem of replacement of generating capacities is to extend the operating periods of NPP power units after the end of the project operating period, provided that nuclear and radiation safety standards are met. The review of the previously established service life of the energy equipment of NPP power units involves the assessment of the residual resource of the energy equipment in accordance with the regulatory documents. After the accidental damage of the blades of the last stage of the HPC rotor of the K-1000-60/3000 turbine power unit of the LMZ, there was a need to study the cyclic and static damage, the individual residual resource of the HPC rotor. In the process of achieving the goal, studies were carried out for three design options: the original option (five stages of the HPC rotor), the option without the blades of the last stage and the option without the fifth stage (with four first stages). The calculation of the resource indicators of the rotor in the execution of the HPC without blades of the 5th stage shows that the static damage accumulated in the main metal is 52%, the cyclic damage is 5% when applying the standard strength reserves for the number of cycles and for deformations at the level of nN=10 and nε=1.5 according to the recommendations of SOU-N MEV 40.1-21677681-52:2011. Thus, the total damage to the base metal is 57%, which sets the residual resource of the HPC rotor at the level of 88.4 thousand hours. The calculation of the resource indicators of the rotor in the execution of the HPC without entire 5th stage shows that the static damage accumulated in the base metal is 52%, the cyclic damage is 6% when applying the standard strength reserves for the number of cycles and deformations at the above-mentioned level. The total damage to the base metal is 58%, which determines the residual resource of the HPC rotor at the level of 85.6 thousand hours.

Hydrogen Micro-Systems: Households’ Preferences and Economic Futility

This study examines the potential market for residential hydrogen systems in light of the trends towards digitalisation and environmental awareness. Based on a survey of 350 participants, the results indicate that although energy experts are sceptical about the benefits of residential hydrogen systems due to their high costs, households are highly interested in this technology. The sample shows a willingness to invest in hydrogen applications, with some households willing to pay an average of 24% more. An economic assessment compared the cost of a residential hydrogen system with conventional domestic energy systems, revealing significant additional costs for potential buyers interested in hydrogen applications.

Energy Security Blind Spots of Gas, Oil, and Coal Exporters

The global narrative around domestic energy security is dominated by the paradigm of import-dependent countries, and as a result the interactions of energy export activities with domestic energy systems are not generally considered. In this paper, we apply a systems approach to establish two potential blind spots in evaluating the whole-of-system energy security of energy resource exporters (actual primary energy self-sufficiency and export exposure of the domestic energy system), and examine some case studies, primarily in the Australian context, to validate the existence of these blind spots. The commencement of LNG exports from the state of Queensland is examined in detail. Furthermore, we propose two novel quantitative indicators to mitigate the blind spots established. First, a revised method is proposed to calculate energy self-sufficiency, showing for the exporters studied a less secure position than shown by the traditional method. Second, an indicator is proposed to quantify the extent of exposure of the domestic energy system to international markets through export linkages, which we have applied to Australia’s domestic energy system, showing the extent of the increase in international exposure since LNG exports from Queensland commenced in 2015–2016. Conclusions of this paper include the realization that domestic energy security for energy exporters, such as Australia and the other countries examined, is more complex and, in the cases examined, less secure than importer-oriented energy security frameworks have previously recognized. A further conclusion is established that the decoupling of energy resource exports from the domestic energy system through transition to a zero-carbon energy system based on domestic renewable energy sources can be an effective means of improving Australia’s energy security.

The current state and potential evolution of carbon emissions in the healthcare sector: a narrative review article

Over 98% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions in 2014 came from carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide. Over one century, CO2 emissions increased from 3.09 to 37.12 billion metric tons. The healthcare sector is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon footprint of a country's healthcare system is influenced by its domestic economy, healthcare expenditure, and energy system. The aim of this study is to present a concise of the present status of carbon emissions within the healthcare sectors on a global scale, as well as the forthcoming endeavors to mitigate these emissions. A narrative review of studies on climate change, carbon emissions, and greenhouse gases in the healthcare sector was conducted using Medline PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases from 2005 to April 2023. According to the data, several countries emit more carbon per capita than others. The Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP26) recently encompassed extensive efforts culminating in releasing initiatives toward zero-carbon healthcare sectors. Efforts in some medical practices, smart technology to save energy, digital health, artificial intelligence technology, and monitoring have contributed to reducing carbon emissions. In conclusion, the healthcare sector with zero carbon emissions must be sustainable, adaptable, and efficient while delivering safe, high-quality care. Addressing the sector's carbon footprint requires innovative strategies, a multisector approach, health professionals' participation, community engagement, and regular monitoring of emissions and performance indicators to ensure patient service quality and low carbon emissions in the healthcare sector.

Recent legislation in the United States: consequences for the US and global energy and climate innovation systems

This Perspective sketches how recent legislation in the United States may impact the domestic and global energy and climate innovation systems, drawing on systems concepts articulated by Arnulf Grubler. It also sets out risks and gaps that could lead to less favorable outcomes.

Potential Domestic Energy System Vulnerabilities from Major Exports of Green Hydrogen: A Case Study of Australia

Australia has clear aspirations to become a major global exporter of hydrogen as a replacement for fossil fuels and as part of the drive to reduce CO2 emissions, as set out in the National Hydrogen Strategy released in 2019 jointly by the federal and state governments. In 2021, the Australian Energy Market Operator specified a grid forecast scenario for the first time entitled “hydrogen superpower”. Not only does Australia hope to capitalise on the emerging demand for zero-carbon hydrogen in places like Japan and South Korea by establishing a new export industry, but it also needs to mitigate the built-in carbon risk of its export revenue from coal and LNG as major customers, such as Japan and South Korea, move to decarbonise their energy systems. This places hydrogen at the nexus of energy, climate change mitigation and economic growth, with implications for energy security. Much of the published literature on this topic concentrates on the details of what being a major hydrogen exporter will look like and what steps will need to be taken to achieve it. However, there appears to be a gap in the study of the implications for Australia’s domestic energy system in terms of energy security and export economic vulnerability. The objective of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for the implications of becoming a major hydrogen exporter on Australia’s energy system. Various green hydrogen export scenarios for Australia were compared, and the most recent and comprehensive was selected as the basis for further examination for domestic energy system impacts. In this scenario, 248.5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity was estimated to be required by 2050 to produce the additional 867 TWh required for an electrolyser output of 2088 PJ of green hydrogen for export, which will comprise 55.9% of Australia’s total electricity demand at that time. The characteristics of comparative export-oriented resources and their interactions with the domestic economy and energy system are then examined through the lens of the resource curse hypothesis, and the LNG and aluminium industries. These existing resource export frameworks are reviewed for applicability of specific factors to export-oriented green hydrogen production, with applicable factors then compiled into a novel conceptual framework for exporter domestic implications from large-scale exports of green hydrogen. The green hydrogen export superpower (2050) scenario is then quantitatively assessed using the established indicators for energy exporter vulnerability and domestic energy security, comparing it to Australia’s 2019 energy exports profile. This assessment finds that in almost all factors, exporter vulnerability is reduced, and domestic energy security is enhanced by the transition from fossil fuel exports to green hydrogen, with the exception of an increase in exposure of the domestic energy system to international market forces.

The Republic of Korea experience of «Smart-Grid» implementing in the post-war recovery of Ukrainian energy system

The aim of the article. The article is devoted to the investigation of the South Korean experience of the «Smart-Grids» implementation in the post-war recovery of the domestic energy system and modernization of the existing power grids in Ukraine. Analysis results. Analyzed the main provisions of «Smart Grids» in the Law of Ukraine «On Energy Efficiency», which are defined as highly intelligent power grids, which functioning due to the ICT use on the basis of the smart meters, allowing independently and efficiently distribution and to manage the power grid. Emphasized the adopted by Ukrainian Government Concept for the implementation of Smart Grids in Ukraine until 2035, the main task of which is to promote the development of national energy system strategy with the creation of a highly intelligent power grid based on the Information and Communications Technologies. It has been proven that the Republic of Korea is one of the first countries where practically implemented a project of the «Smart Grid» introduction and distribution on South-Korea's Jeju-do island, which combines the concept of «Smart City» and «Smart Factory» based on the use of renewable energy sources. Grid technology is one aspect of a general trend towards smart technologies and a large market for Korean export. Smart-Grid technologies include electrical supply grids that use demand response, connectivity and renewable energy sources which increases the energy efficiency of manufacturing entities and households. Due to the high spread of the Internet of Things all around the world the transition to «Smart-Grid» is an imperative of increasing «Smart City» and «Smart Factory» concept in the sustainable development of a State, which includes the use of wearable technologies. That is why, collecting the large amount of data requires a high speed of the internet networks, like 5G. Conclusions and directions for further research. The issue of the actualizing of bilateral collaboration in the field of «Smart Grid» between Ukraine and the Republic of Korea is extremely important for both countries, because for the successful implementation of «Smart Grid» in the existing domestic realities it is necessary to involve practical South-Korean experience and for Korean business partners – Ukraine is a potential foreign market for technological items export, which requires «Smart Grid» industry. Since the time when «Miracle on the Han River» start, the main goal of the South-Korean Government was to find stable sources of energy supply and to cover electricity demand for heavy-industry manufacturing corporations and households from the sources of cheap energy supply. To achieve such goals was established Government-owned entity «Korea Electric Power Corporation» (KEPCO) and the developing of power industry was based on the large-scale centralized power systems, main aim of which was to reduce the cost of energy for long-term South-Korean economy boost

Optimization models for the cost-effective design and operation of renewable-integrated energy systems

Novel and simple optimization methods have been developed for the cost-effective design and operation of domestic and commercial energy systems when energy consumers have access to renewable energy. The new optimization framework is formulated such that time-dependent variations in energy demand and renewable energy availability are accommodated, while unnecessary non-linearity and computational complexities are avoided. The simplicity in the optimization model with a proposed solution strategy enables the use of a spreadsheet-based solver that adequately encapsulates the impact of renewable energy integration on fossil fuel-based energy generation and predicts economic sizes of energy storage units. The developed optimization model also allows economic trade-offs between capital investment and operation costs, which determines the cost-effective operational profiles of energy supplies and its exchange through energy storage. To demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed optimization models, case studies are conducted to identify the most cost-effective energy generation and utilization of renewable energy through a storage unit for different levels of renewable energy use; for example, up to 40% and 20% wind and solar energy contributions, respectively, are considered for summer and winter subject to constraints on the capacity or heat-to-power ratio of conventional energy generators.

Solar energy in Jordan: Investigating challenges and opportunities of using domestic solar energy systems

With the recent global increase in fossil energy prices post Covid-19 and the drive to enhance sustainability towards NetZero, renewable energy is becoming one of the key global technologies to power societies at an affordable cost. This paper presents a novel study in relation to solar energy use in residential dwellings in Jordan, to discuss the benefits and challenges of using domestic solar energy systems within the current context of increasing energy prices. The Self-Determination Theory and Maslow's Hierarchical Theory are discussed in-line with the findings. This study, in addition to literature review, has utilised qualitative and quantitative data collected from an on-line survey with 366 participants to investigate Jordanian consumers' energy consumption behaviour, perception of renewables, and major factors influencing solar energy adoption. The novelty of this study that it provides a bench mark of affordability for future initiatives. The Jordan Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Fund is currently creating several initiatives to drive the society to adopt renewable energy. The results of this study will help to identify the crucial factors that could be hindering the adoption and expansion of renewables, particularly solar energy. This work has investigated awareness, motivation, difficulties, affordability and level of satisfaction in relation to solar energy in domestic dwellings. The results of this study have shown that Jordanians believe that financial affordability and awareness are both crucial for utilising renewables. For current users of solar systems, there is an increased satisfaction in their performance levels. However, energy storage is critical for enhancing the implementation of solar energy due to the complexity of grid-connected systems and the need for off-grid installations. Therefore, if renewable energy providers and governmental bodies aim to expand the implementation of solar energy technology and enhance public engagement, then it can be suggested that they should expand the promotion process of solar energy through platforms and further initiatives that engage with the public and subsidise the cost to provide more affordable solar energy systems for residential dwellings. The aim is to decrease carbon emission, reduce energy cost and enhance sustainability towards Net Zero Carbon emission.

Оцінка стійкості та перспективи розвитку енергосистеми України

Introduction. Energy is a strategically important industry, the smooth and efficient operation of all spheres of the domestic economy depends on its safe and stable functioning. Problem Statement. The energy system of Ukraine provides the economy not only for its country, but also for the countries of the European Union. However, as a result of a full-scale Russian aggression and massive missile attacks, the systematic supply of electricity in certain locations, which took place during peacetime, is being destroyed. Purpose. To conduct the assessment of the energy system of Ukraine before the invasion and destruction due to Russian aggression, to identify the advantages of using blockchain in the energy and climate sectors to restore energy capacities. Methods. General scientific methods, statistical and economic methods of analysis, comparison, and graphic methods are used. Results. Attention is focused on the role of the energy system in the economy of Ukraine. Changes in the domestic energy system and its synchronization with the harmonized EU network are indicated. The reasons for the decrease in demand for electricity after the full-scale Russian invasion have been revealed. Factors indicating a long period of restoration of the power system have been identified. The structure of generation in Ukraine is given and its component capacities are outlined. TPPs of Ukraine and the possibility of importing lignite and hard coal from Europe to ensure their operation are characterized. Emphasis is placed on the development of renewable energy sources in Ukraine. Conclusions. It has been proven that the restoration of the power system must be carried out taking into account the latest IT technologies using the digital ecosystem. Among many digital technologies, blockchain will help support and optimize evidence-based decision-making in the areas of climate and sustainable energy. Blockchain solutions for the energy transition confirm that this technology has a high potential to be used as the “distributed engine” of the energy community, pointing to it as a tool that will radically change the energy sector.

Analysing the techno-economic impact of e-fuels and e-chemicals production for exports and carbon dioxide removal on the energy system of sunbelt countries – Case of Egypt

Transitioning to 100% renewable energy to mitigate climate change requires solutions for hard-to-abate energy sectors. It must also be complemented with negative emissions technologies to ensure climate security. Previous studies have investigated the feasibility of e-fuels and e-chemicals production for export and some carbon dioxide removal technologies in several regions. This study investigates, for the first time, the techno-economic impacts of offering such services on an exporting country’s energy system as it transitions to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Egypt is used as a representative case study for sunbelt countries with adequate land area. Four scenarios with different system configurations have been investigated using the LUT Energy System Transition Model and compared to a reference 100% domestic renewable energy system. The results show that Egypt can technically provide 5% of the required global carbon dioxide removal capacity starting from 2035, and 10% of Europe’s demand for e-fuels and e-chemicals starting from 2025 within land use constraints. The provision of both services enhances the domestic energy system performance by reducing the levelised costs of important feedstocks, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, as well as other domestic cost metrics and system losses. These findings are extendable and relevant to similar sunbelt countries. They are also relevant to European countries looking to fulfil their climate targets while diversify their energy imports sources. Overall, this study is an important step in 100% renewable energy transition research and international climate change mitigation efforts.

The effect of time resolution on the modelling of domestic solar energy systems

This paper investigates the modelling accuracy of small-scale solar energy systems, in particular the effect of changing the time resolution. Accurate modelling of solar energy systems is important in designing cost-effective solutions and in research into micro-grid functionality. Currently, most modelling uses a resolution of one hour when simulating the energy in small scale renewable energy systems. Within each hour, these models take an average of the load demand and solar generation values. An hourly time resolution is ignorant of the large variations in a daily load profile that result from high power appliances and also misses short-term variations in solar generation. Few researchers using hourly modelling consider the implications in terms of the simulation accuracy. In this paper, 3 load profiles are modelled with grid connected solar systems, one with and one without a battery, totalling 6 models. Each model is simulated for 4 seasons of the year, modelled at hourly, 5 min and 1 min time resolution. The results show that the hourly model was a poor predictor of battery behaviour, over-estimating the battery state of charge (SoC) by up to 10%. It is also shown that, for systems without battery, the quantity of energy exported and self-consumed changed by an average of 5% and 8% respectively. The study concludes that increasing time resolution from hourly to 5-min resolution in energy models would be advantageous, increasing their accuracy in terms of battery behaviour and predicted self-consumption of solar energy. In particular, modelling at 5-min instead of hourly resolution shows the full benefits of installing battery storage with solar systems.

PROSPECTS AND BARRIERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREEN BONDS MARKET IN UKRAINE

The article reveals the essence and substantive features of such a financial instrument as green bonds, the purpose of which is to attract funds for the financing of green projects, highlights the objective perquisites for the need to initiate and develop the green bond market in Ukraine, as well as the current legal status of this type of debt securities. Attention is paid to the essence of the category of “green financing”, a constituent element of which is considered to be green bonds, in particular, as a form of mobilizing funds for the implementation of green projects. The current state of the capital market in Ukraine, including the debt capital market, is studied, and barriers to the functioning of the domestic green bond market are identified, including problems of an economic (budgetary, tax), institutional, regulatory and political nature. Prospects for the development of the green bond market in Ukraine are identified, in particular, given the potential need to reformat the domestic energy system in the context of the “green” transition due to the devastating consequences of russian armed aggression in 2022.

ЕЛЕКТРОЕНЕРГЕТИКА УКРАЇНИ ПІД ЧАС УКРАЇНСЬКО – РОСІЙСЬКОЇ ВІЙНИ

The article analyzes the state of Ukraine's electricity industry during the Ukrainian-Russian war. The purpose of the study is to analyze the state of the electricity industry of Ukraine during the Ukrainian-Russian war. It is shown that the Ukrainian-Russian war, which has been going on for eight years, has caused great damage to the Ukrainian electricity industry. As a result of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, there was a sharp drop in the use of electrical energy by at least 30%. The legislative principles of state policy regarding the development of energy storage systems are analyzed. In this regard, the adoption of the Law "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Development of Energy Storage Systems" was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on February 15, 2022, which was important for the development of the country's electric energy storage system and the creation of sufficient maneuverable capacities. It is emphasized that even though the Russian aggressor caused great damage to the electricity industry of Ukraine, this area of the country's economy remains quite powerful and has good potential for reforming the domestic electricity market. Next, the situation in the country's nuclear power industry is analyzed. Attention is drawn to the fact that in April - May of 2021, specialists of SE "NAEK Energoatom" and "NEC "Ukrenergo" carried out tests on power units #1 and #2 of the Zaporizhzhia NPP with the aim of mastering the market of auxiliary services. The results showed that nuclear scientists are ready for such innovations. It is shown that a rather difficult situation has developed in the Ukrainian thermal power industry. At least 4 thermal power plants were damaged in Ukraine due to targeted shelling by the Russian invaders. Therefore, the question of strengthening and strengthening the safe operation of the domestic energy system is extremely urgent - the best use of existing TPP capacities and the creation of conditions for the construction of modern generating capacities with a high degree of mobility. The Ukrainian hydropower industry, which is also actively looking for ways to reform the domestic electricity market, is being studied. In 2021,"Ukrhydroenergo" effectively solved a very important task, namely, covering the peak load in the Ukrainian energy system. Thus, the balance of the country's unified energy system was ensured and the consequences of the shortage of coal for thermal generation were minimized. It has been confirmed that one of the most promising ways to reform the domestic electricity market is to create conditions for further development.

Exergy and exergo-economic analysis of a hybrid renewable energy system under different climate conditions

The building sector has a great potential to accelerate the decarbonisation by using high efficient and 100% renewable energy production on-site. This allows also increased energy autonomy to protect building owners against increasing electricity prices. The key solution is to apply micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems to form a domestic hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) which supports fluctuating solar energy production by the controllable biomass-fuelled micro-CHP. However, despite the market availability of the technology, the initial investment of such a system is assumed to be a barrier to penetration. In this study, dynamic exergy and exergo-economic analyses of the HRES are conducted in Matlab/Simulink to define the specific costs of energy products when the market available system is applied to the European building stock under different climate and economic conditions. The overall exergy efficiency of the system is 13%–16%. The specific costs have high variation on a monthly and location basis. On a yearly basis, the lowest specific cost of electricity is 0.29 €/kWh in the southernmost location and of heat products 0.319 €/kWhex (0.034 €/kWh). The comparative results show that the HRES is economically viable and reduces primary energy use and costly irreversibility up to 95%.

Rethinking demand security: Between national interests and energy exports

“Security of demand,” or “demand security,” has entered the energy security discourse quite extensively in recent decades. Currently, in academic literature, security of demand is often discussed as an integral part of energy security alongside security of supply. However, even though the continuity of energy demand is crucial for the national security of energy-exporting countries, there are particular concerns over its legitimate use as an integral part of the concept of energy security. This article offers critical perspectives on security of demand and its conceptual relevance to energy security. The study argues that, regardless of its semantic relationships to both energy and security, demand security cannot be legitimately included in the concept of energy security. Although the fall in energy demand inevitably affects the national security of energy-exporting countries, it does not directly affect their domestic energy systems – and, therefore, their provision of energy services to end-users. Moreover, since an increase in security of supply often results in threats to security of demand, it is an equivocal undertaking to include security of demand as one of the components of energy security and especially as part of composite indexes for its operationalization.

Renewable energy in EU-China relations: Policy interdependence and its geopolitical implications

The geopolitical implications of renewable energy involve changes beyond the immediate impact on energy and commodity streams. Energy policies of individual countries affect each other via different economic and political channels. This paper studies the role of renewable energy in EU-China relations, two leading powers in the field of renewable energy. Both polities have recently increased their individual ambitions towards decarbonisation of their domestic energy systems, and renewables play an increasingly important role in shaping their bilateral dealings. We therefore ask what influence renewable energy has on the relationship between both sides. To capture the effect, we employ the concept of policy interdependence in four areas related to renewable energy namely climate, energy, industry, and trade and investment policy. While these are often seen as separate fields, they are all related to renewable energy. Findings indicate that renewable energy has the potential to be a determinant of bilateral relations. Renewable energy contributed to greater alignment between the EU and China in the past, while increasing recourse to policy choices based on national priorities today creates obstacles to further cooperation. However, the patterns of policy interdependence identified in this study also suggest potential for renewed cooperation in the field of energy policy, depending on the capability of policymakers to see beyond the current structure of the bilateral relationship.

Optimization of an off-grid domestic Hybrid Energy System in suburban Paris using iHOGA software

At the COP21, France committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050. To attain the set goals, it will increase the share of renewable energy in its final energy consumption. Moreover, a 50% reduction in the energy consumption is envisaged. The National Low-Carbon Strategy aims to cut down the emissions of the construction sector by 54% through several actions, including the acceleration of energy renovation work. Understanding how a typical house in France could contribute to the set objectives has not been studied so far. Therefore, an optimized Hybrid Energy System (HES) is proposed for a house in Paris. Wind energy, solar-photovoltaic energy, battery and diesel-generator were considered for a house which had an average measured electricity consumption of 25.81 kWh/day. A cost of energy of 0.28 €/kWh was achieved. The multi-objective optimizations provided, at only 1.4–6% higher Net Present Cost (NPC), 57–73.8% reduced CO2 emission and 56–68% reduced unmet load as compared to the single-objective optimization of minimizing only the NPC. The diesel consumption-related CO2 emission of the optimization scenarios was 2.66–10.14 g per kWh of electricity generated by the proposed HES, which is significantly less than the average of 73 g per kWh of electricity produced in France for the year 2016. Though currently not economically attractive compared to the grid, such an HES, if optimized for several dwellings, will lead to decarbonising development, enabling France to contribute significantly towards its COP21 commitments.