EU Emissions Research Articles

Adapting the EU Emission Trading System to Kenya: Assessing Socioeconomic Impacts and Policy Feasibility for Carbon Management

Adapting the EU Emission Trading System to Kenya: Assessing Socioeconomic Impacts and Policy Feasibility for Carbon Management

A ratiometric luminescence thermometer based on lanthanide encapsulated complexes.

Lanthanide-containing complexes have been widely developed as ratiometric luminescence thermometers, which are non-invasive, contactless and accurate. The synthesis of these Ln complexes generally requires high temperatures, multiple steps and other harsh conditions. Moreover, bimetallic lanthanide complexes, which have been reported to be better thermometers, are even more challenging to synthesize. This complexity can be simplified by preparing a host-guest complex of lanthanides. In this work, Tb or both Tb and Eu are encapsulated in an MOF host, making them emissive. The ratio of Tb/Eu was also easily tuned by simply changing their ratio in the solution, resulting in a tunable emission. Accordingly, we were able to synthesise both the emissive Tb complex and Tb/Eu complexes at different ratios using a single host. The complexes were found to be suitable as ratiometric luminescent thermometers in the temperature range of 160-380 K, with reasonably good sensitivity and uncertainty. The thermometer's sensitivity and uncertainty were significantly improved using bimetallic Tb and Eu host-guest complexes. Calculations using the host and Eu emission ratio were found to provide better thermometer parameters than the commonly reported Tb and Eu emission ratio. Thus, using a single host, we were able to synthesise different lanthanide complexes that can sense temperature, and we improved the thermometer parameters by incorporating multiple lanthanides in a single host. This research will enable the scientific community to reexamine the applicability of unexplored host-guest lanthanide complexes.

Spectroscopic properties, Judd Ofelt analysis of U and Eu activated Li2O-ZnO-SrO-B2O3-P2O5 borophosphate glasses for solid-state lighting applications

Uranium and europium doped borophosphate glasses with the base composition of (Li2O)(ZnO)0.5(SrO)0.4(B2O3)2.55(P2O5)0.5 were synthesized by melt -quenching. The X-ray diffraction profile affirmed that all the synthesized samples were devoid of crystallinity and amorphous in structure. The absence of precipitations/grains in the scanning electron micrographs further validated the amorphous character and compositional homogeneity of the prepared glass. The FTIR spectra revealed several prominent vibrational bands in 713–1568 cm−1 range and were assigned to the corresponding B-O-B and P-O-P and B-O-P bonding. The thermal characteristics of the synthesised glass samples were investigated using differential thermal analysis experiments. The broad photoluminescence (PL) spectra observed for the uranium doped glass with emission maxima at 523 nm resembles the hexavalent U(VI) emission in a disordered amorphous environment. The emission profile of the Eu doped glass displayed several characteristics peaks due to 5D0 → 7FJ transitions. The phonon energy of the base glass was found to be 1005 cm−1. The Judd-Ofelt analysis showed that for all the doped glass, the JO intensity parameter Ω4 was always greater than Ω2 indicating that Eu3+ ions are primarily arranged in a centrosymmetric environment in the studied host. Radiative properties of 5D0 → 7FJ=1-4 transitions of the Eu3+ such as branching ratios, emission cross-section, and transition probabilities were computed. Energy transfer pathways of UO22+ → Eu3+ in the codoped borophosphate glass were described. The CIE chromaticity and PL results suggest that the intense red emission of Eu doped glasses could be useful for phosphor applications.

Theoretical Analysis of Anomalous Emission of Eu2+ in Crystals By First-Principles Calculation

The 5d-4f transition energies of lanthanides are very versatile, especially the 4f65d1-4f75d0 transition energy of Eu2+ has high luminescence efficiency and is used in various luminescent materials such as phosphors like SrxCa1-xAlSiN3: Eu2+, scintillators, and solid-state lasers, etc. However, there are materials that do not undergo pure 5d-4f transitions, showing the so-called anomalous luminescence instead. The anomalous luminescence is caused by the formation of excitons due to the overlap of the 5d level of Eu2+ with the conduction band and the transition of electrons from the conduction band to the 4f level, resulting in a shift to a lower energy than the general 5d-4f transition energy. A more detailed analysis of this phenomenon is important for the development of novel luminescent materials using Eu2+.In this study, we aimed to theoretically analyze the anomalous luminescence based on first-principles electronic structure calculations. The model clusters of Eu2+-doped crystals consisting of Eu2+ at the substitution site and the surrounding ions were created. Then molecular orbital calculations were performed by the relativistic discrete-variational Xα (DV-Xα) method and subsequently multiplet calculations were performed by the relativistic discrete-variational multi-electron (DVME) method. These first-principles calculations were carried out for Eu2+-doped crystals that show anomalous luminescence and those that do not show anomalous luminescence, and the electronic states of these materials were compared in detail.

Modulating the Photoluminescence of Europium through Crystalline Assembly Formation with Gold Nanoclusters and Then Phosphate Ions.

We report delayed fluorescence enhancement of europium (Eu3+) ions through complexation with ligand-stabilized gold nanoclusters (Au NCs). The different Eu3+-centric emissions following complexation with Au NCs exhibited selective augmentation in the spectral lines attributed to the 5D0 → 7FJ transitions. The photoluminescence (PL) properties, including delayed Eu emission, from each component could be modulated through further functionalization of phosphate ions (Pi), leading to crystallization. The assembled crystalline structure of europium-containing Au NCs (Eu Au NCs) was corroborated by selected area electron diffraction analyses and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses. On the basis of PL measurements and other experimental evidence, the two different lifetimes arising from the components, prompt emission of Au NCs and delayed emission of Eu3+, were affected in the assembled nanostructure. Such a design offers the possibility of developing an optical system by conjugating molecular NCs and atomic luminescent probes that has potential uses.

A highly thermal-stable red-emitting tantalate phosphor for WLED and multiple-mode optical temperature sensor dual-applications

Recently, more and more attention has been concentrated on luminescence materials activated with rare-earth ions for white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) or optical thermometers. However, due to their opposite requirements for thermal response, it is hard to realize the above dual applications in the same material. Herein, a red-emitting tantalate phosphor, Gd3TaO7:Eu3+, was designed and prepared to solve the problem. The emission of Eu3+ in the phosphor was surprisingly observed to be different from that in most of the reported red phosphors activated with Eu3+, that is, the emissions coming from the f - f transitions of Eu3+ exhibit severe splitting, and the intensities of several strong transitions are not very different. According to the structural and spectral analyses, the reasons may be the highly covalent and polarized lattice environments of Eu3+ in this material. When excited with 393 nm, the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) of Gd3TaO7:Eu3+ presents a normal thermal quenching and the integrated intensity at 500 K keeps 90.8 % compared to that at 300 K. Whereas the TDPL presents an edge abnormal thermal quenching phenomenon upon the excitation of 330 nm. Taking advantage of the special TDPL characteristics, a WLED device and a multiple-mode optical thermometer are successfully realized in this material. The former has excellent performances with high Ra of 88.8 and low CCT of 3882 K, and the latter includes one type of excitation intensity ratio and two types of fluorescence intensity ratio with the maximal relative temperature sensitivities of 0.92 % K−1, 0.97 % K−1 and 0.92 % K−1, respectively. The results reveal that Gd3TaO7:Eu3+ phosphor has a great prospect in WLED and multiple-mode optical temperature sensor dual-applications, and this work may provide a new and effective strategy for developing multifunctional optical materials.

Comparative study on the anomalous intense 5D0→7F4 emission in Eu3+ doped Sr2MNbO6 (M=Ga, In, Gd) phosphors

Eu3+ ions are extensively employed as spectroscopic probes because of the particular emissions due to the unique 4f6 electronic configuration. Herein, we have developed a series of interesting fluorescent powders of Eu3+ activated Sr2MNbO6 (M = Ga, In, Gd). When Sr2GaNbO6:Eu3+ is excited by the photons in the range of charge transfer band (CTB), the dark red 5D0→7F4 transition predominates the emission, exhibiting an anomalous intensity even higher than that of 5D0→7F1 or 5D0→7F2. Whilst, if the sample is pumped by f-f characteristic transitions, the hypersensitive 5D0→7F2 transition emerges as the strongest. However, Eu3+ doped Sr2InNbO6 and Sr2GdNbO6 never demonstrate such results, 5D0→7F1 acts as the most intense one regardless of the excitation wavelength. It is found that Eu3+ substitutes Sr2+ site, and cuboctaherdron [SrO12] with Oh symmetry is likely to deform to triangular orthobicupola D3h symmetry, leading to two non-equivalent crystal sites in Sr2GaNbO6 host. But Eu3+ replaces In3+ and Gd3+ position with Oh symmetry and has only one site in Sr2InNbO6 and Sr2GdNbO6. Based on the comparative study on the intensity of 5D0→7F0 transition, as well as the influence factors of temperature, the doping concentration on the relative intensity among 5D0→7FJ transitions, and the band gaps of these three hosts, the origin of the abnormal intense 5D0→7F4 is ascribed to the mixing of CTB and low-lying 4f6 configuration as well as two non-equivalent Eu3+ sites.

The role of the Emission Trading Scheme in the decarbonization of existing district heating systems

ABSTRACT The FitFor55 legislative package sets ambitious targets to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Within it, the EU Emission Trading Scheme is mandatory for energy operators with an installed capacity higher than 20 MW, calculated by considering units with a rated thermal input under 3 MW. The paper highlights the impact of the Emission Trading Scheme on the investment choices made by district heating systems operators, considering both current regulations and the potential extension of the Emission Trading Scheme to encompass lower energy capacities. The analysis concerns the simulation of four revamping scenarios (two fueled by natural gas and two partially by renewables) within an existing district heating system located in Italy. The economic analysis shows that an extension of the Emission Trading Scheme alone is not effective in hindering scenarios based on natural gas production. A reform of the power exchange market is necessary to drive decarbonization and encourage investment in renewable generation plants.

Wind propulsion of ships to decarbonize maritime transport

The International Maritime Organization and the European Commission are demanding increasingly significant decarbonization efforts from shipowners, and maritime freight should be integrated into the EU emissions trading system. Several technologies exist for sail propulsion: the Flettner rottor, rigid panels made of composite materials, sails and in particular the kite, innovative in this field. Studies show that 3700 to 10700 ships could be equipped with sail propulsion systems by 2030. The release of 3.5 to 7.5 million tonnes of CO2 could thus be avoided in 2030. In this article, the fundamentals of the ship propulsion by the wind are presented: a credible, efficient technological proposition available today to ensure the sustainability of transport.

Modified sectoral average greenhouse gas intensity for more accurate carbon risk analysis

Thanks to the existing data gaps, Monitoring climate-related financial risks is no easy task. Greenhouse gases play an important role in climate change; therefore, examining economic activities’ emissions can be a suitable way to analyse climate risks. However, relying only on activities’ average greenhouse gas emissions can be misleading, as substantial emitters can greatly divert the average values upwards. Modifying these sectoral average emissions by subtracting substantial emitters’ data results in a clearer picture of climate risk analysis. The modified sectoral average method, which primarily relies on data from the emission trading systems, treats companies under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) regulation separately. With this treatment, sectors with high emission values can experience a significant drop in sectoral average emission intensity compared to companies under ETS regulation. To use an already available but not applied data cluster is an affordable, easy-to-implement way to increase the accuracy of climate risk indicators. Results in Hungary show that implementing this information reduces sectoral average intensity for companies not under ETS regulation.

A coordination failure between EU climate policies exemplified by the North Sea energy island

ABSTRACT We highlight a coordination problem between the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the EU's offshore renewable energy strategy. We exemplify this coordination failure by analyzing carbon leakage effects associated with Denmark's planned North Sea energy island. The Danish energy island project will not start production before 2033, implying a long interval between project announcement and production. Using a dynamic model of the EU ETS, we show that the large time gap between announcement and production likely results in a ‘Green Paradox’, where the energy island increases aggregate EU ETS emissions. The mechanism leading to the emission increase is complicated and works through the Market Stability Reserve (MSR). The estimated 2050 leakage rate is 145 percent in our main scenario and not below 100 percent in any alternative scenario. We discuss how to improve the climate benefits of the energy island or similar large-scale renewable energy projects. This includes possible revisions to the EU ETS and the role of Power-to-X technologies.

Facile synthesis of dual-ligand europium-metal organic gels for ratiometric electrochemiluminescence detecting I27L gene

Metal organic gels (MOGs) are a new kind of intelligent soft materials with excellent luminescence properties. However, MOGs with dual electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties have not been reported. In this study, using Eu3+ as metal node, 4′-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (Hcptpy) and Luminol as organic ligands, a novel dual-ligand Europium-organic gels (Eu-L-H MOGs) were prepared by simple mixing at room temperature. On the one hand, Eu-L-H MOGs could exhibit strong and stable anodic ECL signals in the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) without the addition of co-reactants, which came from the blue emission of Luminol. On the other hand, using K2S2O8 as a cathodic co-reactant, Eu-L-H MOGs produced cathodic signals, which were derived from the red emission of Eu sensitized by Hcptpy through the antenna effect. Based on the independent dual ECL signals of Eu-L-H MOGs, we selected Alexa Flour 430 as the receptor and anodic ECL emission of Eu-L-H MOGs as the donor to construct the ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) ratio biosensor, which utilized exonuclease III assisted DNA cycle amplification to achieve ultrasensitive detection of the I27L gene. The detection linearity of I27L ranged from 1 fM to 10 nM, with a detection limit as low as 284 aM. This study developed a straightforward technique for obtaining a single luminescent material with dual signals, and further broadened the analytical application of MOGs in the realm of ECL.

Carbon price and firm greenhouse gas emissions

Drawing on the recent enthusiasm in the carbon markets, I examine the impact of carbon prices on firm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using a sample of 1591 firms from 23 European countries, I demonstrate that an increase in carbon price decreases corporate GHG. At hypothesized higher carbon pricing levels, I document that the effect of pricing on corporate GHG emissions is negative. The negative impact of high carbon prices manifests in other harmful gases such as sulphur and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In evaluating how the various phases of the EU emission trading scheme have affected firm greenhouse gas emissions, I show that the negative effect of pricing became pronounced in Phase 3 of the EU ETS. The findings from this study are robust to alternative econometric specifications and further sample selection criteria.

Enhancing Carbon Capture and Storage Deployment in the EU: A Sectoral Analysis of a Ton-Based Incentive Strategy

The EU considers carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology as an option for achieving climate goals, but its cost remains appreciable. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the implementation of a ton-based incentive system for CCS in the EU using Croatia as an example based on an analysis of the existing legislative framework in the EU and relevant tax credit provisions in the USA. A novel methodology for the design of the incentive system is presented in the form of partial allocation of the state’s auction revenues from the EU emissions trading system (ETS) into the CCS fund for five years. The CCS fund assets then incentivize the capture site for 10 years. The incentives are determined for each emitter in cement, electricity, paper and pulp, glass, oil refining, and petrochemical sectors based on varying European Union allowance (EUA) prices, CCS fund sizes, and CO2 emission scenarios. In addition to designing the methodology, a novel method for forecasting CO2 emissions is applied using geometric Brownian motion. The calculated incentives are categorized as underperforming, optimal, or overperforming, with upper and lower limits set to 80 and 10 EUR/t. The results are optimistic, since all sectors can be efficiently incentivized within the defined boundaries, meaning that the incentive system can be applied to all member states. The contracting of the incentives is proposed through carbon contracts for difference to avoid irregularities. Also, regulatory amendments are proposed so that emitters with emissions higher than 100 kt would have to consider CCS. Finally, the contributions are presented by proving the feasibility of the incentive system together with demonstrating its applicability to all member states.

Eu(III)-based polymeric nanoparticles as dual-emission turn-off sensor for anthrax biomarker detection

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease with high mortality caused by bacillus anthracis, which can severely harm human healthy. 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (DPA) is the main component and a major biomarker of bacillus anthracis. Therefore, it is essential to develop a sensitive and selective sensor for DPA detection. In this study, luminescent lanthanide nanoparticles, poly(PTEu)-PAA, were successfully synthesized by introducing Europium(III)-based complex and N-(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)acrylamide (TPENA) to a hydrophilic macro-chain transfer agent poly(PEGMA)-PAA. The obtained poly(PTEu)-PAA nanoparticles were spherical with good dispersity, water stability and average diameters of approximately 443 nm. Furthermore, poly(PTEu)-PAA nanoparticles can act as a dual emission ‘‘turn-off’’ probe for detecting DPA in water. Upon addition of DPA, the emission of Eu(TTA)2(AA)phen and TPENA centers in polymeric nanoparticles were quenched with the detection limits (LODs) of 0.30 μM (at 618 nm) and 6.1 μM (at 455 nm), respectively, which was considerably lower than an infectious dosage of bacillus anthracis spores (60 μM) for a human being. Additionally, it showed high recoveries (92.50 %–102.45 %) in tap water, bovine serum, human serum and human urine samples. This is the first example of DPA sensor based on a dual-emission "turn-off" mechanism for Eu(III)-based polymeric nanoparticles, which presents a new avenue for detecting DPA.

Decarbonization Pathways, Strategies, and Use Cases to Achieve Net-Zero CO2 Emissions in the Steelmaking Industry

The steelmaking industry is responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions, making decarbonization a significant challenge. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current steel-production processes, assessing their environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions at a global level. Limitations of the current pathways are outlined by using objective criteria and a detailed review of the relevant literature. Decarbonization strategies are rigorously evaluated across various scenarios, emphasizing technology feasibility. Focusing on three pivotal areas—scrap utilization, hydrogen integration, and electricity consumption—in-depth assessments are provided, backed by notable contributions from both industrial and scientific fields. The intricate interplay of technical, economic, and regulatory considerations substantially affects CO2 emissions, particularly considering the EU Emissions Trading System. Leading steel producers have established challenging targets for achieving carbon neutrality, requiring a thorough evaluation of industry practices. This paper emphasizes tactics to be employed within short-, medium-, and long-term periods. This article explores two distinct case studies: One involves a hot rolling mill that utilizes advanced energy techniques and uses H2 for the reheating furnace, resulting in a reduction of 229 kt CO2-eq per year. The second case examines DRI production incorporating H2 and achieves over 90% CO2 reduction per ton of DRI.

Four orotate-based lanthanide coordination polymers with rhomboid [Ln4(μ3-OH)2]-based 1D chainlike structure exhibiting luminescence and large magnetocaloric effect

Four isostructural lanthanide coordination polymers with orotic acid (H3OA) as building ligand, {[Ln(HOA)(μ3-OH)(H2O)2]·H2O}n (Ln = Eu (1); Gd (2); Tb (3); Dy (4)), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrate that complexes 1–4 have an one-dimensional (1D) chainlike structure consisting of rhomboid [Ln4(μ3-OH)2] unit and HOA2- linker. Magnetic studies indicate that 2 displays a large magnetocaloric effect with magnetic entropy value of 37.11 J kg−1 K−1 at 2.0 K for ΔH = 7.0 T. This is a considerable value among the reported molecular magnetic coolants, and has a great application potential in the field of ultra-low temperature refrigeration. In addition, the solid-state photophysical properties of 1 and 3 exhibit obvious characteristic Eu(III) and Tb(III) photoluminescence emission in the visible region, suggesting that Eu- and Tb-based luminescence were sensitized effectively by the energy transfer from the ligand to the metal centers.

How ideas shape the EU's climate policy: Moving toward the sufficiency paradigm for the EU ETS

AbstractThis article examines the paradigm shifts in the European Union's (EU's) climate policy from 2009 to 2022 looking closer at the main policy instrument of EU's climate policy, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The paradigm shifts of the EU ETS are linked to the climate policy paradigms prometheanism/growth unlimited (PGU), ecological modernization (EM), and sufficiency. The question of how ideas have shaped EU climate policy and the EU ETS in the past decade is answered, with the establishment of the EM paradigm and moving toward the sufficiency paradigm. There is a need for more research looking closer at how this paradigm shift impacts legislation for climate policy going forward.

The Market Stability Reserve in the EU Emissions Trading System: A Critical Review

Having experienced low prices for about a decade, the European Union Emissions Trading System has been supplemented with the market stability reserve (MSR) that adjusts the supply of allowances to market outcomes. We critically review the literature assessing the performance of the MSR against several policy objectives. In doing so, we cover both conceptual aspects and quantitative assessments. We conclude by pointing out important policy implications and open issues for further research.

High potential for CH4 emission mitigation from oil infrastructure in one of EU's major production regions

Abstract. Ambitious methane (CH4) emission mitigation represents one of the most effective opportunities to slow the rate of global warming over the next decades. The oil and gas (O&G) sector is a significant source of methane emissions, with technically feasible and cost-effective emission mitigation options. Romania, a key O&G producer within the EU, with the second highest reported annual CH4 emissions from the energy sector in the year 2020 (Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data - Comparison by Category, 2022), can play an important role towards the EU's emission reduction targets. In this study, we quantify CH4 emissions from onshore oil production sites in Romania at source and facility level using a combination of ground- and drone-based measurement techniques. Measured emissions were characterized by heavily skewed distributions, with 10 % of the sites accounting for more than 70 % of total emissions. Integrating the results from all site-level quantifications with different approaches, we derive a central estimate of 5.4 kg h−1 per site of CH4 (3.6 %–8.4 %, 95 % confidence interval) for oil production sites. This estimate represents the third highest when compared to measurement-based estimates of similar facilities from other production regions. Based on our results, we estimate a total of 120 kt CH4 yr−1 (range: 79–180 kt yr−1) from oil production sites in our studied areas in Romania. This is approximately 2.5 times higher than the reported emissions from the entire Romanian oil production sector for 2020. Based on the source-level characterization, up to three-quarters of the detected emissions from oil production sites are related to operational venting. Our results suggest that O&G production infrastructure in Romania holds a massive mitigation potential, specifically by implementing measures to capture the gas and minimize operational venting and leaks.