Emission Output Research Articles

Climate policy and China's external balances

To explore the impact of the China Carbon Emissions Trading Exchange (CCETE) on international trade and capital flow, we develop a two-country dynamic general equilibrium model with asymmetric climate policies. We use targets of decreasing carbon emissions intensity to simulate the strengthening of the CCETE policy. We find that the strengthening of climate policy improves China's trade balance and current account. We also find that output and carbon emissions of the rest of the world with a less stringent climate policy increase (known as carbon leakage) in the short run, but decrease (known as positive externalities of climate policy) in the long run. These findings suggest that China could benefit from more stringent climate policy due to the improvement of its external balances, and the world could also benefit due to the mitigation of climate change.

Management of Carbon Emissions via a Nonzero-Sum Stochastic Differential Game

This study examines an environmental management strategy to effectively cap greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in an electricity market. To do so, we model a stochastic impulse two-person, nonzero-sum game between a power plant, a representative of electricity production within a country whose primary aim is to maximize profits, and government who is motivated to minimize the social and environmental cost of pollution. We assume that the power plant’s competitive price is equal to the marginal cost whilst the government’s running cost is linear. When the uncontrolled output of GHG emissions evolves as a Geometric Brownian motion, we provide a more dynamic and robust depiction of the interplay between government and the energy sector. We provide solutions to the impulse control problem derived via the quasi-variational inequalities (QVIs). We then present a sufficiency criterion for the existence of a Nash equilibrium for the optimal policy. Ultimately, our use of short-run price competition characterized by strategic supplies for renewable and fossil resources and inclusion of endogenous constraints on production capacity provides a more robust model and an effective framework for the development of policy that allows governments to meet emissions targets whilst guaranteeing energy supply.

Purifying quantum-dot light in a coherent frequency interface

Abstract Quantum networks typically operate in the telecom wavelengths to take advantage of low-loss transmission in optical fibres. However, bright quantum dots (QDs) emitting highly indistinguishable quantum states of light, such as InGaAs QDs, often emit photons in the near infrared thus necessitating frequency conversion (FC) to the telecom band. Furthermore, the signal quality of quantum emissions is crucial for the effective performance of these networks. In this work we report a method for simultaneously implementing spectral purification and frequency shifting of single photons from QD sources to the c-band in a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide. We consider difference frequency generation in the counter-propagating configuration to implement FC with the output emission bandwidth in units of GHz. Our approach establishes a clear path to integrating high-performance single-emitter sources in a hybrid quantum network.

Yb3+-activated phosphate glasses melted with MnCO3 for solar spectral conversion

This paper reports on the physical and optical properties of phosphate glasses containing red-emitting Mn2+ and near-infrared (NIR)-emitting Yb3+ ions of interest for solar spectral conversion. The glasses were prepared by melting with 50P2O5-(48 – x)BaCO3-2Yb2O3-xMnCO3 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mol%) formulas, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The glasses were X-ray amorphous with the various characteristic features of phosphate glasses being evident in the FT-IR spectra. The thermal properties of the co-doped glasses assessed by DSC appeared similar despite the variation in manganese content. The optical absorption spectra supported the occurrence of Mn2+ ions while Mn3+ was detected at high MnCO3 content. The NIR absorption due to Yb3+ ions was nonetheless consistent with the fixed Yb2O3 content. The PL evaluation showed that sensitized Yb3+ PL was attained under Mn2+ excitation at 410 nm where the NIR emission increased with MnCO3 content in connection with Mn2+ → Yb3+ energy transfer. However, the NIR emission output realized with 4 mol% MnCO3 was just marginally higher than the obtained with 3 mol% MnCO3. On the other hand, the red Mn2+ emission was highest for 3 mol% MnCO3. Thus, considering the optimized red and NIR emissions while minimizing absorption by Mn3+, the Yb-containing glass melted with 3 mol% MnCO3 was put in perspective with the concept of solar spectral conversion.

Coupling MATSim and the PALM Model System—Large Scale Traffic and Emission Modeling with High-Resolution Computational Fluid Dynamics Dispersion Modeling

To effectively mitigate anthropogenic air pollution, it is imperative to implement strategies aimed at reducing emissions from traffic-related sources. Achieving this objective can be facilitated by employing modeling techniques to elucidate the interplay between environmental impacts and traffic activities. This paper highlights the importance of combining traffic emission models with high-resolution turbulence and dispersion models in urban areas at street canyon level and presents the development and implementation of an interface between the mesoscopic traffic and emission model MATSim and PALM-4U, which is a set of urban climate application modules within the PALM model system. The proposed coupling mechanism converts MATSim output emissions into input emission flows for the PALM-4U chemistry module, which requires translating between the differing data models of both modeling systems. In an idealized case study, focusing on Berlin, the model successfully identified “hot spots” of pollutant concentrations near high-traffic roads and during rush hours. Results show good agreement between modeled and measured NOx concentrations, demonstrating the model’s capacity to accurately capture urban pollutant dispersion. Additionally, the presented coupling enables detailed assessments of traffic emissions but also offers potential for evaluating the effectiveness of traffic management policies and their impact on air quality in urban areas.

Boron-Salphen Conjugate based Molecular Probe Exhibiting Fluorescence On-Off-On Response in Detection of Cu2+ and ATP through Displacement Approach.

Synthesis and photophysical properties of a fluorescent probe HBD is described. Probe upon interaction with metal ions, anions and nucleoside pyrophosphates (NPPs) showed fluorescence quenching with Cu2+ due to chelation enhanced quenching effect (CHEQ). Moreover, interaction of ensemble HBD.Cu2+ with anions and NPPs showed fluorescence "turn-On" response with ATP selectively. "On-Off-On" responses observed with Cu2+ and ATP is attributed to an interplay between ESIPT and TICT processes. Cyclic voltammogram of probe exhibited quasi-reversible redox behaviour with three oxidation and two reduction potentials and the change in band gaps of probe suggested the interaction with Cu2+ and ATP. The 2 : 1 and 1 : 1 binding stoichiometry for an interaction between probe and Cu2+ (LOD, 62 nM) and ensemble, HBD.Cu2+ with ATP (LOD, 0.4 μM) respectively are realised by Job's plot and HRMS data. Cell imaging studies carried out to detect Cu2+ and ATP in HeLa cells. Also, the output emission observed with Cu2+ and ATP is utilized to construct an implication (IMP) logic gate. Test paper strips showed naked-eye visible color responses to detect Cu2+ and ATP. In real water samples probe successfully detected copper (0.03 μM) between 5-6.5 ppb level (ICP-MS method).

The fuel property and application prospect of water-containing biofuel from Clostridium acetobutylicum fermentation products

Biobutanol, a promising green alternative fuel, fermented from Clostridium acetobutylicum, while its high-cost and limited yield constraining its development. ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) and IBE (isopropanol-butanol-ethanol) are mixed fermentation products from non-edible biomass raw materials, using them together with water as alternative fuels will reduce industrial production costs and save fossil fuels. Therefore, this study conducted a multifaceted experimental evaluation on ABE/IBE mixed fuels with different water content, demonstrating that it has good water holding capacity when mixed with traditional fossil fuels. Taking ABE (3: 6: 1) as an example, its water holding capacity after mixing with diesel at 10–90 % is 0.37–7.83 % at 20 °C. Meanwhile, the particle size of ABE/IBE mixed fuels is about 2–30 nm, exhibiting a microemulsion with thermodynamic stability. The anhydrous or water-containing mixed fuel with the ratio of ABE (IBE) of 10%–50 % meets the range of the density and kinematic viscosity of diesel engine fuel. The mixed fuel is non-corrosive to copper without water, and a water content of about 3 % or higher will increase the risk of engine corrosion at 20 °C. Despite the addition of biofuel and water, studies on energy combustion performance and pollutant emission performance have found that appropriate addition of biofuel and water can produce higher power output and lower pollutant emissions than traditional fossil fuels, with ABE20W0.5 being the optimal. This study demonstrates the great potential of ABE and IBE as biofuels to achieve carbon neutrality goals, providing novel research direction for green alternative fuels in the future.

Big data, green loans and energy efficiency

Green digital finance is an instrumental way to promote technological innovation, accelerate the low-carbon transition, and foster sustainable development. With the emergence of green digital finance, how does it affect firms’ energy use efficiency? Using big data and green loans as an entry point, the impact of green digital finance on corporate energy efficiency and the role of big data are examined. We provided a simple theoretical model to analyze the green loaning behavior of the banking sector after applying big data and its impact on corporate energy efficiency. Our research finds that: (1) The application of big data can make it easier for the banking sector to obtain loan companies’ information and reduce loan delinquency rates. This will reduce the information and transaction costs of the banking sector and expand the scale of optimal green loans. (2) The optimal green loan scale has a negative relationship with the optimal green loan interest rate. (3) The application of green loans by firms can improve energy efficiency and have a range of impacts on firms’ decision-making, including an increase in the emission reduction ratio, innovation probability, output, and profit, followed by a decrease in energy consumption and pollution emissions. This paper further clarifies the channels through which green digital finance affects energy efficiency and specifies the role of big data in green digital finance. This could help relevant policymakers design more effective green digital finance policies, contributing to carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.

Biofuel Concentration in Low-Speed Pre-Ignition in Gasoline Engines

Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) is a destructive combustion event associated primarily with new, ultra-efficient, downsized gasoline engines, which provide efficiency benefits in general operation. Biofuels, specifically bio-gasoline, are an alternative fuel that attempts to reduce the harmful emissions output by modern Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs). This study attempts to understand the effect of biofuel use on LSPI, through the use of a numerical simulation tool developed in Ricardo Wave. Development of the tool includes the integration of RFlame, an extension capable of modeling autoignition within a 1D domain. Use of the tool highlights the impact of five ethanol blends, E10, E20, E30, E50 and E85, with clear impacts on both the severity and frequency of LSPI events correlated with chemical properties, such as the enthalpy of vaporization (HoV) and octane number. E30 is highlighted as the critical blend for LSPI severity, with both increased severity and intensity seen with a 30% concentration, and a greater sensitivity to effects such as the start of ignition (SOI). Higher-concentration biofuels, such as E50 and E85 bio-gasoline, show much more favorable behaviors, such as a vast reduction in end-gas knock events, but are limited in their use due to their deployment being both cost-prohibitive and potentially damaging in current hardware. Future work on this topic will surround the further development of the simulation tool to integrate 3D solving elements, understand the role of fluid interactions in LSPI, and study optimal fuel characteristics for future use in ICEs.

Cleaner production promotion law and pollution: Firm level evidence from China

Using the formulation and implementation of China's Cleaner Production Promotion Law (CPPL) in 2003 as a quasi-natural experiment and a unique combined dataset of Annual Survey of Industrial Production Database and China Industrial Enterprise Pollution Emissions Database over 1998–2013, we investigate the impact of ex-ante prevention policies on firm pollution emissions. Our DID and DDD results show that: 1) The CPPL has significantly reduced firm's per unit of output emissions of SO2 and COD; 2) China's CPPL reduced firm pollution emissions intensity by reducing resource consumption, increasing firms' TFP and the number of green patents (Porter effect), and increasing the total amount of pollutants removal per unit of output; 3) The impact of CPPL on pollution shows modest firm heterogeneity, with larger effects on SOEs and on large-scale enterprises. The conclusions of this paper reveal that China's CPPL, as a formal rule of law regulation and ex-ante prevention policy, not only reduces the pollution intensity of enterprises from the input side, but also stimulate the Porter effect, and reduces the pollution removal level.

General equilibrium analysis of carbon tax policy on water-energy-food nexus efficiency

Carbon-reduction policy affects socio-economy and Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus contained therein. Existing studies concentrated on policy performances on resource consumption, but cannot quantify the impacts on resource utilization efficiency. To fulfill such gap, this study developed an integrated evaluation method through integrating computable general equilibrium model with data envelopment analysis to explore the impact of carbon tax on WEF environmental efficiency of China. Results show that increasing carbon taxes would improve the energy structure and reduce carbon emissions. While the increased cost of fossil fuels would have negative but limited impacts on economic output of water supply and food sectors through economic activity connections. Synergistic effect of WEF resource conservation could be observed in most production sectors, expect for clean energy sectors. Carbon tax would improve the WEF environmental efficiency expressed as the trade-offs between economic and carbon emission outputs and WEF resource inputs. There are significant differences in WEF efficiency and its growth rate among production sectors, with food sectors experiencing the most significant improvement in WEF efficiency at a carbon tax of 70 yuan/ton. The evaluation results raised the awareness of the performance of carbon tax on WEF nexus and provide a new perspective for promoting WEF nexus efficiency.

Energy and emissions: Comparing short and long fruit cold chains

This paper evaluates GHG emissions and energy usage in “short” and “long” cold chains for oranges, table grapes, and apples transported from South Africa to a retail store in Scotland. Novel formulae assess energy usage and emissions based on cold chain duration. “Short” chains show carbon footprints between 0.87 and 1.28 kg CO2e/kg of saleable fruit, contrasting starkly with extended cold chains. Extending storage durations increases emissions; a one-month extension results in 24–27 % emissions for oranges and grapes and 16 % for apples. Six months of CA storage of apples increases emissions by 96 % compared to “short” cold chains. Energy consumption follows a similar trend as emissions. This research informs policymakers and consumers, emphasising the need for sustainable and “short“ cold chains. This is also the first paper that comprehensively assesses both the energy requirements and emissions outputs in a fruit supply chain based on the combined transport and storage duration of the cold chain from tree to retail markets.

Correlation between Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions in the Context of the Transition to a Zero-Carbon Economy

Abstract The energy sector is increasingly popular today and plays a vital role in our everyday lives. That is why, in this paper I am trying to analyze the existing literature and find a correlation between economic growth and carbon emissions. I utilized various scenarios for this research. The first direction is based on a study seeks to scrutinize earlier literature encompassing economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon emissions, encompassing both individual country analyses and multi-country studies spanning until the year 2019. The second one on usage of both growth and environmental functions to illustrate the efficacy of renewable energy in fostering economic growth and mitigating carbon emissions in the context of the 15 primary renewable energy-consuming nations. Exploring the impact of disaggregated energy consumption, technological innovations, and capital on economic output and CO2 emissions in India from 1990 to 2018 is the third direction, while the fourth has at its base the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on renewable energy consumption using panel data from 90 countries spanning the period 2000-2014. The fifth scenario is about the effects of climate change and technological innovation on economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon emissions by analyzing annual observations of diverse variables across Asian and European countries from 1996 to 2021. The final perspective investigates the factors influencing Energy Mix Diversification (EMD) by utilizing a panel sample encompassing seven major emerging (E7) economies—Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey—observed from 1995 to 2018.

Sustainability in Vietnam: Examining economic growth, energy, innovation, agriculture, and forests' impact on CO2 emissions

Global warming, induced by human-generated greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), threatens the planet's ecology, economic development, and long-term viability in unparalleled ways. Vietnam's utilization of energy and CO2 emanations are on the increase as a consequence of the country's increasing economic and improving agricultural practices. Governments seeking to accomplish an equilibrium between combating climate change and sustainable development would benefit from a deeper understanding of Vietnam's climate change vulnerability. A better understanding of the trade-off between pollution and economic growth is crucial if Vietnam is to slow the rate at which its environment is being damaged. So, the current study empirically examined the connections between GDP development, energy consumption, technical advancement, agricultural output, forest region, and carbon dioxide emissions in Vietnam. This study collected annual data from 1990 to 2020 and analyzed it using the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares method. Based on the projection, Vietnam experiences a direct correlation between energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This implies that an increase in energy consumption and economic growth corresponds to a corresponding emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that this pattern might be alleviated by means of technological innovations, increased agricultural output, and initiatives to broaden forested regions. A negative correlation exists between these variables and CO2 emissions; technological innovations, more sustainable agricultural methods, and forest preservation initiatives may contribute to the gradual reduction of CO2 emissions. Therefore, environmental sustainability could be achieved through reduced emissions if the policies advocated in this article were implemented. Some of these policies include using renewable energy sources, encouraging innovations in technology, encouraging climate-conscious agriculture, and encouraging careful forest management.

Analysis of the transmission of carbon taxes using a multi-sector DSGE

Carbon tax has attracted increasing attention as a means of curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the implementation of carbon taxes necessarily involves consideration of the impact across different sectors and different periods, most existing studies use models which do not provide a detailed account of either sectoral interaction or the dynamic nature of the responses of households and firms. To fill this gap, we construct a New Keynesian multi-sector dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with an input–output structure of intermediate inputs and an investment network calibrated to Japan’s economy. We study the impact over time of carbon tax on different sectors, on aggregate GDP, and on GHG emissions. We then consider the long-term implications through a steady-state analysis, and the short- to medium-term implications by a simulation from 2020 to 2050, under various scenarios with different tax base compositions and announcement timings. We show that the impact on the trade-off between output and GHG emissions is importantly affected by inter-sectoral interactions among firms, and by the intertemporal decisions of households and firms. For example, an orderly implementation of carbon tax may mitigate a decline in value added of the most affected industry and the aggregate economy in 2050 by about 7% and 2% points, respectively, and contain an increase in the stock of GHG in 2050 by 3% points compared with the case of disorderly implementation. Also, keeping GHG emissions constant, GDP in 2050 can vary by 0.5% points depending on tax sources.

Does upgrading household consumption affect the eco-efficiency of China's solid waste management as measured by emissions?

Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal leads to environmental pollution, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Waste generated by consumption is an integral part of MSW management. Based on the meta-frontier super SBM-data envelopment analysis (DEA) (MF-SSBM-DEA) model, this study evaluates the eco-efficiency of MSW management in 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2021, especially considering the undesirable output of GHG emissions. This study compares the heterogeneity of the performance of MSW management in different regions and explores the factors that influence the differences in its efficiency. In particular, this study uses the panel Tobit model to explore the impact of upgrading household consumption on the eco-efficiency of MSW management at two levels: consumption scale (CSC) and consumption structure (CST). In addition, we examined other socioeconomic influencing factors. The results indicate that the average eco-efficiency in 2021 was 21.5% higher than in 2006. The expansion of the CSC reduces eco-efficiency, whereas the upgrading of CST improves eco-efficiency greater than the expansion of the CSC. In addition, improvements in the industrial structure and economic development (ED) contribute to the eco-efficiency of MSW management.

Wavelength selective beam-steering in a dual-mode multi-layer plasmonic laser

Due to its improved localization and confinement of light in single or multiple wavelength modes, nanolasers based on plasmonic crystals have grown in popularity in recent years. However, the lasing modes are not spatially separated, making applying different modes to different applications difficult. This work demonstrates an effective technique for spatially separating the two modes of a merged lattice metal nanohole array-based dual-mode plasmonic laser. A flat dielectric metasurface-based beam-splitter that exploits phase gradient profiles on the interfaces has been added to the laser to separate the modes into distinct spatial beams. The proposed structure successfully separates two modes by ∼23°, and the separation can be raised to ∼63° by tuning structural parameters such as the radius of the nanocylinders and the number of supercell rows. In addition, multiple beams can be generated, allowing for manual beam steering. This approach has a high emission output with a narrow linewidth, clarity, and a substantial degree of future tunability potential. The proposed integrated structure will provide a novel means of device miniaturization and may also serve advanced optical applications such as optical communication, quantum optics, interferometry, spectroscopy, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR).

Get the balance right: lessons from UK higher education in managing environmental and economic performance

ABSTRACT Since 2008, there have been a growing number of social policies placed on UK higher education institutions (HEIs) to engage in reducing carbon emissions and meet self-imposed carbon reduction targets while producing graduates, publishing research papers and attracting research income. HEI managers thus face the challenging task of having to determine the optimal level between environmental performance and economic performance – from activities that generate income, to which we refer as overall efficiency. To that end, the current study measures the overall efficiency levels of UK HEIs from 2012/13 to 2018/19 using a slacks-based measure model that incorporates bad outputs. The study aims to determine the extent to which the optimal balance between environmental performance and economic performance has been achieved as evidenced by the efficiency of HEIs over the course of the sample period. The study also identifies factors associated with efficiency and provides policy recommendations. Over the study period, overall efficiency (incorporating the bad output of carbon emissions) initially fell and then rose in the last 2 years suggesting some optimism that carbon emissions management has improved since then. The second-stage analysis, which identifies factors associated with efficiency, suggests that the ratio of students to staff and HEIs in the Russell group is positively associated with the efficiency of inefficient HEIs. When both efficient and inefficient universities are considered, having an environmental management system is positively associated with efficiency, while the opposite is the case for having science, engineering and medicine disciplines and having carbon reduction targets.

Optimization of Engines performance and emission for Biodiesel blended with Nanoparticle using regression analysis approach

Conventional Fuels used in IC engines such ad diesel, petrol etc. are on the verge of extent. Bio-diesel acts an alternative to conventional fuels as it is renewable, bio degradable, nontoxic, less polluting in nature. Present study investigate the effect of various blend of biodiesel & nanoparticle on the performance of engine and emission level. During the study, it is observed that the important parameter that affects the performance concentration of Bio Diesel & nanoparticle in diesel and Engine load are independent parameter. Effect of emission output parameter such as NOX, CO2, CO, HC, are measured. Performance of engine such as brake power and SFC are also measured. Mathematical relation was established among mentioned independent and dependent variables. The ANOVA method is establish relation between these parameters. Experiments were carried out for the nanoparticles (GO) concentration of 10ppm, 20 ppm and 30ppm, biodiesel blend of 20% and 40% at different varying engine load of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Equations are formulated to establish relation between the independent and dependent parameters. The accuracy was calculated in terms of root mean square and to be 0.9094, 0.96, 0.98, 0.96, and 0.949 for NOx, CO, HC, and CO2 and Brake power. From the regression study, optimum BP, NOx, CO, HC, CO2 were found to be 3.49KW, 137.77ppm, 0.7262%, 122.66 ppm, and 3.22%.

Ultra-sensitive current bistability and light switching in a resonant tunneling superlattice transistor

Bistability in the current–voltage characteristics of semiconductor superlattices and quantum cascade laser structures has the potential for wide-ranging applications, particularly in sensing systems. However, the interdependency of applied bias and current injection in conventional two-terminal structures has led to complications in analysis and rendered the bistability phenomenon difficult to implement in practical applications. Here, we report a new kind of electronic bistability coupled to optical switching in a resonant tunneling bipolar superlattice transistor. This bistability manifests as sharp discontinuities in the collector current with extremely small variations of the applied voltage, which arise from unstable tunneling transmission across the hetero-barrier between the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the edge of the transistor base and the collector superlattice structure. The electronic transitions between high and low quantum mechanical transmissions are demonstrated to be caused by self-consistent variations of the internal electric field at the heterointerface between the 2DEG and the superlattice. They are also present in the base current of the three-terminal device and result in sharp switching of near-infrared spontaneous light emission output from an interband radiative recombination process with a peak emission wavelength of 1.58 μm. A comprehensive quantum mechanical theoretical model accounting for the self-consistent bistable tunneling transmission is in quantitative agreement with the experimental data. The measured peak transconductance sensitivity value of 6000 mS can be used in the highly sensitive detector and non-linear device applications.