Energy Investment Research Articles

Harnessing Green Investments for Sustainable Prosperity and the Role of Renewable Energy in Driving Economic Growth and Development in South Asia

This study examines the impact of renewable energy investments on economic growth in South Asia, a region grappling with rapid economic expansion and environmental degradation due to heavy reliance on fossil fuels. This paper employs panel data from 1998 to 2022 and 15 emerging countries to examine the nexus between RE consumption, economic growth, CO2 emissions, and energy access using GMM and fixed-effects models. These findings suggest that increasing 1% of renewable energy consumption will increase GDP by 0.072%, while increasing 1% of CO2 emissions will reduce GDP by 0.3%. Besides, renewable energy investments are expected to contribute to the generation of 2.98 million green job opportunities by 2035. The study shows that renewable energy can decrease emissions, increase energy security, and create jobs. Nevertheless, there are limitations like capital-intensive requirements and a lack of proper infrastructure and policies that have to be overcome. Therefore, the study supports the proposition that the sustainable development of renewable energy in South Asia depends on considerable policy intervention, technological improvement, and investment in infrastructure.

Renewable Energy and Socio-Economic Transformation: Three Case Studies

Portugal’s renewable energy transition plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable development. This study examines the socio-economic impacts of renewable energy policies in Portugal from 2014 to 2022, with a focus on financial performance, employment trends, and gender equity. Utilizing financial assessments from the Orbis database and input–output analysis, the research examines three companies—EDP, E-Redes, and Logical Gravity—classified under NACE Rev. 2 code 3513. The study finds that investments in renewable energy improved profitability and solvency, especially during recovery phases, reflecting the sector’s financial resilience. Larger firms like EDP experienced employment growth, while smaller firms faced more volatility, highlighting the need for targeted support. Despite progress, gender disparities and pay gaps persist, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive policies. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to ensure a just and sustainable energy transition, emphasizing strategic investments, workforce adaptation, and inclusivity.

Investigating factors influencing CO2 emissions in selected G20 countries

This study aims at identifying the factors that influence CO2 emissions in some G20 countries. It examines various possibilities such as electricity consumption, foreign investments, fuel and metal exports, economic growth, population growth, renewable energy consumption, trade, urbanization, and even the effects of the global economic crisis of 2008. The results show that increased electricity consumption, economic growth, and population increase result in higher levels of CO2 emissions which demonstrates the environmental impact of industrialization and urbanization. Conversely, the use of renewable energy and foreign investment are correlated with lower emissions which proves that a shift towards cleaner energy and sustainable investments can be effective. The findings of the study also point towards the fact that the G20 countries need to shift towards the use of renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and encourage the development of sustainable urban environments. It provides a practical approach for the policymakers to follow for emission reduction along with promoting economic growth in a sustainable manner.

Assessment of residential renewable energy investment under dynamic market environment: Aspect from household benefits.

The adoption of residential renewable energy is pivotal for achieving the 'Net Zero' goal, yet financial assessments of household investments in this area remain complex due to dynamic market conditions. This study introduces a novel closed-form financial valuation framework for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, explicitly addressing the uncertainties of electricity market price fluctuations (market risk) and energy policy changes (policy risk) using Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM). A case study in France demonstrates the framework's application, revealing that the discount rate is the most influential factor in solar PV valuation, followed by system lifespan and policy-driven Feed-in Tariff (FiT) rates. Sensitivity analyses further highlight how these variables interact to influence investment outcomes under various market scenarios. Key findings include (1) the identification of critical thresholds for solar PV investments, ensuring financial viability even under fluctuating conditions; (2) the validation of GBM as an effective tool for capturing long-term market and policy dynamics; and (3) actionable policy recommendations emphasizing market efficiency, policy stability, and end-of-life management. These insights contribute to advancing both household investment decision-making and policy design, addressing a significant gap in understanding the economic dynamics of residential renewable energy adoption. By bridging theoretical valuation models with empirical evidence, this research provides practical guidance for promoting decentralized renewable energy systems globally.

Multi-objective optimization and improved decision-making in renewable energy investments for enhancing wind turbine selection: Framework and a case study

Multi-objective optimization and improved decision-making in renewable energy investments for enhancing wind turbine selection: Framework and a case study

Geopolitical risk and clean energy investments: Exploring the role of rare earths

Geopolitical risk and clean energy investments: Exploring the role of rare earths

Barriers to renewable energy investments in Turkiye: A fuzzy AHP approach

Barriers to renewable energy investments in Turkiye: A fuzzy AHP approach

A molecular fuzzy decision-making model for optimizing renewable energy investments towards carbon neutrality

A molecular fuzzy decision-making model for optimizing renewable energy investments towards carbon neutrality

Unearthing the reality of ‘Zombie energy systems’ in Africa’s energy transition

Abstract Africa’s energy transition is unique and complicated by—among other things—the pervasive presence of ‘Zombie Energy Systems’ (ZES). These are outdated, inefficient, and environmentally harmful energy systems that persist despite being obsolete (e.g. old and mismanaged electrical grid systems and obsolete electrical appliances). These ZES hinder Africa’s energy transition, yet they receive limited attention in the international energy development arena. Rooted in colonial-era legacies, economic constraints, and policy shortcomings, these energy systems have led to a persistent misalignment between energy supply and development goals, perpetuating energy poverty and limiting economic growth. In this piece, we identify ZES as a critical barrier to Africa’s energy transition, arguing that addressing it requires more than just infrastructure replacement. A holistic approach is needed—one that includes decommissioning outdated assets, modernizing grids, promoting energy efficiency, improving regulatory environment and fostering local expertise in modern energy systems. We advocate for a comprehensive reevaluation of energy policies and investment strategies across Africa, emphasizing the importance of balancing the development of new energy systems with the critical need to upgrade and enhance existing inefficient energy systems. Neglecting the improvement of current energy systems risks undermining the effectiveness of Africa’s energy transition. Furthermore, we highlight the necessity of implementing tailored solutions that address the distinctive energy challenges faced by each country on the continent.

Machine learning-driven solar irradiance prediction: advancing renewable energy in Rajasthan

This research explores the potential of solar power as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, focusing on Rajasthan, India. Using data from MERRA-2, researchers analysed solar irradiance and meteorological parameters to develop accurate prediction models. It is observed that for every 1 kW/m2 increase in shortwave downward solar irradiance, earth skin temperature rises by 3.52 °C. The temperature variable shows the highest correlation coefficient at 0.63, followed by wind with a correlation coefficient of 0.37, while surface pressure has a negative correlation coefficient of − 0.37. Various machine learning models were tested and compared for solar irradiance prediction, including Linear Regression, Random Forest, Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, and Gradient Boosting. Results suggest, linear regression model demonstrates the best training and validation results, with a minimal difference of just 0.02 between the training and validation datasets. Performance of the model was assessed using Mean Squared Error, Root Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error, and R-squared metrics. When looking at the overall performance of the various models, it’s clear that the Random Forest model is more effective, achieving a Root Mean Square Error of 0.64. This model outperforms the Linear Regression model by a notable 19.47%, highlighting its superior predictive abilities. Additionally, average error across all models stays below 20%, emphasizing the reliability and accuracy of the predictive analyses performed. This study provides a robust framework for predicting solar irradiance, crucial for efficient solar power planning and implementation. By enhancing our ability to forecast solar energy potential, this research could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies worldwide. The success of the Random Forest model in this context highlights the power of advanced machine learning techniques in renewable energy applications. Ultimately, this study contributes to the global effort to transition towards cleaner energy sources, potentially influencing energy policies and investment decisions in solar power infrastructure.

Resources-Blessed but Energy-Poor: A Critical Review of the Paradox of Energy Delivery in Nigeria

Abstract: Energy is essential for the growth and improved livelihood of any nation. Nigeria, though blessed with abundance of oil and gas, and has good land mass and natural resources for renewable energy, struggles with energy delivery. Many industries have shut down due to high energy cost or unavailability of the energy required to support their operations. Through critical review of existing studies on the Nigerian energy delivery, this study identified that the Nigerian energy challenges stem from infrastructural issues, environmental degradation, inconsistent government policies, poor regulatory framework and limited investments in renewable energy. However, the challenges can be mitigated if there is renewed policy thrust by the Nigerian government, energy incentives, stakeholders’ involvement in decision-making in the sector and diversification of public power supply into renewable energy. As much as Nigeria still struggles with energy delivery from crude oil and gas, it is obvious that the future of energy delivery in Nigeria lies in resort to renewable energy sources.

Analyzing the dynamic behavior and market efficiency of green energy investments: A geometric and fractional brownian motion approach

ABSTRACT The growing importance of green energy investments necessitates understanding their dynamic behavior and market efficiency, particularly during geopolitical instability. This study examines the performance of three major green energy indices – First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund, Invesco Wilder Hill Clean Energy, and S&P Global Clean Energy Index – across distinct macroeconomic periods, including the post-Paris Agreement era, COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Israel-Gaza conflict. We apply two advanced stochastic modeling techniques to address the complexities of price movements in these indices: Geometric Brownian Motion and Multifractional Brownian Motion. The Hurst exponent is calculated to evaluate market memory and efficiency during these periods. Our findings demonstrate that while the Geometric Brownian Motion model effectively captures general market trends, the Multifractional Brownian Motion model reflects the nuanced volatilities and structural shifts in green energy markets, particularly during heightened geopolitical tension. The Hurst analysis identifies alternating periods of persistence and anti-persistence, highlighting varying levels of market efficiency and partially challenging the Efficient Market Hypothesis. This study’s novelty lies in applying Geometric Brownian Motion and Multifractional Brownian Motion to green energy indices, providing a comprehensive approach to analyzing their behavior under external shocks. These results contribute to the literature by offering insights into the resilience and efficiency of green energy investments, thus aiding investors and policymakers in navigating the complexities of sustainable finance during global crises.

Knockdown of FAS2 Impairs Fecundity by Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation and Increasing Glycogen Storage in Locusta migratoria

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a pivotal gene in the lipid synthesis pathway and plays a crucial role in insect energy metabolism. Locusta migratoria, as one of the major agricultural pests, requires identification of new targets to control or reduce its reproductive capacity for effective locust pest management strategies. In this study, we focused on L. migratoria and identified FAS2 as a potential target gene with functional significance in lipid metabolism and reproduction based on sequence characteristics analysis and tissue-expression patterns of five FAS genes. Subsequently, through RNA interference (RNAi) targeting FAS2 expression, we assessed alterations in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism-related gene expression levels, lipid and carbohydrate contents, ovarian development, and reproductive capacity using experimental techniques such as RT-qPCR, ELISA, and morphological observations. Our findings revealed that interference with FAS2 upregulated genes involved in lipid degradation, including Lsd-1, Lsd-2, Lipase3, and Brummer, while significantly decreasing the TAG content and fat accumulation. At the level of carbohydrate metabolism, FAS2 silencing led to significant upregulation of key genes TPS and GS in the synthesis pathway, resulting in increased glycogen and trehalose content. In addition, FAS2 interference resulted in a significant reduction of Vg mRNA expression level sand protein content in L. migratoria, followed by delayed ovarian development and reduced egg production. This further confirms that impaired FAS2 function prompts L. migratoria to enhance lipid degradation and sugar storage to maintain the energy balance, while reducing the energy investment into reproduction. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that FAS2 can serve as a novel molecular target for controlling L. migratoria.

How Does the Interplay Between Banking Performance, Digitalization, and Renewable Energy Consumption Shape Sustainable Development in European Union Countries?

In the context of current global challenges, the integration of digitalization, financial performance, and renewable energy is pivotal in fostering sustainable and resilient economic development. The aim of this paper is to explore the interplay between banking performance, digitalization, and renewable energy consumption in the context of the European Union (EU), with a focus on sustainable economic development. This study examines the extent to which the digitalization and efficiency of the banking sector influence the uptake of renewable energy considering the EU’s environmental and economic priorities. The methodology used involves an econometric analysis based on statistical data from EU countries, using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) to assess causal relationships between variables, complemented by Vector Autoregression (VAR) models and Granger causality tests to further investigate the dynamic interactions among the variables. The data were analyzed to examine the correlation between banking performance, digitalization, and renewable energy consumption levels. The results reveal a positive correlation between greater digitalization in the banking sector, stronger financial performance, and higher investments in renewable energy sources. These factors also support the transition to a green economy, but the effect varies between EU countries depending on national policies and existing digital infrastructure. Recommendations for policymakers include stimulating digitalization in the financial sector, creating a regulatory framework to encourage green energy investments, and strengthening collaboration between financial institutions and the energy sector to facilitate the transition to renewables. This paper also suggests a fiscal policy conducive to technological innovation and digitalization to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy.

Harnessing nuclear power for sustainable electricity generation and achieving zero emissions

Nuclear power plays a pivotal role in sustainable electricity generation and global net zero emissions, contributing significantly to this secure pathway. Nuclear power capacity is expected to double, escalating from 413 gigawatts (GW) in early 2022 to 812 GW by 2050 within the net zero emissions (NZE) paradigm. The global energy landscape is undergoing significant transformation as nations strive to transition to more sustainable energy systems. Amidst this shift, nuclear power has emerged as a crucial component in the pursuit of a sustainable energy transition. This study examines nuclear power's multifaceted role in shaping sustainable energy transition. It delves into nuclear energy's contributions toward decarbonization efforts, highlighting its capacity to provide low-carbon electricity and its potential role in mitigating climate change. Furthermore, the study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating nuclear power into energy transition strategies, addressing issues such as safety, waste management, and public perception. In conclusion, the global nuclear power capacity is anticipated to reach approximately 530 GW by 2050, representing a substantial shortfall of 35% compared with the trajectory outlined in the NZE pathway. Under the NZE scenario, nuclear power demonstrates exceptional expansion, nearly doubling from 413 GW in early 2022 to 812 GW by 2050. Concurrently, the trajectory highlights a transformative shift in renewable energy investments, with annual expenditures surging from an average of US$325 billion during 2016–2020 to an impressive US$1.3 trillion between 2031 and 2035. These projections underscore the critical role of nuclear and renewable energy investments in achieving global sustainability and emission reduction goals.

Sustainable Concrete Pavements with Blended Cements

Transportation infrastructure management has traditionally focused on the safety and reliability without deliberately incorporating sustainability considerations. Recently, national, state and municipal governing bodies, the engineering community and society as a whole, are realizing the enormous investment of materials, energy, capital, and social costs affiliated with infrastructure system design, construction and maintenance. Approaches to help achieve higher infrastructure sustainability and resiliency include design and construction techniques to provide longer-lasting pavements, use of recycled materials in construction, and increasing the use of supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) and portland limestone cements in concrete mixture designs. Concrete materials manufactured with blended cements intrinsically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing portland cement usage. In addition, blended cement concretes containing SCMs may substantially increase the pavement service life providing the most cost-effective method to reducing the economic, environmental and societal impacts (triple bottom line) of surface transportation.

Evaluation of Wind Power Plants from the Aspect of Earthquake Design

Türkiye in recent years, consequently, their share in the total generation of energy within the country is also increasing every year. Considering the cost of wind power plants, together with the targeted amount of energy generation, earthquake planning for these systems becomes crucial. Earthquakes are one of the principal risks of wind energy investments, especially when considering the earthquake hazard level in a large portion of the country. Under the present circumstances, the companies producing wind turbines conduct the analysis and planning they deem necessary and forward these to the investors in our country. The extent to which manufacturers consider earthquake parameters and analysis methods in the design of wind turbines for earthquake resistance is not well-defined. The lack of clarity makes it difficult for investors to accurately evaluate the suitability of wind turbine tower and foundation designs for the specific conditions of the country. This study evaluates earthquake design methods by looking into the regulations used in the design of wind turbines around the world. The magnitude of ground motion considered in the earthquake design, the method of analysis used, the load combinations on which the designs are based, and the criteria for the designs have been inspected. Moreover, the design documents for a wind turbine that is being constructed has been examined in detail, with the earthquake design stage being especially scrutinized. Assessments and recommendations have been made regarding the design specifications, analysis methods and criteria used in the analysis and design of the wind turbines currently being built in our country. Subsequently, obtained recommendations have been taken into consideration to propose an earthquake design procedure for the earthquake design of wind turbines.

Growth-tolerance tradeoffs shape the survival outcomes and ecophysiological strategies of Atlantic Forest species in the rehabilitation of mining-impacted sites.

The initial performance of seedlings of tree species from different functional groups, regarding the growth-defense tradeoff, might determine its long-term success during the rehabilitation of mining areas. We monitored the field performance of six native tree species of the Atlantic Forest in the Fundão dam tailing that has been under rehabilitation for 35months. Additionally, we explored the morphophysiological traits driving the superior performance of three species. The study examined the survival strategies of pioneer species (Anadenanthera colubrina, Bixa orellana, Peltophorum dubium) and secondary species (Cedrela fissilis, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Handroanthus serratifolius), as well as the photosynthetic, nutritional, and antioxidant metabolism of the successful species. Most species accumulated excessive Fe in their leaves, except for the pioneer species A. colubrina and P. dubium. However, the nutritional status of the plants, concerning leaf nutrient concentration, was adequate for their growth in the waste. The species A. colubrina, C. fissilis, and H. serratifolius exhibited poor physiological performance, primarily due to substrate compaction and excessive foliar metal concentrations. The successful performance of P. dubium was attributed to avoidance mechanisms, allowing a cost-effective growth-defense tradeoff, thus maintaining photosynthetic efficiency at the expense of energy investment in antioxidant protection. The excess Fe allocation in the photosynthetic tissues of B. orellana was linked to a greater investment in antioxidant metabolism, which was related to the protection of the photosynthetic machinery. The Fe hyperaccumulation in H. impetiginosus led to increased oxidative damage, which was mitigated by investments in tolerance mechanisms, including photosynthetic adjustments (stomatal limitation, non-photochemical energy dissipation), as well as the activation of the enzymatic antioxidant system. The persistence and success of the Atlantic Forest tree species were not related to their ecological successional classification. Instead, it was the different mechanisms of tolerance and avoidance that allowed both pioneer and secondary species to thrive in the impacted area.

Financing the future: insights into sustainable energy investments through scientific mapping and meta-analysis

This study presents a detailed literature review on financing for renewable and sustainable energy through bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping, utilizing the Scopus database from 2000 to 2023. Using network analysis techniques, it identifies eight main clusters, each focusing on different aspects of financing renewable energy and their geographic and technical contexts. The study highlights the most frequently cited articles, notable authors, key institutions, affiliations, and journals in sustainable energy finance. A random effects model meta-analysis was also conducted to assess the overall effect size of each research stream. Findings indicate that the literature on renewable energy finance has expanded since 2000 and exhibits considerable diversity. The study pinpoints five major themes suitable for discussion and exploration of new research questions: (i) the role of Fintech in renewable energy finance, (ii) the regulatory framework governing renewable energy finance, (iii) the economic feasibility of renewable energy in emerging markets, (iv) the influence of private and public finance on renewable energy development, and (v) the relationship between renewable energy finance and sustainable development goals. The insights from this study aim to inspire and equip readers as they embark on their inquiries into the connections between energy investment, policy, finance, and behavioral sciences. Following identifying research gaps, this paper outlines potential future research directions. It serves as a thorough resource on current trends in sustainable energy investments and recommends viable research topics, thus benefiting researchers, professionals, and policymakers alike.

Investigating the Pass-Through Effect of Global Oil Price Shock on Domestic Inflation in Selected African Countries

The large-scale war between Russia and Ukraine has increased global oil prices, signaling a new era of macroeconomic shock management for both developed and developing countries. Consequently, this study investigates the passthrough effect of oil prices on domestic inflation in selected African countries in a single estimation framework using the global vector autoregressive (GVAR) estimation technique. To achieve the objective of this study, country-specific data were gathered from twenty-one African countries and four foreign countries selected based on trade relations. The results from our estimation demonstrate that the domestic general price level in African countries responds to global oil price shocks. Also, like any other part of the world, a disparity-like response is observable for African countries. This is tightly connected to whether the country is a metal-resource-rich, non-rich resource, or oil-rich country. The study thus concludes that positive shocks in the global price of crude oil will worsen the delicate position of the domestic general price level in non-oil-producing African countries. Efforts to minimize the impact of international oil shocks in these countries should center around investment in renewable energy and stabilization of the economy’s supply side through proactive and effective macroeconomic management.