Energy Policy Research Articles

Efficiency Metrics: Assessing the Impacts of Grid Reliability on Energy Efficiency in Smart Systems

This study explores the relationship between grid reliability and energy efficiency in China’s energy landscape. Findings highlight the influence of energy efficiency in the past while revealing random effects of smart grid penetration. Demand-side management and renewable energy integration significantly increase energy efficiency. Grid reliability and technology investment enhance efficiency, although consumption pattern changes show a limited impact. Implications for policy and energy strategies are discussed.

Nutritional synergy: optimizing growth in Siruvidai chicken via diverse dietary energy and protein strategies and gene expression analysis - brooder phase.

Nutrient supply regulates overall body growth directly or indirectly through its influence on regulatory factors optimizing nutrient requirements becomes crucial before embarking on genetic improvements. Hence this study addresses this gap by evaluating the effect of feeding varying energy and crude protein levels on growth performance and gene expression related to the growth of indigenous Siruvidai chicken from 0 to 12 weeks. A 360-day-old straight-run Siruvidai chick were randomly distributed into six experimental groups with three replicates of each 20 chicks. The birds were fed corn-soy-based diets formulated with two levels of energy (2500 and 2700kcal ME/kg) each with three levels of crude protein (16, 18, and 20%) during the brooder stage (0-12 weeks) in 2 × 3 factorial design. Results revealed that there was no significant effect on the energy and protein interaction levels on average feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in Siruvidai chicken at 12 weeks. The results showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower feed intake in 18% protein fed groups and significantly (P < 0.01) lower feed intake in higher energy 2700kcal ME/kg fed groups. A better feed conversion ratio (4.06 and 4.21) was observed on the effect of protein levels in bird diets with 18% and 20% protein fed groups. The Growth Hormone (GH) and Myostatin (MSTN) gene expression were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in 16% CP and 2500kcal ME/kg in hepatic tissue. The high protein and low energy diet up-regulated the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) gene expression in hepatic tissue. The study concluded that Siruvidai chicken fed with 18% crude protein and 2500kcal ME/kg is optimum for 0-12 weeks of age.

Green energy policies and energy poverty in Europe: Assessing low carbon dependency and energy productivity

This study examines the dynamics of the transition to green economies in relation to energy poverty in European countries. By employing augmented mean group (AMG) and fully modified ordinary least squares estimations (FMOLS), we find empirical evidence that indicates the influence of variables representing the processes of transitioning to green economies on energy poverty. To further elucidate these relationships, Granger causality analysis was conducted. The findings of this research contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the transition to green economies from the perspective of energy productivity. It is observed that improvements in energy productivity are associated with a reduction in the prevalence of energy poverty. Additionally, a noteworthy relationship is identified between energy poverty and the consumption of green energy, whereby an increase in energy poverty corresponds to an increase in the proportion of green energy within the overall energy consumption mix. Accordingly, it is recommended that public policies complement the transition to green societies with measures aimed at ensuring adequate energy provision for the population.

Econometric Analysis of the Influence of Factors on the Share of Energy From Renewable Sources in the EU

The use of renewable energy is at the core of EU energy policy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels imported from non-EU countries, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decoupling energy costs from oil prices. Currently, 22.5% of energy consumed in the EU comes from renewable sources. This increase over 2021 is due to strong growth in solar energy. This share is also increasing due to the consumption of non-renewable energy sources in 2022. According to expert forecasts, the share of renewable energy sources in Europe will continue to grow. Achieving the 42.5% target by 2030 will require a deep transformation of the European energy system. The very strong climate and energy policies pursued in the EU for about a dozen years and aimed at limiting emissions of harmful substances into the environment have led to a gradual abandonment of traditional energy sources. Increasing demand for energy while reducing its supply from traditional sources means that in order not to make the economy too dependent on energy imports, the dynamic development of renewable energy is necessary. The EU is therefore taking very extensive operational and strategic actions to use other sources for production, such as wind, solar energy, mechanical water energy, biomass and geothermal energy, as well as tidal waves, ocean heat, wave energy and sea currents. In this study, we assess the impact of energy, economic and environmental factors on the share of renewable energy in the EU. The aim of these studies was to identify the energy, economic and environmental indicators that have the greatest impact on the share of energy from renewable sources in the European Union. The study was conducted using the Statgraphics Centurion software package. The source data for the study was data from the official Eurostat website for the period from 2012 to 2022. The results of this study show that changes in gross domestic product in market prices per capita have a positive impact, as do changes in greenhouse gas emissions per capita negatively affect the share of energy from renewable sources in the EU in the period 2012-2022. This may most likely be due to the fact that EU countries are more likely to invest in renewable energy as they can afford to invest in the development of expensive renewable energy technologies and support subsidies for the promotion and regulation of renewable energy. The negative impact of per capita greenhouse gas emissions on renewable energy development is due to the high share of coal in the EU energy mix, meaning that coal not only has negative environmental impacts, but also negative environmental impacts. development of renewable energy.

A grey prediction model optimized by meta-heuristic algorithms and its application in forecasting carbon emissions from road fuel combustion

In Cameroon, predicting CO2 emissions from road transports is crucial since it contributes in formulating the government's energy plans and strategies. In this perspective, this paper proposes an optimized wavelet transform hausdorff multivariate grey model (OWTHGM(1,N)) that addresses some of the weaknesses of the classical GM(1,N) model such as inaccurate prediction and poor stability. In all, three improvements have been made to the classical GM(1,N): First, all inputs are filtered using the wavelet transform, thereby denoising variables that could hamper modelling; second, a new time response function is established using the Hausdorff derivative; and finally, the use of Rao's algorithm to optimise the model's parameters as well as the ξ-order accumulated value of the observation data described by the Hausdorff derivative. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of OWTHGM(1,N), it is applied to predict CO2 emissions from road transport. The new model produces predictions with 1.27 % MAPE and 79.983 RMSE, and is therefore more accurate than competing models. OWTHGM(1,N) could therefore serve a reliable forecasting tool and used to monitor the evolution of CO2 emissions in Cameroon. The forecast results also serve as a sound foundation for the formulation of energy consumption strategies and environmental policies.

Empirical Assessment of the Efficiency of Poland’s Energy Transition Process in the Context of Implementing the European Union’s Energy Policy

This article addresses one of the contemporary economy’s most challenging endeavors: the energy transition. Specifically, the aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Poland’s energy transition process between 2004 and 2021. A comprehensive approach is employed to analyze Poland’s energy transition process, focusing on the effectiveness of implementation through the Energy Transition Effectiveness Index. This methodology incorporates four dimensions, namely energy security, economic considerations, climate impact, and social aspects, each characterized by 22 sub-indices. The research methodology employs a two-tiered approach based on the multi-criteria decision making methodology. The EDAS method is utilized to determine the indices’ values, while the CRITIC, equal weights, and statistical variance methods and Laplace’s criterion are employed to ascertain sub-indices values and dimension weights, particularly useful for decision making under uncertainty. Moreover, the relationship between these indices, the Energy Transition Effectiveness Index, and Poland’s Gross Domestic Product is explored. By evaluating Poland’s energy transition effectiveness from 2004 to 2021 and comparing the results with other European Union countries, it becomes evident that the effectiveness varies over time. Despite encountering economic and social challenges during the energy sector’s transformation, Poland exhibits positive progress in its energy transition efforts, outperforming certain European Union counterparts. However, there is a pressing need to intensify efforts to curtail emissions and enhance renewable energy utilization. The European Union’s support and coordination are deemed crucial in facilitating these endeavors, alongside fostering the wider adoption of best practices among member states. The developed methodology stands as a valuable tool for ongoing evaluation of transformation processes across European Union nations.

Seasonal patterns and processes of migration in a long-distance migratory bird: energy or time minimization?

Optimal migration theory prescribes adaptive strategies of energy, time or mortality minimization. To test alternative hypotheses of energy- and time-minimization migration we used multisensory data loggers that record time-resolved flight activity and light for positioning by geolocation in a long-distance migratory shorebird, the little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius. We could reject the hypothesis of energy minimization based on a relationship between stopover duration and subsequent flight time as predicted for a time minimizer. We found seasonally diverging slopes between stopover and flight durations in relation to the progress (time) of migration, which follows a time-minimizing policy if resource gradients along the migration route increase in autumn and decrease in spring. Total flight duration did not differ significantly between autumn and spring migration, although spring migration was 6% shorter. Overall duration of autumn migration was longer than that in spring, mainly owing to a mid-migration stop in most birds, when they likely initiated moult. Overall migration speed was significantly different between autumn and spring. Migratory flights often occurred as runs of two to seven nocturnal flights on adjacent days, which may be countering a time-minimization strategy. Other factors may influence a preference for nocturnal migration, such as avoiding flight in turbulent conditions, heat stress and diurnal predators.

Heterogeneous Effect of Renewable Energy Policies on Resource Misallocation: Evidence From Chinese Zombie Firms

Heterogeneous Effect of Renewable Energy Policies on Resource Misallocation: Evidence From Chinese Zombie Firms

Feasibility analysis of virtual clean hydrogen plant platform: A case study on energy policy in S. Korea using stochastic programming

In S. Korea, high-density renewable and high-density load areas are separate. This separation has led to increased transmission constraints. As both Renewable Energy Source (RES) penetration and power demand simultaneously increase, RES saturation occurs. This phenomenon reduces both the benefits of power transactions and the acceptance of RES. Addressing this issue requires actions from Independent Power Producers (IPP) and policymakers. This paper suggests a Virtual Clean Hydrogen Plant (VCHP) platform design that consolidates the Photovoltaic (PV) energy from high-density renewable areas into a single power plant. The platform converts excess energy, generated by PV due to transmission constraints, into hydrogen and supplies it to the high-density load areas. The South Korean government plans to introduce a Clean Hydrogen Portfolio Standard (CHPS), which offers a fixed premium (FP) to private power generators that provide power through clean hydrogen. Consequently, the proposed benefit structure of the VCHP platform includes an FP, settled through CHPS. This paper's design and operation algorithm for the VCHP platform incorporates stochastic programming to analyze PV operation and deterministic optimization for the optimal scheduling of Fuel Cells (FC) that provide power and heat to high-density load areas. The simulation results demonstrate that the minimum subsidy required for CHPS benefits varies depending on how PV-coupled P2G technology is utilized. Specifically, engaging in net metering with VCHP over the course of one month can establish a cost-effective benefit structure, verified to require a subsidy ranging from a minimum of 0.2036 $/kWh to a maximum of 0.2416 $/kWh.

A review of evolving climate and energy economy trends to enhance the dynamic life cycle assessment of buildings

The changing global climate is impacting life cycle effects of all sectors, including the building sector. To effectively decrease the construction sector's 40 % share of global annual energy use and carbon emissions, it's crucial to integrate these changes into life cycle assessments (LCA) to inform current and future energy policies, since buildings have lifespans exceeding 100 years. Current research lacks methods and data to embed future weather and energy shifts into LCA. This paper quantifies these future changes and discusses their integration into building LCA. Using industry reports and scholarly articles, we calculated global energy trends and weather patterns for 2030, 2050, and 2080. The projected energy use changes across United States economic sectors were also analyzed. Projections indicate a 41–59 % decline in fossil fuel use by 2050, with renewable energy increasing from 11 % to 41 %. Concurrently, global temperatures may rise by 2–5 °C, signaling major weather shifts. These shifts will translate into an economy-wide energy intensity decrease, showing an expected drop of 8 %. A Dynamic LCA (DLCA) framework is also discussed to include these shifts into LCA, to help not only researchers and practitioners involved in the LCA of buildings but also energy policy makers in effectively mitigating climate change.

ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКИЙ ПЕРЕХОД И ЭНЕРГОСБЕРЕЖЕНИЕ НА НОВОМ ЭТАПЕ РАЗВИТИЯ

The problem of increasing energy efficiency in the Russian Federation is considered. The USSR energy system was unique in size and efficiency; due to large interconnected energy facilities and the development of district heating, it made it possible to efficiently consume fuel, which resulted in annual savings of 40-60 million tons of standard fuel and 10-15 GW of capacity. After a period of decline in the 90s of the last century, over the past 15 years the country's energy consumption has increased by a third, and structural changes have occurred in the main energy-intensive sectors of the Russian economy. It is noted that industry accounts for about 45% of the Russian energy balance, which is many times more than thermal power engineering (21%). The country's reserves for energy saving and energy efficiency can be divided into two groups. System reserves, consisting of an increase in the capacity and load of “carbon-free” sources - hydroelectric power stations and nuclear power plants, active use of losses and heat from technological processes, optimization of heat supply schemes, account for more than two-thirds of the potential for increasing energy efficiency. The second group consists of the use of renewable energy sources, waste, and biofuels. The country’s energy strategy should not consist in the quick payback of energy-saving projects, but in working on the systemic, multiplier effects of industrial development and infrastructure projects, the growth of large and small cities, and the development of hard-to-reach areas.

Energy strategy alteration, rather than toxicity itself, interferes with the population fluctuation of Brachionus plicatilis exposed to water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of crude oil

Oil spills are reported to have conflicting impacts of either injury or resilience on zooplankton communities, and physiological plasticity is speculated to be the possible causative factor. But how? An explanation was sought by exposing the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis to a series of water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of crude oil under controlled laboratory conditions, and population dynamics, which is the core issue for zooplankton facing external stress, were analyzed. The total hydrocarbon concentration of WAFs was quickly degraded from a concentration of 5.0 mg L−1 to half within 24 h and then remained stable. No acute lethality was observed; only motion inhibition was observed in the group treated with 10 %, 50 % and 100 % WAFs, which occurred simultaneously with inhibition of feeding and filtration. However, sublethal exposure to the WAFs concentration series presented stimulation impacts on reproduction and even the population of B. plicatilis. The negative correlation between motion and reproduction seemed to indicate that a shift in the distribution of individual energy toward reproduction rather than motion resulted in increased reproduction after exposure to WAFs. More evidence from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed ultrastructural impairment in both the ovaries and cilia in each treated group, and imbalance in mitochondrial numbers was one of the distinct features of alteration. WAFs stress may alter the energy utilization and storage paradigm, as indicated by the significant elevation in glycogen and the significant decrease in lipid content after WAFs exposure. Further evidence from metabolomics analysis showed that WAFs stress increased the level of lipid metabolism and inhibited some of the pathways in glucose metabolism. Sublethal acute toxicity was observed only in the first 24 h with WAFs exposure, and an energy strategy consisting of changes in the utilization and storage paradigm and reallocation is responsible for the population resilience of B. plicatilis during oil spills.

Green effect of energy transition policy: A quasi-natural experiment based on new energy demonstration cities

In the context of China's rapid urbanization and pressing environmental challenges, this study evaluates the effectiveness of the New Energy Demonstration Cities initiative in fostering sustainable urban development. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the study specifically analyzed the impact of this initiative on urban green development, quantified through the metric of Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP). The findings reveal significant improvements in GTFP, indicating enhanced air pollution control and energy use efficiency through targeted government intervention and industrial upgrading, moderated by financial development. These results not only challenge the efficacy of broad, non-specific policies but also underscore the importance of precision in policy targeting. The study highlights how well-crafted, localized energy policies can drive substantial gains in sustainable urban growth, offering crucial insights for global policymakers and urban planners. This research extends the discourse on policy effectiveness in environmental management, suggesting pivotal areas for future investigation.

Navigating the regulatory landscape: US environmental regulations pertaining to CO2 emissions

Amid growing apprehensions regarding climate change, regulatory frameworks governing carbon dioxide emissions play a crucial role in shaping industrial practices, energy policies, and environmental sustainability efforts. Through an examination of key regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and relevant legislation such as the Clean Air Act, this paper analyzes the intricate web of regulations governing CO2 emissions across various sectors. Additionally, the paper explores recent developments, including regulatory updates, policy shifts, and emerging trends, highlighting their implications for businesses, policymakers, and environmental advocates. By synthesizing complex regulatory information into a concise and accessible format, this paper aims to provide valuable insights for stakeholders navigating the dynamic landscape of US environmental regulations pertaining to CO2 emissions.

Geoscientific research's influence on renewable energy policies and ecological balancing

Geoscientific research plays a crucial role in shaping renewable energy policies and promoting ecological balance. This review explores the impact of geoscientific research on renewable energy policies and its role in ecological balancing. Geoscientific research provides valuable insights into the geological and environmental factors that influence the feasibility and sustainability of renewable energy projects. By studying the earth's processes, geoscientists can identify suitable locations for renewable energy installations, assess potential risks, and develop strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. One of the key ways in which geoscientific research influences renewable energy policies is through its contribution to resource assessment. Geoscientists use various techniques, such as geological mapping, geophysical surveys, and remote sensing, to identify and quantify renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. This information is essential for policymakers to develop effective policies that promote the development and utilization of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, geoscientific research plays a crucial role in ecological balancing by providing insights into the environmental impacts of renewable energy projects. By studying the interactions between renewable energy installations and the surrounding environment, geoscientists can identify potential ecological risks and develop strategies to minimize them. This information is essential for policymakers to develop policies that ensure the sustainable development of renewable energy projects while protecting the environment. In conclusion, geoscientific research plays a crucial role in shaping renewable energy policies and promoting ecological balance. By providing valuable insights into renewable energy resources and their environmental impacts, geoscientists help policymakers develop effective policies that promote the sustainable development of renewable energy projects.

Addressing environmental justice in clean energy policy: Comparative case studies from the United States and Nigeria

This paper explores the intersection of environmental justice and clean energy policy through a comparative analysis of case studies from the United States and Nigeria. Environmental justice, defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decisions, is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of transitioning to clean energy systems. By examining clean energy policies and initiatives in both countries, this study aims to identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned in addressing environmental justice considerations. In the United States, the analysis focuses on federal and state-level clean energy policies, assessing their impact on marginalized communities and efforts to promote equity in access to clean energy resources. Similarly, in Nigeria, attention is given to government-led clean energy initiatives and their implications for environmental justice, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Through a comparative lens, this paper highlight’s common themes and divergent approaches to addressing environmental justice in clean energy policy between the two countries. It identifies opportunities for cross-country collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance equitable and sustainable energy transitions globally. The findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental justice principles into clean energy policy development and implementation, with recommendations provided for policymakers and stakeholders to promote inclusivity, fairness, and community engagement in shaping the future of clean energy.

Use of the National Climate and Energy Policy Simulation Tool in the Policy Making Process

Energy transition towards CO2 neutral energy systems is challenging as the national energy policy depends on numerous factors. In system dynamics approach these factors are identified as causal and feedback loops with lock-ins, as a result constituting stock-and-flow structure. Such a kind of structure is used in different simulation tools. This study analyses the use of the Latvian national climate and energy policy simulation tool in the policy making process. As a hypothesis of the study was set that the simulation tool, which is based on the principles of systemic thinking (explaining causal relationships) and an easy-to-use user interface, significantly improves the national energy and climate policy making process. Accordingly, to verify the hypothesis the task was to evaluate the use of the national climate and energy policy simulation tool in the policy-making process. For the evaluation the relevant literature was reviewed: climate and energy policy goals, policies and legislation in the European Union and Latvia; approaches to modeling national climate and energy policies, including optimization models, simulation models; the use of simulation models in the modeling of national climate and energy policies; the use of system dynamics models in the modeling of national climate and energy policies. Besides using the systemic thinking approach in the process of creating national climate and energy policies, the user experience in building simulation tools was used. Based on the literature analysis, improvements to the interface of the national climate and energy simulation tool developed by Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment were made and developed training material for the use of the simulation tool, based on explaining the causal relationships built into the model.

Impact of Sustainable Energy Policies on European Stock Markets

Impact of Sustainable Energy Policies on European Stock Markets

Assessing the Feasibility of Climate Policies of Japan, Latvia and Lithuania to Reach the Targets of the Paris Agreement

The study compares the most recent developments in energy policies of Japan, Lithuania and Latvia as a way to mitigate climate change. Latvia, Lithuania and Japan have all pledged to reach net zero by 2050 but face significant challenges, namely the dependence on energy imports in the form of fossil fuels, as they keep dominating the final energy supply. All three countries have a goal to sharply reduce this dependence, with Lithuania and Latvia even striving to become net energy exporters by focusing almost entirely on renewable energy. Japan, on the other hand, also aim to boost a renewable energy share, yet focuses more on the diversification of imported energy sources. The study attempts to discuss the differing approaches in climate change mitigation in Japan as compared to Latvia and Lithuania. The ambition of each country is estimated by Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), the roadmap to reduce the emissions in different sectors as enshrined in the climate strategy of each country, and the penetration of the renewable energy sector, estimating the scope of the ambition and implementation gaps compared to the goals set by the Paris Agreement. The study also estimates the impact of external impacts, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in shaping climate change policies. Therefore, this study offers a comprehensive outlook on what needs to be achieved so that all three countries could be role models to follow in the climate policy. All three countries could collaborate on solar power, off-shore wind power, and hydrogen technologies. There have already been joint projects between Japan and the EU on advanced biofuels and the new generation of concentrator photovoltaics. However, there are significant differences regarding the role of ammonia and hydrogen production in the Climate change policy strategies of the three countries. Some contributing sectors are left behind and the current climate change strategies, even if properly implemented, may not be 2°C-compatible, let alone 1.5°C-compatible. The policies look even direr for a fair share target, and the implementation gap generally remains wide for the 2024-2030 period.

Are BSR Municipalities on Track for Energy Transition?

Climate neutrality targets and the growing decentralization of energy systems have substantially increased the role of municipalities in global energy transition. However, global shifts and national government demands have often left local public authorities unprepared to face numerous challenges related to local space planning, cost-effective integration, and decarbonization of electricity, heating, industry, and mobility. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the current state of municipal energy transition and analyze how municipalities face climate neutrality target achievement. This study conducts an integrated energy sustainability assessment to investigate the progress of the energy transition in six municipalities in the Baltic Sea region. A benchmarking approach is applied to compare the different levels of energy efficiency and decarbonization in the municipalities. The study reveals different energy consumption patterns of municipal buildings, which are influenced by various factors such as the type of building (educational, office, social facilities, etc.), the heat source (district heating or individual local heat source) and the energy efficiency management practices applied. In addition, a different trend in the installation of renewable energy capacity can be observed in municipalities in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. The study analyses the overall gap between the production and consumption of renewable energy to determine the storage potential and the role in the local energy transitions. The findings of this study highlight the key cornerstones in the current state of municipal energy transition, setting a foundation for better and more effective energy policy planning at national and local scales.